Empress Shangzi found Bai Ruozhu to be quite a refreshing presence, without a trace of disdain or misunderstanding, which made her like Bai Ruozhu even more.
"The robes of Fusang are very different from those of Zhongyuan, right? I heard that people from Zhongyuan wear bright red," Empress Shangzi said softly.
Bai Ruozhu replied with a smile, "Yes, people from Zhongyuan like the festive red, while the Fusang people prefer the purity of white, each with its own characteristics."
Empress Shangzi was even more pleased, "Lord Bai is quite knowledgeable. Today is a simple engagent ceremony, but for Princess Ya’an’s wedding, the attire will be more elaborate, though it will still be white."
Bai Ruozhu nodded, "I hope I can stay until the princess’s wedding and share in the joy."
"If Lord Bai hasn’t left by then, you must co and witness it. Princess Ya’an would be delighted," Empress Shangzi said with a smile.
The ceremony began, and Princess Ya’an quickly glanced in Bai Ruozhu’s direction. She was still worried about the Second Prince, but she quickly averted her gaze.
Bai Ruozhu’s presence there assured her that the Second Prince must be fine; otherwise, Bai Ruozhu would be too busy rescuing him to be there.
Bai Ruozhu noticed Princess Ya’an’s gaze and also observed Prince Wen De standing beside her.
He was the legitimate eldest son of the Emperor’s younger brother, with the title of prince in the Fusang Royal Family, making him a person of notable status.
He was slightly taller than both the Second Prince and the Crown Prince, standing close to 1.8 ters, with a strong and commanding presence, clearly a martial artist.
Additionally, he was darker-skinned than the Second Prince, with a healthy complexion, exuding a rugged masculinity. In terms of appearance and stature, Princess Ya’an wouldn’t lose out in marrying him.
It’s just that this closeness...
The ceremony concluded in about half an hour, with the Emperor stamping their engagent docunt, signifying the royal family’s approval of their engagent.
This was followed by a banquet, and Empress Shangzi took Bai Ruozhu with her. Bai Ruozhu quietly glanced at Fo Lanying and said to Empress Shangzi, "Madam, I need to go to the Clean Room, and I’ll join you in a mont."
"Alright, I’ll have a maid show you the way," Empress Shangzi imdiately called a maid to lead the way, and Bai Ruozhu thanked her before following with Fo Lanying.
The two of them left at this mont without attracting much attention, but She Zongyi glanced in the direction they were leaving, which was noticed by the Emperor.
The Emperor took She Zongyi to the banquet hall, and on the way, he joked, "Mr. Shen, I noticed you pay much attention to Lord Bai."
She Zongyi replied with a smile, "Indeed, it’s rare to see such an outstanding lady. It’s a pity she’s already married; otherwise, my eldest son hasn’t taken a principal wife yet."
The Emperor suddenly understood and laughed, "Give up on that, you might think that Mr. Jiang doesn’t talk much, but he’s quite strong. I reckon he may not be weaker than the first samurai Luzhi. Your eldest son is no match for him."
He laughed heartily after saying this, and She Zongyi joined in the laughter, "There’s a saying in Zhongyuan: ’A fair lady is a good match for a gentleman.’ My eldest son can still give it a shot."
If Bai Ruozhu heard this, she would definitely be furious. She already has a husband, so what’s there to pursue? Even in modern tis, breaking up families like that is not acceptable.
However, she didn’t know that marriage in Fusang was still quite open, and even married won could remarry, not due to the world’s generosity towards won, but because powerful n could marry others’ wives, akin to snatching them.
In such cases, the won who were taken had little say, and even if they were unwilling, they would submit, thinking they should respect the strong.
anwhile, Bai Ruozhu and Fo Lanying arrived at the Clean Room, where the maid waited outside. Fo Lanying followed Bai Ruozhu inside, as it was normal for a maid to assist with the complex clothing of won during such visits.
Fo Lanying was about to speak when Bai Ruozhu gestured for silence, not because she thought Empress Shangzi had soone monitoring them, but because she didn’t trust Empress Shangzi’s maid.
The Imperial Palace had many internal spies implanted, who knew the skills of the person waiting outside, or if they were one of She Zongyi’s people?
Bai Ruozhu took Fo Lanying’s hand and started writing in her palm.
"Let’s casually say a few words to avoid arousing suspicion from the person outside."
After writing, she spoke, "Help take off this hairpin, it’s a bit heavy."
"Yes, madam," Fo Lanying replied respectfully and then started writing in Bai Ruozhu’s palm.
"I heard just now that the system reminded him to complete the task, saying if he fails again, points will be deducted."
Bai Ruozhu nodded with satisfaction and wrote back to her, "Listen carefully at the banquet later, be careful not to be discovered."
Fo Lanying nodded.
Soon, the two of them left the Clean Room and returned to the banquet with the maid.
She Zongyi secretly queried the system and received an answer that Fo Lanying had brought the sa people as before, and there was no problem, perhaps she really went to the Clean Room, and he was just overthinking it?
He couldn’t keep staring at Bai Ruozhu, as even the Emperor had noticed, and if others noticed too, it would be inconvenient for him to act later.
However, the excuse he just gave seed to be a good one, maybe that’s how it should be done.
She Zongyi felt much better, with a hint of a smile on his lips.
There was nothing special about the banquet, the only thing that caught Bai Ruozhu’s attention was that there were two Zhongyuan-style dishes on the table, ones she had made before.
"The Emperor particularly likes those two dishes. He felt embarrassed to trouble Lord Bai, so he had the chef study them, but I think they don’t taste quite like they do when Lord Bai makes them," Empress Shangzi said.
Bai Ruozhu thought she was just being polite and smiled as she took a bite. She realized the subtle difference was due to the absence of MSG.
Although many people disapprove of using MSG or flavor enhancers in cooking, except for soup where the ingredients themselves create flavor, when stir-frying, using just salt results in a taste different from when MSG is added.
She Zongyi, after all, was from ancient tis and even with a system, he didn’t know how to create flavored soup powders. Bai Ruozhu chuckled to herself; this might be a thod to steal She Zongyi’s business.
"It’s a matter of seasoning; I’ll explain it to Madam later," Bai Ruozhu said with a smile, not elaborating as it was not the right place for such discussion.
"Oh, alright." Empress Shangzi was surprised that it was an issue of seasoning and quickly agreed.
The banquet concluded, and Bai Ruozhu returned to the Yard with Fo Lanying.
"How was it?" Yuan Licheng asked eagerly as Fo Lanying returned.
"Let’s talk inside." Fo Lanying had also learned to be cautious.
The group entered the Flower Hall, where Yuan Licheng set up an Array, and Fo Lanying shared what she had heard.
"What, you say the food had poison?" Bai Ruozhu was taken aback.
She hadn’t done anything yet, mainly because there were too many people at the ti, and secondly, she was afraid to carelessly poison and alert the enemy. Who had poisoned She Zongyi’s food?
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