Abandoned Woman Busy Farming

Chapter 1202: Chapter 1204: Filial Piety is Not Blind Obedience_1

The Virtuous King’s countenance was a mix of light and shadow as Bai Ruozhu’s clear voice echoed in his mind, ”Filial piety doesn’t mean blind obedience,” ”Watching the elderly fall ill without stopping them from neglecting their health, and standing by as their condition worsens— is that filial piety?”

He suddenly felt that it was not unfounded for Elder Jiang Ge to have his own stubborn pride, but by persisting in this manner, it was indeed harmful to his health. Having always regarded Elder Jiang Ge as his mentor, how could he watch his condition fluctuate and see him grow frail day by day?

Seeing that the Virtuous King was no longer speaking up for him, Elder Jiang Ge became frantic, which led to another coughing fit.

”Grandpa’s health had shown improvement after two days of care, and now this trip to present an Imperial Decree has had him out in the wind, and he also got quite emotional just now. I fear his condition might relapse,” said Bai Ruozhu, intentionally letting out a heavy sigh. ”We, the younger generation, only wish for the elder to be healthy and strong. It’s really worrying that his condition, which had shown some improvement, is relapsing.”

The face of the Virtuous King grew even uglier. If it had not been for him bringing Elder Jiang Ge to submit the Imperial Decree, Elder Jiang Ge wouldn’t have been exposed to the wind, right?

Thinking about it, when he visited the Jiang Residence that morning, Elder Jiang Ge’s complexion had indeed improved a lot, and his voice wasn’t as weak as before.

”Stop making such alarmist remarks here; my body is very well! Even if I die, it’s none of your business. You all are probably hoping for my death, so you can have some peace,” Elder Jiang Ge shouted, angered.

Ruozhu almost laughed; look at him, resorting to shrew-like arguments without reason when he runs out of arguments.

”How could we wish for Grandpa to fall ill? Just as I said earlier, you could ask the three Imperial Doctors— your condition has been fluctuating for two months. Continuing to stay in the Thatched Cottage exposed to the wind, with inadequate nutrition, and getting weaker by the day, how could you not develop chronic illness? Yes, winter has passed, but the chill of spring should not be underestimated. And if this chronic illness takes root, even in the hottest days of summer, your hands and feet could be ice cold.”

As she spoke, she looked at the three Imperial Doctors, ”Wouldn’t you say, given Elder Jiang Ge’s age and physical condition, after three to four months of repeated exposure to cold, that chronic illness is a likelihood? With his integrity, drinking coarse grain porridge every day, is that enough to restore his health? Could this lead to a life-threatening situation in six months?”

Bai Ruozhu’s succession of questions made the expressions of the three Imperial Doctors grow solemn, and soon they all nodded in agreement, ”Madam’s reasoning is sound; it is indeed very dangerous.”

Bai Ruozhu looked at the Virtuous King, ”Your Highness, now you can prove that I am not cursing the elder, right?”

The Virtuous King’s face turned red with embarrassment. He was still blaming himself, and when confronted by Bai Ruozhu’s counter-question, he didn’t know how to respond.

”Furthermore, for the past two days, we specifically arranged for Grandpa to have medicinal meals and Bird’s Nest Porridge to nourish his body, but he stubbornly refuses to cooperate with the treatment. We are helpless; even if it means he resents us, as long as we can cure the elder’s illness, what do we care if we are blamed?” Bai Ruozhu continued, her voice tinged with the pretense of being on the verge of tears.

Jiang Yichun almost laughed, head bowed; this girl was really addicted to acting—she had truly infuriated Elder Jiang Ge now.

Indeed, Elder Jiang Ge pointed at Bai Ruozhu and exclaimed, ”Sharp-tongued! Sharp-tongued!”

Bai Ruozhu chuckled inwardly. How could Elder Jiang Ge, a rigid old scholar, outmatch her in a war of words?

The next moment, Elder Jiang Ge’s eyes rolled back, and he collapsed.

”Teacher! Teacher, what’s wrong with you? Wake up, please!” The Virtuous King reacted swiftly, catching Elder Jiang Ge and calling out to him with concern.

