Abandoned Woman Busy Farming

Chapter 2301: Chapter 2300: Prince Xi Shows Abnormalities (25 Updates)

Originally timid, Ji An later bravely stood up, which left Bai Ruozhu with a good impression of her.

”She is very kind and doesn’t disdain me for being like this.” Xu Huilin lifted his prosthetic arm, indicating he was a man without arms.

Bai Ruozhu felt a stab in her heart and quickly said, ”You’re so good, I’m afraid that the wet nurse and others might disagree with you marrying Ji An.”

Xu Huilin burst into laughter, ”As soon as I said I liked her, they immediately agreed. Now they have no demands on me, as long as I can live peacefully.”

Bai Ruozhu was genuinely happy for him and asked, ”When will the wedding wine be held? I want to see if I can make it.”

At this point, Xu Huilin’s expression turned slightly downcast, ”The timing has to be figured out, and I don’t know how long I’ll be in the Capital this time.”

”Speaking of which, I was quite surprised to see your letter earlier. What brings you to the Capital this time?” Bai Ruozhu asked.

Xu Huilin’s smile was a bit bitter, ”It’s nothing, really. It’s just the custom that the city lords’ offspring have to come to the Capital to serve. Previously, my father had only one young son, Hong Ge’er, so he did not specially come to the Capital. But now that the world is newly stable, our Meng Family cannot break the rule.”

Bai Ruozhu understood that this was akin to the existence of hostages, but...

She didn’t understand politics, but she couldn’t dwell on these thoughts, as they felt too realistic and cruel.

There is no genuine trust between the ruler and his ministers, and they can only use some means to control and coerce.

”The family originally disagreed with me coming over. Hong Ge’er even made a fuss about wanting to come. It was hard for me to persuade them. It’s just compromising for Ji An to wait for me. If I have to stay in the Capital for a long time, I’ll consider whether to have her join me and establish another residence in the Capital.” Xu Huilin said.

Bai Ruozhu nodded, ”What about Ji Bao? He bought an officer’s post, right? He should be more willing to come to the Capital.”

”After the big shock he suffered, he sees things much more plainly. The Ji Family’s master is no longer chasing after fame and fortune, planning to live peacefully in Beiyu City.”

Bai Ruozhu secretly breathed a sigh of relief. There were some things she couldn’t ask directly. She was worried that the Ji Family would want to use the Meng Family’s connections. While mutual help between relatives is normal, she couldn’t bear Xu Huilin being used.

It now seems that the Ji Family has seen through a lot, and she is relieved.

Before long, Jiang Yichun, having received the news, rushed back. He and Xu Huilin hugged, both feeling deeply moved.

”You guys chat first. I’ll go and instruct the kitchen to add a few dishes that Senior Fox likes.” Bai Ruozhu knew they had things to discuss and immediately went out to give them space.

By the time dinner came, both of their eyes were a bit red, likely because Jiang Yichun spoke about his health condition, which saddened both.

That night, Xu Huilin stayed at the Bai Residence. In his words, he had always been staying at the Bai Family in Beiyu, so he couldn’t change that rule in the Capital. Bai Ruozhu naturally didn’t object; Xu Huilin staying closer made her feel more at ease.

The next day, Bai Ruozhu took Jianqi and Yizi into the Palace.

The invitation had been sent earlier; even though she didn’t plan on taking up a position in the Palace this time, she had to find time to visit Consort Yue.

”Ruozhu, you’re really something. You’ve been back for days and only now come to see me. I almost sent someone to bring you over.” Consort Yue’s tone carried a touch of complaint, but her smile was genuine, evidently pleased to see Bai Ruozhu.

”I also wanted to enter the Palace sooner, but just look at the mess of things recently! I didn’t even dare leave the main gate.” Bai Ruozhu said helplessly.

Though Consort Yue was deep in the Palace, she often had people relay news from outside. The situation with Du Zhongshu and Bai Ruozhu was quite a scandal, and she couldn’t possibly not know.

”I’m really fed up with that person. Pretending to be a romantic hero just to ruin your reputation, it’s truly disgusting!” Consort Yue said, shaking her head.

Bai Ruozhu was somewhat surprised by her straightforwardness. If it were before, Consort Yue would mostly say that Prince Du’s actions were inappropriate rather than directly calling it ”disgusting.”

It seems that Consort Yue has indeed made a lot of progress.

”Fortunately, now everyone in the Capital knows his true colors.” Bai Ruozhu said with a smile.

”I heard the Emperor wants to send you and Lord Jiang to explore overseas trade routes. Won’t it be too dangerous? I really don’t want you to go; if you stayed in the Capital, at least I’d have someone to talk to.” Consort Yue held Bai Ruozhu’s hand, saying with some emotion.

”How can I be at ease if he goes alone? So, the Empress has to find someone else in the Palace to have heart-to-heart talks with.” Bai Ruozhu said amusedly.

Consort Yue blushed at her teasing, then dismissed her attendants and whispered, ”Do you have any news about the Empress Dowager?”

Bai Ruozhu also wanted to find an opportunity to discuss this with her. She recounted her encounter with the Empress Dowager but did not specify where it was or the name of the restaurant the Empress Dowager had opened.

It’s not that she didn’t trust Consort Yue, but she worried that Consort Yue, with her simple nature, might inadvertently disclose something to someone with ulterior motives.

”Knowing they are living happily, I can be at ease.” As Consort Yue spoke, her eyes were full of envy; internally, she longed for a life like the Empress Dowager and her family.

Sadly, having fallen for the Emperor, a simple peaceful life was beyond her reach.

”How have you been feeling lately? Let me check your pulse.” Bai Ruozhu said.

”Alright.” Consort Yue extended her arm.

Bai Ruozhu took her pulse and soon withdrew her hand, ”Your health is well-maintained, which also has something to do with being in good spirits.”

Consort Yue smiled and stood up, saying, ”It’s been so long since you last saw Xinxin, you probably won’t recognize him now. Come, I’ll take you to see him.”

”Sure, children change every day; I almost don’t remember what Prince Xin looks like.” Bai Ruozhu said with a laugh, following her.

Soon, the two arrived at Prince Xin’s room. The wet nurse was holding him and humming a tune. The little one had just fallen asleep, with a little bubble emerging from his lips, looking particularly adorable.

Bai Ruozhu and Consort Yue couldn’t help but laugh, but fearing they would wake the child, they covered their mouths to suppress their laughter.

”I often worry about the curse that might have befell Xinxin in the future.” Consort Yue said in a hushed tone.

”I’ll have a look at Prince Xin and will also find someone to help lift the curse.” Bai Ruozhu felt a bit regretful. If Master Pudeng were still alive, he would surely be able to help Prince Xin.

”I’m really grateful to you.” Consort Yue said appreciatively.

Bai Ruozhu gently touched Prince Xin’s small hand, and suddenly, her pupils contracted slightly but soon returned to calm. After a moment, she gently placed down Prince Xin’s hand and turned to Consort Yue, saying, ”Prince Xin is in good health, chubby and truly adorable.”

Consort Yue was delighted, ”He eats and sleeps well. The Emperor says he’s a lucky child.”

Bai Ruozhu chatted with Consort Yue for a little longer before taking her leave, mentioning that she wanted to visit the Female Physicians Institution. She hadn’t seen Tian Fang and the other female physicians for quite some time and missed them.