The Lucky Heiress

Translator: 549690339 I

She hasn’t been betrothed yet, and if comments from Xiu Yaojun somehow compromise her reputation, it would not bode well.

So, in front of everyone, Wei Ruo made it clear that she and the Xiu family’s son were not betrothed, and Xiu Yaojun’s comments were merely a jest. Though Wei Ruo had no intention of marrying into a prestigious family, she did not want to be burdened with an undeserved reputation.

“How was I speaking recklessly? Everything I said was true. Or could it be that being betrothed to my brother is an inconvenience for you?” Xiu Yaojun was somewhat displeased.

Wei Ruo said calmly, “Marriage is no child’s play. Without the exchanging of betrothal gifts or formal inquiries, it cannot be considered a betrothal. The elders’ jests should not be taken seriously.”

Xiu Yaojun’s face instantly darkened, feeling offended.

Seeing Xiu Yaojun’s gloomy expression, everyone else dared not speak further. At this moment, Lady Yuan and the other two were a bit worried about Wei Ruo. They didn’t want Wei Ruo to irritate Xiu Yaojun. In Taizhou prefecture, those who offend Xiu Yaojun often end up facing difficulties.

Wei Ruo continued, “Given the Xiu son’s talents and virtues, he is indeed a rare gem. He deserves a better pairing, perhaps even with a noble lady from the capital. If the matter was already determined, it’s fine to discuss it. But if it’s not, spreading rumors not only does no good for me, but it’s also not favorable for the Xiu’s son.”

“Your remarks do make some sense,” Xiu Yaojun slightly cooled her temper, “After all, it would be indeed a step-up for a lady from the Wei family to marry my brother. I was quite surprised when my mother told me she was considering you as a candidate. Once my brother aces the exam this year, he would even be deserving of a Commandery Princess from the capital!” Xiu Yaojun continued, “Though the Wei family is of nobility, everyone is actually aware of the real situation. It’s good that you, at least, are self-aware enough not to act haughty as an heiress of the Earl Residence, unlike certain others.”

After finishing her speech, Xiu Yaojun shot a glance at Wei Qingwan from the corner of her eye.

Wei Ruo sighed inwardly. Xiu Yaojun was rather outspoken, her words perfectly aligning with the character Xiu Yaojun was speculated to have. If Wei Qingwan still had her heroine’s privileges, Xiu Yaojun’s unchecked remarks would certainly spell trouble for Wei Ruo.

But Wei Ruo was uninterested in further engaging with Xiu Yaojun. Firstly, Xiu Yaojun held contempt for her, and although Wei Ruo bore no grudge against her, she was not fond of her either. Secondly, Xiu Yaojun was rather stubborn, and no amount of reasoning would do.

Wei Qingwan, who was indirectly insulted by Xiu Yaojun, bowed her head, savoring the Wufeng tea that Chu Lan had just served, pretending she hadn’t heard anything.

Xiu Yaojun was satisfied, then her attention was drawn to the bustling noises outside.

The dragon boat race was in full swing, with crowds of spectators along the lake bank and numerous dragon boats fighting for the lead on the lake.

The sound of gongs and drums as well as cheering could be heard intermittently.

Wei Ruo savored her tea while idly watching through the window. She didn’t notice Wei Qingwan slipping away from the tea pavilion under the pretext of going to the restroom.

After quite a while, someone informed Xiu Yaojun that Wei Qingwan had not yet returned.

Xiu Yaojun scoffed, “Leave her be. She might have a stomach upset.” At this moment, the dragon boat race has reached its climax. The dragon boat of Anzhou Academy and that of Wei Yuan Trophies Bureau were at the forefront. The two dragon boats were neck and neck, and it was unclear who would secure the victory until the very last moment.

Xiu Yaojun was too engrossed in the exciting race to pay any attention to Wei Qingwan.

No one else said anything either and continued to watch the dragon boat race attentively.

At the very last moment, the dragon boat from Anzhou Academy slightly outstripped the other and crossed the finish line first, winning by a hair’s breadth.

Xiu Yaojun was overjoyed. She took off the pouch from her waist and gave it to her maid, instructing her to tip the servants at the Yusheng Tea House.

Xiu Yaojun then told everyone, “My elder brother will be coming to the Yusheng Tea House to rest with his schoolmates in a while.”

With that, she led her maid out, intending to personally greet her victorious brother.

About the time it takes to drink a cup of tea later, Xiu Yaojun’s maid returned to the tea pavilion to call for Wei Ruo.

“Miss Wei Ruo, my mistress requests your presence.”

“What for?” asked Wei Ruo.

“Our Young Master, my mistress, and Young Master Wei plan to play a game together and have expressly invited you, Miss Wei Ruo. They are already waiting in the courtyard.”

Wei Ruo squinted her eyes, then glanced towards the direction of the courtyard. She could vaguely see Wei Yichen, Xiu Fengyuan, and others standing in the courtyard, where a pitch-pot had been set up. It appeared as if they planned for a game of pitch-pot.

Since the game was to be held outdoors and their elder brothers were present, it was acceptable to have a minor game together.

Wei Ruo declined, “You could ask my sister instead, she’s better at these kinds of games.”

Wei Ruo didn’t know whether Wei Qingwan was any good at it, but she herself did not want to participate.

The maid looked back at the spot where Wei Qingwan was originally seated,

“Miss Wei Qingwan seems to have not returned yet…”

Wei Qingwan had disappeared midway through the dragon boat race and was still missing even when the races were over and the competitors had arrived at the tea house.

Wei Ruo furrowed her brow.

The maid added, “Ms. Wei Ruo, there’s no need to worry. These are just casual games to pass the time. There’s a prize if you play well, but it doesn’t matter if you don’t. You have nothing to worry about.”

“I understand.” Seeing that the maid couldn’t be persuaded, Wei Ruo reluctantly got up and followed the maid out of the room.

As they walked through the corridor and arrived at the courtyard, from a distance of seven or eight meters, Wei Ruo clearly saw the few people standing in the courtyard.

In addition to the Xiu siblings and Wei Yichen, there were several students from Anzhou Academy and Lu Yuhong.

It was said that the Lu family had recently arranged for Lu Yuhong to study at Anzhou Academy, so he has often been hanging out with Xiu Fengyuan and others. He also took part in today’s dragon boat race.

Wei Yichen came forward to greet Wei Ruo, “Big sister.”

Seeing Wei Ruo, Wei Yichen was relieved, because she had been ignoring him for some time. When Xiu Fengyuan had suggested the game earlier, he had been genuinely worried that his older sister would refuse to join them.

Wei Ruo nodded in response. In front of so many people, she didn’t want to embarrass Wei Yichen as it would also make her look bad.

“Ms. Wei.” Xiu Fengyuan greeted Wei Ruo with a gentle and elegant smile.

Greetings, Sir Xiu.” Wei Ruo gave a curtsy as etiquette demanded.

“Ms. Wei, Yaojun and I proposed a game of pitch-pot. Brother Wei happens to be here as well, so we thought of playing the game together with both of you. Four people in all. What do you think?” Xiu Fengyuan asked politely.

“I’m not very good at it.” replied Wei Ruo, attempting to subtly express her disinterest in the game..