Abandoned Woman Busy Farming

Chapter 1781: Chapter 1781: Causing Trouble for the Bai Family

”We’re family, no need to talk about those things.” Bai Yihong patted Jiang Yichun’s shoulder and called him over to prepare for dinner.

Bai Zepei gave him a sympathetic glance, which made Jiang Yichun’s heart sink, as if to say he hadn’t gotten himself a good mother.

Looking at the Bai Family, so affectionate and loving, Jiang Yichun’s heart felt colder and colder. Why didn’t he have the fortune to meet such a family?

But it didn’t matter, he was already married into the Bai Family, so the Bai Family was his family now. Thinking like this, he felt refreshed again.

Luckily, the Bai Family wasn’t influenced by Gai Yalai’s mood, and once they sat together, they chatted while eating as they usually did.

The Bai Family didn’t have the rule of ”no talking while eating” like ordinary noble families. In Bai Ruozhu’s view, everyone had their own affairs, and after a busy day, gathering together for dinner and chatting was the best way to connect emotionally.

”Speaking of which, when I went to buy grain today, the prices had increased.” Bai Zehao said, ”Could the harvest somewhere be bad?”

The Bai Family’s land in the Mountain Village had been rented out, and every six months someone was sent to collect the rent, also allowing farmers to pay directly with grain, as transporting it to the Capital is too far. Previously, they used grain produced at the Suburban Farmland, but once they left the Capital, they could only buy grain from merchants.

Bai Ruozhu sensed something unusual. Although she wasn’t an official, she had seen situations in the television and books from her past life, so her understanding was naturally much broader than the isolated ancient people.

”Could it be that a big grain merchant knows a war is coming and is stocking up in advance to make a fortune once the war starts?” Bai Ruozhu suggested.

Initially, Jiang Yichun and Bai Zepei didn’t take it to heart, but when Bai Ruozhu mentioned it, they exchanged glances and saw the gravity in each other’s eyes. What Ruozhu said wasn’t impossible.

In the past, some grain merchants profited during national disasters. For example, when there was famine somewhere, they got wind of it and stocked up in advance, then inflated grain prices to the sky, making huge profits. Rich families could manage, using savings to buy grain, but what about the poor? Many died of hunger on the streets during such famine years.

Others starved, resorting to eating tree bark and roots, while the rice barns of wealthy merchants birthed rats that grew fat, yet the poor could only starve to death.

During the Former Emperor’s time, there was a major case like this, even involving collusion between officials and merchants. The Former Emperor personally investigated and discovered everything, beheading numerous offending officials and merchants, curbing such practices for a time. Later, some merchants still seized opportunities to profit from national disasters but didn’t dare to be too audacious, fearing Imperial Court retaliation.

But now the situation is subtle. If merchants really want to profit from war, it should be called profiteering from chaos, not from disaster. Handling it wouldn’t be as straightforward as during the Former Emperor’s time. If mishandled, it could become using military power to seize merchant assets, with both emperors challenging each other, and if someone stirs things up from behind the scenes, it might lead to many merchants seeking shelter under King Rui’s side.

”This matter shouldn’t be underestimated.” Bai Zepei smacked his lips and said.

Jiang Yichun nodded in agreement, ”Tomorrow we should mention this to His Majesty. The best approach is prevention; coming up with a strategy in advance.”

Bai Ruozhu raised an eyebrow, ”This matter is actually quite simple. The Imperial Court should stockpile grain in advance. If the Imperial Court becomes the largest grain merchant, wouldn’t it dictate the prices? Of course, it’s inconvenient for the Imperial Court to appear openly; officials from the Ministry of Finance could represent the Imperial Court as private merchants.”

Jiang Yichun and Bai Zepei stared at Bai Ruozhu without speaking. Bai Ruozhu paused, wondering if she was wrong.

Bai Zehao laughed aloud, ”Little sister, I think you’re the best person for this job, aren’t you? Those officials don’t want to be merchants, and none are as shrewd as you.”

”Big brother, I’m definitely not doing this burdensome job. I’m pregnant and need to rest well.” Bai Ruozhu immediately refused. When the sky falls, there are tall people to hold it up; she’s determined not to take the lead this time. These Imperial Court matters aren’t more important than her two little babies.

Jiang Yichun and Bai Zepei also laughed, but since Bai Ruozhu said she wasn’t doing it, they would naturally help her decline tomorrow.

After dinner, the family didn’t rush to disperse. Little Dengdeng and Chenxi played on the side, and everyone talked about the current situation, including the Bai Family’s Merchant Team and the condition of Bai Zebo who accompanied them. The scene was warm and harmonious.

Suddenly, a maid rushed in to report, ”Master, Madam, Mrs. Gai has tried to hang herself. She was saved by the guards, but hasn’t regained consciousness.”

Jiang Yichun jumped up with furrowed brows. Told to rest well, why go on and hang herself?

This really fits the saying of ”crying, making trouble, and hanging oneself!”

”Yichun, Ruozhu, quickly go and check. You shouldn’t let anything serious happen.” Lin Ping’er, having a sharp tongue but a soft heart, was already anxious.

”Yes, quickly go and have a look, try to persuade her.” Bai Yihong said, sighing heavily.

Bai Ruozhu got up, ”Dad, Mom, sorry to trouble you.”

”Why say such things among family? Quickly go and check.” Lin Ping’er said, hugging Dengdeng, ”Your yard is chaotic now, I’ll take care of Dengdeng for you and send him back later.”

Bai Ruozhu nodded and turned to look at Jiang Yichun, who wore a face full of guilt.

The one truly troubling his parents wasn’t her but him.

Your mother fell ill and stayed at your wife’s family, you should be grateful and thank them properly, and keep in touch in the future. But your mother’s illness not only spreads but also likes to wander and irritate people. Having said a few words, she goes to hang herself, causing more trouble.

Whether she really wants to die or not, it’s never comfortable for a family in such a situation. If Gai Yalai died, aside from being unfortunate, the Bai Family would also feel guilty. Even if she didn’t die, appearing as though a guest was forced to hang herself while staying, what kind of situation is that?

Bai Ruozhu didn’t speak. She suddenly felt a bit sympathetic toward Jiang Yichun, thinking he must regret going to the Capital to save his mother.

But Bai Ruozhu didn’t blame him, she even understood him. In her past life, her gambler father treated her poorly, but when he was nearly dying, she couldn’t help but save him.

Sometimes it’s not about how much affection is left for that person, but simply wanting peace of mind and to act with a clear conscience.

When the two returned to the yard, they heard the nurse’s crying from Gai Yalai’s side. The cries weren’t false, the nanny truly felt for Gai Yalai.

Bai Ruozhu’s heart tightened, fearing Gai Yalai had really passed away, and she hurriedly looked at Jiang Yichun.

”Achun...”

”Whatever happens to her, it’s not our family’s fault.” Jiang Yichun suddenly said.

Bai Ruozhu paused, realizing ”our family” meant the Bai Family. She couldn’t help but smile, feeling warmth inside.

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There is more to come; Mouka is still working hard~