Chapter Ten: A Change in the Eldest Daughter’s Affairs

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“To call you annoying, at least you’re honest; whatever you’re thinking, you say it right to my face. But to call you amusing, the things you say are downright unreasonable,” Wei Ruo remarked.

“How am I being unreasonable?” Wei Yilin retorted, unconvinced.

“Think it over yourself.”

This time, Wei Ruo truly had no intention of continuing the bickering with Wei Yilin. With those words, she turned away and headed for her own room.

Wei Yilin rushed ahead to block her path. “Explain yourself!”

“Didn’t you say you didn’t like seeing me? Now you’re stopping me from leaving—could it be… that you actually like me as your sister, but just won’t admit it? Silly boy, you’re so contrary!” Wei Ruo’s eyes curved with mirth, her smile bright and mischievous.

“What are you talking about? Stop saying such nonsense!” Wei Yilin was flustered.

Silly boy? The very words made his skin crawl with embarrassment.

“Isn’t it true? Otherwise, why are you blocking my way? Do you want to have a heart-to-heart with your dear sister and grow closer?”

“No, no, no!” Wei Yilin hurriedly shook his head in denial.

“If not, then behave and go play with the sister you prefer. Otherwise, I’ll really start to suspect you’re just finding excuses to act cute with me!”

Wei Yilin froze on the spot.

Wei Ruo chuckled softly, turned, and went into her room, leaving Wei Yilin glaring at her retreating figure, fuming in silence.

After a while, Wei Yilin ran off to Plum Blossom Courtyard to complain to Wei Qingwan about his grievances with Wei Ruo.

“Sister, tell me, isn’t that Wei Ruo just like a country bumpkin? What kind of lady of good breeding plants vegetables in her own courtyard, and even climbs up on the wall using a ladder?”

“Yilin, dear, perhaps she’s a bit out of line, but as family, we shouldn’t speak of her that way,” Wei Qingwan comforted him.

“But she’s so exasperating!” Wei Yilin couldn’t help but recall how Wei Ruo shamelessly teased him about liking her as a sister, saying he just wanted to grow closer. The more he thought about it, the more embarrassed and upset he became.

“Don’t be angry, Yilin. Since you already know what kind of person she is, there’s no need to let it get to you. If you make yourself sick with anger, I’ll only feel sorry for you,” Wei Qingwan soothed, gently stroking his head. Her voice was like a clear spring, flowing into his heart.

Immediately, Wei Yilin felt his anger dissipate. “Sister, you’re so good to me! The two of you were born so close together, but you’re worlds apart—what a difference!”

“Oh, you!” Wei Qingwan tapped him lightly on the forehead with her finger. “You mustn’t act so rashly or say such unpleasant things anymore. Eldest Brother is right—those words shouldn’t be spoken before outsiders. If others hear, they’ll find fault with you, and I’d hate to see you punished by Mother and Father.”

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“I understand, Sister. I’ll be more restrained next time.”

“It’s not just about restraint; you shouldn’t go looking for trouble with her at all. If she does something wrong, Mother, Father, and Eldest Brother will correct her. As her younger brother, you shouldn’t speak to her that way, do you understand?” Wei Qingwan instructed gently.

“But it was Eldest Brother who asked me to deliver the osmanthus cakes to her. She didn’t appreciate it, and I just lost my temper! I swear, when I first went, I really meant to speak nicely to her!”

“I know you’re a good boy, Yilin.”

“At least Mother and Father didn’t make her the legitimate eldest daughter of our family. With her behavior, she’s simply not qualified!” Wei Yilin muttered under his breath, feeling secretly relieved.

“Actually, that title should have been hers. Mother and Father love me so much, I’m truly ashamed,” Wei Qingwan said softly.

“Nonsense! I think Mother and Father made the right decision. You’re the one who should be the eldest daughter! Our whole family acknowledges you!”

Wei Qingwan patted his head. “Thank you, Yilin, for believing in me.”

“Of course! Ever since I can remember, you’ve spent the most time with me, taught me the most. If I don’t trust you, who would I trust?”

Not long after Wei Yilin was born, Wei Mingting was transferred to Xing Shan County and became busy with official duties. Madam Yun was preoccupied managing the household, and Wei Yichen was absorbed in his studies. It was Wei Qingwan who spent the most time with Yilin, so their bond was the closest.

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Wei Ruo’s courtyard renovation was proceeding smoothly. Early that morning, she had transplanted the sprouted sweet potato vines and separated the loofah seedlings for replanting.

The sweet potatoes came from the seeds in her space, and cultivating them helped her gain experience. The loofah, pumpkin, and gourd were simply in season, and she enjoyed the sight of their vines covering the trellises, heavy with fruit.

After a busy stretch, Wei Ruo had just sat down to sip some water when Cui Ping, Madam Yun’s maid, arrived to summon her—her mistress wished to see her.

From Cui Ping’s expression, Wei Ruo sensed that something had happened.

When she arrived at Madam Yun’s quarters, she saw that Wei Qingwan was already there.

One look at Madam Yun’s grave expression, and Wei Ruo was certain something significant had occurred.

As soon as Wei Ruo entered, Madam Yun beckoned her forward.

Wei Ruo stepped closer, though still kept a slight distance.

“Ruo’er, there’s been a letter from the capital. Your grandfather has added your name to the family genealogy. From now on, your formal name will be Wei Qingruo.”

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Madam Yun’s brows were furrowed, her expression making it clear that this was not the only matter at hand.

“Mother, what’s wrong? Is there something troubling you?” Wei Qingwan quickly asked in a gentle voice.

Madam Yun looked from Wei Ruo to Wei Qingwan, hesitating to speak.

After a long pause, she finally said, “Wanwan, there’s something else I must tell you. Please, don’t be upset when you hear it.”

“Go on, Mother. I’ll be all right,” Wei Qingwan replied.

“Your grandfather wishes for Ruo’er to be recognized as the eldest daughter, with your name listed after hers in the genealogy.”

At these words, Wei Ruo was a little surprised. She had expected that the Old Master might have a different opinion, but she hadn’t anticipated he would make such a direct decision without further consulting Wei Mingting and Madam Yun.

Wei Qingwan was stunned, her complexion paling visibly before tears welled up in her eyes.

“Wanwan…” Seeing her daughter like this, Madam Yun’s heart grew even heavier.

“Mother…” Wei Qingwan threw herself into Madam Yun’s arms, her tears falling one after another like pearls from a broken string.

Madam Yun was beside herself with grief, unable to find words to comfort her heartbroken daughter.

Wei Ruo spoke up for her, “In truth, whether one is the eldest or the second daughter is not so important. The love of our parents will not change or diminish.”

Madam Yun was momentarily taken aback, realizing that these were the very words she herself had spoken to Wei Ruo just days before.

Wei Ruo continued, “And this was what Qingwan herself requested at the time. Now that her wish has come true, shouldn’t Qingwan be happy?”

These were Wei Qingwan’s own words.

Wei Qingwan lifted her head from Madam Yun’s embrace, staring at Wei Ruo in a daze, looking every bit like a wounded little rabbit.

“Isn’t that right?” Wei Ruo pressed.