Bai Jushen's Determination
“Master Huang, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Wen Xian said. “I dare not take credit for your care, Young Master Qin.”
Yan Ge asked, “I recall you hired several managers. Why did you come personally?”
Wen Xian explained, “There are too many guests today, and I was worried that some departments might overlook things on their first day of work, so I came to check.”
“Father, Papa!” Yan Jin ran over with the young crown prince, both of them sweating profusely. “Little Yunxi said he’s thirsty and wants to drink juice.”
The two children looked intelligent and lively, which made Wen Xian somewhat envious.
“Very well,” Yan Ge said. “You have some change in your backpacks, so you can buy it yourselves later.”
Wen Xian caught a glimpse of Bai Jushen’s figure passing through the crowd and said to Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen, “I won’t disturb your family any longer. Goodbye.”
Huangfu Yuchen replied, “Please.”
“Come, young masters,” Deng Mande happily said, holding one of each of their hands.
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen walked side by side behind them.
The guards followed closely.
In the shade near the Ferris wheel, several young gentlemen watched the playing children while chatting, with Yan Ge as the center of their conversation.
“Do you see that? That young gentleman over there is Young Master Qin, the owner of the First Company.”
“Really? He’s so young!”
“As far as I know, the First Company owns an amusement park, as well as a garment workshop, a jewelry store, a pharmacy, a toy house, a pen manufacturing factory, a toothpaste and toothbrush shop… it has everything.”
“He’s truly a talented young man!”
“Ah, he’s so capable. What chance do we have against him?”
“Hehe! Wen Xian, Ye Ziyang, and Zhang Mo have gotten close to Young Master Qin and are making a fortune. The Zhao family offended Young Master Qin and can nolonger survive in the capital. So, never entertain any crooked thoughts.” This person was well-informed.
“Have you heard? Even the owner of the Zhuguang Pavilion went to the Linlang Pavilion in the First Company to buy jewelry!”
“But don’t you find it strange? The First Company is too deep. Nobody has been able to uncover Young Master Qin’s background, especially his even more mysterious husband, Huang Chenyu. I’ve never even heard of him.” This was the well-informed person speaking.
“You even know his husband is called Huang Chenyu?”
“That’s right. Otherwise, how could I live up to my reputation as an informant?”
Bao Zhiheng was not far away, and his face looking unpleasant. He didn’t come here today to bring his child to play but to see what this amusement park was all about. The carousel, elephant slide, Ferris wheel, swing, bungee jumping, pirate chase, elevator, trampoline, maze… everything was novel and astonishing. He was about to leave when he overheard this conversation, which made him infuriated.
Young Master Qin’s name was like a hurricane, sweeping through the entire capital. It was no wonder the Zhao family had hired an assassin to deal with him in the past. He was a disaster for other businessmen in the capital. However, there was nothing he could do, he didn’t want to end up like the Zhao family.
“Father, I am unable to continue.” The little prince’s clothes were completely soaked with sweat, and his face was dirty. Exhausted, he bent over, supporting his knees with his hands. He moved closer to Yan Ge and panted with his mouth open, while his eyes regretfully gazed at the unplayed attractions, causing Yan Ge to suppress his laughter.
Yan Ge, on the other hand, was relaxed, feeding the little prince a glass of juice. Passersby couldn’t help but glance at this scene of pampering and love, smiling knowingly.
Yan Ge smiled and said, “If you can’t play anymore, then let’s not play. We’ll have more chances in the future. Rest for now, and I’ll take you for a bath.”
After bathing and changing into fresh and clean clothes, the group returned home. The little prince and Yan Ge fell fast asleep in the swaying carriage.
Upon returning to the palace, Huang Fu Yuchen had someone escort them to their residence. He was busy reviewing the accumulated memorials, and Yan Ge accompanied him. Huang Fu Yuchen would first categorize all the memorials, and some of the simpler ones he would have Yan Ge review. He only need to approve ‘agree’ or ‘reject’, and for someone who had already begun cultivating, imitating Huang Fu Yuchen’s handwriting was a piece of cake.
