Abandoned Woman Busy Farming

Chapter 1985: Chapter 1984: Are You Even a Man?

The Ji Family made such a commotion, by the time they left, the Bai Family pretty much knew all about it.

Bai Zepei glared at Bai Ruozhu with displeasure, ”Why didn’t you ask Second Brother for help if something happened?”

”Does such a small matter need Second Brother’s involvement?” Bai Ruozhu laughed, ”I know Second Brother cares about me, but I don’t want to always feel inadequate.”

”If you’re inadequate, then the others might as well quit,” Bai Zepei retorted with a sour look.

Bai Ruozhu giggled, ”I’ll just take that as a compliment.”

”Then you truly can’t cure Ji Bao’s illness?” Bai Zepei suddenly shifted the topic, showing concern for Ji Bao.

”Honestly, I can’t. At least for now, I haven’t studied much about poisonous insect poison.” Bai Ruozhu looked puzzled, ”Why are you concerned about Ji Bao? Do you know him?”

”Sort of. He’s a subordinate of a friend of mine. He’s humble and well-versed. My friend originally planned to nurture him.” Bai Zepei sighed, ”It’s somewhat unfair to blame Ji Bao alone; the Royal Family bears some responsibility too.”

Bai Ruozhu nodded. Back then, when Ma Linglong and her mother entered the Palace, they pleaded with the Empress Dowager, hoping the Emperor would grant Ma Linglong a marriage. But Ma Linglong’s affair with Saihan was seen by many. No reputable family in the Capital would allow such a woman into their home.

In the end, the Emperor, fearing to distract General Ma Tongfang at the Southwest frontier, could only agree to arrange a marriage for Ma Linglong.

Bai Ruozhu squinted her eyes, ”I wonder if this time, Ma Tongfang will protect Ma Linglong.”

”You don’t need to worry too much about that. Ma Tongfang has a straightforward nature; otherwise, the Emperor wouldn’t have favored him. Previously, although Ma Linglong caused a scandal, it was ultimately due to her alliance with Saihan. For Ma Tongfang’s sake, the Emperor couldn’t leave it unattended. But this time, with Ma Linglong, unwilling to repent, scheming against her husband and Imperial Court officials, even if Ma Tongfang were in Beiyu City, he wouldn’t help her at all,” Bai Zepei said.

”I’m just afraid someone might distort the truth and misinform Ma Tongfang, turning black into white and white into black.” Bai Ruozhu pursed her lips; apart from Ma Jinan, who was somewhat straightforward, Ma Linglong’s parents were despicable people.

Bai Zepei squinted his eyes, paused for a moment, then said, ”You’re thorough in your considerations. I’ll handle this. Ma Tongfang will learn the true facts clearly.”

With Second Brother’s steady handling, Bai Ruozhu felt relieved.

Still, she felt somewhat sentimental about Ji Bao’s matter, ”Once Ji Bao figures things out, it’s not impossible for him to make a comeback.”

Meanwhile, the Ji Residence was practically turning upside down. Upon hearing Ji Bao was afflicted with poisonous insect poison, Madam Ji fainted on the spot.

When she awoke, she burst into tears. Ji Bao could only comfort her, suggesting that maybe Lord Bai exaggerated the seriousness.

Madam Ji slapped away her son’s outstretched hand, saying, ”What do you know? Who in the aristocratic circle hasn’t heard of Bai Ruozhu’s medical skills? Even the Medical Saint praised her extraordinary skills. It’s said her medical skills come from an Immortal; how could she make a mistake?”

Suddenly she widened her eyes, ”Bai Ruozhu’s medical skills are granted by an Immortal; why can’t she cure this? Did we offend her too much?”

Afraid Madam Ji might cause trouble, Ji Min quickly said, ”Lord Bai explained that she studied medicine and hasn’t researched much on poisonous insect techniques, so she’s powerless. She suggested we seek an expert in poisonous insect techniques.”

”Then what are we waiting for? Quickly send someone to investigate.” Madam Ji cried out.

”Arrangements have been made. Ji Bao won’t be in danger for now. You should calm down.” Ji Min said tiredly.

At that moment, Ji An carried some tea inside. The rash on her face had mostly faded, leaving only light marks. Ji Min glanced at her, thinking Bai Ruozhu’s medical skills were indeed impressive.

”Father, Mother, this is Health Tea sent from Lord Bai’s residence. It’s said to nurture qi and improve eyesight. I’ve brewed it for you to taste. Please, take care of your health,” Ji An said respectfully.

Actually, the tea also helps reduce anger, but Ji An didn’t dare mention it.

The tea emitted a subtle fragrance. Feeling a bit thirsty, Madam Ji didn’t think much, picking up a cup to drink.

”Hm, this flavor is quite special.” Madam Ji said, ”Seems like it has a chrysanthemum taste.”

”There is chrysanthemum in it, along with more than twenty other ingredients. I was rather amazed but didn’t dare inquire further,” Ji An answered respectfully.

Ji Min also drank a cup, and his throat felt comforted, his whole body relaxed a lot.

”Even the Bai Family’s tea is extraordinary. It’s a pity we haven’t become close with the Bai Family.” Ji Min sighed, hoping this incident didn’t offend the Bai Family.

Madam Ji had calmed down by now. Looking at Ji An, she suddenly felt this daughter wasn’t as timid and sneaky as before, but rather pleasant to the eye.

She waved her hand, ”You’ve endured a lot this time, take this with you.” She said, placing a bracelet of verdant jade on Ji An’s wrist.

Feeling unexpectedly cherished, Ji An thanked her, then tactfully left, although Ji Bao noticed his little sister hadn’t acknowledged him at all.

Thinking of Bai Ruozhu’s questioning words, he felt an immense bitterness. Linglong was reckless in harming others, but what about his little sister, the victim? If Bai Ruozhu hadn’t discovered in time, wouldn’t his little sister have become the sacrificial pawn in Linglong’s fiery antics?

He couldn’t help but sigh, Bai Ruozhu was right; all his learning seemed to have gone to the dogs.

Seeing him dazed and sighing, Ji Min and Madam Ji couldn’t bring themselves to admonish him much, simply telling him to rest in his room.

Early the next morning, Ji Bao still went to the prison, and after some managing, he finally met Ma Linglong.

The once noble lady of the Capital now lay on the hay in the prison cell, hair disheveled, covering her face, moaning intermittently.

Ji Bao felt pained; Linglong must be suffering intensely.

Suddenly, Ma Linglong raised her head and saw him, her eyes projecting a cold light.

”Ji Bao, you useless wretch, can’t even protect your own woman, are you even a man?” Usually, Ji Bao would indulge Ma Linglong’s habits, whatever she wanted, he’d give. Now, she vented her inner fire onto Ji Bao.

Ji Bao’s face turned pale instantly, then flushed red with anger.

”I’m not a man because I’ve been indulging you, spoiling you, letting you commit such misdeeds?” He said shaking his head, ”I shouldn’t have treated you so well, perhaps if I’d been stricter, you wouldn’t dare do such things.”

”It’s Bai Ruozhu who framed me; it’s all her schemes, Tian Chen was bribed by her too, along with Ji An; Bai Ruozhu must have given them benefits!” Ma Linglong panicked when Ji Bao didn’t soothe her as he usually did.