Bai Ruozhu saw everything, thinking that no matter whether the Virtuous King was unreasonable, his affection for Elder Jiang Ge was indeed genuine.

The three Imperial Doctors were also startled, rushing forward to take Elder Jiang Ge’s pulse, only to find that, like a flash of lightning, Bai Ruozhu had suddenly appeared in front of Elder Jiang Ge. A few silver needles later, Elder Jiang Ge gradually regained consciousness.

”Lady Jiang’s needlework is truly miraculous, truly divine!” the lead Imperial Doctor praised sincerely, and at this moment, his gaze upon Bai Ruozhu was filled with reverence.

The other two Imperial Doctors also offered their compliments, making the newly awake Elder Jiang Ge so angry he could hardly stand it. He had come to present an Imperial Decree, so why had Bai Ruozhu gotten off without any repercussions and even received praise from the Imperial Doctors? Looking at the Emperor’s and the Virtuous King’s dispositions, it seemed that neither wished to punish her. What was going on?

Bai Ruozhu bowed in thanks to the three men, saying modestly, ”My medical skills are merely adequate, and my needlework is only passable for public. It was only because I encountered an ambush on my way to the Study Palace in Jiangnan, where I ended up treating dozens of people for poisoning, that I managed to practice my needlework speed.”

The Emperor’s eyes flickered, as he was reminded of how Yichun and his wife saved Tu Bai’s life and later foiled the treachery of Prince Duan. Otherwise, Danliang Country might still be in the midst of civil war.

Upon reflecting on this, the Emperor’s gaze became kinder when he looked at Bai Ruozhu. He had always somewhat looked down on this peasant woman, feeling she was unworthy of Yichun, even going so far as to trouble her in the past. But now, it seemed that this peasant woman did indeed have remarkable attributes, which explained Yichun’s insistence on her.

The Virtuous King, having been guarding the Imperial Mausoleum, was unaware of the incidents Bai Ruozhu mentioned. He opened his mouth to inquire but was too proud to lose face, and so he swallowed his words.

Seeing that Elder Jiang Ge was about to speak in anger, the Emperor quickly intervened, ”Since the misunderstanding has been cleared up, Elder Jiang Ge should return home and recuperate. Your body cannot withstand such stress. Don’t let your condition worsen again. We, and the people, still need you.”

This comment was extremely satisfying to Elder Jiang Ge, ”This old subject will return to court and relieve your Majesty’s worries as soon as possible. It’s just that I cannot accept a lifetime of corrupt living.”

The Emperor waved his hand and said, ”This is a matter of your household, and furthermore, how does taking care of one’s health equate to indulgence? By your logic, neither the Empress Dowager nor I could take nourishments or treatments when unwell?”

”I didn’t mean...” Elder Jiang Ge immediately tried to explain upon hearing this.

”Alright, I know your nature. You prefer a life of integrity, willing to endure hardship yourself rather than burden the people. But health is the foundation of everything. Only when you are well can you fulfill your role. Let’s end matters here for today. Go home and take good care of yourself,” said the Emperor.

The Emperor waved his hand, signaling everyone to withdraw.

Bai Ruozhu winked at Yichun, the two bowed and were about to take Elder Jiang Ge with them when he pushed them away, ”The Virtuous King himself will see me off; I don’t need your feigned kindness!”

”I will send the Teacher back; you all may go about your business,” said the Virtuous King, his voice lacking confidence.

Bai Ruozhu bowed to the Virtuous King, ”Then I will trouble Your Highness. My husband’s wounds need treatment, so please allow us to take our leave first.”

Upon being reminded of Yichun’s wounds, the Virtuous King’s face darkened even more. Was he now feeling that he had perhaps misjudged earlier, and could it be that Elder Jiang Ge had been too stubborn?

The Emperor ordered Wang Shun to escort the Virtuous King and Elder Jiang Ge out of the Palace, and on the way, the Virtuous King asked Wang Shun about the affair with The Eight Academies Competition.