The Lucky Heiress

Upon hearing this, Madame Yun was startled. It then dawned on her that Wei Ruo had left the house today upon an invitation from Madam Yuan.

Wei Qingwan’s expression kept changing as she stared at Madam Yuan’s maid, as if trying to gather evidence that the lady did not belong to the Yuan family.

Qingyi, Madam Yuan’s personal maid, clearly understood her mistress’s attitude towards Wei Ruo.

Upon hearing this, Qingyi said to Madame Yun, “Madam Wei, my mistress is extremely fond of Miss Wei and greatly admires the work she has done for the people of Xingshan County. When my mistress came to Xingshan County this time, the first person she thought of was Miss Wei. I request Madam Wei’s permission for Miss Wei to accompany my mistress.”

Madame Yun, who had now gathered her thoughts, hastily replied, “No, that’s not it. Ruoruo misunderstood. I was simply reminding my daughter to be cautious, perhaps some poorly chosen words led her to believe that I am not fond of her work related to farming.”

Qingyi then asked Wei Ruo, “Is that so, Miss Wei?”

Wei Ruo did not respond immediately, her gaze sweeping over Madame Yun

and Wei Qingwan.

The silence made both Madame Yun and Wei Qingwan grow anxious.

It was only after a long while that Wei Ruo finally said slowly, “Perhaps I misunderstood.”

Greatly relieved, Madame Yun could not afford to offend Madam Yuan – a person the Military Prefecture simply could not cross.

Qingyi said, “That’s ideal. Miss Wei, may I request you to join me in the carriage? My mistress is waiting for you at the Yahe Mountain Residence.” “Alright.” Wei Ruo, with Xiumei in tow, climbed onto the horse. Before entering the carriage, Wei Ruo looked back at Wei Qingwan.

Feeling Wei Ruo’s gaze, Wei Qingwan for some unknown reason – perhaps guilt – lowered her head to avoid eye contact.

The carriage of the Yuan Residence then left, leaving Madam Yun and Wei

Qingwan still standing at the doorway.

Madam Yun’s feelings were somewhat complicated.

Wei Qingwan pursed her lips, her expression gloomy.

She didn’t understand why Wei Qingruo was so lucky. After losing the favor of the prince, there came Madam Yuan.

###

Wei Ruo was taken to the Yahe Mountain Residence by a servant of the Yuan family. This was a quiet teahouse in Xingshan County.

The Yahe Mountain Residence was a rare and refined small shop in the remote and impoverished Xingshan County.

Located at the foot of the mountain, it had a small courtyard with several tables. The shop offered refreshments and tea.

Madam Yuan was currently waiting for Wei Ruo there.

Because of her presence, the Yahe Mountain Residence was not taking in other customers, and there were guards stationed all around.

When Wei Ruo saw Madam Yuan, Madam Yuan also saw her and smiled, waving her over.

“Why did madam make the trip personally this time?” Wei Ruo asked, voicing the doubts in her heart once seated.

Wei Ruo was also somewhat surprised that Madam Yuan had come to Xingshan County. She had thought that after the exchange of letters last time, Madam Yuan would send someone to deliver a message to the Military Prefecture and then come to pick her up for the Government City.

To her surprise, the lady had come personally.

“This is all thanks to you. Your medicine was indeed efficacious. After taking it for a while, my complexion has improved, and I feel more spirited. Over the past six months, I have hardly been active, so I wanted to move around a bit now that my health has improved. It also happened to be a good opportunity to come and pick you up myself and have a chat with you on the way, it gives me

some company.”

The complexion of Madam Yuan today was notably better than the last time they met, and she seemed more energetic.

“It’s wonderful that the medicine has had an effect on Madam. The prescription will last for about two more months, thereafter, I will provide Madam with a new one. If taken for three months, Madam should be fully recovered. Once fully recovered, the medicine should be discontinued as having too much energy can also be detrimental to the body,” Wei Ruo explained.

“Savior, I am at a loss for how to express my gratitude,” said Madam Yuan with a joyous and grateful expression.

Madam, please don’t call me savior. You can just call me by name,” Wei Ruo said, unaccustomed to the title of ‘savior’.

“In that case, I will call you Ruoruo from now on,” Madam Yuan decided after some consideration.

Wei Ruo gave a slight nod.

Madam Yuan then picked up the teapot and poured a cup for Wei Ruo. “Since coming to Xingshan County, I have heard your name several times. You initiated the agricultural work in the south side of the city and have provided disaster relief. You are deeply loved by the people.”

Having heard all this, Madam Yuan’s fondness for Wei Ruo grew even more. Madam Yuan then expressed her regret, “It’s a pity that you are a woman. If you were a man, with such a reputation, it would certainly help your future official career.”

Wei Ruo smiled; she was well aware that it was much more difficult for women in this world.

If she were a man, even if she didn’t hold a significant position, she could still establish her own business openly and freely, even if as a merchant of low social status, she could lead a carefree life.

“I’ve also heard about your work in the south side of the city,” Madam Yuan added.

“Does Madam know the reason why?” Wei Ruo inquired.

Madam Yuan shook her head, “I’m not entirely sure about the reason behind it. However you could view it positively. If your family disregarded your contributions because you are a woman, then once you marry, there will likely be rewards for you. If it was because someone hid your contributions, it’s possible that they could be recognized later.”

Madam Yuan said this partly to console Wei Ruo, as she didn’t want Wei Ruo to feel disheartened or despondent due to this incident, given the favor Wei Ruo had done for her.

Wei Ruo, however, didn’t give it much thought, “I don’t plan on dwelling on it too much. Overthinking it will only exhaust me and waste my energy and time unnecessarily. When I’m unable to influence the direction of things, it’s best to put it out of my mind.”

Madam Yuan praised, “That’s the best way to think about it, Ruoruo.” Wei Ruo then diverted the topic, “Madam, let’s discuss serious matters. You came here to deal with food issues for the people of the Government City, right?”

Madam Yuan responded, “Indeed, but you only need to provide suggestions. I will arrange for people to prepare what is needed. Don’t tire yourself out. I haven’t repaid your favor yet, and if I were to let you get exhausted, I would feel incredibly guilty.”

“Alright.” Wei Ruo didn’t stand on ceremony with Madam Yuan about this matter. She had her own things to attend to. After going to the Government City, she also had to visit her own farm, so she was indeed too stretched. Wei Ruo and Madam Yuan spent most of the day in the Yahe Mountain Residence, thoroughly enjoying each other’s company. Wei Ruo gave Madam Yuan some highly feasible suggestions, while Madam Yuan planned to support Wei Ruo’s future development in the Government City.

Afterward, Madam Yuan assigned Qingyi to escort Wei Ruo back to the Military Prefecture.

As soon as Wei Ruo entered the gates of the Military Prefecture, she was asked by a person stationed by Madame Yun to go to Cangyun Garden.

Wei Ruo gave a faint smile and followed the maid.

In Cangyun Garden, Madame Yun had been waiting to ask Wei Ruo about her meeting.

As soon as Wei Ruo walked in, Madame Yun pressed, “Ruoruo, have you been in contact with Madam Yuan all this time?