As for matters of the harem being involved in politics, Deng Mande acted like he hadn’t seen anything.
Now, let’s talk about Bai Jushen. He had only gone to the amusement park to show face for the boss, but Wen Xian caught him and somehow convinced him to stay and work as a laborer for a day. It was almost dark when he finally had the opportunity to return to Linlang Pavilion.
He checked the doors from top to bottom to ensure they were locked properly, confirmed that the night shift had been arranged, and took the jewelry he had prepared to give to his mother back to Bai Mansion.
“Young Master Bai, you’re back.” Butler Bai Cai, smiled broadly and bowed to him.
Bai Jushen responded with a nonchalant “Mmm.” When he hadn’t left Bai Mansion, his father didn’t value him, and even the servants in the house dared to look down on him. Ever since he started working at the First Company, these people had started currying favor with him again. But he could care less.
Walking through the Lengmei Garden, he stood at the circular entrance for quite a while before entering. The laughter coming from the room made him pause, and when he saw the people inside, his face turned cold.
“What are you doing here?”
Bai Juyao, the eldest son of the Bai family, stood up with a smile, being very polite. “Second brother, you’re back. Since you’re rarely at home, I was afraid mother would be lonely, so I came to keep her company and have a chat.”
Wei Niang grasped Bai Jushen’s arm, reproachfully saying, “Why are you talking to your elder brother like that? Your elder brother came over specifically to see me, and even had dinner with me.”
Bai Jushen helped her sit down, ignoring Bai Juyao, and handed her the jewelry box. “Niang, it’s been a long time since you bought new jewelry. This is something I bought for you. Take a look and see if you like it.”
*Children of concubines are not allowed to call their biological mothers “mother”, only the legitimate wife is called “mother”.Niang means “father’s concubine”.
Bai Juyao noticed the marking on the jewelry box and smiled, saying, “Niang, second brother is truly filial. This is jewelry from Linlang Pavilion.”
Wei Niang nervously said, “I heard that jewelry from Linlang Pavilion is especially expensive. Jushen, how did…”
Bai Jushen tapped her hand. “Niang, please don’t overthink. Because I am an employee of the company, I can enjoy the privilege of ‘installment payments.’”
“Oh, I see.” Wei Niang opened the jewelry box and nodded repeatedly. “They’re truly beautiful. However, Mother is getting older and doesn’t need so much jewelry. Please refrain from spending money recklessly in the future.”
Bai Juyao interjected, “Niang, this is a heartfelt gift from my younger brother. Please accept it wholeheartedly.”
“Why haven’t you left yet?” Bai Jushen’s expression turned sour.
Bai Juyao sighed helplessly. “Brother, you misunderstand me deeply. The main purpose of my visit this time was to convey a message to Wei Niang. I have convinced Father to cancel your engagement to Young Master Liao. Alright, I’ll leave and won’t disturb you any further.”
Wei Niang was overjoyed. “Jushen, that’s wonderful. Your father still cares about you. I always thought Young Master Liao wasn’t a suitable match for you.”
However, Bai Jushen’s face grew even darker. He understood Bai Juyao well; he would never act so benevolently.
Without time to explain to his mother, he quickly caught up to Bai Juyao.
“Wait!”
“Do you have something else to say?” Bai Juyao turned back, a strange smile on his face. His hands were clasped behind his back as he calmly observed Bai Jushen.
“What are you plotting, exactly?” Bai Jushen asked calmly.
“Oh, you’ve figured it out?” Bai Juyao shrugged. “I never expected you to be so fortunate as to climb up to Young Master Qin. It seems that men with a flower body are truly blessed, not just a mere legend. There’s no harm in telling you. You know that the Bai family is in the wine business, and that Young Master Qin wants a share in any profitable venture. In my opinion, it’s only a matter of time before he opens his own distillery. Your fiancé has become less useful, and Father’s intention is for you to marry Huang Chenyu or Wen Xian. In short, if we can align ourselves with the First Company, the status of our Bai family will soar.”
Bai Jushen was so angry that his stomach ached. Wen Xian was still unmarried, but they were even considering marrying him off to Huang Chenyu. How could they even conceive of such a thing!
