Bai Ruozhu watched indifferently. People simply depended on their age to lord it over others. They held younger generations in utter contempt without acknowledging that everyone was young at some point. Most likely, the establishment of a ’young elder’ position in the Commerce Association had endeared dissatisfaction amongst the seniors.
Despite his displeasure, the supervisor couldn’t dare disrespect her. He said he’d quickly relay her request to the chief supervisor in the backyard and return with news.
Jianqi’s face grew colder. He was very annoyed. Though his current mistress was a bit young, he had already accepted her. How could a small-time supervisor look down on his master, who had managed to escape safely from Zhou Jue’s clutches? Would she be ordinary? He committed the man’s face to memory, preparing to give him a lesson that night.
Moreover, Bai Ruozhu’s status alone should be enough to be greeted by the chief manager here. Now she had been left aside by a small-time supervisor. This was absurd!
However, seeing Bai Ruozhu’s indifferent demeanor restrained his anger. He could only wait and observe his master’s response.
Every inch of land was gold in the Capital City. Despite the Commerce Association’s backyard not being large, whatever discussion the supervisor was having with the chief manager in the backyard reached Jianqi and Bai Ruozhu. With Jianqi’s special training, he could hear even clearer than Bai Ruozhu.
"Chief Li, the disciple of Elder Lin from the Northwest has arrived. She said she wants to live in the place arranged by the Association. Where should we place her?" the supervisor mockingly huffed, "She even brought a baby. I don’t even know if she’s here for official business."
Chief Li Lixiao jumped up from his seat, glared at the supervisor Wang Fu, and said, "What nonsense! Why didn’t you report her arrival so I could receive her personally? Have you completely lost your manners as you’ve aged, Wang Fu? She’s an elder’s disciple and she could potentially become an elder herself. Doesn’t it sound ridiculous if the chief supervisor didn’t greet her?"
Wang Fu grumbled, "This ’young elder’ position is merely a gimmick. How is she qualified as an elder? Furthermore, she isn’t one yet. Why should you inconvenience yourself in greeting such a person? Is she worthy?"
Li Lixiao kicked him in frustration, ordering, "Go away. Haven’t you heard how protective Elder Lin is? The chief supervisor of Guqiu City’s very office was replaced because of this behavior. With your attitude, just wait for your bad luck. I don’t have time to volley words with you, I’ll personally receive her."
Wang Fu, still stubborn, muttered under his breath, "Even if he’s protective, he shouldn’t use power for personal gain. Why should a chief supervisor be replaced because of her?"
Li Lixiao halted, turned back to glare at him, and shouted, "The older you get, the less rational you become. It would be better if you retired earlier."
Finally, Wang Fu didn’t dare to retort anymore. He followed Li Lixiao out with a disgruntled expression.
Their last remarks were distinct enough for Bai Ruozhu to hear clearly.
Jianqi turned to Bai Ruozhu and asked, "Master, this is..."
"It’s fine," Bai Ruozhu said indifferently.
Jianqi felt increasingly perplexed by his mistress. She appeared weak and vulnerable, but she was evidently not. The Hao Family in Beiyu City had plotted against her. Though they hadn’t fallen, they lost their matriarch and their reputation was ruined. The Wang Family’s matriarch had harmed her friend and had been banished. The Wang Family had been implicated and their businesses were ruined. The Du family who also plotted against her, had their entire household exterminated. Was such a person weak? Yet, she seemed indifferent to how others disrespected her. It appeared that she wouldn’t get angry over a mere loss of face.
"Miss Bai, I’m Li Lixiao, the chief supervisor here. I apologize for the earlier slight," Li Lixiao bowed to Bai Ruozhu with a polite tone.
Bai Ruozhu continued to offer a faint smile. She knew that Li Lixiao’s courtesy and respect were not for her, but for Elder Lin, who was behind her.
Wang Fu stood behind them, wearing an aggrieved expression. Seeing this, Bai Ruozhu turned to him and suddenly asked, "Manager Wang, according to the association’s rules, what’s the punishment for conspiring with outsiders against members of the association?"
Wang Fu was taken aback, perhaps because he didn’t expect Bai Ruozhu to suddenly ask this. After a while, he responded, "That’s a major crime! Not only will the person be stripped of their association duties, they’ll also face physical punishment."
"The chief supervisor of Guqiu City, after knowing that I was being chased by murderers and got separated from my guard, not only did he not help me contact my guard, but also informed the murderers. What should be his punishment?" Bai Ruozhu’s voice suddenly became stern, hinting at a murderous intent.
Both Wang Fu and Li Lixiao were stunned. Jianqi’s eyes lit up; he knew his mistress wouldn’t be so easily bullied.
"I wasn’t aware of any such incident. That chief supervisor from Guqiu City is too disgraceful. Thankfully, Miss Bai is incredibly fortunate." Li Lixiao quickly gathered his thoughts and spoke.
Still in disbelief, Wang Fu asked, "Why would he harm you?"
The look Bai Ruozhu gave him held a hint of disdain. Did this man, despite his old age, still not understand the basics?
Wang Fu felt embarrassed under Bai Ruozhu’s gaze and quickly grasped the situation. It all came down to personal interests.
"I’ll take Miss Bai to her residence. It is prepared for the imminent arrival of Elder Lin. It’s a separate courtyard and isn’t too small. Is it okay if Miss Bai moves into the courtyard?" Li Lixiao hurriedly changed the topic.
Bai Ruozhu smiled, "That’s perfect. I want to pay my respects to my master."
Li Lixiao sighed in relief, escorted Bai Ruozhu out of the association, and they soon arrived at the assigned residence.
The yard wasn’t very large, but given the high value of land in the Capital City, it was already very good.
Once he had settled Bai Ruozhu, Li Lixiao was about to leave, but someone outside reported, "Miss Bai, Miss Leng Wanhua from the Leng Family wishes to meet you."
Li Lixiao’s expression changed slightly. The surname ’Leng’ was not very common. ’Miss Leng’ from the Capital City could only be Miss Leng Wanhua from the Leng Family. He couldn’t help but take another look at Bai Ruozhu, supposing that this disciple of the elder might have an even broader unknown background. He felt relieved that he had rebuked Wang Fu earlier and hadn’t slighted Bai Ruozhu. Otherwise... Images of what might happen sent chills down his spine.
The change in tone was evident as he respectfully bid Bai Ruozhu farewell. On his way out, he took a glance at Miss Leng. His suspicions that had risen earlier were now confirmed.
Upon hearing the surname ’Leng’, Bai Ruozhu also realized which family the visitor was from. The mother-in-law of Elder Meng had the surname Leng, and they were a prestigious family in the Capital City. Miss Leng’s visit was undoubtedly due to Elder Meng’s instructions.
Thinking of Elder Meng’s concern for her, Bai Ruozhu felt a warmth in her heart and a smile graced her lips. She hurriedly went to welcome her visitor. A tall woman arrived, her eight-piece flowing smoke dress swaying gracefully with each step, exuding an elegant charm.
Of course, what caught Bai Ruozhu’s attention was not the dress but the knitted half skirt draped outside the dress. It was fastened at the waist, restraining the flow of the trendy dress, which added some steadiness to its floating charm. The attire was quite pleasing to the eye.
Bai Ruozhu couldn’t help but admire. The ladies from the capital indeed had a better sense of fashion than those from Beiyu City. Indeed, the Capital was the most prosperous and fashionable place in Danliang Country.
Naturally, that knitted half skirt was her own handiwork.