Abandoned Woman Busy Farming

Chapter 1707: Chapter 1707: Proud of the Clan Members

Several juniors in the family were present, Bai Ruozhu’s cousins kept curiously sizing her up. This gaze wasn’t ill-mannered staring or scrutinizing, but rather filled with reverence and inquiry, even a bit of eagerness.

The way they looked made Bai Ruozhu feel a bit uneasy, but she didn’t think much of it until Bai Lu asked them to mind their own business, and Bai Ruozhu realized why that gaze seemed so familiar.

It was like the adoring eyes fans have when they see their idol in the past life. Thinking of this, Bai Ruozhu felt a little proud; who wouldn’t want to be respected?

But soon she felt embarrassed, for she didn’t possess any remarkable skill, just the advantage of transmigration, was it worth such admiration from her clansmen?

”Ruozhu girl, your face doesn’t look too good, are you hiding something?” Bai Lu suddenly asked.

Bai Ruozhu smiled wryly seeing only the older, steadier people in the room, she lowered her voice and said, ”King Rui in the capital has rebelled, bribed the Royal Guards for betrayal, and attempted to assassinate the Emperor during the New Year’s Eve palace banquet. The Empress Dowager shielded the Emperor and bought time for his escape, and now he has relocated to Beiyu City.”

”What!” Bai Lu jumped up immediately, and the others were so shocked their mouths trembled.

Fortunately, Bai Lu was someone who had been through storms, he quickly sat back down, lowered his voice, and said, ”So Xiaojiang didn’t come back with you?”

Bai Ruozhu nodded, ”He received the Emperor’s decree halfway and went to the Southwest Main Camp.”

She didn’t want to deceive her clan leader grandpa, but for the safety of her clansmen and to avoid unnecessary risks, it was better to say what Jiang Yichun instructed.

Bai Lu remained silent for a long while, then said with red eyes, ”The world will plunge into chaos, and it will always be the common people like us who suffer the most.”

The room was enveloped in a somber atmosphere, who said the Emperor is far away on high? Now Emperor Wuning and Tang Yin are in Beiyu City, and the Northwest is a strategic place, the future remains uncertain.

After a while, Bai Ruozhu spoke again, ”Clan leader grandpa, after discussing with my family, we have decided to donate our family property to the Imperial Court to help the Emperor regain the throne. Money can be earned again, but with the turmoil this year, business won’t do well, so our family’s funding for the clan school might be slightly reduced.”

Actually, she felt quite embarrassed about this, because initially, she volunteered to support the clan, but now saying the support is reducing might make her seem untrustworthy.

”Once business improves and the family accumulates wealth, the support will continue as per the old arrangements. I estimate it will only affect us for a year or so.” Bai Ruozhu added.

Bai Yihong too rubbed his hands sheepishly, ”Second uncle, I’m really sorry.”

Bai Lu’s eyes widened, ”What are you talking about?!”

Bai Ruozhu was stunned, was the clan leader grandpa angry? This doesn’t seem like the grandpa she knew.

”We are a family; the Bai Clan is proud of your donations to the Imperial Court and will never blame you for it. Moreover, your support for the clan is a kindness; even if you stop, we owe only gratitude, not blame. This year, the clan has made efforts on its own too, improving its revenue, and recently refurbishing the Ancestral Hall. We are gradually stabilizing, and can’t always depend on just your family for aid.” Bai Lu said.

Ah, it seems they were blaming Bai Ruozhu’s family for being too courteous.

”Yes, Yihong, don’t worry. The clan school is operating smoothly, and your generosity is deeply admired.” Bai Lu’s cousin, Bai Zhanfu, gave a thumbs up in praise.

Bai Yihong was a bit embarrassed, scratching his head and saying, ”I didn’t think of these righteous deeds, it was Ruozhu girl who suggested it. She said only with a country can a family exist, and when the nation is turbulent, we common folk cannot live in peace, moreover the Emperor and Empress Dowager have shown Ruozhu and her husband kindness, thus at this time, they should lend a hand.”

The entire room chorused agreement, that only with a nation can a family exist, sticking only to one’s family will lead to a chaotic world.

After talking for a bit longer, Bai Lu’s eldest son’s wife came in to announce lunch was ready, so everyone halted the conversation.

After the meal, Bai Lu asked Bai Zeji to accompany Bai Ruozhu to visit the clan school, and then the fields the clan had acquired. Bai Ruozhu nodded frequently in approval, she had to admit, clan leader grandpa has led the family well, establishing a decent clan school, benefiting not only the Bai Clan but the children of Fengye Village and nearby villagers, thus blessing the community.

As Bai Ruozhu walked through the village with Bai Zeji, many people warmly and respectfully greeted the Bai family members, and the Bai Family was gaining fame in the surrounding area.

Bai Ruozhu wasn’t interested in vanity, but she acknowledged that a thriving family often started with growing reputations.

That night, Bai Ruozhu’s family stayed at Bai Lu’s home. His yard had expanded with a couple of extra rooms, offering more comfort than before. In the evening, they even had a fire pot in the rooms, which, while not as warm as an Earth Dragon, was rare for the countryside.

The next morning, Bai Ruozhu’s family had breakfast in the Main Hall. They initially planned to leave after lunch, but after the meal, Bai Lu handed her a wooden box.

”What’s this?” Bai Ruozhu asked, puzzled, holding the wooden box.

Bai Lu chuckled, saying, ”You funded our clan school previously, and when the school was established, the leftover money was used to purchase land, making it clan wealth. I figured instead of leaving the silver idle, it’s better to invest it. The annual yield from these fields would support the clan school’s operation.”

Bai Ruozhu nodded, ”Clan leader grandpa is very wise, this will develop the clan better.”

”Also, I considered your advice to let the juniors pursue suitable paths. Like Zeji, who excels in studies, he’s already a student, and even with the current turmoil, the exams will reopen, and I believe he can at least pass as a scholar. Additionally, your cousin Zebo isn’t suited for studying but has a knack for accounting with a sharp mind. Now, he’s learning business with a town merchant, making him a talent for managing future businesses.”

By this time, she had opened the box, finding some silver and several silver banknotes inside. Though not much, it was sufficient to run the clan school for two to three years.

”Clan leader grandpa, I can’t accept this!” she hurriedly pushed the box back, but Bai Lu glared and said, ”Why is it that you’re allowed to serve the country, but we can’t also make a small effort? Or do you look down on our small donation?”

”Last night, I discussed with everyone, and these are voluntary contributions from each family. Their sentiment is that money can be made again, but the intention must be fulfilled, so I don’t care if you give it to the court or purchase grain or medicinal materials for donation, just make sure it reaches the Imperial Court.” Bai Lu pushed the box back to her.

Bai Ruozhu didn’t refuse further, but was filled with pride. She was grateful to have such clansmen arranged for her father, and though her family shared no blood ties with the Bai Family here, she felt truly proud of these people from her heart!