Abandoned Woman Busy Farming

Chapter 2188: Chapter 2186: Is This What He Wants?

”Master, the venue for the Poetry and Literature Convention has been chosen to be the Changning Guild Hall. There is quite a bit of support from the scholars, and although Tang Feng is from Danliang Country, he’s now the consort of Chengshui and also the champion of the imperial examination. This makes many people in Chengshui feel proud. However...”

Ruhua paused before continuing, ”There are also scholars in Chengshui who do not accept him and intend to compete against him, or even disrupt the gathering, such as Tian An, who was the champion of the last imperial examination.”

Warriors love to compete for superiority, and scholars have this habit of rivalry as well; otherwise, there won’t be sayings like ’scholars disparage each other.’

The imperial examination exists in Chengshui Country as well, held once every three years just like in Danliang Country, but the timing is different for the two countries. So Chengshui’s champion emerged two years ago, and next year will be the next imperial examination.

Due to the passage of time, Tian An’s fame is not as high, unlike the young and handsome Tang Feng, who is more popular. Moreover, as the consort, Tang Feng carries an air of intrigue.

”Is there a way to obtain a ticket to the Poetry and Literature Convention?” Bai Ruozhu asked.

Ruhua said, ”Rest assured, Madam Bai, I’ll handle it. Do you want seats closer up, or some in a more obscure location?”

Bai Ruozhu pondered and said, ”Let’s choose a more obscure spot. It’s not feasible to rescue immediately; it’s better to first understand the terrain before making any plans.”

Ruhua nodded secretly, feeling that Madam Bai is indeed as composed and meticulous as the master described. If it were someone else, they might have rushed to rescue without proper preparation and ended up at a disadvantage.

The Poetry and Literature Convention will be held in three days. Ruhua quickly obtained the entrance tickets, and Bai Ruozhu glanced at them. The style of the tickets carried some elements of Danliang Country. It’s unclear if this is a local custom of Chengshui, or if Tang Feng, in charge, had things done according to his habits, or perhaps it was organized by Princess Fu’an to catch attention and highlight Tang Feng’s status.

Yet, since Tang Feng could send out a distress signal, it shows he was controlled and harbors resentment. So how could he be willing to work for Princess Fu’an?

Could it be that Tang Feng was pretending to get Princess Fu’an to lower her guard?

Bai Ruozhu pondered how to make contact with Tang Feng and let him know she was there, so they could coordinate during the rescue.

However, if she shows up at the convention, even if Tang Feng notices her, it would surely draw Princess Fu’an’s attention, wouldn’t it? She might not fear Princess Fu’an, but she’s greatly concerned about Jian Dan, as she can’t quite figure out his tactics.

Jian Dan and Jian Zhen are no simple figures, but Tang Feng isn’t one to be easily fooled. For Tang Feng to fall into Jian Dan’s trap means there are exceptional circumstances.

But what exactly is it?

Unable to figure it out, Bai Ruozhu decided to put it aside for now. Later, she arranged for Meiyu to gather some horsemen. On the day of the convention, she didn’t plan to expose these people but wanted them scattered around. In case of any danger, these people could respond promptly.

If it indeed came to a critical moment, she could only allow some people to reveal themselves.

After finishing her arrangements, Bai Ruozhu let out a big sigh of relief. Thankfully, it was Ruhua and Meiyu who accompanied her. If it were those two, Meiyan and Jun Chuan, she wouldn’t know how to call out to them; even saying their names felt like endless heavenly thunders rolling.

To her surprise, the next day, Muyu went out shopping and brought someone back.

The disguised Gao Zhou looked at Bai Ruozhu and said, ”How did you, girl, quietly sneak here? I’ve been helping you find someone to lift the curse, while you wander around nonchalantly.”

Seeing him cornering her immediately, Bai Ruozhu was displeased and said, ”Don’t change the subject with me. Since you’re here, explain to me what’s going on with Achun. I don’t believe he would shift his affections to another woman that easily, nor do I think he cares about power. What is he hiding from me? Even if others don’t know, surely you would?”

Gao Zhou felt uneasy being questioned and was somewhat emotional. If it were another woman hurt this way, she would have surely hated Jiang Yichun by now, and even considered retaliating. But Bai Ruozhu quickly thought about what Achun could be concealing. She’s indeed a unique woman; no wonder Achun holds her in such regard, even willing to tarnish his own reputation for her future happiness, making her hate him for a lifetime.

Feeling both heartache and recalling his son’s instructions, Gao Zhou had to brace himself and say, ”What do you mean, what do I know about what he’s doing? He doesn’t even want to acknowledge me as his father.”

Bai Ruozhu rolled her eyes at him, ”Do you think I’ll believe that? Why don’t you go back to your Xuwang Residence, instead of disguising yourself here?”

Gao Zhou chuckled twice, ”I can’t. If I show up, won’t Princess Fu’an pay attention? It’d be inconvenient to act then.”

Hearing this, Bai Ruozhu didn’t continue to argue but let others go about their tasks. She then earnestly asked Gao Zhou, ”What exactly happened? I always feel like Achun is in danger, so please stop keeping secrets from me.”

”There’s really nothing I’m hiding. I don’t even know what he’s thinking. He suddenly pulled such a stunt and was with another woman. I have no face left, feeling too ashamed to face you and your parents, so I had to hide. Just thought if I could find someone to lift the curse for you, it might ease some of my guilt.”

Gao Zhou sighed deeply as he spoke, ”I haven’t taught my son well, Ruozhu, I’m sorry.”

These words seemed laced with guilt, yet something about the tone felt off. Bai Ruozhu pondered over this.

”It was he who sent you, wasn’t it? Someone appeared a few days ago, and Jinglei chased after him. When I later asked Jinglei, he wouldn’t say anything. Thinking it over, it could only be Achun. Are you all treating me like a fool with all these secrets? If he doesn’t show up soon, isn’t he afraid I’ll find a stepfather for Dengdeng?” Bai Ruozhu said angrily.

Gao Zhou didn’t even lift his eyelids, murmuring, ”That kid’s good-for-nothing. Go ahead and find someone if you wish, I won’t say a word.”

Hearing this, Bai Ruozhu grew more suspicious. In normal circumstances, even if a son does something wrong, wouldn’t a father want to guide and correct him?

Why this attitude of ’never mind, I can’t control him, you should just leave him’?

Bai Ruozhu steadied her mind, staring into Gao Zhou’s eyes as she asked, ”Is that what he wants?”

Gao Zhou’s eyebrows twitched as he hurriedly responded, ”How could that be? He wouldn’t tell me his thoughts, I can’t control him.”

”Your response is quick, but without you, he wouldn’t be able to vie for power in Chengshui, nor prove himself as the Xuwang’s son,” Bai Ruozhu smirked coldly.

Gao Zhou felt a chill down his spine; this cunning girl was about to trap him. No, he mustn’t say too much, the more he says, the more mistakes he’ll make, and the truth will slip out.

It’s all that brat’s fault, forcing him to come to the rescue, saying he needs to protect Ruozhu nearby, then save Tang Feng to persuade her to leave together. His old bones will be worn down by them!