The Lucky Heiress

Lu Yuhong said, “I’m only a third full. If it weren’t for the fact that it would be impolite to exhaust Miss Wei, I’d ask her to make a few more fish.” Then, Lu Yuhong sighed, “If I could exchange fish for money, it would be easy, but this really as difficult. I do want to offer money, but she is a young lady from a distinguished family, giving her silver would belittle her. And it would be inappropriate to give her something else. She’s a young girl and I’m a rough man, to give her gifts may bother her, and worse, if someone hears it, it could ruin her reputation.”

“I didn’t expect you to be so considerate now,” Chu Lan said.

“Your Highness, please don’t tease me. I may be a bit rough, but I still understand the basic rules,” defended Lu Yuhong, for he, too, came from an aristocratic family.

Then, Lu Yuhong sighed again, “When will I be able to enjoy Miss Wei’s cooking again? Perhaps I should think of a way to gift her a sizable present. She may continue to make delicious meals for me out of gratitude. But how can I rightfully give a gift to an unmarried lady?…”

Lu Yuhong kept talking to himself.

Seeing him mutter like this, both Chu Lan and Xie Jue were helpless and shook their heads.

They ignored him. Once a foodie’s head was full of delicious food, it was hard for them to think about anything else. They let him worry about it. He would figure it out when the time came.

###

By the time Wei Ruo and Xiumei returned to the temporary residence of Xie’s Family, Yun Shi and Wei Qingwan had already returned.

Seeing Wei Ruo returning, Yun Shi asked, “Ruoruo, where did you and Miss Xie go today?”

“We took a boat ride on East Lake,” Wei Ruo answered, not planning to mention anything about meeting Chu Lan, Lu Yuhong, or Xie Jue to Yun Shi.

“Hmm, since we are staying at Xie’s family’s residence this time, next time you go to Xie’s family, take some gifts from me to show our gratitude,” Yun Shi said.

“Understood.”

Wei Ruo turned and left, and Wei Qingwan followed her out.

Outside the house, Wei Qingwan asked, “Sister, when you went out with Miss

Xie today, did she mention anything about her brother?

Wei Ruo stopped, turned her head, and looked at Wei Qingwan with interest.

“Why are you asking about Master Xie?”

■’Sister, don’t get me wrong, I’m not asking about Master Xie. I just heard that Master Xie is staying in Taizhou prefecture because of Master Chu.”

Wei Ruo showed a knowing expression, “So, you are trying to learn about

Master Chu?”

“Sister, you misunderstand. Master Chu is of special status. If our Wei Family could win Master Chu’s favor, it would be extremely beneficial for father and our family. I’m asking not for myself, but for the Wei Family.” “So, your idea of winning Master Chu’s favor is to offer yourself?” Wei Ruo said. “Sister, don’t belittle me. I have absolutely no such thoughts.” Wei Qingwan immediately denied.

“Whether you do or not, only you know it well. Suppose I find out about Master Chu, what can you do? Have father ingratiate himself with Master Chu?” Wei Ruo asked with a smile.

Wei Qingwan calmly responded, “Sister, I didn’t mean that. I just thought that if you had the chance, you might extract Master Chu’s preferences from Master Xie. The more we understand, the better it is to plan our actions. If we have the chance, that’s the best; if not, then we drop it.”

“Well, you should work hard for the future of the Wei family.” Wei Ruo gave a bright smile and then turned and left.

She thought to herself, if Wei Qingwan had the skills, she would investigate it on her own. Wei Ruo was not going to say anything.

Watching Wei Ruo leave, Wei Qingwan was secretly angry. If she could get the information easily, would she go to Wei Ruo? If it weren’t for lack of alternatives, she wouldn’t want to see Wei Ruo’s face!

###

During the days in Government City, Wei Ruo had no opportunity to visit Zuixian Residence, let alone discuss what she wanted to bring up, so the matter was put on hold.

Three days later, early in the morning of the garden tour, Yun Shi took Wei Ruo and Wei Qingwan out.

Wei Qingwan had dressed up specially. Her hair was twisted into the most popular “flying fairy bun” for an unmarried girl. She put on a white cheongsam, covered with a pale pink double-breasted vest, and adorned with the pearl headwear given by Yun Shi.

In comparison, except for the fact that Wei Ruo’s clothes of cloud brocade were a bit more eye-catching than Wei Qingwan’s, her other outfits were much simpler. Her hairstyle was casual, and only a little velvet flower accessory was attached to her head.

Yun Shi asked Wei Ruo, “Ruoruo, why didn’t you wear the gold jewelry your grandmother gave you?”

“I forgot to bring it,” Wei Ruo casually responded.

She actually did bring it, it’s just in her spatial storage. She was just too lazy to take it out, let alone wear it.

She liked gold, but she didn’t like to wear it on her head.

Plus, every guest invited by the Magistrate’s wife comes from a famous family. Even if she wore it, it would not necessarily garner any favor. Everyone knew what was going on with the Wei family; no change could be made by dressing up.

Moreover, she had no interest in vying for such favors.

Bruised by Wei Ruo’s answer, Yun Shi was disappointed, but she could do nothing about it.

On the way, Yun Shi repeatedly warned Wei Ruo and Wei Qingwan, “The residence we are going to today is specially built by Prince Huai for his beloved daughter, Commandery Princess Jingmin, also known as Madam Yuan. The rules there are much stricter than ordinary residences. When we get there, stick close to me, don’t get lost.”

“Mother, don’t worry, I won’t run around,” Wei Qingwan obediently agreed. “Hmm,” Wei Ruo answered, but she sounded more perfunctory. -Ruoruo, you should be careful later. Don’t forget your manners,” Yun Shi specifically alerted Wei Ruo.

Since Wei Ruo had been living in the countryside before and had never been to such a mansion, she had probably never confronted such grandeur. Yun Shi was worried that Wei Ruo might be disconcerted.

“Hmm,” Wei Ruo responded, still somewhat indifferent.

Wei Qingwan then asked Yun Shi, “Mother, what are we going to do at the garden tour today?”

“Actually, this garden tour is primarily a tool for Madam Yuan to pave the way for Magistrate Yuan and also an opportunity for the wives and daughters of various families to interact and get to know each other. Some may even seize this opportunity to look for potential daughters-in-law. So, apart from ordinary garden tours, tea tasting, and flower viewing, there will also be games like composing poetry on the fly. All you need to do is not to make any mistakes.”

Even for Wei Qingwan, Yun Shi had no great confidence, let alone Wei Ruo, so she just hoped that the two daughters wouldn’t make any major mistakes. “Mother, I know, you can rest assured,” Wei Qingwan assured Yun Shi. Yun Shi added, “Besides, Madam Yuan gave birth half a year ago, her body is still quite weak. Don’t be reckless around her.”

-Didn’t she have her delivery on the road back to Taizhou prefecture?” Wei Qingwan asked..