CHAPTER 2050: CHAPTER 2048: POPULAR ONCE AGAIN

After Jiao Ling questioned the great elder, the great elder seemed to have aged ten years. Others didn’t know the reason, but Elder Su was well aware.

"Alright." Elder Su hung his head, speaking in a muffled voice.

The third elder noticed Elder Su’s abnormal behavior and asked, puzzled, "What’s wrong with Elder Su? Has he lost confidence in them passing the trial?"

"No, I’m just a bit tired these days," Elder Su hurriedly replied. "Those two siblings are outstanding. I don’t have any worries about them, especially Bai Zepei; his results at the Enlightenment Tablet are bound to be remarkable."

"Oh?" Some elders became interested, planning to observe Bai Zepei closely the next day.

Even Bai Zepei himself was unaware that Elder Su’s evaluation of him was higher than of Ruozhu, and the somewhat confused Si Yihuan didn’t know either.

On the other side, Zu Mei was also busy recently. She had returned with the Bai Family, and some curious about them but unwilling to lose face had gone to Zu Mei to inquire about news.

"Zu Mei, what’s the background of the Bai Family? My Bei Tao has been bullied. Even if I don’t go looking for trouble with them, I can’t just ignore it, can I?" Bei Tao’s mother, Wu Wu, asked Zu Mei.

Zu Mei frowned and said, "Isn’t it more suitable for you to ask Jiao Ling? She is your junior sister."

"She’s twin siblings with the Bai Family patriarch. How would she help me? I’d rather not hit a wall," Wu Wu said, somewhat displeased, evidently holding some resentment towards Jiao Ling over recent events.

Zu Mei didn’t particularly like Bai Ruozhu either, due to Ao Song’s matter, so she didn’t think Wu Wu’s attitude was off.

"What’s the deal with Bai Zepei? Why did Elder Su say his results at the Enlightenment Tablet are sure to be stunning?" Wu Wu pressed.

"That young man is indeed extraordinary. Not only did he pass as the first runner-up in Danliang Country at a young age, but he is also brilliant to the point of being almost demonic. Elder Su’s judgment has always been sharp," Zu Mei explained.

Wu Wu muttered, "Being the first runner-up is not like being the champion. It’s not that impressive."

Zu Mei laughed, "You should know what those who go to the Enlightenment Tablet end up doing. You might want to advise Bei Tao not to confront Bai Ruozhu."

Wu Wu felt a bit uneasy, but she still thanked Zu Mei and hurriedly returned home.

Seeing her sullen daughter, she poked Bei Tao’s head with her finger, "Why are you causing trouble all day long? Why pick a fight with Bai Ruozhu over nothing?"

"Mother, what are you talking about? She bullied me, okay?" Bei Tao said, feeling wronged.

Wu Wu, ultimately feeling for her daughter, recounted the news she heard outside today, which further depressed Bei Tao. Why did Bai Ruozhu have to have a good brother like that? She had an impression of that young man, who, though slightly thin, exuded an elegant aura and was quite handsome.

"It’s truly a pity that Bai Zepei is married to an ordinary woman. If he’d come back to the clan earlier, it would’ve been better; those who’ve been to the Enlightenment Tablet aren’t ordinary people," Wu Wu said with some sentiment.

Bei Tao’s heart stirred a little; it’s a pity, but it doesn’t mean there’s no chance at all. Thinking of Bai Family’s Er Lang’s appearance, her heart quickened slightly; in the clan, everyone practiced martial arts or mechanical puppetry, none possessed the scholarly elegance of Bai Zepei.

Moreover, if she became Bai Zepei’s wife, wouldn’t she be Bai Ruozhu’s sister-in-law?

As for Bai Zepei’s ordinary wife, let’s hope she disappears soon.

"What are you thinking? Don’t go provoking them again," Wu Wu worriedly said.

"I know, Mother, I won’t cause trouble again," Bei Tao replied obediently, collecting her thoughts.

Meanwhile, many people were also inquiring about Bai Zepei, even though someone found Bai Zepei himself.

"I heard you’re going to the Enlightenment Tablet. Do you think you deserve it?" A tall woman with an arrogant demeanor asked Bai Zepei.

Bai Zepei glanced at her indifferently and said, "None of your business."

Earlier, Bei Tao had led a group of Jiuli women to trouble Bai Ruozhu, leaving Bai Zepei with a poor impression of them, not bothering to be polite.

"You..." Fo Lanying glared furiously, wanting to stare Bai Zepei to death with her beautiful eyes.

Bai Zepei ignored her, took Si Yihuan’s hand, and continued walking forward. They planned to collect some mushrooms and wild vegetables at the mountain’s base, as Jiuli had no servants; everyone was self-sufficient. Besides periodic external trade, much food could be found in the mountains.

Si Yihuan had heard today that a type of sheep liver mushroom was delicious, persuading Bai Zepei to accompany her to find some. Unexpectedly, they were blocked right after leaving, and the other party clearly disregarded her, not even giving her a glance.

Si Yihuan secretly pursed her lips, she didn’t want to deal with these people either.

"Bai Zepei, you stand still, I challenge you!" Fo Lanying shouted angrily.

Bai Zepei paused, turned back impatiently, and said, "I don’t have martial arts, just count me as having lost."

"Losing means you have to kneel and apologize; if you want to concede, then kneel and apologize!" Fo Lanying demanded aggressively.

Even Si Yihuan was angered by this; she turned a few steps forward, shouting, "Are Jiuli people so unreasonable? When did my husband offend you, what kneeling and apologizing? You’re the one disrupting us rudely, you should apologize!"

"Get lost, an ordinary person who knows nothing dares to be arrogant in front of me?" Fo Lanying suddenly pushed Si Yihuan, making her body uncontrollably fall back, about to hit the ground.

A pair of strong arms caught her, Bai Zepei held her in an embrace, whispering, "Don’t be afraid, I don’t believe Jiuli lacks rules and etiquette. Let’s go find Elder Su."

Still, Fo Lanying blocked their way, "File a complaint now? Complaining is all you can do? Want to go to the Enlightenment Tablet like this, aren’t you afraid of losing face."

"Fo Lanying, how can you be so harsh? Isn’t it because you want to go to the Enlightenment Tablet, and the elders didn’t approve, so you’re upset?" A voice broke through, surprisingly Bei Tao came over, actively helping Bai Zepei and the others.

"None of your business? Are you afraid and trying to cozy up to them for a truce?" Fo Lanying sneered when she saw it was Bei Tao.

Bei Tao didn’t mind, smiled, and said, "A little quarrel between young folks, would it be remembered for a lifetime? Unlike you, who starts a fight indiscriminately against ordinary people without martial arts, truly disgracing your Grandpa Er Elder’s face."

"No wonder you’re so arrogant, turns out your backing is strong," Si Yihuan pouted, mumbling softly.

Seeing her pout, Bai Zepei’s previous bad mood improved, boldly holding her hand.

Bei Tao’s eyes flashed with shadow, suggesting she must act soon.

On the other side, Bai Ruozhu was surrounded by a group of women, all inquiring about her second brother’s news. How did her second brother become popular all of a sudden? To think he’s already married!