The Lucky Heiress

Because today was the first day of the lunar month, the academy gave the students a day off. And Wei Mingting was still resting at home due to his injuries.

The Yun Family had now begun the practice of having men and women sit at ifferent tables, and so two tables were arranged at dinner, separated by a screen in the middle.

It was only after they finished their dinner and sat together for casual chats and tea, that the women were allowed to converse with the men of the house. First, Wei Qingwan inquired about Wei Yichen’s experiences in the academy over the last few days to show her concern. After that, she shared with Wei Mingting that she had received an invitation from the Xiu Family to watch the Dragon Boat race.

“Father, Miss Yaojun has invited me to watch the Dragon Boat race on Duanwu Festival.”

“Ah, that’s a good thing. Just be careful, Wanwan,” Wei Mingting nodded and said.

‘I will also go that day and accompany Wanwan over,” said Wei Yichen. “Big brother is also going?” Wei Qingwan said with a happy expression. “Yes, I have already made arrangements with Brother Fengyuan, and every year Anzhou Academy chooses some students to form a team to participate in the Dragon Boat race,” Wei Yichen explained.

“Isn’t Big Brother participating?” Wei Yilin asked hastily. Wei Yichen laughed and said, “I’m not very good at these things.” Wei Yichen excelled in literature but not in martial arts, and rowing dragon boats was quite labor-intensive, so he naturally did not participate. Wei Yichen added, “However, Brother Fengyuan is participating. He is both literate and martially skilled, so we can look forward to his performance that day.”

Wei Yilin grumbled, “Our martial arts academy also formed a team. I originally wanted to participate, but the master said I was too young. It will be a few more years before I can participate. Now, only the older disciples are allowed to participate.”

Then Wei Yilin asked Wei Mingting, “Father, can I go and watch that day?” Even though he was a little disappointed that he could not participate, he believed it would still be exciting to watch in person.

“Yes, you can go with me on that day,” Wei Mingting replied.

“Great!” Wei Yilin’s face immediately lit up in excitement.

Then Wei Yilin’s gaze fell on Wei Ruo, “What about Big Sister? Is Big Sister also going with us?”

Wei Ruo had intended to stay out of the conversation and was quietly drinking her tea when Wei Yilin asked her.

Madam Yun said, “Your big sister can’t go with you and your father. If she wants to go, she must go with your mother.”

Wei Ruo was already fourteen years old, so it was improper for her to go out and play with her father alone.

“Is that so… Then is Big Sister going with Mother?” asked Wei Yilin. “That’s not necessary. Today a message from Tongzhi Prefecture came. Miss Xiu also invited your big sister,” Madame Yun replied.

The invitation was delivered directly to the Military Prefecture by the Xiu Family’s servants, so Madame Yun obviously knew about it.

Upon hearing this, Wei Qingwan’s face slightly faltered, then she looked at Wei Ruo and said with a faint smile, “So elder sister is also invited. That’s wonderful.”

Wei Ruo replied calmly, “Actually, I was planning to decline the invitation. I’m not familiar with Miss Xiu, and I don’t particularly enjoy social activities.” Hearing this, Madam Yun hurriedly said, “You mustn’t decline. A few days ago Madam Xiu mentioned this to me, and I already accepted on your behalf.” Then Madam Yun continued, “Ruoruo, it benefits you more than harms you to socialize with other young ladies from the city.”

Wei Ruo’s expression darkened; Madam Yun had agreed to it on her behalf without asking for her opinion.

Noticing Wei Ruo’s displeasure, Madam Yun looked somewhat embarrassed and guilty.

The others also noticed this. Wei Qingwan quickly said, “Sister, Lady Tongzhi likes you very much and is looking forward to your presence at the Dragon Boat race. Please do not disappoint her kindness.”

Wei Ruo glanced at Wei Qingwan and chose to ignore her.

We Ruo was aware that Wei Qingwan was taking the opportunity to present herself as a considerate daughter. If she continued to argue with Wei Qingwan right now, she might provide an opportunity for Wei Qingwan to play the victim.

Moreover, with the slap incident from a few days ago still fresh in everyone’s memory, any further dispute might lead others in the Wei Family to suspect that she was targeting her, bringing about an unfavorable situation for herself.

Seeing Wei Ruo not rebutting, Wei Qingwan slightly pursed her lips, and she was somewhat disappointed.

In her heart, she really didn’t want Wei Qingruo to attend the Dragon Boat race on Duanwu Festival; the memory of their last outing was still fresh in her mind…

If Wei Qingruo started to argue with her right now, she might…

Wei Ruo remained silent for quite a while, making Madam Yun restless. “Ruo you haven’t been back home for long, and there are some social customs that’ you still aren’t aware of. Believe me, whatever I agree to on your behalf is for your own good.”

“I understand,” although Wei Ruo was dissatisfied with Madam Yun’s actions she maintained her composure.

As the mother, Madam Yun was certainly in a position to speak for her daughter in some matters.

Wei Ruo conceded, and that was a relief not only for Madam Yun, but also for Wei Yichen and Wei Yilin. The two brothers were both worried that Wei Ruo’s temper might spark another conflict with their mother, which they both loathed to see happen.

###

The fifth of May.

Early in the morning, Xiumei got up to help Wei Ruo dress and prepare as they were going to watch the Dragon Boat race later.

“Choose the most common hairstyle for me, and pick an old dress that I have worn before, something of an old and plain design,” Wei Ruo instructed Xiumei.

Why? Mistress, you still have several new dresses in your wardrobe I have also recently learned a number of popular hairstyles among the young ladies of the city,” Xiumei said.

“I don’t need to look very beautiful today. I am not competing with them for their attention. Being the most beautiful among them has no benefits for me. If being the most beautiful could earn me a reward, then I might consider dressing up,” Wei Ruo answered.

What to show off by looking prettier than the other noble daughters? What of a compliment for her beauty? That had no monetary benefit for her.

“Mistress is right, so I will just style you commonly, and apply your makeup roughly! “Xiumei said.

“Yes! My good Meimei understands me!”

After getting dressed, Wei Ruo looked no different than usual, if not even less glamorous.

At the gate, there were two horse carriages already waiting.

Wei Qingwan, who also came out at the same time, was slightly taken aback when she saw Wei Ruo’s plain attire, and she lowered her head.

Wei Ruo’s gaze also swept across Wei Qingwan. Wei Qingwan was wearing a new dress made last winter, a goose yellow robe with a cluster of flowers embroidered on it, which highlighted her delicate skin, giving her a vibrant and attractive appearance. The hairstyle was the latest trend, complementing her exquisitely beautiful face, making her look like a beautiful flower right out of the water and inducing people’s affection.

By comparison, Wei Ruo’s outfit was more than just plain – it was even slightly crude.???? ¹

Madam Yun saw the two girls’ attire, and her brows creased slightly. Her gaze lingered on Wei Ruo for some time and she almost said something, but in the end, she said nothing.