It seems Bai Zebo was eager to prove himself, sprinting away with his light-foot skills, leaving Bai Ruozhu stunned in place. This cousin of hers sure has a knack for amusing antics, as if proving his ability to escape.
After a while, Bai Zebo circled back, his face full of excitent, "Cousin, I ran around the garden, how about it?"
"Alright, it’s barely passable." At least he can run, so let him give it a try.
She added, "But you must rember, when venturing outside, never act impetuously, nor be rash. I’ve arranged for an experienced steward for the rchant team; follow them closely and learn well. When you have free ti, also practice martial arts with the guard captain. Only by strengthening yourself can you ensure your own safety."
"Yes, understood!" Bai Zebo said, his excitent evident.
In the blink of an eye, the next day arrived, and Yingtong left with the Bai Family rchant team, attracting quite a bit of attention. Many people even thought it was an imperial court-arranged caravan heading to the Western Regions. Seeing the Bai Family’s banner clearly left them even more astonished.
A family’s rchant team can travel alongside a Western Regions princess—this Bai Family is truly remarkable.
Bai Ruozhu went to the city gate to see them off and quickly spotted Chu Hai among the crowd, his face somber as if displeased, yet unable to conceal the reluctance in his eyes.
Bai Ruozhu found an opportunity to invite Chu Hai and Diao Yao to eat at Yingkelai, intending for Min Xiang to discreetly send Diao Yao away since discussing such matters as feigned pregnancy wasn’t suitable in front of a young girl like Diao Yao.
After a long wait, Diao Yao finally pointed to a plate of crystal jelly and asked, "How is this made? It’s so beautiful, with petals inside!"
"If you want to know, why not take a look in the kitchen? It’s not difficult; once you learn, you can make it at ho yourself." Bai Ruozhu signaled to Min Xiang, "Min Xiang, you take Miss Diao to the kitchen for a look."
Diao Yao imdiately followed Min Xiang happily, leaving Chu Hai looking perplexedly at Bai Ruozhu.
"Does Yingtong have sothing for you to tell ?"
"Do you know why she left in such a hurry?" Bai Ruozhu asked.
Chu Hai frowned, "Her father sent a letter urging her to return."
"You know her predicant too? I feel like you haven’t put much effort into her." Bai Ruozhu said sowhat unhappily. Though she knew Chu Hai first, as a woman, she naturally sided with another woman.
"I..." Chu Hai choked up, seemingly reluctant to say what he had in mind.
Bai Ruozhu sighed, "Yingtong is determined to marry you. I gave her a type of dicine that produces symptoms of pregnancy. She plans to tell the King of Western Regions that she carries your child and must marry you."
Chu Hai widened his eyes, "You ca up with that idea?"
"Yes, quite a lousy idea, right? Yet she decided to do it anyway. Telling you was rely to prevent unnecessary misunderstandings in the future. A woman is risking her reputation, enduring imnse pressure for you, but what has a man like you done? If you aren’t sincere towards her, I advise you to clarify soon, to avoid misleading others." Bai Ruozhu’s tone was not friendly.
"How am I not sincere?" Chu Hai shouted, resembling a lion suppressed for too long.
"Danliang is what it is now; what should I do? Before the Empress Dowager passed away, she kept looking at and asking to take care of the Emperor, saying we were cousins." Chu Hai’s voice carried a lancholic tone, "I actually envy the Emperor. He has a mother who loves him so dearly. I couldn’t find a reason to refuse the Empress Dowager, nor can I bear to part with Yingtong. I don’t know what I should do."
It’s evident Chu Hai truly faces internal conflict and pain, as he stamrs incoherently.
"Chase after Yingtong now, escort her to the Western Regions, and then return. Currently, it’s a ti of recuperation; Beiyu City doesn’t need you. It’s only when counter-attacking that you won’t be able to leave." Bai Ruozhu said solemnly, "Go and tell the King of Western Regions that you will give Yingtong a stable life. Also, the Emperor will regain the Capital City."
Chu Hai, upon hearing this, suddenly stood up, "Alright, I’ll go now; help inform Diao Yao and the Emperor."
After saying this, he dashed out of the private room, running swiftly downstairs.
Bai Ruozhu couldn’t help but laugh. He indeed wanted to chase her; otherwise, he wouldn’t have run so decisively. Perhaps his dilemmas mirrored Tang Feng’s, rely not understanding his own heart.
At this mont, Diao Yao returned, puzzled, "I saw my brother running out; what’s so urgent? It wasn’t a mishap at the guest palace, was it?"
"No, he’s gone to pursue Yingtong. He’s going to escort Yingtong back to the Western Regions and then et with the King of the Western Regions before returning." Bai Ruozhu said with a smile.
Diao Yao pouted slightly, "Even though I’m a bit upset, he didn’t see Yingtong off last ti; going now makes up for it."
Bai Ruozhu laughed and pinched Diao Yao’s soft cheek; this girl was actually quite adorable.
Then Bai Ruozhu entered the palace to report this news to Tang Yin, who showed no displeasure, rely saying, "It’s better for them to settle their matters sooner."
Bai Ruozhu didn’t reply, thinking about the late Empress Dowager, feeling sowhat upset inside.
At this mont, an inner attendant reported that ng Liangshen requested an audience; Tang Yin allowed him to enter. Bai Ruozhu was about to take her leave, but Tang Yin said, "Wait a mont; he should talk about the envoy’s matter. Since you saved the person, you might as well listen."
"Understood." Bai Ruozhu stood aside after giving a respectful nod.
ng Liangshen entered, paid his respects, and smiled at Bai Ruozhu. Then he said Cheng Yu had fully recovered, but judging from his reaction, he didn’t seem to be a bonded death warrior and was even disappointed about his poisoning.
"In the recent days, you arrange for people to take him around the city, letting people know he’s still alive." Tang Yin said.
"Understood." ng Liangshen replied.
The Emperor then dismissed ng Liangshen and said to Bai Ruozhu, "Go and check on Consort Le and examine Prince Xi."
Bai Ruozhu acknowledged, and Wang Shun proactively led her out, quietly reminding her, "Consort Le has been gloomy; Bai Dar take a chance to counsel her if you can."
"Is it because of the Empress Dowager’s passing?" Bai Ruozhu felt a tinge of bitterness inside.
Wang Shun nodded and sighed lightly afterward.
The rest of the journey was silent, the atmosphere sowhat solemn.
Upon arriving at Consort Le’s residence, Bai Ruozhu quickly adjusted her mood; given Consort Le’s bad mood, she should display cheer rather than a sullen face.
Soon, Consort Le was escorted out by a maid. Bai Ruozhu squinted seeing this maid—a familiar face, the shadow guard nad Ling, now bestowed by the Emperor as Ling Xue to serve Consort Le.
"Be careful of your health, my lady." Ling Xue reminded softly, and Consort Le nodded though her eyes appeared vacant and lacking vitality.
Bai Ruozhu put away her worries, stepped forward respectfully, and said with a smile, "I haven’t co to pay respects in so ti; quite improper. Allow to take the lady’s pulse."
Consort Le frowned slightly, "Imperial Doctor Jing checked my pulse yesterday; there’s no need for such trouble."
---
Today, Shenzhen Networking Writers Association gathered; busying myself made it hard to update in ti; apologies to everyone. Tomorrow, I promise to update 8000 words~
User Comments
0 comments from readers