The Lucky Heiress

Those children who were sold in the market looked confused and lost, with no sparkle in their eyes. Their innocence had been replaced by a sense of helplessness and disorientation.

■■Meimei, am I imagining things? It seems like there are more homeless people on the street recently.” Wei Ruo pulled back the curtain and spoke to the driver, Xiumei.

“It’S not your imagination, Miss. Not every county in Taizhou Prefecture is as fortunate as Xingshan County. Some counties faced a poor harvest last year, and their stored grains can barely last until this year. Even after selling everything, they can’t sustain themselves for a few months. I heard that a lot of them borrowed money from landlords to sow this year’s crops. But due to the cold snap a few days ago, all their hope is lost. That’s why the number of homeless people on the streets has increased these days.” Xiumei sighed and added.

She continued, “I suspect it will only get worse if we don’t see a good harvest this year. I shudder to think how these people will manage to survive?

If this is the dire situation in the Government City, the situation in the counties

is likely worse.

Wei Ruo looked a bit down. Although she had anticipated this situation, seeing

it firsthand still affected her.

After wandering about the city for a while, she signaled to Xiumei, and they returned to the Military Prefecture.

Weil Ruo entered the estate through a side gate; she had changed out of her street clothes in the carriage before returning home.

Upon stepping down from the carriage, Wei Ruo noticed a carriage parked at

the main gate, guarded by several unfamiliar guards.

Instinct told her that a person of distinction had arrived at the mansion.

Seeing this, Xiumei expressed her concern, “Miss, has something happened at home?”

“We’ll deal with whatever comes our way. Let’s go home first.

Wei Ruo and Xiumei entered Tingsong Garden and saw a familiar figure.

Old Lady Qin was waiting for them at the entrance of Tingsong Garden with a smile on her face and an attentive attitude.

The sight made Wei Ruo a bit uneasy. She had suspected that it might be Chu Lan visiting when she saw the formidable array at the entrance. Now seeing Old Lady Qin confirmed it.

You can’t avoid misfortune if it’s meant to come.

Wei Ruo Stepped forward and greeted Old Lady Qin, “Nice to see you, Lady Qin.” “Miss Wei, it has been a while. You’ve become more dazzling and captivating since we last met.” Old Lady Qin lavished her with praise.

Knowing that she was being flattered, Wei Ruo just smiled and did not take it to heart.

“I guess Lady Qin didn’t come over just for a casual visit. Since you are here to see me, there must be something you want. Let’s go inside and talk.” Wei Ruo said.

Old Lady Qin smiled in response, “Miss Wei, you have such a keen mind, there’s no hiding anything from you. Indeed, I am here to discuss something with you.”

Wei Ruo nodded and smiled in response. She then invited Old Lady Qin into Tingsong Garden.

Once they were settled inside, Wei Ruo asked Old Lady Qin to elaborate on the reason for her visit.

Always direct and concise, Ruo cut straight to the chase, which prompted Old Lady Qin to get to the point: “Actually, why I’m here today is at the request of the seventh prince.”

“What does the prince require of me?” Wei Ruo maintained composure in her demeanor, confidently and calmly. She had a suspicion, but waited for Old Lady Qin to clarify.

“Miss Wei, you’re intelligent. Thanks to your efforts, the barren land south of Xingshan County has produced a rich wheat harvest, and the rice that’s been planted now is also in high spirits. Based on this progression, Xingshan County, which was crucially concerned about food production in Taizhou Prefecture, may well catch up with other counties.

Old Lady Qin, being an experienced hand, didn’t forget to praise Wei Ruo before she asked her for a favor.

Wei Ruo responded with a courteous smile without saying any word.

Old Lady Qin continued, “As you must know, the current situation in the Jiangnan Region is disturbing. If things continue like this, grain shortages may return this year, and the general public will continue to suffer. In addition, the heavy burden of military taxes…”

She was appealing to Wei Ruo’s sense of duty and compassion.

Wei Ruo picked up the conversation, “Yes, people’s livelihood depends on grain. Without it, life would be very hard for everyone.

Old Lady Qin said, “That’s why the seventh prince hopes that you can lend a hand again, help the people of the other parts of Taizhou Prefecture to open up and cultivate land, so as to alleviate their suffering.

Besides Xingshan County, many other counties in Taizhou Prefecture also have salty wastelands. If these could be turned into farmlands, as in Xingshan County, it would increase the farmland area. Even if the output per acre reduced, the final yield could be ensured.

Wei Ruo paused without replying immediately. She just sighed softly. Seeing this, Old Lady Qin felt worried. Knowing all along about the matter of the barren land south of Xingshan County city, it was Wei Ruo who had been wronged because the prince didn’t mention her when reporting to the court. Now they were asking her again to help improve the barren land, it was natural to feel some resentment.

After waiting for a while, Old Lady Qin gravely addressed Wei Ruo, “Miss Wei, there are many things in the court that a woman of the women’s quarters doesn’t understand. Since the founding of our dynasty, there have been very few royal and noble women who have been publicly rewarded and praised. The prince cannot set a precedent for you.”

Old Lady Qin continued, “But the prince has always remembered your ability and contribution. The blessings you should receive will not be less than what you deserve.”

Weil Ruo was very clear about what Old Lady Qin’s words: she, a female, could hardly be publicly rewarded by the imperial court for her contribution to the country and its people.

Although Chu Lan couldn’t help her in reporting her achievements to the court, he would reward Wei Ruo and show his favor to her.

Wei Ruo replied calmly and unhurriedly to Old Lady Qin, “I understand what you are saying. However, you also know that I am merely a girl of a noble house, and I am of marriageable age. As the legitimate daughter of the Earl’s residence, even if I can’t make it more glorious, I shouldn’t disgrace it. If I am out all day, working on farming matters, and mingling with men… I’m afraid it’s not right.”

Wei Ruo quoted the words once spoken by Madam Yun to refute her request to leave home as reasons to refuse Old Lady Qin.

Old Lady Qin continued to persuade her: “Miss Wei, although the prince can’t ask for a reward for you from the court, there are many officials from the Wei family in the government. Your father, Mr. Wei has both valour and wisdom, and military merit. He just lacks a suitable opportunity.”

Weil Ruo understood what was being said; Old Lady Qin was suggesting that her contributions could aid the men of the Wei family. If her father was promoted, her status would naturally rise with the tide.

This approach would work for most people. Unfortunately, Wei Ruo had no intention of relying on the Wei family for anything.

Having grown up in modern times, she always believed that women should rely on themselves. Not dependent on parents or brothers. Even though she was living in a world that wasn’t friendly to women, this belief hadn’t wavered.

Wei Ruo replied to Old Lady Qin in a relaxed manner, “I understand what you’re saying, Lady Qin, but I really don’t have the time for this right now. Moreover, my abilities are limited. The success with the wasteland south of the city last time had an element of luck to it. I may not be so lucky if I try again..”