The Lucky Heiress

“It’s been quite some time, I didn’t disclose it earlier for fear of people finding out and working against the seventh prince. Besides, the perpetrator who harmed the seventh prince still hasn’t been found. If the opponent thinks he is in trouble and ceases, our overt search might instead place the seventh prince in danger,” Wei Mingting explained.

“What’s the condition of the seventh prince now?” Wei Qingwan asked.

“I haven’t seen him, but I know he is not seriously injured,” Wei Mingting said.

Wei Ruo wasn’t overly surprised by this, as she had learned about it beforehand from Madam Yuan.

But Wei Ruo felt somewhat moved nonetheless, as expected of the protagonist of the original novel, his vitality was extraordinary resilient. Even in this state, he was presumably still energetic.

Usually, if someone had been missing for more than a month, they would be presumed dead.

As the matter of the seventh prince was mentioned, Wei Mingting also discussed recent political matters in the capital with his family.

“But that was the seventh prince. How could someone dare to harm his highness with such audacity?”, Wei Qingwan asked, unable to restrain herself. Wei Mingting didn’t have the answer to this, so he could only tell his children, “The strife over the crown prince in the capital has a long history. After Empress Xu’s demise, the emperor has not conferred the title of Empress to a new queen, nor has he announced the new crown prince, thus leading to the current complex political situation in the court.”

Although the seventh prince was among the most likely candidates for the crown prince, as long as the emperor did not declare the crown prince, the other princes still had a chance.

“Why hasn’t the emperor announced the crown prince?” Wei Qingwan asked again.

Speaking of this, Wei Mingting suddenly frowned as if remembering something from the past, his expression becoming complex.

Madam Yun quickly said, “Wanwan, the affairs of the court have nothing to do with us, don’t ask too much.”

Wei Qingwan hurriedly nodded, ceasing to ask further.

Wei Mingting cautioned his family, “In recent times, the situation in the capital has been volatile. Although we are located far in the south, away from the struggles of power, we should still be cautious and not bring trouble on ourselves.”

Although Wei Mingting didn’t participate in court politics, he holds an official position and therefore must practice restraint over his subordinates and himself in order to stay out of difficulties evoked by the struggles in the court.

“Rest assured father, I’ll be careful,” Wei Yichen was the first to state his position. He was studying at Anzhou Academy, often in contact with many noble students, so he needs to be particularly cautious.

Wei Qingwan also hurriedly said, “Daddy, you can rest assured, I won’t speak carelessly and cause trouble for the family.”

Wei Mingting nodded.

Then Wei Mingting’s focus returned to Wei Ruo, asking specifically about her tactics to combat the epidemic in recent days.

Wei Ruo did not hide anything, answering all questions she could.

Although she was not staying at the Magistrate’s office during these few days, she was indeed the one making all arrangements related to combating the plague. Therefore she could answer all of Wei Mingting’s questions comprehensively.

Her answers eliminated all lingering doubts in the minds of Madam Yun and others. Initially, they felt that Madam Yuan might have exaggerated, but it seemed now that what Madam Yuan had said was indeed true. Their daughter was indeed the one planning and coordinating all actions against the plague.

As the conversation continued, even Madam Yun could not help but repeatedly praise Wei Ruo.

Wei Qingwan withered, becoming almost nonexistent.

Listening to Wei Mingting, Madam Yun, and Wei Yichen’s praises of Wei Ruo, her heart was unspeakably bitter.

After having the talk for an hour, considering Wei Ruo hadn’t had adequate rest for several days, Mingting allowed Wei Ruo to return to her courtyard and rest.

Upon returning to Tingsong Garden, Wei Ruo immediately inquired about Wei Jinyi’s whereabouts.

“Did second brother return to Bamboo Court?”

“He did, I just saw Xiaobei asking him. Young Master and Young Miss returned to the mansion at the same time, but the Young Master jumped the wall to return, no one in the mansion knew that he had left,” Xiumei replied.

“It’s good that he’s back,” Wei Ruo wasn’t planning to do anything, she just wanted to make sure Wei Jinyi was home safe.

Then Wei Ruo started to sift through the letters sent to her by her wet nurse and Manager Yu over the past several days.

The letters detailed some of the situations at the manor recently. Overall, things seem to be going well at the manor.

The houses were all newly built and withstood the snow disaster. The stock of grain at the manor was sufficient, meaning everyone had enough to eat, which was much more fortunate compared to many outside.

Four Treasure House, Xu’s Deli, and Xu’s Grain Shop also sent some news. After the possibility of a plague outbreak arose, under the wet nurse’s guidance, all four businesses temporarily shut down.

Wei Ruo was originally afraid that they’d risk their health for profits, but fortunately, the wet nurse understood her concerns and closed the shops for a month.

Especially Xu’s Grain Shop, during the New Year period, other shops might not have done well, but if the Grain shop remained open, it would surely have made good business.

She was initially afraid the wet nurse and Uncle Xu wouldn’t want to give up on the profit and insisted on keeping the shop open, thankfully their thinking was the same as hers.

Additionally, a recent letter from Manager Yu mentioned Zhu Zongyu’s situation.

Zhu Zongyu left the manor three days ago, leaving behind a silver note of five hundred taels as payment and thanks to Wei Ruo.

Zhu Zongyu originally planned to leave after Wei Ruo’s return, but as she hadn’t shown up and Zhu Zongyu had some emergency to attend to, he had to leave first.

Before leaving, Zhu Zongyu left a letter stating that he would come to buy the Scar Removal Ointment from Wei Ruo when she returned.

Because the ointment Wei Ruo had previously given him was running out, he needed to continue applying for quite some time for the injury to heal completely.

Wei Ruo had no problem with this; he paid well and even that was an inflated amount. He indeed had a conscience.

As long as he doesn’t cause her trouble, this money is well earned.

She’ll prepare the ointment when she has some free time in the following days.

###

Backyard of the Zuixian Residence.

A man was standing in front of Fan Chengxu, dressed in luxurious clothes, his face hidden beneath the wide brim of a hat, not allowing one to see even a glimpse of his appearance.

Fan Chengxu respectfully bowed to him, “Farmer Fan Chengxu has the honor of meeting your highness the seventh prince.”

“The descendants of respected families, not serving in court, but running distant from court for trading, Fan Chengxu, you are my only friend.”, Chu Lan commented.

“I have no other talents. Being an official would only tarnish the dignity of my elders’ names, it’s better to do some small business, earn some silver, and live a leisurely and carefree life,” Fan Chengxu answered.

“Fair points, it’s also fortunate that you’re conducting business here, you’ve been of great assistance to me in a time of crisis.” Chu Lan said.

After Chu Lan finished speaking, his subordinate brought an entire box filled with gold, silver, and jewelry to Fan Chengxu.

“What’s this, your highness?” Fan Chengxu hurriedly asked.

“This is a token of my gratitude,” Chu Lan said, “I borrowed eight hundred taels of silver from you, I must repay it.”

Eight hundred taels of silver was no small amount. Not too many people in Taizhou prefecture could shell out such a huge amount at once..