CHAPTER 1797: CHAPTER 1797: THE DEBAUCHED FATHER

"So you’re disguised as the Saint of Medicine, holding an official position in Danliang, all for Chengshui’s schemes?" Bai Ruozhu squinted her eyes, vaguely feeling that Gao Zhou wasn’t someone who cared much about major court affairs; he seemed more like a chivalrous hero who enjoyed wandering the rivers and lakes freely.

Gao Zhou’s smile was somewhat bitter, "Yeah, well, the Former Emperor of Chengshui was my uncle after all."

As he spoke, he continued to walk forward, but Bai Ruozhu felt that he hadn’t told the truth.

At this moment, Jianqi gave Bai Ruozhu a signal, surprising Bai Ruozhu as she said to Gao Zhou ahead, "Thank you for today. I’ll go back to rest first and visit Concubine Le in the palace tomorrow. If you consider me a fellow townsman, don’t leave and abandon us."

Gao Zhou did not look back, only responded with a muffled sound, indicating he would stay.

When they arrived at the safe area of the Bai Residence, Bai Ruozhu asked Jianqi, "What did you want to say just now?"

"Before, there was talk of a mysterious figure supporting the new emperor of Chengshui; you had me investigate, but there was no evidence pointing to that senior Gao Zhou. However, I did find some information about Chengshui Xuwang."

Jianqi began to explain slowly.

"Xuwang is the only son of the Former Emperor’s elder brother, who held the title Xuwang while alive. Senior Gao Zhou is effectively inheriting his father’s title. To be honest, the late elder Xuwang was the Former Emperor’s brother, the firstborn heir, and shared a great bond with the Former Emperor."

Bai Ruozhu showed a puzzled expression, "How did the firstborn not inherit the throne? If it were a struggle for succession, how could the brothers have a great relationship?"

"Rumor has it he was poisoned in the womb, born blind, and never named crown prince. However, he was highly skilled both academically and militarily, an outstanding figure among the princes of the time. Many said if he could see, he would surely be the best candidate for the throne. Hence, his talents were used to support his younger brother. Among Chengshui princes, there were two others who were also excellent, but the Former Emperor was relatively young, lacking many advantages. It was thanks to his brother’s strong support that he ascended the throne."

Bai Ruozhu thought back to how the Former Emperor treated Zhou Jue as a princess and coveted his own son, then pursed her lips, "That doesn’t make him a good emperor."

Jianqi knew what she implied, and with a calm face said, "The late elder Xuwang and the Former Emperor had similar shortcomings, having chaotic private lives, greedy for beauty. It’s said he even visited Danliang Country during former times and requested ten beauties from the Previous Emperor, indulging in them overnight..."

Jianqi suddenly paused, realizing that his master was a woman, such talk was quite inappropriate.

Bai Ruozhu saw Jianqi stop and noticed his slightly flushed cheeks, found it amusing, "Turns out even the cold Jianqi can blush."

"Gao Zhou’s own father was like this; he probably feels quite suffocated." Bai Ruozhu pouted, feeling she was quite lucky to transmigrate into a good family, unlike Gao Zhou who seemed to have drawn the short straw.

"Yet unlike the Former Emperor, the elder Xuwang didn’t have many offspring. By the time he died from illness at fifty, he only had two children. The eldest son died accidentally in an assassination event at the Chengshui Palace, and senior Gao Zhou was later found from among the common people, supposedly after the elder Xuwang’s death."

"How did the elder Xuwang die?" Bai Ruozhu asked.

"It’s said the poison from the womb ruined his health, or maybe it was unchecked indulgence," Jianqi said, turning his face away.

"At what age was Gao Zhou found? What was he doing before?" Bai Ruozhu asked again.

Jianqi frowned, "Those details weren’t found; we didn’t pursue further investigation at that time."

Bai Ruozhu thought for a moment, "Find out exactly when the elder Xuwang passed away, don’t worry about anything else for now."

She didn’t want Gao Zhou to discover she was investigating him, otherwise they couldn’t even be friends.

"By the way, what kind of person was Gao Zhou’s mother?" Bai Ruozhu asked.

"Seems to be a common woman," Jianqi said.

Bai Ruozhu heard this and made a sound of acknowledgment, speculating internally. Gao Zhou’s real name was Zhou Zhou, but he changed it to Gao Zhou; could it be that his mother’s surname was Gao? Maybe his relationship with his mother was better, so he preferred using her surname, having no affection towards his biological father, hence not wanting to bear the surname Zhou?

Thinking of the obstinate Zhou Jue, Bai Ruozhu instructed Jianqi to strengthen the residence’s guards, feeling that the saying "troubles don’t reach the family" didn’t apply to Zhou Jue.

Fortunately, the night was peaceful, and by the next day, Lin Ping’er suggested inviting Jiao Ling and Fen Jiu to stay in the Bai Residence since living in the inn was inconvenient and tiring from eating poorly and bad sleep outside.

After all, blood ties are undeniable, and Bai Yihong felt very close to his sister, agreeing immediately.

Bai Ruozhu was absolutely supportive; having two more experts in the house meant better protection in case Zhou Jue showed up.

On that day, Bai Yihong took Lin Ping’er and Bai Ruozhu to the inn to see the two of them, crowding Jiao Ling’s Room completely.

"Sister, we’re born of the same mother, living outside is inconvenient for you." Bai Yihong called out "Sister" with some embarrassment, his face even flushed a bit as Jiao Ling looked younger than him.

Jiao Ling showed some concern, "Wouldn’t it be too much trouble for you?"

"Not at all, many people make it lively, we worry about you staying outside," Lin Ping’er said warmly.

With Lin Ping’er’s words, Jiao Ling naturally felt more at ease; she indeed wanted to stay closer to her younger brother.

"It’s not good, not convenient at all," Fen Jiu said grumpily from the sidelines.

Bai Ruozhu didn’t dislike Fen Jiu anymore; she understood his temperament now. Legend has it that exceptional experts often have peculiar tempers, and Fen Jiu was a typical example.

He waited for Jiao Ling for over a decade, fearing anyone would disrupt their world. Bai Ruozhu could also understand this point.

And for a man to be so passionate towards the woman he loves, Bai Ruozhu couldn’t truly dislike him.

"Senior Fen, we’ve arranged a quiet yard for you and Aunt. Normally, no one will disturb you, so it won’t be inconvenient," Bai Ruozhu explained with a smile.

Fen Jiu rolled his eyes, "The yard is just for the two of us?"

"Yes, just the two of you reside there, only occasionally there’s a maid or a woman’s chore, serving tea or something," Bai Ruozhu answered.

Fen Jiu’s face gave a smile, "Good, that’s nice, I have no objection."

Jiao Ling’s face flushed; if the Room wasn’t too small for any action, she would have surely kicked Fen Jiu, this old man was still so shameless, making a fool of herself alongside him.

Fen Jiu still didn’t realize Jiao Ling planned to deal with him, and silly smiled at Jiao Ling, saying, "Little Bead, let’s check out then."

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Uh, my husband said he’s stressed and wanted to go to the beach to relax over the weekend, so it’s only the second update now; I’ll try to update three times today~