The Lucky Heiress

He had been in Taizhou Prefecture for many days, so he naturally had a clear understanding of these matters.

“In recent days, it seems you’ve been keeping close company with the second young lady from the Wei Family?” Chu Heng asked again.

“Your Highness, forgive me. Indeed, the second young lady from the Wei Family is a beauty, and I unwittingly spent some time with her, almost falling into Chu Lan’s trap,” Qi Zhen admitted.

Chu Hengwaved his hand, saying, “I didn’t mean to blame you, I am well aware of your personality. Even though you are fond of beautiful women, you never neglect your duties.”

Qi Zhen chuckled, “Thankyou, Your Highness for your trust.”

Once again, Chu Heng said, “We are cousins after all, no need for such formality. I bring up Wei Qingwan because of the previous discussion on land reclamation and disaster relief. If Miss Wei truly has such capabilities, instead of letting her be used by Chu Lan, it’s better to use her for our own purposes. Do you understand what I’m trying to say?”

Qi Zhen immediately understood, “I understand, Your Highness. Please give me some time to make the necessary arrangements.”

Chu Heng was very satisfied, “Your wisdom has always been your strong point,

I believe you will handle this matter smoothly.”

Qi Zhen laughed again, “It looks like I may have to put aside my dignity once again and continue my relationship with the second Miss Wei.”

Teasingly, Chu Heng said, “I heard that the second Miss Wei is indeed a top beauty. Even if you truly marry her, you wouldn’t be at a loss.”

Qi Zhen responded, “Your Highness, don’t jest. As the saying goes, a beautiful woman is like a flower, beautiful whether on a branch or in a backyard, but she can’t be shown off in the main hall. Even though it’s nice to have a beautiful woman to entertain, she can’t handle serious matters. The wife to be wed should be virtuous. If I were to choose, and if the Miss Wei I am to wed would truly be capable, I might entertain such an idea. But that’s predicated on her having such strong abilities.”

“Your father would be delighted to hear about such thoughts,” Chu Heng remarked.

“My father simply wishes that I would settle down and return to his side.”

“What you’re doing now is fine, when I return to the capital I will explain things to your father. There’s no need for him to worry too much about you.”

“I appreciate that, Your Highness.”

After finishing his conversation with Chu Heng, Qi Zhen took his leave from the small residence in the countryside.

Later, Qi Zhen inquired about Wei Qingwan’s situation from his subordinates. Upon hearing that Wei Qingwan had been sent to the Wei Family’s estate, a plan formed in his mind.

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A farm on the outskirts of the city.

This farm, a five-hundred-acre establishment, was bought by Lady Yun after the Wei Family moved to the Government City.

Lady Yun once contemplated selling this estate, but since no one was interested in buying it, the plan was dropped.

The estate isn’t large, with worn-out houses.

The place where Wei Qingwan is staying isn’t much different than an ordinary farmhouse. It simply consists of a small ten-square-meter courtyard and a dilapidated house.

Moreover, only one maid named Cuihe accompanied her here. Madam Li wished to come along but was denied.

Wei Qingwan cried through the entire night and then spent the whole morning sitting blankly in front of the house.

But none of this could change her current circumstance.

In early August, the weather was still quite hot. Midday sun forced Wei Qingwan to retreat indoors.

Looking at the old bed and the hard cotton quilt, Wei Qingwan felt a deep sense of desolation.

Cuihe, at this point, also felt quite disheartened. She initially thought that following their lady would allow them to lead a better life, but now not only is there no improvement, their life has fallen to such a miserable state. Even for a hot drink in the morning, she had to go to the blackened hearth to make a fire and boil water.

Back at the Colonel’s residence, these trivial tasks were performed by the under maids. It was not expected of Cuihe, a head maid who personally served the lady, to perform them.

Full of complaints, Cuihe returned to the room and saw Wei Qingwan lost in thought. Unable to hold back, she advised, “Miss, sighing and lamenting isn’t going to help.”

“Then what else can I do?” Wei Qingwan responded sarcastically, “Initially, I thought only family members knew about this. Little did I know that Wei Qingruo is so ruthless. To ruin me she doesn’t mind going down with me as well!”

Wei Qingwan had already attributed the blame for the leak about her secret meeting with a man to WeiRuo, and was convinced it was Wei Ruo’s doing. “Miss, if she’s ruthless towards you, you need to be even more ruthless. You can’t simply admit defeat now!” Cuihe urged anxiously.

If their mistress admitted defeat, it meant that Cuihe herself would have no hope for a brighter future!

“Of course I won’t admit defeat. Whatever Wei Qingruo has done to me, I will return it in kind!” Wei Qingwan declared determinedly.

“Yes, Miss. You shouldn’t worry so much. Even with all the rumors outside, Young Master Qi’s feelings for you haven’t changed. If he finds out about your hardship, surely he won’t just stand by doing nothing,” Cuihe comforted hurriedly.

“Hmm,” Wei Qingwan nodded.

While the mistress and maid were talking, there was suddenly a commotion outside.

Cuihe rushed out to check.

In the dilapidated small courtyard, a few more people appeared.

Seeing these newcomers, Cuihe froze on the spot, “Who….who are you all?”

Upon coming out and seeing the newcomers, Wei Qingwan’s face was instantly filled with joy, followed by tears streaming out uncontrollably.

Qi Zhen quickly stepped forward, gently pulling Wei Qingwan into his arms.

“I’m sorry, I came late. You’ve been wronged.”

On hearing this, Wei Qingwan burst into tears. All of her grievances poured out at once.

Qi Zhen didn’t rush her. He gently wiped her tears with a handkerchief.

After a while, when Wei Qingwan’s tears finally stopped, Qi Zhen gently said, “Okay, it’s over now, I’m here. I won’t let you suffer anymore.”

Qi Zhen’s words were like a warm spring sun melting frozen soil and reviving the plants and trees, making Wei Qingwan’s heart flow with a sense of hope again.

“Young Master Qi, with all the rumors spreading around, what should I do?” Wei Qingwan asked, biting her lip.

“Don’t worry, I’ve been aware of this fora while. I didn’t tell you in order to not disrupt your recovery,” Qi Zhen explained.

“But….won’t this trouble you too?” Wei Qingwan said anxiously.

“No problem, I don’t care what outsiders say,” Qi Zhen reassured.

Seeing Qi Zhen’s determined look, Wei Qingwan’s anxieties eased.

Next, Qi Zhen said, “The rumors outside are indeed not good for you, and you’re also being punished by your family. So, in the next couple of days, I’d like to visit your father to explain the situation and ask for his forgiveness. I’m hoping this might appease his anger and convince him to take you back to the family residence.”

Upon hearing this, a warm current rose in Wei Qingwan’s heart.

Young Master Qi’s willingness to visit her father implied that he truly valued her and was sincerely interested in marrying her.