The Lucky Heiress

“Second brother, have you heard about the mystery box?” asked Wei Ruo.

“I have heard a bit,” replied Wei Jinyi.

Xiaobei, who was standing nearby, chimed in: “Miss, our Madam bought several boxes for the eldest son. Even in our information-limited corner, we have heard of the news.”

“I see,” Wei Ruo didn’t seem surprised at all. She had overheard Yun s conversation with Wei Yichen and knew of their interest in the Tibetan layman.

“Ruo, do you wish to draw the Tibetan Layman’s ink treasure?” Wei Jinyi asked.

“The Tibetan layman’s ink treasure isn’t that important, the recommendation letter is what matters. With the letter, second brother can approach the Tibetan layman as a student,” Wei Ruo answered.

-You want me to be a disciple of the Tibetan layman?” asked Wei Jinyi.

“Second Brother, haven’t you recently decided to take the imperial examination? Taking a master won’t necessarily mean you need to learn something, but it would be of help,” Wei Ruo replied.

“Hmm.”

“Don’t you want a master?” Wei Ruo asked.

Wei Jinyi looked at Wei Ruo, seeing the expectation gleaming in her eyes along with her joyful and animated expression.

“We can consider it if appropriate, but no obligations. Ruo doesn’t have to take it to heart. It’s better not to raise hopes,” Wei Jinyi answered.

“Then, Second Brother, let’s open it. I’m curious about my luck!”

Wei Ruo curiously said, she really didn’t know what was inside the randomly chosen mystery box.

Once the boxes were assembled, there were no identifiers, even Wei Ruo, the one behind the idea, didn’t know which box contained the Tibetan Layman’s ink treasure.

Under Wei Ruo’s curious gaze, Wei Jinyi opened the box. It contained four treasures of the study from the Four Treasure House, each representing one of the four.

Wei Ruo looked at it, “Amazing, I’m really lucky. We made a profit, having paper already, and this inkstone is also one of the high-priced kinds. It’s quite good.”

Xiaobei couldn’t help but say, “Miss, you’re happy with just having a piece of paper. If you had the Tibetan Layman’s box, imagine how happy you would be!

“One must be content. In matters of luck, demanding too much might deplete it. Better to conserve it for future use,” Wei Ruo said.

“You make valid points,” Wei Jinyi said with a slight smile, “These items are

quite good too.”

“Well, I have registered your name. Maybe they’ll have their eyes on it,” Wei

Ruo said with a giggly tone.

“Don’t put too much thought into it. Even if we get that letter, it doesn t guarantee a successful apprenticeship. It might just be the shopkeeper s exaggerations.”

Wei Jinyi didn’t want Wei Ruo to put too much hope in this matter lest she be disappointed if their hopes fall through.

“Don’t worry, I did some research, that shop is reliable. The Tibetan layman barely sells his works. Mostly, only his family and close friends possess his ink treasures, so the recommendation letter will likely be effective,” Wei Ruo said.

“If that’s the case, then I shall anticipate it,” Wei Jinyi replied.

“Hmm-hmm, that’s right! You should anticipate it,” said Wei Ruo smiling.

Wei Jinyi gave a faint smile, his eyes resting on Wei Ruo.

She always seemed to consider his interests first, showing concerns and joy for him, lighting up his dull life with a little spark.

###

Meanwhile, at another part of the Military Prefecture, someone else was also troubling over these boxes.

In the Chrysanthemum Garden at the southwest corner of the Military Prefecture, Wei Yichen was sorting through the stationery in seven boxes.

From the blind box sold by the Four Treasure House, he had bought seven boxes, not all under his name. He bought two boxes under his name, his mother and Wanwan each bought two, and the last one was a gift from his schoolmate.

Now, all seven mystery boxes were open. None of them contained the Tibetan Layman’s ink treasure, but the contents were not bad either.

Some were worth more than five taels, others less. Overall, it was fairly reasonable.

While there was some disappointment for not getting Tibetan Layman’s ink treasure, it was bearable.

What he wanted now was the recommendation letter from Master Heyou. Regrettably, regardless of how many boxes were bought, only one name could be registered. It was the same as other buyers.

Wei Qingwan, along with her maid Cuihe, came to the Chrysanthemum Garden to see Wei Yichen. Seeing the boxes, she asked, “Big brother, did you find the Tibetan Layman’s ink treasure?”

Wei Yichen shook his head, “No.”

Wei Qingwan comforted him quickly, “Big Brother, don’t be disheartened. The Tibetan Layman’s calligraphy and ink treasures are likely promotional tools of the shopkeeper. It might not even have been placed in. There’s a possibility that no one would get it.”

Wei Yichen had a different thought, “I think the shopkeeper had a plan. Last time, they used a genuine piece of Tibetan Layman’s work, they wouldn’t produce a fake one this time.”

Wei Qingwan replied, “I wonder who would be lucky enough to get this artwork.”

Wei Yichen said, “Rather than the ink treasure, I would prefer to study under the Tibetan layman himself directly. I have had this thought for a while now. However, with no connections, it was difficult before. Now with this recommendation letter, I surely must try.

“Big Brother is so excellent. If the Tibetan layman sees you, he will surely like you and admire you, even willing to take you as his disciple,” Wei Qingwan stated.

Wei Yichen gave a bitter smile, “That may not necessarily be the case. There’s always someone better. For now, I only have an understanding about a corner of Taizhou prefecture. I have no clue what my standard is.”

“In my heart, Big Brother will always be the best. I also read books. Although there are no comparisons with others, there are comparisons with books. I believe that even if you left Taizhou prefecture, you wouldn’t fall behind,” Wei Qingwan said.

Wei Yichen smiled and didn’t argue any further. In comparison to his family, he never took others seriously.

“By the way, has Ruo arrived yet?” asked Wei Yichen.

“She should have. I saw her maid while passing by the Tingsong Garden,” Wei Qingwan answered, then asked in a lower voice, “Big Brother, do you need anything from sister?”

“Well, not exactly. After buying seven boxes in bulk, I got a handful of brushes, ink sticks, paper, and inkstones. I’ll get some for Ruo. She can use them for her studies.”

Wei Yichen was speaking while preparing two sets of brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones. He packed them in the emptied wooden boxes.

“This set is for you. I will give the other one to Ruo,” Wei Yichen said to Wei Qingwan.

“Thank, thank you, big brother,” said Wei Qingwan as she thanked him. She kept her eyes fixated on the set in Wei Yichen’s hands, a peculiar discomfort welling up in her heart..