CHAPTER 2031: CHAPTER 2030: TONG ZHENGYE’S VISIT

It was only at this moment that Yizi realized, how can a woman survive in the world without any skills? She also learned the Array from her master, which allowed her to protect herself and hide in the Pan Residence for over two years. But Sun Dudu had neither martial arts nor any means of livelihood, what would happen to her in the future?

"Master, I understand now." Yizi pondered, "You have a sharp tongue but a soft heart."

Bai Ruozhu laughed, "Wrong, I don’t necessarily have a sharp tongue, and definitely not a soft heart. I don’t think I have the ability to unconditionally help anyone, including if I hire someone, they need to have skills or work for it. If Sun Dudu is a hardworking and ambitious girl, she should know to work diligently to repay her debts. Of course, I won’t mistreat my own people and will help her arrange a suitable marriage in the future, so she won’t be alone."

Yizi nodded, suddenly recalling what a lady from a wealthy family had said to her when she was traveling with her master to exorcise a ghost.

The lady was very kindhearted and often helped the poor, so they became familiar with each other. She knew about Yizi’s situation and sympathized greatly, asking, "If Lady Pan intends to help you, why not adopt you as a goddaughter? That way, you’d be part of the Pan Residence, which is better than a girl running around outside, isn’t it?"

At that time, Yizi waved her hands desperately, "How can I become Lady Pan’s goddaughter? I’m clumsy; becoming a little maid is more suitable. Besides, Lady Pan wants me to have some skill, not to sell myself into servitude."

The kindhearted lady couldn’t understand and felt that doing a good deed should be seen through to the end. Yizi internally disagreed but didn’t argue further.

Fortunately, she was inherently kindhearted and didn’t think much of it then. Another person might have harbored some resentment, feeling despised by Lady Pan.

However, if someone helps you out of goodwill, that is their affection, but not helping you is their duty. Why should one expect to be adopted as a goddaughter just because they face difficulties? Shouldn’t the Pan Residence be filled with goddaughters then?

Once she figured it out, Yizi felt a bit embarrassed.

"Master, I was thinking too simplistically."

Bai Ruozhu smiled, "Yizi, you must grow up and learn more along the way. Think more whenever you encounter something."

Yizi nodded with a blushing face, just like when she had been pretending to be a ghost in the Pan Mansion before, which she realized was an impulsive decision.

In the afternoon, Sun Dudu arrived at the Inn with a small bundle, and Elder Su glanced over, mumbling, "Along the way, you could gain another team."

Bai Ruozhu chuckled dryly, "No, no."

But clearly, there was already an additional team, which was Tong Zhengye’s team. Yet, Elder Su seemed quite happy to travel with them for the sake of good wine.

Bai Ruozhu chatted briefly with Sun Dudu and then arranged for her to rest, after which she spent some time playing with the Dengdeng brothers before retreating into the Space.

Speaking of Little Dengdeng’s mischievous prank on his mother, Bai Ruozhu did not blame her son. Rightfully speaking, Little Dengdeng was her lucky star. Without his mischief, how would she have discovered the true secret of the Protective talisman?

Indeed, that Protective talisman was priceless, the reverse side recorded in tiny characters the second half of the "Poison Classic", though Bai Ruozhu noticed it wasn’t the entire second half. She guessed that it was only about one-third.

But that was enough to thrill her!

In her previous life, she had stumbled upon the first half of the "Poison Classic", allowing her to protect herself with poison. Yet, she never dared to claim invincibility in the art of poison, and the second half of the "Poison Classic" was something she always yearned to obtain.

She didn’t dare to hope that she might find the second half in this era, yet she didn’t expect the Mad Monk to have delivered it to her.

She carefully read over the fine print on the Talisman, which detailed some new poison recipes and medicinal materials. She needed time to absorb and practice them to thoroughly understand this content.

Having spent half an hour in the Space, she exited once more to accompany Lanlan. The day after tomorrow would be Jiao Ling’s birthday, and Lanlan was crocheting a small bag for Jiao Ling, which was nearing completion.

"Sister Ruozhu, take a look, how does it look?" Lanlan said with a smile, "I asked today, and my mother likes red agate. Could you help me get some Agate Beads to embellish the small bag?"

"Alright, I’ll have Yizi go out and buy some back." Bai Ruozhu instructed Yizi, and soon she returned with a bag of agate.

Lanlan wasn’t soaking in the Medicine Barrel at the moment; she was leaning over the table, carefully sketching a floral design before using needle and thread to sew on the agate.

"Ouch!" Lanlan exclaimed, not being very skillful with needlework, her finger got pricked, and a bead of blood immediately appeared.

"What happened?" The door suddenly burst open, and a figure rushed in like a gust of wind.

Once he reached her, he stopped abruptly, his handsome face flushed with embarrassment.

Bai Ruozhu couldn’t help but smile. Chenfeng had been hiding outside, and as soon as he heard Lanlan in distress, he dashed in without a second thought.

"I’m fine, just pricked my finger slightly, it’s not a big injury." Lanlan quickly waved her finger, showing an apologetic smile, blaming herself for overreacting and startling Brother Chenfeng.

"As long as you’re okay, I, I just happened to hear your voice while passing by." Chenfeng stiffly explained.

He then looked at Bai Ruozhu, "Madam, if there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave first."

"Help me keep Lanlan company, I’ll go get some ointment, even a small wound can be troublesome if it becomes infected." Without waiting for Chenfeng to respond, Bai Ruozhu rushed out like the wind.

Once back in her Room, she felt a bit sour. What kind of life was she living? Avoiding being the third wheel with her second brother and second sister-in-law, and with Lanlan and Chenfeng too, she had to avoid being the third wheel. Meanwhile, her own husband was far away on an expedition, and she was here, being tormented by these couples every day.

She wondered how Achun was doing there. Was his injury healing well?

She had just written to Jiang Yichun but now wanted to write another letter, so she picked up her pen and began writing.

Before she could finish the letter, there was a knock on the door outside.

"Lady Bai, Tong has something to discuss with you."

It was Tong Zhengye’s voice. Bai Ruozhu was slightly taken aback; why was he looking for her at her Room? Could they not discuss it during mealtime downstairs? And couldn’t he consult her second brother instead?

But remembering that Tong Zhengye had recently saved her, she had no choice but to open the door and ask, "Does Scholar Tong have an urgent matter?"

Tong Zhengye raised his hand slightly, displaying a corner of the Sheepskin Scroll, causing Bai Ruozhu’s pupils to contract.

Although Sheepskin Scrolls weren’t uncommon, she remembered this particular color, and her intuition told her that the Sheepskin Scroll in Tong Zhengye’s hand had a great connection with the treasure the emperor had dispatched Jiang Yichun to explore!

"Can we talk now?" Tong Zhengye asked with a smile.

Bai Ruozhu did not make way for him to enter the Room; she wasn’t interested in the treasure but rather in the emperor, not herself.

"What do you want me to do?" she asked directly.