Chapter 109: The Green-Eyed Monster

Page 1/3

“As far as I know, Madam Yuan accompanied Lord Yuan back to the capital to report on his duties and took the opportunity to visit her father, Prince Huai. Originally, she planned to return in time for childbirth, but unforeseen circumstances delayed her for over a month midway, and the child arrived prematurely. That’s why she gave birth on the way, but I heard she was fortunate enough to meet a noble benefactor, ensuring both mother and child’s safety,” Madam Yun explained.

She continued, “However, these details are not important. What matters is that Madam Yuan’s health remains fragile; she must avoid drafts and fright, so we must proceed with caution.”

“Understood, mother,” Wei Qingwan replied softly, her gentle tone reassuring Madam Yun.

It was Wei Ruo who caused concern with her brash and carefree demeanor, making people worry she might act recklessly.

Yet, at this point, Madam Yun’s worries were futile; she could only observe and wait.

After the time it took to finish a cup of tea, the three arrived punctually at Tianqin Garden.

This was the magistrate’s family’s detached villa, also a garden ordered by Prince Huai to be built for his daughter, Princess Jingmin, thus it was grander and more luxurious than the magistrate’s main residence.

The Wei family, after all, originated from the loyal and righteous Earl’s estate, so they were accustomed to such grandeur and did not appear out of place.

Madam Yun glanced at Wei Ruo trailing behind and, seeing her composed expression without a hint of embarrassment, felt slightly relieved.

Wei Qingwan instinctively looked at Wei Ruo twice, feeling a touch disappointed that she showed no signs of unease.

Today, Wei Ruo’s simple attire made her exceptionally striking.

Even the most elaborate adornments would be useless if she appeared timid, but her calm confidence overshadowed them all.

Upon entering the garden, they were greeted by lush layers of flowers and greenery, arranged in an orderly yet abundant fashion. There was a pond filled with lotus plants, though at this season, the leaves and flowers had all withered, leaving only a few yellowing seed pods swaying in the breeze. Not vibrant, but possessing a unique charm.

A few mandarin ducks playfully glided across the water, while colorful koi fish in shades of gold, red, and black swam beneath.

At this time of year, the most captivating blooms were the clusters of osmanthus and chrysanthemums.

Especially the osmanthus—golden, orange, pale yellow—spreading fragrance in waves.

Upon entering, they were immediately enveloped by the scent of osmanthus.

It was clear the magistrate’s wife dearly loved these flowers, planting such abundance and setting the annual garden party during this season.

When Wei Ruo arrived, quite a few familiar faces from the city were already gathered, chatting leisurely among themselves.

The three newcomers attracted no attention, standing awkwardly aside.

Page 2/3

Madam Yun and Wei Qingwan appeared somewhat uneasy, while Wei Ruo, as if unaffected, admired the flowers, paying no heed to the others’ conversations.

Tianqin Garden boasted a great variety of rare flowers. To her right was a corner filled with many precious camellias, though it wasn’t the season for them in full bloom, leaving only green leaves without buds.

Ahead lay a patch of roses, which typically bloom in spring and summer, sometimes into autumn, but the cold this year likely prevented flowering, so only leaves were visible.

Wei Ruo strolled on, approaching the lotus pond.

Looking at the water, she mused that beneath the surface likely lay many lotus roots. In another month or two, when ripe, harvesting and cooking them with corn would surely produce an enticing aroma.

At that moment, a lady approached Madam Yun.

“Madam Wei.”

Madam Yun smiled and nodded in response. “May I ask your name, madam?”

Though she didn’t recognize the woman, her refined manner and elegant attire indicated high status.

“My surname is Xu; my husband serves as the Prefect of Linhai,” the lady replied.

A Prefect—fifth rank official.

Madam Xu then inquired, “Is the young lady in pale blue by the lotus pond your daughter?”

“Yes, that’s my eldest,” Madam Yun answered.

“I've heard of her—how your eldest daughter reclaimed barren land to benefit the people, bringing blessings to the region,” Madam Xu remarked.

“Madam, you flatter us. The rice harvest is yet to come, and it remains uncertain whether it will truly benefit the area,” Madam Yun modestly replied.

“Madam Wei, your humility does you credit, but Miss Wei’s talents are unparalleled in Taizhou Prefecture. Today, seeing her poised and elegant, truly outstanding—such a combination of grace and beauty is rare among the noble families I’ve encountered in recent years.”

Madam Yun’s heart swelled with joy at the praise. She had not expected her daughter’s deeds in the southern county of Xingshan to be so well known and so highly praised in the prefectural city.

Wei Qingwan, standing behind her mother, grew increasingly uneasy.

Here she was, standing before Madam Xu, yet Madam Xu never so much as glanced at her, as if the only daughter of the Wei family was Wei Ruo.

The achievements in land reclamation aside, why should Wei Ruo’s appearance surpass hers so completely?

From afar, Wei Qingwan looked at Wei Ruo standing by the pond, simply dressed without excessive adornment, yet somehow so captivating.

She lowered her gaze to herself—this ensemble, carefully prepared over several days, from hair accessories to clothing, was her best display. Yet, the effect paled in comparison to Wei Ruo’s casual grace.

Had she worn the same brocade silk as Wei Ruo today, the result would surely not be inferior.

Page 3/3

But this disparity was deliberately created by Wei Ruo. If only she had shared the brocade silk that day, the outcome would not be like this.

In that moment, a surge of resentment toward Wei Ruo swelled in Wei Qingwan’s heart.

Suddenly, an idea struck her. If Wei Ruo stepped one step further, her foot would sink into the pond’s shallow water, and the muddy bottom would stain her skirt.

Just one step—it wouldn’t require Wei Ruo to fall in, only that her dress be dirtied slightly, making her less striking.

With this thought, Wei Qingwan began to approach Wei Ruo step by step.

Coincidentally, Wei Ruo bent down to pick a withered lotus seed pod near the water’s edge.

Hearing footsteps behind her, Wei Ruo turned around.

Feigning weakness in her leg, Wei Qingwan stumbled forward a few steps and lightly collided with Wei Ruo’s body.

Wei Ruo stepped forward instinctively, her right foot sinking into the shallow mud by the pond.

To steady herself, she quickly grabbed a reed by the bank, using it to pull her body back onto solid ground.

She exerted a bit too much force, springing several steps away.

When she stopped, a dignified and noble lady nearly collided with her.

Witnessing this, Madam Yun’s heart leapt into her throat.

She hurried forward, repeatedly apologizing, “Madam Yuan, I am terribly sorry; my daughter was reckless and bumped into you.”

Madam Yuan did not reply but instead stared blankly at Wei Ruo…