The Lucky Heiress

“Could this be because our residence has been heavily guarded recently and no outside news can come in?” asked Wei Qingwan.

“It seems to be the case. Even for young master Qi, he has to be extra cautious when acting in Taizhou prefecture. With the current situation in the house, indeed, no news can come in. But don’t worry, miss. I’ve been sending Cuihe to the place you mentioned every day. If there’s any news, I’ll report to you as soon as possible.”

“He will come find me, he will definitely come find me,” murmured Wei Qingwan.

Thinking about Qi Zhen, Wei Qingwan was reminded of her own back. She wouldn’t let the brutal scar stay on her back.

“Granny Li, please help me inquire about any medicine that can eliminate scars these days. I am willing to pay however much,” Wei Qingwan said.

“Rest assured, Miss. I’ll have people investigate thoroughly,” Granny Li promised.

After comforting Wei Qingwan, Granny Li left the room.

As soon as she stepped outside the room, Granny Li’s face turned grave.

There was another thing she hasn’t mentioned to her lady: the rumors circulating outside.

With the spread of rumors, it was uncertain whether or not they would influence young master Qi’s consideration.

Even if the person whom the Miss has been secretly meeting is young master Qi, the Qi Family might not ignore the Miss’s situation.

Granny Li hoped that Wei Qingwan could marry into the Qi Family since, most likely, she and her daughter Cuihe would accompany Wei Qingwan as dowry maids. Whether Wei Qingwan’s marriage was good or not directly affected their future.

However, for now, she needed to make sure Wei Qingwan healed from her injuries peacefully. Other matters could be planned later.

###

Wei Ruo had started running the prefecture’s office again in the past few days. After being delayed for three days in the provincial city and another two upon her return, she hadn’t been taking charge of the disaster relief work for five to six days now.

Though everything was back on track now, Wei Ruo couldn’t always relinquish her responsibilities. She still had to make decisions on matters during different stages.

Once Wei Ruo arrived at Xianqiuge, she started busying herself. Everything went smoothly, except for the slight difference in the way some people looked at her. Concerned glances were passed occasionally.

After settling a few things, Wei Ruo sat down and took a sip of water. Granny Qin came to her side, seeming to have something to say.

“Do you have something to say, Granny Qin?” Wei Ruo asked.

“Miss, don’t worry. Although the incident has some impact on you, you are wise and virtuous. After the success of the land reclamation, there will definitely be nobles who will propose marriages at the Wei family.”

“So, is that what you wanted to talk about, Granny Qin? Don’t worry, I wasn’t affected by it,” said Wei Ruo in a light tone.

Since it was the result she wanted, she was more than happy to have it.

However, the current rumors outside weren’t spread by her. She initially planned to spend some silver to have people promote it in taverns and tea houses, but before she could make a move, someone else had already done it.

Up to this point, she still hadn’t figured out who that person was. They seemed to have acted in concert without prior arrangement.

“It’s best that you can stay optimistic about this,” Granny Qin said, seeing Wei Ruo’s smile, which didn’t seem forced, so she was quite reassured.

Then, Madam Yuan came. As soon as she entered, she took Wei Ruo to the next room.

Madam Yuan took Wei Ruo’s hand and sat on the imperial concubine’s bed. In a soft tone, she said, “Ruoruo, don’t feel bad. It’s all your sister’s fault. It has nothing to do with you!”

“I’m fine,” Wei Ruo said, smiling softly.

“To tell you the truth, your parents should be more resolute and deal with your undisciplined sister in order to preserve the reputation of the Wei family’s daughters!”

“Madam, I’m truly fine. I didn’t take those things to heart at all.”

“Oh, that Xiu Family, changing their minds just because of such a trivial matter. They were originally planning to arrange a marriage with your family, but then they decided not to!” Madam Yuan complained indignantly on behalf of Wei Ruo.

“The Xiu Family?”

“Yes, it really pissed me off. I thought Madam Xiu was a sharp woman. I didn’t expect she’d be just as foolish and confused about this as everyone else!”

“Did you hear about this from outside?” Wei Ruo asked.

The Xiu Family did have the intention of proposing a marriage to Xiu Fengyuan and then changed their minds. But this matter had nothing to do with Wei Qingwan’s scandal. The Xiu Family changed their minds first, and Wei Qingwan’s scandal came out afterward.

“Yes, Madam Liu mentioned it when we were talking yesterday. She said it was her youngest daughter who told her about this,” Madam Yuan said.

With this being said, Wei Ruo seemed to guess the cause of the issue.

Miss Liu, the fourth daughter of the Liu family, was currently studying in the Tongzhi Prefecture, along with Xiu Yaojun.

The idea of Xiu Fengyuan proposing marriage to her was most likely propagated by Xiu Yaojun since she disliked both her and Wei Qingwan.

After Wei Qingwan’s scandal came out, wouldn’t Xiu Yaojun take advantage and defame her?

“Regardless, these are just groundless rumors. They won’t do me any harm,” Wei Ruo said nonchalantly.

So far, the information being shared was mostly truth and did not cause any slanderous or harmful effects to her character.

“If you can think like this, I’ll be much more relieved, Ruoruo. And although you might not care, I must tell you that you don’t have to worry about your future marriage. As long as you’re willing to marry, you can select any man you like within the Yuan Family.” Madam Yuan promised Wei Ruo.

The Xiu Family didn’t want such a good daughter-in-law, but the Yuan family would welcome her with open arms!

Wei Ruo laughed, “Madam, you know me. I don’t want to get married too soon.”

Seeing Wei Ruo’s confidence, Madam Yuan began to feel more relieved. /’Alright, I’ll listen to you. But I meant what I said earlier. I’ve taken quite a fancy to you. If my son, Sheng, were a bit older, I would have wanted you to be my daughter-in-law.”

Her remark made Wei Ruo burst into laughter. Sheng was the child she had helped deliver, and it was amusing how Madam Yuan could even think in that direction.

###

Wei Ruo only returned to the Military Prefecture after having dinner at the prefecture’s office. It was already late by the time she arrived at the Military Prefecture. Thankfully, it was July, and the sky was still bright.

Upon reaching the entrance of the Tingsong Garden, Wei Ruo and Xiumei found a wooden box placed at the gate.

“Miss, let me check it,” Xiumei said. Worried that there might be something bad in the box, she shielded Wei Ruo and moved forward to inspect it.

Xiumei carefully opened the box, revealing dried herbs inside.

“Miss, look at this…” Xiumei turned back to look at Wei Ruo.

After careful identification, Wei Ruo said, “These are all rare herbs that are not commonly found. Even the ordinary pharmacies can’t get these goodies.”

“Ah? How did they end up here?” Xiumei asked, surprised.

Wei Ruo pondered for a moment, then turned to look in the direction of Yingzhu Garden.

Just as she was doing so, footsteps approached and Wei Ruo turned abruptly, her gaze meeting Wei Jinyi, who was in a white robe, as cold and elegant as jade.

“Second brother?”