The Lucky Heiress

His only responsibility was to lead his soldiers to fight well and guard the nation. He had not considered much about the rest.

Wei Yilin chimed in, “Daddy will surely rise in rank step by step! Because Daddy is the most incredible person I’ve ever seen! Winning battles, protecting our home and country, he is a great hero!”

Wei Ruo had been silent all along. Wei Mingting’s gaze fell upon her, specifically asked, “Ruo, what do you think of this battle?”

“It’s the best outcome, I expect the Japanese Pirates won’t dare to invade again for at least some time.” Wei Ruo said.

Whether this would deter the enemy from any further invasions, Wei Ruo didn’t know, but at least it had a deterrent effect.

Wei Mingting said, “Exactly, it will be even better if it can bring long-lasting peace to the coastal areas.”

“Father, since we have captured their ships, can we use these ships to build our own navy, attack Japan, and eliminate potential troubles once and for all?” Wei Ruo asked.

“Ruo, your idea is good but it’s not just about the ships. The shipbuilding technology of our kingdom is not inferior to Japan’s. In the early days of our kingdom, our ships had sailed to the Southern Ocean and around the region. Although we have this technology now, our national treasury is depleted. Even maintaining internal stability is difficult, let alone launching an overseas expedition.” Wei Mingting explained.

It indeed was a helpless situation. With the natural and manmade disasters in the past few years, the country was increasingly exhausted. Even if they wanted to launch a counterattack, they lacked the necessary resources and supplies.

Wei Ruo then asked: “So, only when the issue of food is resolved, the people are enriched, and the national treasury is full, we can have the opportunity to counterattack?”

“Indeed, it is generally the case.” Wei Mingting’s tone revealed a touch of helplessness.

Wei Yilin also understood, his little face turned serious and he said, “Big sister, you are so capable, as soon as you help everyone with their farming, and everyone has food to eat, Daddy can lead the soldiers to attack the Japanese Pirates!”

Although Wei Yilin’s words were a bit childish, they were indeed Wei Mingting’s wishes.

“I hope so as well,” Wei Mingting said, then looked at Wei Ruo, “Ruo, you have contributed a lot to the good situation in Taizhou prefecture this year, I am proud of you.”

“You overpraise me, Father. It is you and the soldiers who bravely fought the war to protect our home and country, that is the real glory to the people of Taizhou.” Wei Ruo said.

“I am merely fulfilling my duty.”

Wei Yilin said, “Daddy and Sister, you don’t need to be modest with each other, you both are so incredible! You both are the pride of our family!”

Wei Ruo glanced at Wei Yilin, this little guy’s attitude towards her was becoming better and better, even describing her as a ‘family’s pride’ now.

Wei Yilin noticed Wei Ruo looking at him and suddenly felt a bit shy, he turned his head and grumbled, “What… I just told the truth… my martial arts class brothers also have the same opinion…”

“Your martial arts brothers complimented me as well?”

“Yep, they did. They praised you for helping them to get food, they said you’ve made great contributions!” Wei Yilin answered.

Not all the individuals that worked out with Wei Yilin came from good backgrounds. There were many whose families were in dire straits. They were sent to learn martial arts in order to earn a living once they have mastered the skills and could then take on suitable roles in the government office.

So these people deeply appreciated and admired Wei Ruo for spearheading series of actions to provide relief and secure food production.

Wei Ruo gave a slight smile, well, at least this brat now seemed more tolerable than when he first arrived at the Duke residence.

Madam Yun silently watched the interaction between her husband and her children, a warm feeling filling her heart.

When her eldest daughter wasn’t being pushy, she was quite endearing and got along well with the family. It was really heartwarming.

###

After finishing talking with his family, Wei Mingting returned to his inner chamber to bath and change.

Madam Yun helped Wei Mingting into his home clothes, then nervously informed him about the letter received from Loyal and Righteous Duke Residence in the Capital City.

“Your elder brother has written stating that the Sixth Prince is willing to mentor him to acquire a better position, but he needs your help. Your older brother also mentioned that being good friends with the Sixth Prince could contribute to the growth of our Duke Residence, advised you to think it over.” Madam Yun said.

Wei Mingting’s face darkened: “Older brother is being foolish. The struggle for the crown prince position is extremely volatile and dangerous, one poorly calculated move can ruin everything. Moreover, our Loyal and Righteous Duke Residence always maintains integrity and neutrality, we do not form any faction for personal gain, we only pledge allegiance to the court, the people, to protect our home and country, we must not collude with the prince.”

“I also think the same, but I was not in a position to respond to this matter, so I’ve been waiting for you to make a decision ever since receiving the letter.” Madam Yun said.

“I understand, I will write a letter to express my stance to my older brother later and have someone send it to the Capital City.” Wei Mingting replied.

Madam Yun finally let go of the anxiety she held for many days, both of their thoughts align on this critical matter.

This time when her husband came back, she was worried that there may be grievances due to the past incidents, it seemed she had overthought it.

Then Madam Yun looked at Wei Mingting, hesitated for a while, then confessed, “On the Mid-autumn Festival, I let Wanwan also participate in Lady Yuan’s banquet to quell the outside world’s speculations about her.”

Wei Mingting paused, and then said, “Just handle it properly. It is acceptable to let Wanwan occasionally attend banquets, but don’t arbitrarily cancel her punishment. There are rules for the country and the family, those who should be punished still need to be punished.”

“Yes, I know, I will handle it appropriately,” Madam Yun breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, her husband did not blame her, and he still trusts her.

###

After returning from Cangyun Garden, Wei Ruo went to the Bamboo Garden. She knocked on the courtyard door, but no one responded.

She caught a servant to ask and was informed that around the time when Wei Mingting came back, Wei Jinyi had gone out.

Weo Ruo was not surprised by this answer too much since they had already said their farewells last night, and avoiding seeing each other today might help them from becoming too sentimental.

However, looking at the closed door of the courtyard, Wei Ruo still felt a hint of loss.

After Wei Ruo returned to her own residence, she sat down at her desk, falling into a daze.

Xiumei walked in and saw Wei Ruo sitting blankly, she hurriedly comforted, “Miss, don’t feel sad, the Young Master will come back again after a while.”

“I’m fine, I just feel a bit lost. Now there is one fewer person to talk to in the house.” Wei Ruo said.

“Indeed, with the departure of the Young Master, there is no one left in the house that you can confide in, Miss.” Xiumei said regretfully.

“What do you mean there is no one? Don’t I still have you?” Wei Ruo said.

Xiumei immediately patted her chest and promised, “Don’t worry, Miss, I will always be by your side.”

Weo Ruo continued, “Okay, let’s not think about my younger brother anymore, I need to focus on the autumn harvest.”

The autumn harvest had started, and Wei Ruo had a lot of things to do now. There was no time for her to daydream.