The Lucky Heiress

Upon hearing Wei Ruo’s voice, Shi Dayou came back to his senses and then said “To be frank with you Master Xu, I have actually been feeling that there is something wrong with the seedlings in this field during the last few days. I have been farming since I was three years old and in thirty-five years, I have become very familiar with how seedlings should grow at this time. Even the slightest irregularity, I can spot the difference.

Wei Ruo listened carefully to Shi Dayou’s words, without interrupting him.

Shi Dayou continued, “The way these seedlings are growing doesn’t feel quite right, but for now, I can’t be certain if there’s a problem. After hearing what Master Xu just said, my suspicion has become more of a certainty.

It turned out that not only Wei Ruo had suspicions, but Shi Dayou held the same opinion.

We Ruo’s gaze towards Shi Dayou changed, a touch of admiration appearing in his eyes.

“Have you not considered changing the seedlings?” Wei Ruo asked.

“Well even though I’m the village chief, making this decision is hard. What if my judgment is wrong, won’t I be making the villagers work in vain? Moreover, changing seedlings at this point may affect this year’s rice production, and everyone is looking forward to a good harvest from this batch.” Shi Dayou was torn and distressed over the matter.

“I have a batch of late-season rice seeds on my hands, planting them late won t affect the yield, and these seeds are highly resistant to diseases and pests. They are more resilient and have a higher yield than ordinary rice seeds.” Wei Ruo said to Shi Dayou.

“Really? Are there such rice seeds?” Shi Dayou looked at Wei Ruo in both surprise and delight.

Master Xu had his own lands and was a successful business, so there was no reason for him to joke about such matters. Hence, his words were indeed likely to be true.

“Yes, I have planted these seeds on my own land, and they are growing well now These seeds are not strict about the timing of planting, they can grow well whether planted early or late, and it’s not too late to plant them now.” Wei Ruo further explained to Shi Dayou.

After listening to Wei Ruo’s description, Shi Dayou didn’t reply immediately.

With a conflicted look on his face, he cautiously asked Wei Ruo after a moment, “Are these seeds from Master Xu very expensive?”

“I will give them to the villagers for free.” Wei Ruo said.

Upon hearing this, Shi Dayou looked amazed, “Give…give them to us?”

Wei Ruo nodded, “Consider it as some benefits for your villagers since I bought the land in Stone Village.”

“But Master Xu, you have already paid us silver.

“I know, but didn’t the village chief just say that if I needed your help, you would help me? In return for your kindness, it is only natural that I also treat you better.”

“But I just said that casually, we haven’t actually helped you with anything yet…”

“While that might be true for now, you have shown your willingness. Should there be any problems with my brewery in the future, I hope you and the villagers could lend me a hand.” Wei Ruo said.

“We will, we will, rest assured Master Xu!” Shi Dayou responded.

Wei Ruo nodded, “As for the seedlings, I merely wanted to give you a heads up. The final decision is still in your hands. Whether to change the seedlings or not is something you and the villagers should discuss, I won’t get involved.”

“Okay, I understand.” Shi Dayou replied.

“in that case, I won’t disturb the village chief any longer. I will take my leave now.” With that, Wei Ruo got up to leave.

Shi Dayou escorted Wei Ruo to the village entrance. After watching Wei Ruo’s carriage disappear into the distance, Shi Dayou returned home, quickly gathered his stuff and headed to the fields to talk to his fellow villagers about the seedlings.

After leaving Stone Village, Wei Ruo did not head directly into town but instead returned to his own estate.

As soon as he stepped down from the carriage, he was surrounded by people. Wei Ruo’s heart tightened, and then he saw Zhu Zongyu, his face hidden under a straw hat.

Upon recognizing the person, Wei Ruo relaxed, then asked with a cool expression, “What does Master Zhu mean by this?”

Chu Lan dismounted and approached Wei Ruo, “I want to see howlongyou can avoid me.”

He had come several times already, but each time Xu Heyou was not here. He had left messages with Manager Yu, but there was never a reply.

Xu Heyou didn’t want to see him, but he insisted on seeing Xu Heyou.

“Master Zhu, if I am not mistaken, I thought I had done courtesy to you rather than offend you, right?” Wei Ruo asked.

“Since you owe me a courtesy, why are you avoiding me like an enemy?” Chu Lan retorted.

“My courtesy toward you has already been returned, so there is no need for further interaction. As for avoidingyou, that’s an unfounded allegation. At present, it’s the busy farming season, and I’m too busy every day to attend to other things. It’s not about avoiding Master Zhu specifically.” Wei Ruo answered.

After Wei Ruo finished speaking, he bypassed the person in front of him and walked directly towards the gate of the estate.

Just as Wei Ruo was about to walk past Chu Lan, Chu Lan suddenly reached out and grabbed Wei Ruo’s arm.

“I noticed that ever since you found out I wasn’t a merchant, you’ve been full of hostility towards me. What does the official role mean to you exactly?” Wei Ruo looked up at Zhu Zongyu, unfortunately, he couldn’t see his face clearly. Otherwise, she really wanted to see the annoying expression on this face that she was about to heal.

“Master Zhu, you are overthinking it. I just feel there is no need for us to have any interaction. Rather, I don’t understand why Master Zhu is so persistent in wanting to see me. You’ve repaid your debt, as for your face, I didn’t say I. wouldn’t keep treating it, and I’ve been giving you the medicine on time.” Wei Ruo counter-questioned.

We Ruo’s words left Chu Lan speechless.

He didn’t know why he was so insistent on seeing Xu Heyou, and even when he realized that the latter was intentionally avoiding him his mood became inexplicably frustrated.

The colder he became towards him, the less calm he became.

He had never had such emotions before. In the past twenty years, his demeanor has never been disrupted by anyone.

Yet this person was just a teenager.

Why did he care so much about a teenager? Was it because he was his life saver? Or was it the tranquil and beautiful times they spent together while he was at his weakest?

Chu Lan stared into the clear eyes of the young man before him, trying to find an answer.

He didn’t find an answer, instead, an inexplicable stir arose in the depth of his heart.

Chu Lan let go of Wei Ruo’s arm.

After seeing him let go, Wei Ruo didn’t want to offend him too much, so she softened her tone, “Master Zhu, I don’t want to get into trouble. If you were a merchant, being attacked would only involve some thieves; but if you were an official, especially one with a special status, being attacked would involve more serious consequences. And this kind of trouble, is something a humble commoner like me can’t afford.

Wei Ruo’s words caused a jolt in Chu Lan’s heart.