Abandoned Woman Busy Farming

Chapter 2417: Chapter 2418: Meeting Someone

The samurai’s sword rarely leaves their hand, but Bai Ruozhu easily disarmed Xinye, proving that if she were ruthless, Xinye would be no match for her.

For a moment, the hall fell into complete silence. The first samurai’s face turned black, clearly very angry, though it was unclear if he was angry at Xinye for being useless or if he harbored a grudge against Bai Ruozhu.

Suddenly, applause erupted as a burly man stepped forward, clad in jet-black armor that clinked with metallic whispers as he moved.

”Zhongyuan martial arts are indeed formidable!” General Chisong exclaimed, surprisingly speaking in Chinese, albeit with a slightly awkward accent, showing his respect for the guests.

Sa Tian displayed respect and saluted General Chisong, ”Greetings, General.”

Everyone else quickly stood and saluted.

Bai Ruozhu and her companions also clasped their hands and performed the Danliang ceremonial salutation to meet General Chisong.

General Chisong had a square face and exceptionally sharp eyes; clearly, he was a decisive figure in warfare, or he wouldn’t have amassed power nearly surpassing that of the Emperor.

”The Fusang people greatly appreciate Zhongyuan culture. Even when I was young, I dreamt of visiting Zhongyuan once, but sadly, the sea route is difficult, and the distance too great, so this wish remained unfulfilled,” General Chisong spoke again.

”I didn’t expect to see such distinguished guests from Danliang Country today. This is a delight,” he extended his hand, ”Everyone, please, be seated.”

His Chinese wasn’t very fluent, with some inaccurate pronunciations and a notably slow pace, yet Bai Ruozhu and her companions could grasp his meaning.

Li Jin saluted him formally, saying, ”General Chisong, you are too kind. Our Emperor warmly welcomes the General to visit Danliang, hoping our countries enjoy everlasting friendship and open maritime trade routes.”

General Chisong laughed heartily, ”Excellent, I hope to visit if I have the chance. As for trade relations, you’ll need to discuss that with His Majesty the Emperor.”

Li Jin swiftly glanced at Jiang Yichun. The current intelligence suggested that there was discord between Chisong and the Emperor, with Chisong’s Mu Residence controlling most of Fusang. Why was he suddenly bringing up the Emperor now? Was he testing their stance?

Li Jin was uncertain, unsure of how to respond.

Bai Ruozhu had already returned to her seat, having sheathed her dagger, sitting cross-legged beside Jiang Yichun, not showing any sign of exertion as though she hadn’t been in a duel at all.

She tapped Jiang Yichun’s leg lightly twice.

”We are new here and unfamiliar with your country’s customs, so if there are any oversights, we beg the General’s pardon,” Jiang Yichun said. ”As for the procedures to apply for trade, we would appreciate any guidance from the General.”

Jiang Yichun spoke with politeness, yet his tone was neither servile nor overbearing, which easily caught General Chisong’s attention.

He stared at Jiang Yichun for two seconds, as if assessing him, then smiled and asked, ”Is that woman your bodyguard?”

Jiang Yichun frowned slightly but promptly relaxed, sensing that General Chisong might be inquiring about hiring a bodyguard, not realizing Bai Ruozhu was his wife.

”The General misunderstood; she is my wife and a fourth-rank official in the Danliang Dynasty, previously responsible for Palace healthcare,” Jiang Yichun said as he reached to embrace Bai Ruozhu’s shoulder.

General Chisong feigned a look of surprise, ”So women in Zhongyuan can become officials?”

Jiang Yichun replied unhurriedly, ”Nowadays, both Danliang and Chengshui have women’s academies. Women can study just like men, participate in Study Palace competitions, and my wife once won the Kui Shou in a Mathematics Competition. Women serving as officials or participating in battles is not uncommon.”

Possibly because the statement was lengthy, or perhaps Sa Tian feared others might not understand it, Sa Tian took the initiative to translate it into Fusang Language, causing many at the table to exclaim in surprise, apparently never having imagined this.

General Chisong listened and nodded, ”Zhongyuan’s culture is advanced, indeed ahead of ours. In comparison, our women seem uncivilized; it seems we need to work harder.”

Bai Ruozhu was somewhat surprised by this; if General Chisong was sincere, his mindset was truly progressive, open to learning, and accepting of foreign ideas.

Of course, he might be saying this with pretended sincerity, but given his status, there was no need for him to say such things to appease Bai Ruozhu and her companions.

Perhaps their visit has changed the fate of many Fusang women.

The Fusang people present all responded, naturally agreeing with General Chisong’s statement.

Only Luzhi remained silent throughout, seemingly still holding women in contempt, but unable to speak after Bai Ruozhu bested his capable assistant.

Xinye knelt absent-mindedly behind Luzhi, lost in thought, his sharp gaze from before now faded with a hint of melancholy.

Perhaps he’s pondering why he lost, or contemplating the gap between himself and Bai Ruozhu.

”In my excitement, I’ve spoken much and forgotten to commence the feast,” General Chisong said as he raised his wine cup, ”Let’s toast to our friends from afar, hoping you’ll come to love Fusang.”

Bai Ruozhu and her companions all raised their cups and drank them dry.

Soon, attendants refilled their cups, and Bai Ruozhu noticed each cup had a wooden box beneath it. The attendants poured continuously, allowing the wine to overflow. Bai Ruozhu almost reminded them, thinking it was a mistake due to inattentiveness.

Fortunately, she held her tongue, realizing other attendants were doing the same.

Soon, once the wine filled the wooden containers around the cups, the attendants stopped and set the bottles aside.

Bai Ruozhu noticed the wooden box encasing the cup, both inside and out filled with wine, but couldn’t fathom the custom, since Sa Tian hadn’t mentioned it en route.

”Please savor the taste of our Fusang wine, crafted by our esteemed aristocrat, Mr. She Zongyi,” General Chisong said, raising his cup in a toast.

Bai Ruozhu and her companions looked over to see the person seated to the right of Luzhi, whom Sa Tian hadn’t introduced due to the earlier disruption by Luzhi and the timely appearance of General Chisong.

Seeing them look over, She Zongyi nodded slightly in acknowledgment, his eyes seemingly carrying an unfathomable glimmer.

This couldn’t imply She Zongyi was aware of everything, but Bai Ruozhu and her companions remained vigilant.

She Zongyi had a face like white jade, a beard upon his chin; though a merchant, he resembled a scholar, toasting General Chisong with a humble demeanor, appearing quite affable.

Bai Ruozhu inwardly scoffed. Could someone orchestrating maritime murders and thefts be genuinely amiable? She refused to believe it.

Li Jin reacted swiftly, sampling the wine and smiling, ”Indeed, it is excellent wine!”