Chapter 2989 - 2990: Birth, Aging, Sickness, and Death

Chapter 2989: Chapter 2990: Birth, Aging, Sickness, and Death

One thing that has always existed since ancient times is those who love to stand on the high ground of morality to criticize others, putting on a facade of worrying about the country and its people, as if without their worries, the country would collapse.

Bai Ruozhu wasn’t exactly averse to this Lady Zhang, but she very much disliked her way of reasoning.

"The Barbarian Tribe’s beast pets are formidable, but they are limited by geography. It’s impossible for them to use beast pets to invade my Danliang. The ancestors of Danliang Country did not extinguish the Barbarian Tribe; why should we act rashly and plunge the people into war and chaos?"

Seeing that Lady Zhang was about to argue further, Bai Ruozhu grew even more displeased. This Lady Zhang was simply too idle; if you’re so determined, why not go to the battlefield and fight the enemies yourself?

"From a military standpoint, Danliang should be wary of North Liao and Chengshui, rather than needlessly wasting military force to attack a nomadic tribe, giving North Liao an opportunity to strike against us," she added.

Old Lady Meng also became unhappy, her face turned cold as she said, "Fighting wars is men’s business, why keep talking about killings every day? The Barbarian Tribe and our Danliang have diplomatic relations; it’s normal for Ruozhu to advise them. Let’s not stray too far from the topic. At my old age, should I still be scared by your talks of killing?"

At these words, several people at the table hurriedly spoke some auspicious words, and the matter passed like that.

Lady Zhang left looking displeased, finding several opportunities afterward to excuse herself.

Bai Ruozhu dragged Meng Jinse over and asked, "What’s wrong with that Lady Zhang? Didn’t I offend her family?"

"I heard she has relatives who were trading in the Western Regions, and they got killed by the Barbarian Tribe." Meng Jinse whispered, "Besides, her husband is beneath Tu Lie in rank, and recently he’s been trying to connect with others, seemingly wanting a transfer somewhere else."

Bai Ruozhu nodded, "Ah, I’ve been back twice and haven’t run into Tu Ying. She and Ao Qi went to the Western Regions, living freely, I suppose."

"You will be going to the Western Regions in a while; you’ll meet her then." Meng Jinse suddenly sighed, "I still remember Tu Ying in her red attire, riding on a high horse with such presence. She made both Jinxia and me envy her. My riding skills weren’t good, and she wasn’t healthy enough, so neither of us could be like Tu Ying in her splendid attire and youth."

Bai Ruozhu also felt nostalgic, "Tu Ying is far more poised than before; she no longer wears red. I sent her a letter, hoping she receives it, and doesn’t avoid me anymore."

Everyone had changed greatly over the past few years; Tu Ying had been to the battlefield, and met Ao Qi, experiencing many things, and was no longer as reckless and flamboyant as in girlhood.

Meng Jinse changed even more, no longer the beloved Beiyu City Lord’s daughter that everyone adored, and now remembered more as the false empress.

Bai Ruozhu had just turned twenty, and Meng Jinse was barely nineteen after the New Year; their paths ahead were long, why be burdened by the past?

"Ignore that Lady Zhang; how could I waste time in a tit-for-tat with her? I’m off to see Ayan." Bai Ruozhu said.

Meng Jinse smiled playfully, "She truly cares for my father, which I don’t oppose."

Bai Ruozhu was somewhat amazed, considering it’s the ancient times, her thinking was quite progressive.

"I thank you for her."

Bai Ruozhu left the banquet table and found Ayan in the backyard.

"Why didn’t you attend the banquet?" she asked.

Ayan smiled at her, "I planned to go, but thought it troublesome, so just dropped it. I knew you would come to find me anyway."

"I wish I hadn’t, waiting for you to come to me instead." Bai Ruozhu laughed, "How are things going with my godfather?"

"He still hasn’t remembered, but he’s quite familiar with me; that’s enough for me, and I’m now relieved." Ayan replied.

Bai Ruozhu thought for a moment, "I know it’s somewhat discouraging to say this, but I have to remind you, human lifespans are limited, not like yours, living so long."

"I’m aging too, who knows how many years I’ll live?" Ayan said with a smile, her expression still carrying a touch of girlish charm.

Bai Ruozhu suddenly felt some pity, but she quickly came to terms with it; if Meng Liangshen passed away, and she continued to live in loneliness, wouldn’t that be a form of suffering too?

Life isn’t measured by length but by the happiness one can find and the brilliance one can unleash during it.

"I have something to ask you; I was struck by someone’s Transfer Technique before, nearly died, and later a friend set up an Array to save me. Some accident occurred midway; a white dragon absorbed the Array’s energy, also drew away the Evil Aura from me. He said he wants to become the Fallen Dragon God and go somewhere else. Do you know where it is?" Bai Ruozhu explained carefully.

Ayan’s eyes lit up, "It’s where I used to live, but the Dragon God is too mysterious, he might have gone to an even more mysterious place."

"Will he fare well there?" Bai Ruozhu’s mood darkened a bit, the white dragon helped them time and again, and finally said it would become the Fallen Dragon God to save her, which probably isn’t good, right?

"Everyone has their destiny, and saving you might be his. Let things go with the flow." Ayan said.

Bai Ruozhu nodded, let it be; maybe one day she could see the white dragon again.

After chatting a bit more, Bai Ruozhu also asked Ayan to look after Meng Jinse if need be, which Ayan readily agreed to.

"She’s a good girl; let her come to me if she needs help, but I can’t use force recklessly now." Ayan touched her white hair, but without a trace of gloom on her face, seemingly enjoying the routine of birth, aging, illness, and death like a human does.

"Alright, thank you." Bai Ruozhu bowed and excused herself, while Ayan looked at her, "I ought to thank you; if I hadn’t met you, I would still be stuck, unable to get out and meet him again."

Bai Ruozhu said nothing, smiled at Ayan, and left.

If one day Ayan learned it was them who killed her and Xuan Gui’s child, she wouldn’t be able to speak with her so calmly, would she?

By now, the banquet was almost over, Bai Ruozhu bid farewell to Old Lady Meng, then headed to the front yard to meet Jiang Yichun, leaving the Meng Family together.

Aboard the horse carriage, Jiang Yichun suddenly chuckled quietly, Bai Ruozhu looked up at him, "What’s the matter?"

Her eyes were very bright as she looked up like that, he couldn’t resist reaching out to stroke her nose.

"Is it your doing?" he asked with a smile.

Bai Ruozhu wanted to feign ignorance, but his smile had already widened, "Why do I even ask? It’s obvious you did it. What did they do to provoke you?"

"The way you say it makes me sound petty, as if when a young lady annoys me slightly, I go to finish them off." Bai Ruozhu glared at him unhappily.

Jiang Yichun suddenly moved closer, lightly pecked her on the cheek; the horse carriage jolted a bit, and she leaned into his arms.

She quickly sat upright, they were almost home.

"What are you doing!" she said disgruntled.

"You were upset, of course, I have to cheer you up." Jiang Yichun replied with a smile.