Abandoned Woman Busy Farming

Chapter 1636: Chapter 1636: The Visit of Jingzhao Yin

”The Bai scholar and the Bai chief doctor, both of you are here.” Fan Li, a good-natured person, smiled warmly as soon as he saw Bai Ruozhu and his sibling, and went up to greet them.

Bai Ruozhu and Bai Zepei both bowed, and Bai Zepei spoke: ”Why has Master Fan suddenly visited us? Could it be something urgent?”

Fan Li chuckled awkwardly, ”Bai Bangyan is a wise man, such a matter can’t escape your discerning eye. I came because of those rumors, of course.”

Bai Ruozhu’s mouth twitched; Fan Li really knew how to lower his stance. Regardless of rank or seniority, he was higher than his brother, but since his brother was close to the emperor and had recently been favored by His Majesty, Fan Li had been exceptionally polite, with a hint of flattery in his tone.

”Why would Master Fan believe rumors spread by miscreants? You’re not here to interrogate me, are you?” Bai Zepei did not want to directly fall out with Fan Li; he spoke with a smile, as if joking.

Bai Ruozhu felt deeply impressed by his brother’s quick adaptation to the political scene, feeling both assured and a bit sorry for him.

His brother had truly come a long way.

Fan Li quickly offered a reassuring smile, saying, ”Of course we never suspect your residence based on mere rumors. In handling cases, we must rely on evidence; how could I possibly believe hearsay without proof?”

”Then you are...” Bai Zepei drew out his words.

”With the matter spreading widely, I came to understand the situation, so that if someone mentions it in court tomorrow, when the emperor asks, I can give an account. Moreover, I wanted to check on Bai Ruolan’s condition, so I can testify for you if needed. If you have plans, let me be informed, or we can discuss how to resolve this issue together,” Fan Li said.

Bai Zepei glanced at Bai Ruozhu, wanting to know Bai Ruozhu’s thoughts. Bai Ruozhu nodded and said, ”Then, Master Fan, please come with us to see Ruolan. She hurt her head, and the maid Lamei, who cared for her with affection, died unexpectedly. In the past two days, she’s been emotionally unstable; speaking of murder, how could a young lady have such capability?”

”I wonder how Lamei died accidentally?” Fan Li asked again.

Bai Ruozhu explained patiently the circumstances of Lamei’s death, and Fan Li sighed, ”Really a pitiful maid. Surely someone with ill intentions used this to smear you. You should quickly find a solution; otherwise, even if false, repeated rumors can become believed, causing panic and harm to your residence.”

”Thank you for your concern, Master Fan, Zepei expresses his gratitude.” Bai Zepei politely bowed.

”Not at all, not at all, it’s my duty.” Fan Li said with a smiling face.

Soon, the three arrived at the yard where Bai Ruolan resided. At this moment, the yard had only two strong servant women, two guards, and another guard hidden, along with a maid with some martial arts skills caring for Bai Ruolan.

Bai Ruolan was still asleep, and Fan Li, not entering a lady’s room, glanced through the window. The girl appeared quiet and peaceful; how could she be a murderous monster?

Bai Zepei lightly coughed, signaling Fan Li it was not appropriate to look further, yet unexpectedly, Bai Ruolan inside was awakened.

Just awakened, Bai Ruolan’s eyes were still a bit dim, but suddenly she looked toward the window, her gaze turning sharp as if alarmed.

Bai Ruozhu felt a twinge of apprehension; might Ruolan be about to act out?

Luckily, Bai Ruolan, after glancing, showed a terrified expression, clutching her head and huddling in the bed corner crying aloud.

”She becomes very scared upon seeing strangers, I ask Master Fan’s understanding.” Bai Ruozhu explained.

Seeing Bai Ruolan’s timidity, Fan Li trusted the rumor even less.

”Then I’ll take my leave first to avoid disturbing her further.” Fan Li, saying this, bowed to the siblings, ”Rest assured, I will certainly seek justice for you, preventing further rumor spread.”

Bai Ruozhu was somewhat surprised; Fan Li, known for his shrewdness, rarely promised such things and disliked taking matters upon himself. What could have happened today? Has his conscience awakened, or had he grown more principled?

After seeing Fan Li out of the residence, Bai Zepei looked at Bai Ruozhu, saying, ”Are you wondering why his attitude changed so quickly?”

Bai Ruozhu nodded, ”Indeed, I can’t hide anything from your sharp eyes.”

Bai Zepei laughed, a small triumphant smile, ”Probably the emperor instructed him to investigate the matter. The emperor likely indicated his stance, so he decided to play the good guy and take on the matter, whether or not he helps. He’ll maintain a good image with us and the emperor.”

Bai Ruozhu also laughed, ”Let it be; I still hope he finds the truth. If it turns out to be the work of the Grand Princess Huilan, let’s see how he deals with it. I’m off to check Ruolan; her mental state has been poor, I need to prescribe her another medicine.”

Bai Ruozhu said farewell to his brother and went towards Bai Ruolan.

She examined Bai Ruolan, but Bai Ruolan was extremely repellent, even frightened, continually retreating; despite difficulty, she managed the checkup.

Wasn’t Bai Ruolan close to her before? Why is she suddenly so afraid of her? Could it be Ruolan thinks she sent Lamei away?

”Ruolan, take care of yourself; Lamei has gone to another world, she’ll be doing well there, surely she wouldn’t want to see you deteriorate. You were recovering nicely.” Bai Ruozhu said gently.

Bai Ruolan shrieked, crying out to her, ”Leave! Get out!”

Bai Ruozhu helplessly rose and left, Bai Ruolan’s shouts finally quieting down somewhat.

In the evening, Jianqi received word and immediately reported to Bai Ruozhu.

”Master, it’s likely not the Grand Princess. She’s been confined, forbidden to leave the residence, and after the empress’s funeral, there has been little movement at Duke Zheng’s mansion. Only Hao Baishuang visited twice but was turned away, likely the Grand Princess found her useless, not bothering with her.”

”Additionally, the Grand Princess has been busy contending with a concubine lately. One concubine secretly became pregnant, charming Duke Zheng unto obedience, aligning him against the Grand Princess. Seemingly, she had no time for other affairs.”

Jianqi continued, ”No stirrings from Liu Xiyu’s side in the palace either; Liu Family has made no moves, no traces connected to them in this matter.”

Bai Ruozhu nodded thoughtfully, ”Could it be the Wang Family or the Yang Family?”

”The Commerce Association continues investigating, they promise to dispatch word upon any findings.” Jianqi said.

Bai Ruozhu raised a brow, ”The Commerce Association’s efficiency isn’t impressive this time, are they short on staff lately?”