Abandoned Woman Busy Farming

Chapter 1669: Chapter 1669 Golden Canary

”If you don’t want to die, keep your mouth shut.” Du Zhongshu’s voice was very light, so light that the officer escorting them didn’t notice, but Wang Chengen, walking beside him, naturally heard it.

He looked at Du Zhongshu in disbelief, ”How dare you?”

”What do you think you are? Calling you ’Master’ is a compliment.” Du Zhongshu’s voice was breezy, but it jolted Wang Chengen’s body as if struck by a heavy hammer.

The two were about to argue when suddenly a common bystander threw a frozen cabbage at them. Shortly after, some playful children picked up stones and threw them at the duo, who had to dodge the incoming barrage rather than continue their quarrel.

”Lord Bai set up the Medical Alliance, giving us common people free consultations every month. It’s such a great favor, and yet you slander her. You should leave the Capital City quickly!” yelled an elderly woman who recently had her illness cured at the Medical Alliance’s free clinic.

”Yes, how could anyone believe their slander? I’ve always said Lord Bai isn’t like the rumors suggest.” others chimed in.

Bai Ruozhu was wearing a hooded veil today, hiding in the crowd, her face beaming with a bright smile.

She smiled because Du Zhongshu finally tasted defeat, trying to rise but still falling into the mud.

Moreover, the gratitude from the common people warmed her heart, bringing a gratified smile to her face.

Bai Ruozhu watched for a while, then turned and got into the horse carriage to return to her residence. Once back in the yard, Bai Ruozhu quietly told Jianqi, ”Arrange some men secretly; we can’t just let him off.”

Jianqi naturally knew whom she was referring to; he cupped his fists in agreement and had just turned away when a dark figure blocked his path.

Bai Ruozhu was somewhat surprised too. She didn’t expect Jiang Yichun to be home at this time. But quickly remembering their cold war, she turned her head away in a sulk, refusing to look at him.

”You are not allowed to go anywhere. Someone has already left the Capital. You cannot make any moves,” Jiang Yichun said coldly.

Jianqi stayed silent, but Bai Ruozhu glared at him and said, ”Why not? He set up a trap, intending to kill me. Can’t I fight back?”

”Do you realize where you are? Right under the Emperor’s nose. You can’t act recklessly. The Emperor has told the Grand Princess he will send people to protect his life. Don’t defy the imperial will,” Jiang Yichun’s tone was chilly and somewhat confrontational.

Bai Ruozhu narrowed her eyes, ”What if I insist on defying imperial will? Are you going to kill me for the Emperor then?”

”Utter nonsense!” Jiang Yichun exclaimed coldly, ”I know you’re angry at me, but could you please be a little reasonable? You weren’t like this before.”

Bai Ruozhu didn’t like what he said about her being different from before, as if she had become nothing but a stain to him over time.

”I’ve always been like this, clear about grudges. I won’t harm my friends and won’t tenderly try to transform my enemies. If you think I’m bad now, is it because I’ve changed or you have?” She raised her voice somewhat, ”Maybe neither of us changed; we just didn’t know one another well enough initially.”

Having said that, she flung her sleeve and left in great strides. Jianqi glanced at Jiang Yichun and then at her storming back, quickly chasing after her.

”Master, what the young master said is not without reason. Under the Emperor’s eye, you seek temporary ease, but you should also consider the Second Young Master and the Bai Residence,” Jianqi softly advised.

Bai Ruozhu sighed, ”I don’t know why the Emperor insists on protecting Du Zhongshu. Though I’m displeased, I won’t clash with the Emperor; I’m not unreasonable. Couldn’t he just speak nicely? Look at his ghostly attitude, as if he’s fed up with me.”

Jianqi’s mouth twitched; he didn’t feel that the young master was fed up with the master. Perhaps this is the legendary unreasonable wrath of a woman.

Bai Ruozhu stormed out, rode the horse carriage straight to the imperial palace, but remembering her shoulder was still healing, she didn’t go to the Female Physicians Institution to busy herself and simply went to Cining Palace for a stay.

Upon arriving at Cining Palace, she found the Empress Dowager chatting happily with other younger members, a kind smile on her face, seemingly quite pleased.

”It’s just right that Ruozhu arrived. Princess Yingtong just petitioned the Emperor for permission to first return to the Western Regions, and when a lucky day arrives, she’ll formally marry. Although she won’t be gone long, coming and going will take months, so I suggested holding a farewell banquet for her,” the Empress Dowager said with a smile.

Yingtong went over and held Bai Ruozhu’s hand, saying, ”Ruozhu, if you’re free after returning to the Northwest and not in a hurry to return to the Capital, you can come to the Western Regions to see me. You can help with the wedding then.”

Bai Ruozhu smiled and said, ”Alright, I’ll see about the timing then.”

As she spoke, she couldn’t help but notice Chu Hai sitting aside, looking sullen and clearly unhappy.

”Oh dear, what’s happened to Chu Hai? Can’t bear to part with your lady?” Bai Ruozhu’s mischievous side emerged, purposefully teasing Chu Hai.

Chu Hai’s face turned red in an instant, ”I just want to escort Yingtong back to the Western Regions, so I don’t worry on the way, but the Emperor hasn’t granted permission.”

Bai Ruozhu’s expression froze for a moment; the Emperor was afraid he wouldn’t return, right?

Although he’s not an imperial son, just the legitimate son of the Former Emperor’s brother, he does have imperial blood and Western Regions ties. It’s no wonder the Emperor is wary of him.

At this moment, transmission came from outside, saying that Master Hao Feng and Fen Wan requested to meet.

The two walked in side by side and bowed to the Empress Dowager.

”Empress Dowager, Princess Yingtong plans to return to the Western Regions. We, teacher and pupil, have disturbed for long enough and wish to leave with her,” Master Hao Feng began.

The Empress Dowager was momentarily stunned, hurriedly looking at Fen Wan for confirmation that this was her intent.

Fen Wan bowed, ”Master and I prefer living in the Western Regions, and besides, I want to start a new life.”

The Empress Dowager nodded somewhat blankly. Her feelings toward Fen Wan were complex. Originally her sister-in-law, she had a daughter with her deceased husband, and that person also cursed them. Though she herself was unaffected, Diao Bin ended up with white hair, so how can her heart be free of knots?

Leaving now is good, so everyone is comfortable, the Empress Dowager thought.

Although Fen Wan lived in Cining Palace, she rarely interacted with Diao Bin and others—partly due to the Curse’s affair and partly because she had difficulty accepting her identity, often staying silently in her room.

Perhaps returning to the Western Regions, she could be a whole new person, starting a brand new life, letting bygones be bygones.

”Since you’ve decided, I won’t insist on keeping you here. Send a message to the Emperor later, and you can return to the Western Regions with Yingtong,” the Empress Dowager said.

Diao Yao pouted and said, ”I also want to return to the Western Regions, back to the sect; nowadays it’s not as carefree as in the River Jiang.”

Bai Ruozhu felt somewhat sorry for Diao Yao, who has now been turned into a golden canary in the Imperial Palace, unless...