The Lucky Heiress

“I just want to trouble you to keep an eye on Meimei… She… Despite Meimei’s good martial arts skills, she isn’t as smart as Ruoruo. I’m afraid she’ll be deceived by some of those crafty boys in your family…”

As Xu Zhengyong spoke, his cheeks turned slightly red.

“You should talk to Ruoruo about this,” Wei Jinyi said.

“No, that won’t do. Meimei and Ruoruo are like peas in a pod. If I tell Ruoruo, Meimei will also find out.”

“I understand, I’ll pay attention for you,” Wei Jinyi replied.

Upon hearing this response, Xu Zhengyong patted Wei Jinyi on the shoulder cheerfully. “Well then, thanks in advance, Second Brother Wei!”

After discussing the matter with Xu Zhengyong, Wei Ruo and Wei Jinyi didn’t immediately leave. At the enthusiastic invitation of the nanny’s family, they stayed for supper.

The dining table was set up in the courtyard, where the nanny had prepared a variety of homemade dishes.

While these dishes didn’t have the culinary skills of the master chef at Zuixian Residence nor the high-end ingredients, they carried a warm, homey taste that was irresistible.

At the dinner table, Wei Jinyi saw a different side of Wei Ruo when she chatted and laughed with Xu’s family.

Perhaps this warm, relaxed version of her was her true self, unlike the restrained rendition in the colonel’s house.

The interactions among Wei Ruo and Xu’s family also gave Wei Jinyi a sense of warmth and relaxation he hadn’t felt before.

“Second Brother Wei, eat more.” Xu Zhengyong enthusiastically served Wei Jinyi food. “Look how thin you are. You look like you could topple over in the wind. I bet that a single punch from me would knock you off your feet. You need to eat more and build up your strength.”

Xiumei chuckled at the side.

“Meimei, what are you laughing at?” Xu Zhengyong asked.

“Nothing really, I’m just looking forward to you punching the second young master once,” Xiumei said with a laugh.

“I was only making a metaphor. Second Brother Wei is nice to Ruoruo, why would I punch him?” Xu Zhengyong turned to Wei Jinyi and explained, “Don’t worry, Second Brother Wei. Even though my fists are hard, they are not meant for you, but for anyone who bullies Ruoruo.”

“Hmm.” Wei Jinyi confirmed.

Xiumei laughed even harder.

“Meimei, what the hell are you laughing at?” Xu Zhengyong asked, puzzled.

“Nothing really, it’s just that Brother Xiaoyong, you are so powerful”, Xiumei exclaimed, still laughing.

Xu Zhengyong gave her a puzzled look. He had a hunch that Xiumei was sarcastically ridiculing him, but he couldn’t find any evidence to prove it.

Wei Ruo served a big piece of preserved vegetable and braised pork into Wei Jinyi’s bowl. “Brother Xiaoyong is right. You do look a bit weak, so you should eat more. This dish of preserved vegetable and braised pork is one of my nanny’s best dishes. Try it.”

In the Wei household, personal serving during meals would be considered uncouth.

But in the Xu family, there was no such taboo, no rules about silence during meals. The dining table was lively and warm, something not found in the Wei house.

“Hmm.” Wei Jinyi picked up a piece of meat and tasted it with care. “It’s delicious.”

The nanny sighed when she heard Wei Jinyi compliment the food. As Ruo’s brother, Wei Jinyi, who had grown up in the Military Prefecture, had been accustomed to delicate food. She was worried he may not be fond of preserved and pickled dishes.

Xu Zhengyong told Wei Jinyi, “Second Brother Wei, you should come over more frequently with Ruoruo and my younger disciple sister. My mom knows many recipes.”

“Hmm.” Wei Jinyi responded with a gentle smile.

“Who is your disciple sister?” Xiumei wasn’t happy with Xu Zhengyong’s term for her.

“You!” Xu Zhengyong stated confidently.

“Noway, I am your elder disciple sister!” Xiumei retorted.

“No, you are definitely my younger disciple sister!” Xu Zhengyong insisted.

The two began to argue again over their ranking within their martial arts school.

Wei Ruo, the nanny, and Xu Zhushan were all very used to it.

Wei Ruo explained to Wei Jinyi, “They argue about this every once in a while. It would probably feel strange if they didn’t.”

“Hmm, it’s quite nice,” Wei Jinyi stated.

Such bickering only happens among those who have a strong relationship, which isn’t common among acquaintances.

After dinner, everyone in the backyard of the Four Treasure House was full and happy. Wei Ruo and Wei Jinyi then returned to the Military Prefecture together in a carriage.

On the way home, Wei Jinyi noticed Wei Ruo in high spirits, which helped him relax as well.

“Ruoruo, would you like to return to that home?” Wei Jinyi asked suddenly.

By ‘that home’, he meant the Xu’s Family.

Perhaps for Ruoruo, a place with people from the Xu’s family felt more like home.

“I do want to, but it’s tough, isn’t it? Even if the Wei family is on the decline, they are a noble family. No matter how much money I can make, I’m just a merchant, and a woman at that. The difference in social status is too great. I simply can’t compete.”

“So, you want to get married.” Wei Jinyi heard about this from Wang Caiwei. This was the first time he discussed it directly with Wei Ruo after returning home.

“Yes, I want freedom. I don’t know if Second Brother can understand. I know my ideas might be shocking, but they could give me the life I want,” Wei Ruo explained.

The light in the carriage was not bright at dusk. Half of Wei Ruo’s face was illuminated by the setting sun, while the other half was engulfed in darkness.

Wei Jinyi looked at Wei Ruo’s face and remained silent for a long while.

Wei Ruo looked up with a smile, “So next time, Second Brother, don’t stop me, I’ve thought it through.”

Wei Jinyi didn’t agree nor reject.

###

Early the next morning, Wei Mingting returned to the Military Prefecture.

His frequent homecomings must have had a reason. Given the current tense situation along the coast, Wei Mingting, as the Deputy Guard Commander, would not be able to leave his post so often.

Upon returning home, Wei Mingting locked himself in his study.

Out of concern, Yunshi asked the kitchen to prepare some food and went to visit him.

“My lord, why did you come back? Did something happen at the camp?” Yunshi asked, full of worry.

“There seems to be trouble,” Wei Mingting replied, his brow furrowed, and his face serious.

“Is it still an issue with the food and grass supply?”

“There’s some progress with the food and grass supply, but there’s now another equally serious issue that’s bothering me.”

“What is it?” Yunshi asked.

Wei Mingting looked at Yunshi and sighed, “Bring Ruoruo here. I have some things to discuss with her.”

The image of his eldest daughter emerged in Wei Mingting’s mind, troubled as he was. He felt that speaking with his wife wouldn’t be of any help.

Yunshi was a bit surprised, not expecting her husband’s thoughts to turn to their eldest daughter at this time.

After pondering for a while, Yunshi replied, “Alright, I will send someone to call Ruoruo over.”

Then Yunshi called Cuiping and asked her to fetch Wei Ruo from Tingsong Garden.

When Cuiping, on Yunshi’s orders, arrived at Tingsong Garden to find Wei Ruo, she found Wei Ruo checking the account books in her room.