“Dream on!” Bai Jushen’s anger grew fierce, but he calmed down. “Listen well. I am a person, not a possession. I will never be manipulated by you or anyone else.”
Bai Juyao laughed heartily. “Do you really think you can resist? Bai Jushen, don’t you understand yet? As long as Wei Niang remains in the Bai family, you can never truly escape from it! Will Wei Niang leave the Bai family? No, she won’t! She went through great lengths to enter the Bai family, so how could she leave? Hehehe…”
Bai Jushen watched him walk away as he laughed heartily, and he turned back to Lengmei Garden.
“Jushen, what’s wrong?” Wei Niang approached, her concern evident.
Bai Jushen grasped her shoulder. “Mother, we’re leaving the Bai family! Completely leaving.”
The word ‘mother’ caused Wei Niang’s lips to tremble, and her beautiful eyes shimmered with tears. “Jushen… but how can Mother leave the master?”
“Why can’t we?” Bai Jushen sat down and locked eyes with her. “He doesn’t care about us at all. Who is the person who has only visited you three times since my birth? Clearly, it was Bai Juyao who insulted the young maid, Dongmei, but who beat me instead? Who is the one constantly scheming to marry me off to someone who indulges in drinking, eating, whoring, and gambling.”
With each word he spoke, Wei Niang’s face grew paler.
“But Mother loves him,” Wei Niang murmured absentmindedly. “Mother has loved him for over ten years…”
“Do you not want to leave?” Bai Jushen asked in a soft voice.
Wei Niang hesitated and said, “If you marry a chicken, follow the chicken; if you marry a dog, follow the dog, Mother…”
Bai Jushen stopped trying to persuade her. The voice in his heart was resolute: Fine, if you can’t make up your mind, I’ll help you, Mother.
Less than half an hour later, the flames soared high in the Lengmei Garden.
Gao Feng was startled awake by the knocking sound and looked puzzled at Bai Jushen, who was holding someone in front of him.
“Gao Feng, I know you must have a way to find the boss. I need the boss’s help for something…”
Bai Jushen's Determination
“Master Huang, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Wen Xian said. “I dare not take credit for your care, Young Master Qin.”
Yan Ge asked, “I recall you hired several managers. Why did you come personally?”
Wen Xian explained, “There are too many guests today, and I was worried that some departments might overlook things on their first day of work, so I came to check.”
“Father, Papa!” Yan Jin ran over with the young crown prince, both of them sweating profusely. “Little Yunxi said he’s thirsty and wants to drink juice.”
The two children looked intelligent and lively, which made Wen Xian somewhat envious.
“Very well,” Yan Ge said. “You have some change in your backpacks, so you can buy it yourselves later.”
Wen Xian caught a glimpse of Bai Jushen’s figure passing through the crowd and said to Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen, “I won’t disturb your family any longer. Goodbye.”
Huangfu Yuchen replied, “Please.”
“Come, young masters,” Deng Mande happily said, holding one of each of their hands.
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen walked side by side behind them.
The guards followed closely.
In the shade near the Ferris wheel, several young gentlemen watched the playing children while chatting, with Yan Ge as the center of their conversation.
“Do you see that? That young gentleman over there is Young Master Qin, the owner of the First Company.”
“Really? He’s so young!”
“As far as I know, the First Company owns an amusement park, as well as a garment workshop, a jewelry store, a pharmacy, a toy house, a pen manufacturing factory, a toothpaste and toothbrush shop… it has everything.”
“He’s truly a talented young man!”
“Ah, he’s so capable. What chance do we have against him?”
“Hehe! Wen Xian, Ye Ziyang, and Zhang Mo have gotten close to Young Master Qin and are making a fortune. The Zhao family offended Young Master Qin and can nolonger survive in the capital. So, never entertain any crooked thoughts.” This person was well-informed.
“Have you heard? Even the owner of the Zhuguang Pavilion went to the Linlang Pavilion in the First Company to buy jewelry!”
“But don’t you find it strange? The First Company is too deep. Nobody has been able to uncover Young Master Qin’s background, especially his even more mysterious husband, Huang Chenyu. I’ve never even heard of him.” This was the well-informed person speaking.
