[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-abandoned-woman-busy-farming":3,"chapter-abandoned-woman-busy-farming-abandoned-woman-busy-farming-chapter-1043":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Abandoned Woman Busy Farming",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},538508,790,"Chapter 1043 - 1043 1045 So That's The Purpose_1","abandoned-woman-busy-farming-chapter-1043",1043,"\u003Cp>Chapter 1043: Chapter 1045: So That’s The Purpose_1 Chapter 1043: Chapter 1045: So That’s The Purpose_1 Bai Ruozhu stood up under everyone’s watchful eyes and said to the young lady who nominated her, “The poetry competition is for you unmarried ladies to participate in; I, as a married woman, should not embarrass myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her words were not too direct, but everyone understood immediately, and many recalled that poetry competitions were indeed for unmarried ladies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Asking a married woman to compose poetry was not quite proper, was it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young lady’s eyes flickered with vexation, regretting that Bai Ruozhu hadn’t taken the bait, but she still said unwillingly, “Rules are not set in stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Madam Jiang is so modest—is it because she is too shy to compose poetry in front of others?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look, that’s almost like saying outright that she is uneducated and doesn’t even know how to write poetry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no sign of displeasure on Bai Ruozhu’s face; instead, her smile grew deeper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked at the lady and said, “I am ashamed at the thought of wasting everyone’s time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With so many young and talented Misses here, what interest could everyone possibly have in a married woman like me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her self-deprecating tone made many laugh, and quite a few unmarried young ladies felt a newfound fondness for her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since she didn’t try to steal the limelight from them, they naturally appreciated it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only the person who had been biting at Bai Ruozhu all this time who truly seemed shameless, wasting everyone’s time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Huilan burst into laughter and even reached out to pat Bai Ruozhu’s shoulder, saying, “You are too funny, making yourself sound so old-fashioned.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ruozhu smiled at her, “You flatter me, Princess; I am no talented lady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All I can manage is some accounting and a bit of small business, so I’d rather not make a fool of myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, the poetry session continued, but the lady who had sought trouble with Bai Ruozhu did not look pleased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ruozhu’s skillful deflection made her intentions despised by everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ruozhu took a closer look and saw that a legitimate daughter from a Marquis’ Residence possessed exceptional literary grace, to which Princess Huilan paid extra attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, there was a scrutinizing look in her eyes, probably looking for a wife for herself or someone else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the poetry, the talent showcase followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ladies enjoyed the show and occasionally offered their comments, while the Noble Ladies also performed well, with a few particularly shining.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ruozhu overheard someone nearby saying that some of the Noble Ladies were students of Chang’an Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ruozhu, don’t just watch; give us your commentary as well,” Princess Huilan suddenly said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd quieted down once more, all eyes turning to Bai Ruozhu, who once again became the center of attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ruozhu’s expression remained unchanged, but she guessed that Princess Huilan was looking for precisely this effect: to flatter her, to let her taste some sweetness, or perhaps to make her grow complacent?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All the Noble Ladies here are very talented; why should we worry about Danliang lacking female scholars compared to Chengshui Country?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, I have truly had an eye-opening experience,” she intentionally said a few pleasing words and refrained from giving specific comments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was not her place to praise someone at the risk of offending another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd was delighted by her words, and they burst into animated discussions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed, now that the Emperor advocates for women’s education, even married women can continue their studies and become female scholars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the future, their achievements will surely rival those of female scholars in Chengshui Country.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Isn’t that so?