Chapter Forty-Eight: Apologize to Me Properly

Wei Ruo laughed softly, “It means two things. Not accepting her gift and sending it back is simply to avoid waste.”

Wei Yilin retorted, “That’s just twisting words. You’re about to start school—how could you not need them? How would it be a waste?”

Wei Ruo only smiled, then turned her head and called, “Xiumei, bring out some of my writing supplies.”

“Yes, miss!” came Xiumei’s voice from inside the house.

Moments later, Xiumei emerged, carrying a large bamboo basket in her arms.

She puffed and panted as she set the heavy basket before everyone.

Madam Yun, Wei Qingwan, and Wei Yilin all stared at the contents, their expressions changing dramatically.

The basket was filled to the brim with writing implements—paper, ink, brushes, and inkstones.

Most striking of all was the paper, whose color and texture marked it unmistakably as a product of the renowned Four Treasures Studio. It wasn’t just a few sheets, nor a handful—there was a thick stack.

There were also several fine inkstones, more than a dozen brushes of various sizes, and over ten inksticks. Moreover, the quality of these items was clearly superior to what Wei Qingwan had brought.

“Ruo’er, where did you get so many writing supplies?” Madam Yun was incredulous.

Even the eldest son didn’t have such an abundance!

“When I was at the Mo Family Stockade, I once inadvertently helped an old woman who had lost her way in the mountains. Her son runs a business in writing supplies, so he sent me a whole basket of these as thanks. Even though I’ve never been formally educated, I know these things aren’t cheap, so I brought them all with me when I left the Mo Family Stockade.”

Everyone in the Wei household knew that when Wei Ruo arrived, she had brought two full carts of belongings. But everyone assumed it was just worthless odds and ends; no one ever bothered to ask exactly what she had brought back.

Who would have thought that hidden among her pile of supposedly worthless rural goods was a treasure trove like this?

Wei Ruo continued, “So, Mother, isn’t it reasonable for me to say I have no use for Qingwan’s gift? I already have more writing supplies than I can ever use. If I accepted her gift, it would just sit in my room gathering dust. I simply didn’t want to waste Qingwan’s kindness.”

“Who would have thought that saying this would make Qingwan and Yilin misunderstand me? I spoke with the best of intentions—why would they think ill of me? Perhaps, deep down, they simply see me as a villain.”

Hearing this, both Wei Qingwan and Wei Yilin’s faces grew unpleasant.

Madam Yun said, “As long as everything is explained clearly, it’s just a misunderstanding.”

Wei Ruo nodded. “Yes, as long as it’s explained. Originally, I thought since I have so many writing supplies, I should share some with Qingwan. But seeing that she could spare a whole new set to give me, it seems she won’t lack for them any time soon, so I’ll keep mine for now.”

“As for Yilin, he just accused me of twisting words and being rude. As his elder sister, I shouldn’t hold it against him—he is still young. But as his elder sister, I also cannot indulge him too much. If I knowingly let him be disrespectful and reckless toward his elder sister and say nothing, then I would be failing in my duty.”

Wei Ruo’s words left the three before her unsure how to respond.

Madam Yun realized there was a problem with Wei Yilin’s attitude. “Yilin, apologize to your eldest sister! As the youngest brother, how can you speak like that to your elder sister?”

“But, Mother…”

“No buts!” Madam Yun’s expression was stern.

Wei Yilin was on the verge of exploding with frustration, but under Madam Yun’s sharp gaze, he had no choice but to lower his head.

“I’m sorry, I was wrong.” He apologized, though his face was full of reluctance.

Wei Ruo replied unhurriedly, “Little brother, apologies must be heartfelt and sincere. If you apologize at home with this attitude and I don’t correct you, you’ll suffer greatly when you do the same outside. You are the legitimate young master of the Wei family—every word and deed represents our household and the House of Loyalty and Righteousness.”

With just a few words, Wei Ruo elevated the matter of apology to the honor of the House of Loyalty and Righteousness.

Madam Yun agreed, and admonished Wei Yilin again, “Yilin, apologize properly. Your sister is right—an apology must be sincere. Are you glaring like this because you refuse to accept your mother’s and sister’s words?”

Her stern expression intimidated Wei Yilin. His eyes reddened, and he bit his lip. “I’m sorry, I was wrong. I was reckless.”

“It’s all right, as I said, you’re still young. As your elder sister, I won’t hold it against you. As long as you remember next time to think before you act, that will make me very happy.” Wei Ruo smiled gently.

Wei Yilin, though still aggrieved, had no choice but to glare at Wei Ruo with his round, aggrieved eyes.

Once the matter was resolved, Madam Yun took Wei Qingwan and Wei Yilin and left Song Listening Courtyard. At the door, they encountered Wei Jinyi.

Their eyes met. Wei Jinyi greeted, “Mother,” to which Madam Yun nodded, then continued on her way.

Polite and courteous, yet distant as ever.

Wei Jinyi had come over upon hearing the commotion, and ended up witnessing the whole scene from the doorway.

He could have left before Madam Yun came out, but today he deliberately stayed and let her see him.

After Madam Yun left, Wei Jinyi was about to return as well, when Wei Ruo emerged and called him.

“Second Brother, just in time. These are for you.”

Wei Ruo separated a pile of writing supplies from the bamboo basket and thrust them directly into Xiaobei’s arms, who was following behind Wei Jinyi.

Scrolls of paper, inkstones, brushes, and inksticks—all at once. Xiaobei fumbled to hold them all, nearly dropping them.

Wei Jinyi glanced at the items handed to him, but did not refuse.

He only said, “This is a bit too much.”

“It’s not. You’ll use them sooner or later. As the saying goes, it’s best not to flaunt one’s wealth. Since I’ve already revealed these, it’s better to use them up quickly. Rather than have someone I dislike swindle them away, I’d rather give them to someone I like.” Wei Ruo replied.

At this, Wei Jinyi’s face flushed red. He quickly turned, leading Xiaobei away at a brisk pace.

Wei Ruo had no idea why he left in such a hurry, but since he was always difficult to read, she thought nothing more of it.

The next day, the Xie family sent an invitation to the Commandant’s residence. Madam Xie wished to bring her daughter, Xie Ying, to visit. Since the two girls would be attending school together in the future, it was only proper for them to become acquainted beforehand.

Upon receiving the invitation, Madam Yun became busy at once. Though only the ladies of the Xie family would be coming, she would not dare show the slightest neglect.

After two days of preparation, Madam Xie arrived with her daughter, Xie Ying.

“Madam Wei, I hope we’re not imposing,” Madam Xie said with a warm smile.

“Not at all, Madam Xie. Your visit brings great joy to both myself and my daughter,” Madam Yun replied, beaming.

Madam Xie glanced at Wei Qingwan, who stood by Madam Yun’s side, then looked around, noticing no one else present. She asked, “Madam Wei, where is your other daughter?”