Chapter Fifty-Nine: Bringing Humiliation Upon Oneself

“What? Why is my brother here? Isn’t he preparing for the imperial exam? Shouldn’t he be attending classes at the academy in the capital, too busy to leave?” Xie Ying asked.

“This, your mother isn’t entirely sure either. But your grandfather and father both agreed, so there must be something important for him to do here.”

“Oh, I see. Never mind that, I’m going to tell Wei Qingruo that my mother has agreed to let us start the medicinal herb field. I want to get going immediately!”

Xie Ying dashed back to the schoolroom, found Wei Ruo, and shared the news.

“Wei Qingruo, my mother has given her consent. When can we start?” Xie Ying was eager and impatient.

“Right away,” Wei Ruo replied, appreciating Xie Ying’s decisive, no-nonsense attitude.

“Then tell me, what do we need to do, how should we arrange the work, what supplies are necessary, and how many people will we need?” Xie Ying sat close beside Wei Ruo.

Wei Ruo took out paper and brush, explaining everything to Xie Ying while marking key points as she spoke.

Xie Ying listened intently, asking questions whenever she didn’t understand, her attitude serious and studious.

Once everything was settled, she took the paper Wei Ruo had written and went to Lady Xie to borrow people for help, officially launching the project with remarkable efficiency.

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Another person equally efficient was Chu Lan. In just two days, she sent a matron to the Commandant’s Residence to discuss the matter of the southern city with Wei Ruo.

Wei Ruo specially requested leave from Master Wang to stay home and arrange the affairs. Master Wang voiced no objections, instead telling Wei Ruo that what she was doing now was also part of her education.

Upon seeing the matron sent by Chu Lan, Lady Yun’s heart skipped a beat. Her intuition told her that the matron’s background was far superior to that of her own household’s matrons. Moreover, her husband had reminded her last night that the distinguished guest’s status was far from ordinary, and she should mind her manners.

Hearing that the matron’s surname was Chu, Lady Yun immediately realized something: a member of the imperial family, even if from an unfavored prince’s house, was not someone they could afford to offend.

Lady Yun respectfully led the matron to Pines Pavilion, then briefly reminded Wei Ruo to be careful and withdrew promptly, so as not to delay their important conversation.

“Your servant greets Miss Wei.” Matron Qin bowed to Wei Ruo, respectful yet exuding an imposing dignity.

Wei Ruo knew that the matron sent by Chu Lan was most likely from the palace and unlike ordinary household matrons. The Loyal Marquis’s Residence was aristocratic, but even in its heyday, it could not compare to palace protocol—let alone now, when it was already in decline.

“No need for formalities,” Wei Ruo said. “Your young master sent you to assist me. Please disregard unnecessary rules, simply convey my instructions and ensure those under you complete their tasks properly.”

“Miss Wei, rest assured. My master has already instructed me to do everything in my power to assist you. Should you require anything related to the reclamation of the southern wasteland, simply let me know, and I will arrange for it to be done.”

Though Matron Qin was very strict with protocol, she treated Wei Ruo without condescension and certainly did not nitpick her manners. She understood perfectly the purpose of her visit; her master regarded Wei Ruo highly, so she would not fault her for minor breaches of etiquette.

While Matron Qin and Wei Ruo were discussing matters, Wei Qingwan suddenly entered Pines Pavilion.

“Sister.” Wei Qingwan sweetly addressed Wei Ruo.

Wei Ruo’s gaze sharpened as she scrutinized Wei Qingwan. One seldom visits the temple without cause; since the Xie family’s academic mishap, Wei Qingwan had not set foot in Pines Pavilion. What wind had blown her here today?

“Sister, I brought you some osmanthus cakes.” Wei Qingwan carried a delicate food box, which she opened to reveal her specialty, osmanthus cakes.

“Wait a moment. I’ll finish my conversation with Matron Qin before speaking with you.”

Wei Ruo was wary of Wei Qingwan’s intent and did not wish to engage in unnecessary conversation, fearing that a few words might prompt Wei Qingwan to say something that would provoke her to retort in front of outsiders.

Wei Qingwan nodded slightly but did not leave, waiting quietly at the side.

At this moment, Matron Qin spoke, sizing up Wei Qingwan. “This must be the Second Miss of the household?”

Wei Qingwan, noticing Matron Qin’s scrutiny, lowered her gaze shyly and replied softly, “Yes.”

Who would have thought that Matron Qin would say, “I must ask Second Miss to excuse us. I have important matters to discuss with the Eldest Miss that are not suitable for outsiders to overhear.”

Wei Qingwan was taken aback, then quickly said, “I see. It seems I’ve come at an inconvenient time. I’ll wait for my sister elsewhere.”

“Indeed, Second Miss’s timing is unfortunate. My visit to the residence should be known to the Commandant’s Residence. Why Second Miss chose this moment to come, rather than earlier or later, is curious.” Matron Qin’s words were blunt.

Matron Qin spoke exactly what Wei Ruo was thinking. Wei Qingwan’s actions were suspicious; Chu Lan’s status was special, and with a palace matron sent to the house, the entire Commandant’s Residence was treating the matter with utmost seriousness. Lady Yun had already warned everyone to be careful, even Bamboo Pavilion had received notice. Wei Qingwan could not possibly be unaware.

Wei Qingwan knew perfectly well, yet chose this time to see Wei Ruo. If she claimed to have no ulterior motive, Wei Ruo would not believe it.

If she did have ulterior motives, then she was being rather foolish. Matron Qin was indeed Chu Lan’s attendant, but ultimately, she was only a matron. Did Wei Qingwan think that by behaving well before her, Matron Qin would speak favorably about her to Chu Lan? Did she take the matron for a matchmaker?

Such things might be plausible with village gossips, but Matron Qin had come from the palace. Imperial matrons were strict and proper, hardly prone to such absurd behavior.

Wei Ruo recalled that in the original story, Wei Qingwan was beautiful and pitiable, but not foolish. Had she perhaps lost her foil, or failed to fall in love with Chu Lan as scheduled, causing her intellect to falter?

People say love makes one blind, but she’d never heard that not falling in love could do the same.

Hearing Matron Qin’s words, Wei Qingwan’s face turned pale. She hurried to explain, “Please don’t be angry, Matron. I had no intention of eavesdropping on my sister’s conversation. I didn’t know your discussion with her was not for outsiders’ ears. I was merely worried that my sister might not be properly entertained, so I brought some cakes I made to check on her.”

“Forgive my bluntness, Second Miss. The Eldest Miss is your elder sister by blood. For you to voice concern about her hospitality in front of an outsider like myself—what are you trying to imply?”

Matron Qin was indeed someone from the palace, her mind sharp and discerning. She instantly saw through the subtle implications in Wei Qingwan’s words.

Wei Qingwan was mortified and ashamed, hastening to explain, “Matron, you misunderstand. I meant nothing else. My words were poorly chosen and led to a misunderstanding.”