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We have many disciples of female learning here who, if someday there was a literary contest between the female scholars of the two countries, might prove Chengshui Country to be no match for us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Huilan quietly looked at Bai Ruozhu and thought to herself that this woman was indeed not simple; with just a few words, she had shifted everyone’s attention, avoiding making herself too conspicuous and preventing any dislike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She truly was a clever person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After another half hour, the banquet concluded, and Princess Huilan took Bai Ruozhu’s hand, saying, “Ruozhu, I’m feeling a bit dizzy, please escort me back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Princess.” Bai Ruozhu had no choice but to support her, sensing that they were getting to the heart of the matter, the inevitable confrontation she couldn’t avoid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After escorting Princess Huilan back to her room, the princess dismissed everyone except for Lüping, who stayed to attend to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Patting the back of Bai Ruozhu’s hand, she said, “Ruozhu, I take a liking to you, I knew it the moment I saw you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From now on, you should think of me as your elder and need not be so formal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For Princess to show me favor, it is my good fortune,” Bai Ruozhu responded, bowing her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Huilan tried to gauge her expression but couldn’t see it clearly because her head was slightly bowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It must not be easy for a woman to do business, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Xiangrong has several competitors in the Capital, like Tianyi Pavilion and Lingxiu Pavilion, well-established shops with strong backing and heritage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It won’t be easy for Hua Xiangrong to overtake them,” Princess Huilan said as she picked up her teacup, waiting for Bai Ruozhu to respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed, it’s already impressive that Hua Xiangrong hasn’t been squeezed out,” Bai Ruozhu said, seizing the opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Huilan’s smile blossomed, “It happens that we hit it off, and I quite fancy you too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why not enter into a partnership and invest some shares?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, nobody would dare to bully you easily.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ruozhu sneered inwardly, thinking, Do you believe that you’re not bullying me right now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, this was Princess Huilan’s scheme all along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Initially, Bai Ruozhu hadn’t considered this possibility, subconsciously believing that the princess wouldn’t demean herself to snatch her business, given that she probably didn’t lack money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who would have thought that the princess would actually dare to propose this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First came the gestures of goodwill, then public displays of affection, elevating her to cloud nine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next came the warning about how tough the Capital was, suggesting she should seek protection; and in return for support, Bai Ruozhu would have to offer up a share of the profits, while continuing to shoulder the workload alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“May I inquire how many shares the Princess wishes to obtain?” Bai Ruozhu asked tactfully, curious to see how far Princess Huilan dared to push her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking that Bai Ruozhu was tempted, Princess Huilan said with a beaming smile, “I think taking a forty percent stake should suffice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What do you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huh, expecting to receive forty percent of the profits without contributing anything, swooping in midway just to reap the benefits—how was this different from robbery?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ruozhu kept a polite smile on her face, though her heart was icy cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She feigned difficulty and said, “Originally, I started with a small business.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I thought about expanding it, so I partnered with friends and relatives right from the start, giving each of them a share of the profits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’ll have to discuss this with them first so they don’t think I’m making decisions rashly and ruining our relationship down the line.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The smile faded from Princess Huilan’s face, her expression darkening, and those narrow eyes turned somewhat chilling as they took on a hint of menace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your friends and relatives wouldn’t fail to give me this bit of face, would they?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or perhaps they are unaware of my reputation?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who in the Capital doesn’t show me some respect?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they’re really so blind, they can forget about doing any business at all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without changing her expression, Bai Ruozhu respectfully said, “The Princess is absolutely right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I will convey her words to them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I believe they wouldn’t dare to disagree.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Princess Huilan scrutinized Bai Ruozhu with an evaluating gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was she really going to discuss it with her partners, or was she simply unwilling to collaborate with her?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, it was not an empty threat to scare Bai Ruozhu—if she lacked the foresight, Princess Huilan would not hesitate to ensure that her business ended in the Capital.\u003C\u002Fp>",1373,"2026-05-30T14:09:23.559Z","2026-06-01T04:31:25.023Z",1,"novelbin.me","b3ae63f5573816b82f6376ea8577e10aebb2a261e4353bf0a122e6d14b3c2661","abandoned-woman-busy-farming-chapter-1044","abandoned-woman-busy-farming-chapter-1042",2707,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fabandoned-woman-busy-farming-cover.jpg"]