Chapter 58: A New Partner

“I tell you, I truly admire those who can serve their country and people. I have always longed to be one of those heroes who ride into battle! When I was a child, my grandfather would often tell me stories of such heroes, and back then I wished that I could one day go to war myself!” Xie Ying began to share her dreams with Wei Ruo.

She pursed her lips, regret and helplessness clouding her expression. “But, alas, I am a girl. I only learned as I grew up that there are so many things girls are not allowed to do. Forget about going to war—there are endless rules just for leaving the house.”

Wei Ruo couldn’t help but laugh at that. This eldest daughter of the Xie family was truly amusing, so different from the usual sheltered girls of noble households!

“What’s so funny?” Xie Ying asked.

“I’m not mocking you—I’m delighted! I agree with you. Just as you long to ride into battle, I want to farm the land south of the city. Yet I must get my parents’ approval before I can even go out, and even then, I have to take one of the household’s old maids with me every time.”

“But you’ve accomplished something great all the same. My mother told me that your success will help the people of the city, letting more of them put food on the table. Your achievements are just as worthy as those of warriors defending the borders!”

Xie Ying admired such people more than anyone.

“If you’re interested, you can join in too,” Wei Ruo suggested.

“Me? Really?” Xie Ying asked, sounding skeptical.

“Of course. There’s still plenty of open land in the south of the city that can be cultivated.”

“But isn’t that wasteland mainly meant for farmers who have lost their land?” Xie Ying asked.

“Most of it is, yes. Dispossessed farmers and out-of-work fishermen have been given the best plots—those close to the main roads, near water sources, or on relatively flat ground. But the more complicated terrain hasn’t been allotted to anyone.”

“Can crops be grown on difficult terrain?” Xie Ying pressed.

“They can, though it’s not suitable for things like rice, since the labor and maintenance costs would be too high. But we can plant bamboo, mushrooms, a variety of melons, vegetables, even medicinal herbs.”

As Wei Ruo spoke, she could see Xie Ying listening intently, and an idea was already beginning to take shape in her mind.

“If you’re truly interested, we could become partners,” Wei Ruo went on.

“Partners?” Xie Ying eyed her curiously.

“You’re not skilled at farming, and though I am, my freedom and time are limited as a member of the Wei family, and I have few people to command. If we work together, we can complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We’ll split the profits according to our contributions. How does that sound?”

“Honestly, I’ve never liked farming, but the way you put it makes it sound interesting!” Xie Ying was clearly intrigued.

She had grown up pampered by her grandparents and parents, never lacking for money, but the idea of earning her own silver was novel and exciting.

Especially now that her perspective on farming was changing.

“So, what should we plant?” she asked.

“We could grow medicinal herbs. With the war, demand is high and prices remain steep in the city. If we cultivate herbs and sell them, we’ll make money. And if the army needs them, we can sell at cost, ensuring the soldiers never lack life-saving medicines,” Wei Ruo proposed.

“That’s wonderful! We could make money and help the soldiers!” Xie Ying’s enthusiasm grew, her eagerness almost palpable.

“If you agree, you’ll need to negotiate with the local authorities and send people to work the fields. There will be plenty to do,” Wei Ruo reminded her.

“As if I wouldn’t! I’m not just playing games with you! If I, Xie Ying, am going to do this, I’m going to do it right! Just wait, I’ll go talk to my mother now! If she doesn’t agree, I’ll write to my grandfather myself!” Xie Ying replied with characteristic boldness.

She was utterly serious.

“There’s one more condition: in our partnership, you must keep everything secret—not just from outsiders, but even from anyone in my family,” Wei Ruo added.

“Why? I understand about outsiders, but why your own family?” Xie Ying asked, puzzled.

“What if my younger sister wants to get involved once she finds out?” Wei Ruo countered.

“No, I don’t like her—she’s too much trouble. She looks like she’d fall over in a breeze, and always stares at me with those weak, pitiful eyes. Last time I ignored her, she acted as if I’d beaten her up,” Xie Ying declared, refusing immediately.

“But if word gets out, my family will order me to let her join, and I won’t be able to refuse,” Wei Ruo explained.

“Then better to keep it secret. Mystique is good. When I talk to my mother, I’ll make sure she keeps it confidential too!” Xie Ying agreed.

“Alright. First get your family’s permission, and then we’ll plan out the next steps,” Wei Ruo said.

Working with Xie Ying brought Wei Ruo many advantages. First, Xie Ying’s personality suited her; second, Xie Ying had both influence and capability, making her an ideal partner; and most importantly, this would let her bypass the Wei family.

Previously, developing the southern wastelands had required official backing, so she had to rely on the Wei family for government connections. Now, with Xie Ying, she could cultivate land without the Wei family’s involvement, and even secure an extra source of income for herself.

Xie Ying, usually rather lazy, never procrastinated when something piqued her interest. During the midday rest, she sought out Lady Xie and shared her idea.

Lady Xie thought it was an excellent plan. The accomplishments of the Wei family’s eldest daughter were plain for all to see, and it could only benefit her daughter to work alongside such a driven young woman.

Moreover, it was hardly a major matter for the Xie family; Lady Xie wouldn’t even need to dip into the family treasury—she could simply use a little from her own dowry for her daughter’s venture.

Seeing her mother agree, Xie Ying was overjoyed.

“Thank you, Mother!” she cried, hugging Lady Xie and planting a kiss on her cheek.

“You little rascal,” Lady Xie chided fondly. “If you’re going to do this, then you must be as diligent as the Wei family’s eldest daughter. See it through and make something of it—no giving up halfway.”

She wasn’t worried about the money; she just wanted her daughter to develop good habits.

“Don’t worry, Mother! When have I ever run away from a challenge? I despise cowards more than anyone!”

“Oh, you say that, but last year in the capital, I took you to see the flower boats, and just as we were about to leave, you faked a stomachache to get out of it,” Lady Xie teased.

“That… that was different…”

“Alright, alright. This time, I choose to believe you. And soon, your brother will be coming to Xing Shan County—if you need anything, you can have him help you.”

Lady Xie smiled as she spoke.