The Lucky Heiress

“Cough, cough, cough, cough, cough…” Wei Jinyi started coughing violently, his cheeks quickly flushing crimson.

The crimson hue spread all the way to the roots of his ears.

“What’s wrong?” Wei Ruo asked.

“Don’t mention this anymore, not in front of me, and especially not in front of outsiders.” Wei Jinyi said sternly.

“Don’t worry, I do know better than to say such things outside,” Wei Ruo giggled.

She leaned closer and whispered, “I won’t tell anyone about my second brother’s impressive physique.”

“Boom—” Wei Jinyi’s face turned completely red, like a boiled crab.

Seeing his blush, Wei Ruo laughed heartily within.

Ah, indeed my second brother is an interesting fellow. He is so shy, what would he do after getting married if he is so uncomfortable with her sister seeing his body?

After laughing, Wei Ruo continued her previous question, “You haven’t told me yet, how do you maintain your muscles while spending all day reading and writing?”

She hadn’t forgotten to ask Wei Jinyi this question yet!

“I practice physical training techniques,” Wei Jinyi answered.

“You’re really disciplined. Even in this small courtyard, you never forget to stay in shape,” praised Wei Ruo.

“I’m a little different from the rest of you, I can’t afford to be lax,” Wei Jinyi mumbled.

These words seemed as if he was speaking to Wei Ruo, but also like he was talking to himself.

###

Within her room, Wei Qingwan had been crying for a long time. Wei Yichen and Wei Yilin both came to comfort her in turn.

Unlike previous times, this time Wei Qingwan could not stop crying for a long time.

Then Wei Ruo came.

When Wei Yichen and Wei Yilin came out of the room, their expressions turned peculiar at the sight of Wei Ruo.

Unable to hide his emotions, Wei Yilin rushed forward and accused Wei Ruo, “You devil! You took away my sister’s opportunity to study at the Xie Family! You made her cry so miserably!”

Wei Ruo calmly retorted to Wei Yichen, “First, the Xie family initially chose me to accompany Miss Xie’s studies. You misinterpreted it, so how did it turn into me being the culprit? Your logic seems flawed. You accused me unjustly.” “Secondly, how did my coming to visit Qingwan turn into watching a spectacle? Did she suffer a great injustice? Can’t she continue to study at the magistrate’s office? That has been her routine for the past few years. Why is it all of sudden an issue when earlier it wasn’t seen as a problem?”

“Before your misunderstanding regarding who was to study with the Xie family, didn’t you arrange for me to study at the magistrate’s office saying that the female tutor there is very talented? Why has it turned into an ordeal when it comes to Qingwan?”

Wei Ruo refuted Wei Yilin’s accusations leisurely, her smile radiant as she watched Wei Yilin.

“It’s not the same! My sister is better than you, she should have gone to the Xie Family’s!” Wei Yilin retorted.

“Oh, so you were all trying to fool me, right? Your promises of fair treatment to me and Qingwan, they were all deceit manoeuvres, right? In reality, you never saw us as equals, did you? Things that are seen as normal when they happen to me appear as grievances when they happen to Qingwan, right?”

Wei Ruo spoke these heart-breaking words, but there was a slight smile on her lips. Her bright, clear eyes were like torches, seeming to penetrate and understand all the thoughts of her brothers.

Wei Yichen and Wei Yilin were momentarily stunned.

Especially Wei Yichen, who was feeling somewhat guilty and didn’t dare to look into Wei Ruo’s eyes.

Wei Ruo smiled again, “Don’t feel embarrassed, I never asked you to treat us equally, just don’t say one thing while doing another. Do whatever you want.” Speaking of which, Wei Ruo looked down at Wei Yilin, “And you, don’t be such a hypocrite, setting one standard for Wei Qingwan and another for me. If you don’t recognize me, then just don’t, why do you still want to apply your standards on me? I don’t owe you anything!”

Wei Yilin argued, “Even if you are not to blame, why are you here now, coming to make fun of your sister? To purposely upset her?”

“What’s so funny? She’s merely continuing to study at the magistrate’s office, are you saying that studying in the magistrate’s office is funny? Were you secretly laughing at me all along? When you and Wei Qingwan came to find me with ink and paper, were you actually making fun of me?” Wei Ruo counterattacked.

“You… you!” Wei Yilin was left speechless by Wei Ruo’s retort, his face instantly turning red.

After some contemplation, Wei Yichen said in a serious tone to Wei Ruo, “Ruo, you’re right. On this matter, we have indeed been partial. There is also a problem with what Yilin said, I will educate him properly.”

“Hmm, I believe Big Brother is a fair and consistent man,” Wei Ruo remarked with a smile.

“Fair and consistent,” these words were like two sharp blades stabbing into Wei Yichen’s heart.

Wei Yichen realized that, although they always claim to treat both sisters equally, they seem to naturally lean towards Wanwan, always subconsciously affirming that Wanwan is better than Ruo.

“I’m sorry, it’s my fault for not doing well enough” apologized Wei Yichen.

Wei Ruo did not engage Wei Yichen further, glancing instead at Wei Qingwan’s room, “I came over today to ask Qingwan what to bring and what to pay attention to when going to classes. It seems I’m not very welcome here. Nevermind then, I’ll ask Second Brother.”

Wei Yichen quickly stopped Wei Ruo, “Ruo, Big Brother can also teach you these things.”

“No need, Big Brother seems busy, I won’t bother you,” Wei Ruo replied.

“Big Brother is free now. Why don’t you come back with Big Brother and let him explain to you?” Wei Yichen looked at Wei Ruo expectantly.

“Still no need, I think Second Brother has more free time than Big Brother,” Wei Ruo declined again.

“Alright then,” Wei Yichen, feeling a bit despondent, found it inappropriate to insist any further.

Wei Ruo was not concerned about what Wei Yichen was thinking and turned to leave Wangmei Garden.

As she was leaving, she shot a quick glance at the room behind her, knowing that Wei Qingwan was listening inside.

She had come today to return the favor from the day Wei Qingwan brought her a gift.

Wei Qingwan had repeatedly stated that her visit and her gift were for Wei Ruo’s own good, but why was it that the moment the tables turned, they immediately thought Wei Ruo came to show off and ridicule them?

Although Wei Ruo had no interest in competing with Wei Qingwan for favor or a love interest, that didn’t mean Wei Qingwan could bully her on her own terms, both openly and covertly.

What needs to be returned must still be returned.

###

Two days later, a large and a small carriage were parked at the entrance of the Military Prefecture.

Wei Qingwan and Wei Ruo almost came out of the house at the same time.

Mrs. Yun came to see the two daughters off. Looking at Wei Ruo and Wei Qingwan, Mrs. Yun had mixed feelings.

Just as Wei Qingwan was about to get onto the larger carriage, Wei Ruo called out to her.

“I’m sorry, Qingwan, Mom has said that since the Xie Family is farther from the Military Prefecture, the larger carriage will be used for those going to Xie Family..”