Chapter 111: Wei Ruo Confronts Lady Yun

"It is a long story. To put it simply, I was swapped at birth and raised elsewhere; I have only recently returned," Wei Ruo explained.

"No wonder the Wei family suddenly gained a daughter who had been raised in the countryside. So, it was a mix-up. How pitiful for you; you must have suffered quite a bit out there."

Lady Yuan had heard rumors about the Wei family gaining a legitimate daughter, mostly while hearing others discuss the Wei family's affairs following the great defeat of the Japanese pirates in Xingshan County.

"Indeed. However, I would prefer they do not know I possess medical skills, nor do I wish for them to know of our connection. That is why I spoke so abruptly when we first met," Wei Ruo said.

"There was nothing abrupt about it. Whatever you wish to keep private, I shall certainly do my utmost to help you conceal," Lady Yuan replied. "If there is anything else you need me to be mindful of, do not hesitate to tell me."

"There is nothing else. You need only treat me as a new acquaintance in front of others, Lady Yuan," Wei Ruo said.

"That is simple enough."

As they spoke, Lady Yuan's maid, Xiaozhao, had already retrieved a change of clothes for Wei Ruo. Lady Yuan had her go and change. The outfit consisted of a floral-patterned gauze shirt paired with a gold-threaded skirt embroidered with butterflies among flowers. The skirt was made of "floating light" brocade, which was even more precious than cloud-brocade, while the top was fashioned from the lighter, thinner plain patterned silk.

The clothes fit perfectly, accentuating Wei Ruo's figure beautifully.

When Wei Ruo emerged, Lady Yuan looked at her with delight. "I was in such agony during childbirth that I could hardly focus on anything, but I always remembered my savior as a budding beauty. Seeing you now, you look just like a freshly bloomed lotus—delicate and radiant. If I were a man, I would surely be smitten."

At thirteen, the girl was on the cusp of womanhood, possessing a lively and captivating charm.

"Thank you for your praise, Lady Yuan," Wei Ruo said, feeling a bit bashful.

"Let us go. Accompany me to greet the guests first. Once today is over, you must stay in the provincial capital for a few more days so we may properly catch up."

Lady Yuan took the initiative to hold Wei Ruo's hand and led her back out.

Returning to the garden, everyone turned their eyes toward Lady Yuan and the Wei girl at her side. It was true that clothes make the person; in this new attire, Wei Ruo looked even more striking.

Upon reaching the crowd, Lady Yuan began chatting with the other ladies, leaving Wei Ruo to wander and admire the scenery. Because of Lady Yuan's earlier attitude, those who had previously ignored Wei Ruo changed their behavior significantly, and many now took the initiative to approach her.

Wei Qingwan stood in a corner, watching the crowd-surrounded Wei Ruo from afar, her face devoid of any color.

Nearby, a group of young ladies began a game of "flying flower" poetry. This was a segment Wei Qingwan had planned to use to shine, but now, not a single person invited her to join, as if she were invisible. Although Wei Ruo had been invited, she did not participate, choosing instead to nibble on pastries and nuts to the side.

***

The garden party concluded, and Lady Yun departed with Wei Ruo and Wei Qingwan.

On the way back, Lady Yun’s face was grim, and she remained silent. Once they reached the Xie family's villa where they were staying, she summoned them both into the room.

"Wanwan, do you know your mistake?" Lady Yun demanded.

Wei Qingwan dropped to her knees with a thud.

"Mother!" Two trails of clear tears slid down her face.

"Wanwan, you have always been the most dignified and sensible. Why were you so reckless today? Not only did you bump into your sister, but you also remained silent when Lady Yuan questioned you! Do you realize the impact Lady Yuan’s words could have on you? She is no ordinary person; she is the most beloved daughter of Prince Huai. Never mind here in Taizhou Prefecture—even in the capital, her words carry immense weight!" Lady Yun’s eyes were filled with pain and regret.

Wei Qingwan wept, her tears falling like rain. "Mother, I didn't know such a thing would happen. I simply tripped. How was I to know I would bump into Sister, and how could I have known Sister would collide with Lady Yuan?"

Wei Qingwan sobbed bitterly, her eyes red, her cheeks pale, and her body shuddering as if she might faint from grief. She poured out all the grievances of being ignored and treated with coldness at the Tianqin Garden in the form of tears.

Watching the daughter she had raised for thirteen years cry like this, Lady Yun felt a sharp pang in her heart.

Lady Yun turned to look at Wei Ruo, chiding, "And you! Why did you have to rush toward Lady Yuan of all people? Now that you are fine and have earned her praise, you have ruined your sister’s entire life!"

Wei Ruo gave a mocking laugh. "Does Mother believe I should have fallen into the pond, soaked to the bone, and become the laughingstock of the entire Taizhou Prefecture?"

Wei Ruo admitted that Wei Qingwan's shove might not have been enough to push her entirely into the pond, but before the incident occurred, who could know how things would unfold? In an emergency, a person will naturally choose the safest course of action; it is an instinct, a reaction where the body moves faster than the brain.

Lady Yun argued, "I didn't tell you to fall! But if you hadn't rushed in front of Lady Yuan, none of this would have happened! Your sister’s entire future might be destroyed because of your actions today!"

"What? So if Wei Qingwan trips, it’s an unavoidable accident, but if I rush in front of Lady Yuan, it’s something I could have prevented? You may be biased, Mother, but do not be so unreasonable," Wei Ruo countered.

"What did you say?" Accused of being biased and unreasonable, Lady Yun’s face darkened instantly.

"Isn't it true? You even think it is understandable that Wei Qingwan did not step forward to admit her fault, blaming it on her being frightened, yet you refuse to see that my reaction in a moment of crisis was also understandable. Pray tell, where is your fairness and justice?" Wei Ruo asked.

"Is this the attitude you take when speaking to your mother?!" Lady Yun slammed her hand onto the desk, glaring at Wei Ruo in fury.

"And is this the kind of questioning a mother should pose to her daughter?" Wei Ruo retorted.

"Wei Qingruo, you are rebelling!" Lady Yun, in a fit of rage, shouted at Nanny Zhang outside, "Nanny Zhang, take the eldest young lady to her room and lock her in! Without my order, no one is to let her out, and she is to be given no food!"

Nanny Zhang entered the room but stood still, looking at Wei Ruo with a conflicted expression, hesitant to act.

Wei Ruo said with calm composure, "In two days, the rice in the experimental fields I first cultivated south of the city will be ready for harvest. Every arrangement requires my supervision. If you dare to lock me up or punish me today, I can guarantee that something will go wrong in those fields. When that time comes, how will the Wei family answer to Magistrate Qian? How will you answer to the Seventh Prince?"

Upon hearing this, Lady Yun was startled, staring at Wei Ruo in utter disbelief.