Chapter 50: Unwilling to Make a Losing Deal

“How could it be the second young lady? Hasn’t the second young lady always been studying at the magistrate’s residence? How could I possibly compete with the magistrate’s family for her? I heard that the eldest young lady, having only just been brought home, hasn’t yet been arranged for her studies, so I thought Madam Wei must have meant the eldest young lady.” This was Madam Xie’s reply.

When Madam Yun visited the Xie family, she had only mentioned her daughter, not specifying which one.

Naturally, Madam Xie assumed it was Wei Ruo, who had yet to begin her studies, and agreed without hesitation. She even told Madam Yun that her daughter was delightful and would get along splendidly with her own child. She also added that Mr. Wang had already suggested she invite a young lady from the Wei family to join their lessons.

Madam Yun was overjoyed and, just as naturally, thought it was Wei Qingwan. It never crossed her mind that it could be Wei Ruo.

No matter how she considered it, she couldn’t imagine the Xie family—let alone Mr. Wang—would be interested in Wei Ruo.

Wei Qingwan was so shocked she was rendered speechless, her complexion growing visibly pale.

Wei Ruo could feel the resentful gaze that Wei Qingwan cast her way. It was clear that Wei Qingwan was astonished, even at a loss, and now she was directing her frustration toward Wei Ruo.

But what did that have to do with her? She had not actively sought to make a fool of Wei Qingwan—the entire misunderstanding was of their own making.

Madam Xie, seeing the bewildered expressions on Madam Yun and Wei Qingwan, finally realized the mistake as well. Understanding it would be inappropriate to linger, she called for Xie Ying, bade farewell to Madam Yun, and excused herself.

Before leaving, she turned to Wei Ruo and said, “Then, Miss Wei, we shall meet again in two days. If you need anything regarding your studies, do not hesitate to let me know. I will prepare everything for you in advance.”

“Thank you, Madam,” Wei Ruo replied politely.

Madam Yun, having finally collected herself from her shock, forced a smile as she saw Madam Xie and Xie Ying out.

When she returned, her face was drawn and weary. She looked at Wei Ruo and Wei Qingwan, opened her mouth as if to speak, but in the end said nothing, sending them off to rest before retiring to Cangyun Courtyard herself.

Wei Qingwan watched her mother’s retreating figure, unable to hold back her tears any longer.

She lifted her gaze to Wei Ruo, her eyes burning with a mixture of anger and disbelief.

Wei Ruo ignored her, turning back to tend her pumpkin vines.

After a while, hearing hurried footsteps, she knew Wei Qingwan had run off.

Back in Cangyun Courtyard, Madam Yun’s thoughts were in turmoil.

The Xie family agreeing to take a daughter of the Wei family as Mr. Wang Caiwei’s student was certainly a good thing—no matter which daughter it was, she ought to be happy.

But with this blunder, Madam Yun’s feelings were far more complicated. There was happiness, of course—at least one daughter would be studying at the Xie household under Mr. Wang.

But there was also worry, heartache, and a nagging sense of unease.

She worried that Ruo’er might not perform well.

She felt sorry for Wanwan, for this mix-up caused her real pain.

As for the unease, she couldn’t even say exactly what it was that tugged at her heart.

As evening approached, Wei Ruo asked Xiumei to tell the people at Cangyun Courtyard that she wasn’t feeling well and would not be dining in the hall that evening.

Wei Ruo knew that if she went to the dining hall tonight, she would have to face a tableful of gloomy faces—it was better to avoid the situation altogether.

She imagined that no one else in the family would pay her absence any mind tonight.

So, Wei Ruo slipped away to Yingzhu Courtyard to join Wei Jinyi for dinner.

She called it: “To thank Second Brother for helping me find a female teacher, I must cook him a meal with my own hands.”

Wei Jinyi accepted her presence without question, fully aware of why she chose to hide out with him for dinner.

While Xiumei and Xiaobei were busy in the small kitchen, Wei Ruo and Wei Jinyi sat together in the pavilion.

“In a good mood?” Wei Jinyi asked, noticing the playful smile on Wei Ruo’s face, and his own expression softened with warmth.

Over time, Wei Jinyi had noticed how different Wei Ruo was with him compared to the rest of the family—she was livelier here, quick to smile.

“Of course I’m in a good mood. Even though I didn’t plan this mix-up, the result was quite satisfying, so naturally I’m pleased,” Wei Ruo made no attempt to hide her enjoyment of the spectacle.

“You handled it well. Will you tell me why you chose the Xie family?” Wei Jinyi inquired.

At first, he hadn’t known what Wei Ruo intended, but when she’d asked him to recommend Mr. Wang to the Xie family, he’d begun to understand.

Mr. Wang was a renowned female teacher—the Xie family would be delighted, and would even cover the tuition fees for Wei Ruo. If Mr. Wang then suggested taking on a Wei family young lady as well, Wei Ruo could easily go and study at the Xie household.

Wei Ruo replied, “There were two main reasons. First, after the Commander’s Mansion and the magistrate’s residence, the Xie family is the most distinguished in Xing Shan County. They’re also the only family who doesn’t need to show deference to the Wei family. Second, I’ve spent some time with Xie Ying. We’re not close, but I like her disposition. We can coexist peacefully, without all the tiresome schemes that give me headaches.”

“If Mother were to ask the Xie family to let Wei Qingwan study with you, would you agree?” Wei Jinyi pressed.

“Absolutely not! I went through all this trouble just to avoid her—if she came along, all my efforts would be wasted! Besides, it was you who used your connections to find this teacher for me, so how could I let someone else take advantage of that? If she and I bore no grudges, it might be different, but I still remember how she falsely accused me of pushing someone! I may not have the chance to get back at her yet, but I certainly won’t let someone who wronged me benefit at my expense. Why should I suffer such a loss? I have no interest in making a losing bargain!”

“And what about me?” Wei Jinyi asked.

“You?”

“Would you consider what you did for me a losing bargain?”

“Pfft…” Wei Ruo couldn’t help but laugh at his utterly serious expression.

But Wei Jinyi remained solemn.

“Ahem.” Wei Ruo cleared her throat and, matching his seriousness, analyzed, “If I think about it, that day when I rescued you, I was confined to the woodshed, offended the household matron, and lost a pile of medicine. But as for you, you’re really quite decent—you gave me wild ginseng and helped me find a teacher. You’re someone who knows how to repay kindness. So, all in all, I don’t think I’ve been shortchanged in this deal with you!”

Wei Jinyi smiled—a subtle, gentle smile, as soft and clear as water, as warm as jade.

“I do have a question, by the way,” Wei Ruo suddenly piped up.

“What is it?”

“You always seem so delicate and frail, spending your days inside reading or writing. But when I undressed you that day, I noticed you’re actually quite well built—those muscles, those lines—very impressive.”