CHAPTER 2079: CHAPTER 2077: FEN JIZHI OFFERS HELP INITIATIVE

Bai Ruozhu had a good impression of these young Jiuli Clan ladies. Although they were occasionally a bit willful and proud, wasn’t everyone like that when they were young? Their nature was actually quite good.

But she quickly denied this thought because a few young ladies took the opportunity of interacting with her to get close to her second brother.

Humph, in her eyes, flirting with someone else’s husband was the behavior of a homewrecker, and definitely not something a good lady should do!

Just as she wanted to speak, she noticed a lady squeezed past, and whether intentionally or not, bumped into Si Yihuan. Si Yihuan, who had no martial arts skills, was knocked off balance and almost fell to one side.

Bai Ruozhu hurriedly reached out to support Si Yihuan, feeling a bit angry. To her surprise, her second brother also supported Si Yihuan’s other hand, pulling her closer and saying: "Stand closer to me to avoid being pushed in the crowd."

Si Yihuan gave Bai Ruozhu a grateful look and then stood close to Bai Zepei. Her feelings were complex at this moment, but as the legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister’s Residence, how could she lose her composure here?

She straightened her back, showing no fear, and even raised her chin slightly, standing confidently by Bai Zepei’s side.

Bai Zepei coldly glanced at the few ladies who crowded over, his eyes already carrying a chill. Subsequently, he exuded an aura that made those ladies subconsciously step back, not daring to look at his face again.

Bai Ruozhu, whose divine sense was stronger than others, still found it challenging to get close to her second brother. She guessed that this was the skill her brother learned in the Enlightenment Tablet trial, making her even happier. Although he had no martial arts, he would be able to protect himself in the future.

As a result, those young ladies dared not approach easily. With the banquet about to begin, they could only sullenly return to their seats.

Soon, someone brought up food and wine, served by some of the women in the clan, with Wu Wu leading, indicating her standing in the clan. Bi Tao followed her mother in serving, with her position just right to serve food and wine to Bai Zepei. Bai Zepei had to withdraw his mental pressure to let Bi Tao place the food and wine on the low table in front of him and Si Yihuan.

"Brother Zepei, enjoy your meal," Bi Tao said politely, appearing as reasonable as a noble lady from a distinguished family.

Bai Ruozhu was somewhat taken aback, remembering that the Jiuli Clan didn’t care much for these formalities. Where did Bi Tao learn this? Her actions were so pleasing to the eye.

But the next moment, she understood. Bi Tao must have thought that her second brother liked noble ladies like her second sister-in-law from Danliang, appreciating their manners, and had deliberately practiced a lot, even putting in hard work.

If this girl put the same effort into learning mechanical techniques, she might be even more skilled.

Bai Zepei responded with a light ’hmm’, not even raising his eyelids, missing Bi Tao’s actions altogether. He then took the wine jug and poured a glass for Si Yihuan, saying softly: "These past few days must have worried you. Let me toast to you properly as your husband."

Si Yihuan’s face turned a faint pink, shyly saying: "Don’t make a fuss, we still need to toast to the elders later."

Bai Zepei’s smile broadened, replying softly: "Then later, in the room, I’ll toast to you properly."

Si Yihuan’s face reddened even more, while Bai Ruozhu felt gloomy beside them. This public display of affection was too much! Were they teasing her because her man wasn’t around?

"Ladies and gentlemen, today is a good day. Our clan has produced two outstanding juniors at once. It is a blessing for the Jiuli and an honor for us all. Let us raise a glass to congratulate Bai Zepei and Bai Ruozhu on successfully passing their trial!" Elder Su rose and said to the crowd, raising his cup.

All those present raised their glasses to toast the two, after which several elders offered words of praise, and the banquet officially began.

However, the second elder did not appear. His son, Fo Wen, came, looking quite inconsolable, saying the second elder was recuperating at home, unable to attend.

Bai Ruozhu thought it was fine, as seeing the second elder’s sullen face would spoil her appetite anyway.

There were also some performances for entertainment, not singing or dancing, but mechanical puppet shows, or sword and fist demonstrations. The Jiuli is indeed a martial tribe.

Bai Ruozhu couldn’t help but think about the five stone pillars in the center of the trial, and the secrets unknown to people. If the Jiuli Clan found out the truth, how would they feel?

The banquet went on until late at night, and many were drunk. I have to admit, most of the Jiuli Clan are genuinely simple at heart. Once they recognize your strength, they treat you like a friend.

As the banquet ended, Bai Ruozhu was about to leave, but Fen Jizhi followed her.

"I heard you suspect Uncle Xin Sheng of poisoning your family’s well?" Fen Jizhi said directly.

Bai Ruozhu’s face darkened, was someone here to accuse her already?

"It’s not about who I suspect. I trust the evidence," she replied coldly.

"When I was young, Uncle Xin Sheng always played with me and even caught crickets for me. He’s a good person," Fen Jizhi’s voice was calm, seemingly not to blame Bai Ruozhu.

Bai Ruozhu raised an eyebrow, "So you think he’s not that kind of person, and I falsely accused him?"

"I think you wouldn’t falsely accuse him without reason. There might be another hidden situation. I could take you to investigate," Fen Jizhi said, suddenly smiling, "On one hand, I don’t want Uncle Xin Sheng to be calculated against, and on the other hand..."

He paused, "You know about that, right?"

Bai Ruozhu tensed up. She had heard that Fen Jizhi had also entered the trial center last year. Was he referring to the secret Fen Cheng asked to keep?

"What are you talking about?" Bai Ruozhu feigned ignorance.

Fen Jizhi’s smile deepened, "I’ll take you to find Uncle Xin Sheng later, and we’ll talk then."

After speaking, he left in great strides.

Bai Ruozhu stood there dazed. What time did he mean by later? He didn’t mention where to meet. Could Fen Jizhi be relied upon?

She then caught up with her family and returned to the Diaojiao Building.

Today, Jiao Yunyun was particularly joyful, even having a few extra drinks. It was Bai Ruozhu who helped treat her. With her health slightly improved and her spirits much better, she looked a few years younger.

The third elder was also very happy, his face flushed from drinking, chatting animatedly with Jiao Yunyun. It was unexpected that someone who looked so mighty and strong became so talkative when drunk.

The two talked about their childhood, sharing many stories from the past. Bai Yihong, worried about Jiao Yunyun getting tired, supported her back to her room, only to find the third elder followed them in.

"I still have much to say to Xiaoyun; you two should rest," the third elder said, pulling Jiao Yunyun to continue chatting.

Bai Yihong was still a bit worried, but Bai Ruozhu pulled him away, whispering: "Dad, don’t interfere. Can’t you see the third elder’s using the alcohol as courage?"