“You even know his husband is called Huang Chenyu?”
“That’s right. Otherwise, how could I live up to my reputation as an informant?”
Bao Zhiheng was not far away, and his face looking unpleasant. He didn’t come here today to bring his child to play but to see what this amusement park was all about. The carousel, elephant slide, Ferris wheel, swing, bungee jumping, pirate chase, elevator, trampoline, maze… everything was novel and astonishing. He was about to leave when he overheard this conversation, which made him infuriated.
Young Master Qin’s name was like a hurricane, sweeping through the entire capital. It was no wonder the Zhao family had hired an assassin to deal with him in the past. He was a disaster for other businessmen in the capital. However, there was nothing he could do, he didn’t want to end up like the Zhao family.
“Father, I am unable to continue.” The little prince’s clothes were completely soaked with sweat, and his face was dirty. Exhausted, he bent over, supporting his knees with his hands. He moved closer to Yan Ge and panted with his mouth open, while his eyes regretfully gazed at the unplayed attractions, causing Yan Ge to suppress his laughter.
Yan Ge, on the other hand, was relaxed, feeding the little prince a glass of juice. Passersby couldn’t help but glance at this scene of pampering and love, smiling knowingly.
Yan Ge smiled and said, “If you can’t play anymore, then let’s not play. We’ll have more chances in the future. Rest for now, and I’ll take you for a bath.”
After bathing and changing into fresh and clean clothes, the group returned home. The little prince and Yan Ge fell fast asleep in the swaying carriage.
Upon returning to the palace, Huang Fu Yuchen had someone escort them to their residence. He was busy reviewing the accumulated memorials, and Yan Ge accompanied him. Huang Fu Yuchen would first categorize all the memorials, and some of the simpler ones he would have Yan Ge review. He only need to approve ‘agree’ or ‘reject’, and for someone who had already begun cultivating, imitating Huang Fu Yuchen’s handwriting was a piece of cake.
As for matters of the harem being involved in politics, Deng Mande acted like he hadn’t seen anything.
Now, let’s talk about Bai Jushen. He had only gone to the amusement park to show face for the boss, but Wen Xian caught him and somehow convinced him to stay and work as a laborer for a day. It was almost dark when he finally had the opportunity to return to Linlang Pavilion.
He checked the doors from top to bottom to ensure they were locked properly, confirmed that the night shift had been arranged, and took the jewelry he had prepared to give to his mother back to Bai Mansion.
“Young Master Bai, you’re back.” Butler Bai Cai, smiled broadly and bowed to him.
Bai Jushen responded with a nonchalant “Mmm.” When he hadn’t left Bai Mansion, his father didn’t value him, and even the servants in the house dared to look down on him. Ever since he started working at the First Company, these people had started currying favor with him again. But he could care less.
Walking through the Lengmei Garden, he stood at the circular entrance for quite a while before entering. The laughter coming from the room made him pause, and when he saw the people inside, his face turned cold.
“What are you doing here?”
Bai Juyao, the eldest son of the Bai family, stood up with a smile, being very polite. “Second brother, you’re back. Since you’re rarely at home, I was afraid mother would be lonely, so I came to keep her company and have a chat.”
Wei Niang grasped Bai Jushen’s arm, reproachfully saying, “Why are you talking to your elder brother like that? Your elder brother came over specifically to see me, and even had dinner with me.”
Bai Jushen helped her sit down, ignoring Bai Juyao, and handed her the jewelry box. “Niang, it’s been a long time since you bought new jewelry. This is something I bought for you. Take a look and see if you like it.”
*Children of concubines are not allowed to call their biological mothers “mother”, only the legitimate wife is called “mother”.Niang means “father’s concubine”.
Bai Juyao noticed the marking on the jewelry box and smiled, saying, “Niang, second brother is truly filial. This is jewelry from Linlang Pavilion.”
Wei Niang nervously said, “I heard that jewelry from Linlang Pavilion is especially expensive. Jushen, how did…”
Bai Jushen tapped her hand. “Niang, please don’t overthink. Because I am an employee of the company, I can enjoy the privilege of ‘installment payments.’”
