Chapter 2048: Being Followed

Chapter 2048: Being Followed

In typical rural households, people would go to the riverbank to wash clothes and beddings early in the morning. They would hang them in the yard to dry throughout the day, making them ready to be collected by evening.

Lou Shi used to follow this routine as well. However, after being beaten by Ruan Kewei, going to the river to wash clothes meant she had to roll up her sleeves and reveal her injuries. The riverbank was often crowded with gossiping women. While many of them sided with Ruan Hai, some with short tempers would scold Ruan Hai and Ruan Kewei when they saw Lou Shi's injuries.

Having heard some rumors, Ruan Hai advised Lou Shi not to go out when there were many people around.

Their family was relatively well-off, unlike some poorer families who needed to wear clothes as soon as they were dried. So, even if they washed clothes in the evening, it wasn't a problem.

This suited Lou Shi well. She didn't want to be the subject of gossip, so she preferred going to the river when it was less crowded, where she could breathe a little easier.

Zhang Shi was well aware of this, and when Ruan Chengqian heard about it, his eyes lit up. Wasn't this perfect? Without any of the Ruan family members around, he could have a private conversation with Lou Shi.

Thinking about this, he said to Shu Yu, "County Princess, you can rest at home. I'll head to the river."

Shu Yu was about to agree when Ying Xi spoke up, "There are people watching outside."

Shu Yu smiled, "It seems that Village Head Ruan is quite distrustful of me."

"It's fine," Ruan Chengqian waved his hand. "I have a way."

He went to the warehouse, grabbed a fishing basket, changed into dusty clothes, and then went straight out.

Sure enough, as soon as he stepped outside, someone asked, "Chengqian, where are you going?"

He replied with a grin, "Well, County Princess heard that the fish in our village are excellent, and she's quite interested. I'm going to the river to catch a couple."

Neighbors were very enthusiastic, "County Princess wants to eat fish? You don't need to trouble yourself; we have some at home. My husband just caught some yesterday, and they're still swimming in the water jar."

Ruan Chengqian chuckled, "You keep your fish. I want to catch them myself; that way, it shows sincerity."

Upon hearing this, everyone understood. It was clear that Second Master Ruan was being attentive. The County Princess had finally come to their house, and he was eager to find ways to please her.

However, no one questioned Ruan Chengqian's actions. In the meantime, two villagers who had secretly received orders from Ruan Hai exchanged glances. One of them stood up and said, "I'll follow him and see."

As he stood up, someone from the Ruan family also appeared. It was Zhang Shi, carrying a basket. She said to Wang Shi inside the house, "I'm going to pick some fresh vegetables from the garden. You can start cooking."

The villager who had been assigned to watch Ruan Chengqian could only sit back down. Now that two people from the Ruan family were outside, which one should they follow?

The other villager pulled his companion aside and said, "The Village Head told us to focus on the County Princess and her maidservant. Ruan Chengqian and the others are just going to catch fish and pick vegetables; there's no need to watch them. Otherwise, when the County Princess comes out, we'll all be gone."

"Alright."

No sooner had they spoken than several more people from the Ruan family emerged. Among them was Shu Yu, who said to Ruan Chengchun, "When I came here earlier, I noticed a field of sunflowers. It reminded me that Ruan Dalai mentioned that your family planted a few mu of them. Is that true?"

"Yes, it's true. It's our family's plantation, and it's doing well," Ruan Chengchun said excitedly. "We got the seeds from Dalai, and initially, I didn't know how to grow them. Dalai even asked the steward for advice. We already had two harvests. Would the County Princess like to take a look?"

"Alright," Shu Yu nodded, and the group headed out.