Chapter Nineteen: The First Outing

“Afraid of hunger, so I brought some food,” Wei Ruo replied.

Hearing this, Madam Yun frowned gently and explained to Wei Ruo, “Ruo’er, today after we pray for blessings at Fahua Temple, we’ll have a vegetarian meal there. You won’t go hungry.”

“It’s just some snacks, it won’t affect the proper meal. If any other ladies or young misses get hungry, I can share some with them.”

Listening to her explanation and seeing the exquisite, beautiful food box she had prepared, Madam Yun decided not to say anything more. She only reminded her that when they climbed the mountain, she should hand the food box over to her maid, Cui Ping.

To limit the number of people on the outing, aside from the accompanying coachman and guards, Madam Yun brought only Cui Ping; neither Wei Ruo nor Wei Qingwan brought their maids.

Wei Qingwan arrived at the gate as well. With one glance, she saw Wei Ruo, who had made herself up beautifully, and for a fleeting moment, surprise flashed in her eyes, but she quickly turned her face away.

Wei Ruo paid no attention to Wei Qingwan; her mind was occupied entirely with thoughts of farming and making money.

Absentmindedly following Madam Yun onto the carriage, she sat inside and gazed out the window, her thoughts drifting far away.

Madam Yun noticed her distracted demeanor but said nothing. She turned and spoke to Wei Qingwan, “Wanwan, today we’ll walk up the mountain to Fahua Temple to pray. Mother worries you may not be able to handle it physically.”

“Mother, don’t worry. Whether or not I can finish the climb, I’ll do my best. Step by step, I want to pray for Father and all the soldiers, hoping they win every battle against the pirates and return safe and sound. I also hope the pirates will be driven out soon, so Xing Shan County can have peace again.”

“Mm, your father will surely be delighted to know you have this intention.”

“Father and the soldiers defend our home and country, fighting bravely and shedding blood and sweat. All I can do is a small thing—climbing the mountain to pray. A little exhaustion is nothing; compared to Father and the others, it’s not worth mentioning.”

Seeing her daughter’s grateful and sensible appearance, Madam Yun couldn’t help but smile kindly, her gaze especially gentle.

Her daughter was educated, graceful, gentle, and dutiful—truly flawless.

Thinking about meeting the other ladies soon, Madam Yun felt particularly cheerful, for in such gatherings, Wanwan was always the one most praised.

Everyone has vanity, Madam Yun was no exception. Hearing her daughter praised was naturally a joyful thing.

But today might turn out differently...

Madam Yun glanced toward Wei Ruo, who was leaning against the window, her expression tinged with worry. She didn’t expect Ruo’er to be as outstanding and praised as Wanwan, only hoped she wouldn’t be criticized.

Though she had assured Wei Ruo yesterday that she believed in her, now that she was actually taking her out, she couldn’t help but feel anxious.

The carriage departed from the Commandant’s Residence and headed north, traveling much of the route Wei Ruo had taken when she last went out to inspect the city.

After leaving the city, the carriage turned onto a country lane, making its way toward Xianlao Mountain.

At the foot of the mountain, the carriage stopped. Madam Yun and Wei Qingwan alighted, followed by Wei Ruo at her own leisurely pace.

By the time they arrived, the wives of the magistrate, the assistant magistrate, the registrar, and several other young ladies were already waiting at the foot of the mountain.

All eyes turned toward the Wei family as they arrived, for word had spread that the family now had another daughter.

Naturally, curiosity surrounded Wei Ruo, who had only recently been brought back to the family.

The moment she stepped off the carriage, Wei Ruo sensed many gazes falling upon her.

She faced their scrutiny openly, neither shy nor evasive.

She knew it was unavoidable; their curiosity needed to be satisfied.

But as the ladies and young misses sized her up, they found Wei Ruo quite different from their expectations. Her slender figure and smooth, delicate skin surpassed even those pampered girls raised in the seclusion of wealthy homes.

If the Wei family hadn’t said so, no one would have guessed Wei Ruo had lived in the countryside until recently.

Standing beside Wei Qingwan, one gentle and graceful, the other lively and charming, the two outshone all the other young ladies present in terms of appearance.

Some were surprised, others disappointed.

Those hoping for a laugh at the Wei family's expense found their expectations dashed.

The magistrate’s wife, accompanied by her daughter Qian Caisang, approached Madam Yun with a smile. “Madam Wei, you truly make others envious! Both your daughters are so outstanding—how will the rest of us ever compete?”

Madam Yun quickly laughed, “Madam Qian, please don’t tease me. How could my daughters compare to yours? Wanwan told me your daughter’s poetry is so excellent that Master Fu has praised her repeatedly. Master Fu rarely compliments anyone’s poems; your young miss is truly exceptional!”

Master Fu was the most renowned lady teacher in Xing Shan County, currently instructing several young ladies at the magistrate’s residence.

Madam Qian beamed, “She just has a bit of cleverness, that’s all!”

Though she downplayed her daughter’s talent, her smile was genuine—the words had struck right at her heart.

Next, the assistant magistrate’s wife and the registrar’s wife came forward to greet Madam Yun.

Madam Yun glanced around, noticing several familiar ladies were present. She asked the magistrate’s wife, who was hosting today’s event, “Madam Qian, who are we waiting for?”

“It’s the lady and young miss of the Xie family in the north of the city,” Madam Qian replied.

The Xie family was a renowned scholarly household in Taizhou Prefecture, with two scholars emerging from the family in the past twenty years.

Madam Xie’s father-in-law was one of them, currently serving in the capital as a fifth-rank official. It was rumored that he was highly favored by the emperor and might soon be promoted to a fourth-rank court attendant.

Upon hearing they were waiting for the Xie family, everyone voiced no objection.

Soon, the Xie family’s carriage arrived, and two people descended: Madam Xie and her daughter, Xie Ying.

Unlike the other young ladies who were assisted down by their maids, Xie Ying hopped down herself.

Such boldness was unique among the young ladies present today.

“Be careful,” Madam Xie said fondly but helplessly. Her daughter was truly spoiled by her father-in-law and husband.

Xie Ying had already dashed ahead.

Madam Xie stepped forward and greeted Madam Yun and Madam Qian. “Sorry to keep you waiting. My Ying’er was too mischievous and got distracted by a magician midway, refusing to leave.”

“No matter, no matter. She’s still young; a little curiosity is perfectly normal,” Madam Qian replied with a smile.

Madam Xie looked at Wei Ruo—the others were all familiar faces, seen countless times, but today was her first time meeting Wei Ruo.

She smiled and said, “The eldest Miss Wei is so lovely and charming—she truly takes after Madam Wei and Lord Wei.”