The Lucky Heiress

Yun Shi wanted to discuss some things about Wei Ruo’s upcoming marriage, but couldn’t bring herself to speak due to Wei Ruo’s frigid and aloof look.

Wei Yilin ran to Wei Ruo’s side, eager to continue their earlier conversation.

“Big sister, I’ve gathered even more silver. This time, I’m going to buy you even more expensive gifts! Can I pick out jewelry and beautiful fabrics for you?”

“Where did you get more silver?”

“You don’t need to worry about that. Just tell me what you want, and I’ll buy it for you!”

Wei Yilin planned to sell some of his valuable possessions in secret, although he had no idea how much they were worth. However, he was willing to exchange them all to add to his sister’s dowry.

“I lack nothing. My dowry is all prepared,” Wei Ruo said.

“Whether you need it or not, I want to buy things for you!”

Wei Yilin’s desire to please Wei Ruo was painfully obvious. He might as well have carved the word “ingratiation” on his forehead.

Yun Shi said, “Your brother’s heart is in the right place. Let him buy you some things.”

Wei Ruo did not respond but changed the subject. “Has there been any news from Father recently?”

At Yun Shi’s, the only topic that interested Wei Ruo was news about Wei Mingting.

Yun Shi replied, “I just received a letter from your father yesterday. He rarely shares details about his military camp, but this time, he mentioned a few things.”

Yun Shi continued with concern, “Because of this, I’m especially worried about your father. The Capital City is abuzz with rumors that if this situation with the Japanese Pirates isn’t resolved soon, the Anti-Japanese Army will be held accountable. ”

Wei Ruo frowned. The Anti-Japanese Army, poorly equipped and short on rations, could only take a defensive stance, constantly on the back foot.

It was already a challenge to repel the pirates most of the time. To expect them to defeat them completely and prevent future invasions was asking too much.

“Is the imperial court sending reinforcements?” Wei Ruo asked.

“I haven’t heard anything about it. There’s also been no movement regarding rations. Harvests nationwide have been poor, so they likely want Taizhou prefecture to deal with the issue themselves,” Yun Shi said with a troubled look.

Wei Ruo fell into deep thought. Even though Taizhou prefecture had a good harvest last year, it would still be difficult for them to be self-sufficient.

If the imperial court didn’t send any additional troops or rations, the Anti-Japanese Army might collapse even before they’re held accountable.

Hearing this, Wei Yilin blurted out, “How can they do that? Our father and his men are fighting so hard. Why aren’t they supplying food?”

Yun Shi sighed. “On one hand, grain is scarce due to poor harvests in recent years, and the imperial granary isn’t exactly overflowing. On the other hand, the court probably views the threat from the Jurchen Tribe as greater, so they want to allocate more troops and rations to fight them.”

Wei Ruo understood this. Although the Japanese Pirates were repugnant for their pillaging and looting, they didn’t threaten the imperial power.

The situation was different with the Jurchen Tribe from the north. They could invade the south and take over the Central Plains.

Hence, the court placed a greater emphasis on the threat from the Jurchen Tribe than on the Japanese Pirates.

Wei Yilin, not comprehending the complexities, protested indignantly, “Even so, they can’t just abandon our father and his men. Those people in the Capital City live in decadence and luxury, dining on the finest food. Why can’t they spare some for the soldiers who are defending our homeland?”

“Yilin, you’re still young. Many things are complex. Even if I had time, I couldn’t explain everything to you,” Yun Shi said.

Wei Yilin glanced at Yun Shi, then at Wei Ruo, and muttered, “No matter how young I am, I understand that we can’t let our soldiers down.”

Wei Ruo said, “You’re right, but unfortunately, some people just don’t understand.”

Wei Ruo stayed with Yun Shi for about an hour, showing interest only when the conversation turned to news from Wei Mingting. When Yun Shi brought up other topics, she responded with indifference.

Yun Shi felt uncomfortable, but she didn’t know what to say.

Eventually, with nothing left to talk about, she let Wei Ruo go.

After Wei Ruo left, Yun Shi felt a headache coming on and instinctively rubbed her temples.

With his lips tightly sealed, Wei Yilin furrowed his little brows, whether he was worrying about Wei Ruo’s refusal to forgive him or the situation of the Anti-Japanese Army was not clear.

###

Three days later, Wei Yichen returned to the Loyal and Righteous Duke Residence after completing his examinations.

Yun Shi arranged for him to rest at his residence first before visiting the elders in Shou’an Hall once he had recovered.

Afterwards, the old Lord Wei frequently asked about Wei Yichen’s examination performance. Wei Yichen remained vague in his responses, simply stating that he performed as usual.

Seeing Wei Yichen’s demeanor, Lord Wei felt a chill in his heart. Still, he prayed that his grandson would at least make it to the Scholar level, even if he ranked last.

Half a month later, it was the day of the results announcement.

The entire family went out early to wait for the results, except for Wei Ruo who stayed in Changchun Garden, avoiding the commotion.

In the house, Xiumei was grinding ink whilst Wei Ruo was checking account books and writing letters.

“Miss, do you think the eldest young master will make it to the Scholar level?” Xiumei asked out of curiosity.

“In his case, he should be able to,” Wei Ruo said.

Knowing the original plot, Wei Yichen was portrayed as a highly learned man. Although his character had changed significantly since he was taken away, his scholarly abilities should not have decreased.

“What about young master Xu and young master Zhao? Young master Xu should have an even better chance since he was the top candidate in the Jiangzhe region.”

“I don’t know him well, but for Zhao Xun, it’s already a great achievement to make it to the Scholar level. It’s good enough if he was able to complete the examinations this time around.”

Wei Ruo didn’t care whether these people would pass the exam or not as her relationship with them was not significant.

Engrossed in their work, they suddenly heard the sounds of firecrackers and drums coming from outside. Xiumei quickly ran out to see what was happening and returned in no time.

“Miss, he did it! The eldest young master has become a Scholar!”

“Hmm, as expected.”

“No, Miss, not just any Scholar. The eldest young master has topped the list!”

“First place?” Wei Ruo asked.

“Yes! The people outside are shouting it. I listened carefully. He is indeed the top Scholar!”

Xiumei was somewhat excited. Even though this might not have much to do with her Miss, this was the first time she herself had witnessed such an event, so she couldn’t help being excited.

Wei Ruo was somewhat surprised. She had not expected the Wei Yichen of this life to do so well in the exam!

She thought he could make it, but she never imagined he would top the list.

He hadn’t even ranked first in the county-level examination, yet he managed to top the provincial-level exam.

“Miss, it’s very lively outside. Should we go and take a look?”