“Oh, I see.” Wei Niang opened the jewelry box and nodded repeatedly. “They’re truly beautiful. However, Mother is getting older and doesn’t need so much jewelry. Please refrain from spending money recklessly in the future.”
Bai Juyao interjected, “Niang, this is a heartfelt gift from my younger brother. Please accept it wholeheartedly.”
“Why haven’t you left yet?” Bai Jushen’s expression turned sour.
Bai Juyao sighed helplessly. “Brother, you misunderstand me deeply. The main purpose of my visit this time was to convey a message to Wei Niang. I have convinced Father to cancel your engagement to Young Master Liao. Alright, I’ll leave and won’t disturb you any further.”
Wei Niang was overjoyed. “Jushen, that’s wonderful. Your father still cares about you. I always thought Young Master Liao wasn’t a suitable match for you.”
However, Bai Jushen’s face grew even darker. He understood Bai Juyao well; he would never act so benevolently.
Without time to explain to his mother, he quickly caught up to Bai Juyao.
“Wait!”
“Do you have something else to say?” Bai Juyao turned back, a strange smile on his face. His hands were clasped behind his back as he calmly observed Bai Jushen.
“What are you plotting, exactly?” Bai Jushen asked calmly.
“Oh, you’ve figured it out?” Bai Juyao shrugged. “I never expected you to be so fortunate as to climb up to Young Master Qin. It seems that men with a flower body are truly blessed, not just a mere legend. There’s no harm in telling you. You know that the Bai family is in the wine business, and that Young Master Qin wants a share in any profitable venture. In my opinion, it’s only a matter of time before he opens his own distillery. Your fiancé has become less useful, and Father’s intention is for you to marry Huang Chenyu or Wen Xian. In short, if we can align ourselves with the First Company, the status of our Bai family will soar.”
Bai Jushen was so angry that his stomach ached. Wen Xian was still unmarried, but they were even considering marrying him off to Huang Chenyu. How could they even conceive of such a thing!
“Dream on!” Bai Jushen’s anger grew fierce, but he calmed down. “Listen well. I am a person, not a possession. I will never be manipulated by you or anyone else.”
Bai Juyao laughed heartily. “Do you really think you can resist? Bai Jushen, don’t you understand yet? As long as Wei Niang remains in the Bai family, you can never truly escape from it! Will Wei Niang leave the Bai family? No, she won’t! She went through great lengths to enter the Bai family, so how could she leave? Hehehe…”
Bai Jushen watched him walk away as he laughed heartily, and he turned back to Lengmei Garden.
“Jushen, what’s wrong?” Wei Niang approached, her concern evident.
Bai Jushen grasped her shoulder. “Mother, we’re leaving the Bai family! Completely leaving.”
The word ‘mother’ caused Wei Niang’s lips to tremble, and her beautiful eyes shimmered with tears. “Jushen… but how can Mother leave the master?”
“Why can’t we?” Bai Jushen sat down and locked eyes with her. “He doesn’t care about us at all. Who is the person who has only visited you three times since my birth? Clearly, it was Bai Juyao who insulted the young maid, Dongmei, but who beat me instead? Who is the one constantly scheming to marry me off to someone who indulges in drinking, eating, whoring, and gambling.”
With each word he spoke, Wei Niang’s face grew paler.
“But Mother loves him,” Wei Niang murmured absentmindedly. “Mother has loved him for over ten years…”
“Do you not want to leave?” Bai Jushen asked in a soft voice.
Wei Niang hesitated and said, “If you marry a chicken, follow the chicken; if you marry a dog, follow the dog, Mother…”
Bai Jushen stopped trying to persuade her. The voice in his heart was resolute: Fine, if you can’t make up your mind, I’ll help you, Mother.
Less than half an hour later, the flames soared high in the Lengmei Garden.
Gao Feng was startled awake by the knocking sound and looked puzzled at Bai Jushen, who was holding someone in front of him.
“Gao Feng, I know you must have a way to find the boss. I need the boss’s help for something…”
