Chapter Sixty-four: Do Not Overexert Yourself

"Yes, a very good friend," Wei Ruo replied.

The smile radiating from her face hinted at a relationship far from ordinary between her and that person.

"I can ask around for you. If I find any, I'll have Xiao Bei bring them to you," Wei Jin Yi said.

"Alright, thank you, Second Brother~" Wei Ruo made no effort to hide her delight.

Asking Wei Jin Yi was just a shot in the dark, and she hadn't expected him to actually have a way.

Wei Jin Yi looked at Wei Ruo and said gently, "Don't overwork yourself."

"I know, Second Brother. I care about my health, I know my limits!" Wei Ruo said as she reached out to grab his hand.

But the moment she touched him, Wei Jin Yi quickly withdrew.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm taking your pulse. Haven't I given you those Qi-tonic pills for some time now? I want to see how effective they are and decide how to improve the formula further. I'm making medicine right now, and I've just prepared your batch," Wei Ruo answered.

Upon hearing her explanation, Wei Jin Yi realized he'd overreacted.

He offered his hand again.

Wei Ruo placed her fingers on his wrist, and after a moment said, "Yes, there's been improvement. I'll prepare twenty more pills for you this time—keep up the regimen."

"Alright."

###

Capital city, the Marquis of Loyalty and Righteousness’s residence.

After several days, news from Xing Shan County finally reached the capital. The old Marquis, upon receiving the letter, praised it repeatedly, "Excellent!"

The old Marquis was sixty-eight this year, thin of build, with graying hair and beard.

Standing before him were his eldest son Wei Ming Hong and his second son Wei Ming Yong.

Wei Ming Hong was round-faced, somewhat plump, his features resembling the old Marquis by seventy percent.

Wei Ming Yong was slimmer, with an air of shrewdness.

"You two should read the letter your third brother sent back," the old Marquis said, handing them the letter.

Wei Ming Hong took it, and Wei Ming Yong leaned in to read with him.

When they finished, both their faces lit up with joy.

"Father, does this mean that Third Brother’s efforts to improve the land have been recognized by the Seventh Prince?" Wei Ming Hong asked eagerly.

"Whether he's truly earned the Seventh Prince’s favor is uncertain, but at least he’s made an impression. No matter how you look at it, it’s a good thing," the old Marquis commented.

"That's wonderful!" Wei Ming Hong exclaimed, his excitement evident. "I heard the Seventh Prince is the most promising candidate for heir. If we win his favor, our family’s title might be safe!"

Wei Ming Yong voiced his doubt, "Father, Third Brother’s letter says it was our niece Wei Qing Ruo, whom we've never met, who accomplished this. But she’s been living in the countryside for years. Surely she would have an unrefined appearance—how could she possess such ability?"

"Hmph! Why not? She is my legitimate granddaughter—the rightful heir of our family! Besides, what else would she have learned in the countryside but farming? You two are always so shortsighted. Now you see, those raised in the country do have their own talents!"

When it came time to decide the order of the two granddaughters, he had consulted his sons. They had no strong opinions but thought the newly returned one might be unsuitable for the role of eldest daughter, fearing she’d bring shame to the family. Better to let the imposter maintain the position—at least she wouldn’t embarrass them.

But he had insisted that his own blood should be the eldest. If there were another granddaughter from the main line, it would be different, but letting someone else's child take the role was unsettling to him.

"Yes, yes, Father, you are indeed wise," Wei Ming Hong flattered.

"Father is right," Wei Ming Yong echoed immediately.

The old Marquis sighed with feeling, "This proves that the descendants of the Wei family are far more capable than those from merchant families. Merchants can never hold their heads high!"

"Father, you are absolutely right. Merchant families are ultimately base, full of petty airs, never to be compared with those from our noble house," Wei Ming Hong agreed.

"Father, I’ve been idle lately. Why don’t I go to Xing Shan County to help Third Brother? He’s busy with defending against the Japanese pirates and may not have time to manage the fields. The eldest niece is still just a woman—there are many inconveniences," Wei Ming Yong volunteered.

"Second Brother, you read my mind. I was thinking the same," Wei Ming Hong added.

"Big Brother, you have official duties and can’t leave the capital, but I, being without position, can go anytime. Let me go," Wei Ming Yong said.

"Enough! Neither of you will go!" The old Marquis interrupted and rejected their requests.

"Father…" Wei Ming Hong and Wei Ming Yong looked at him, guilty.

"Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to! You claim you want to help, but you really want to curry favor with the Seventh Prince! Fools! If it were so easy to catch his attention, would it be your turn? Stay at home and don’t meddle in Third Brother’s affairs!"

###

"Yes…" Wei Ming Hong and Wei Ming Yong had no choice but to comply.

The old Marquis looked at his two disappointing sons, "You two need to make an effort as well. Now that Third Brother’s household has achieved something, you mustn’t hold them back."

Wei Ming Hong and Wei Ming Yong hung their heads, too uneasy to respond.

Leaving their father's study, the brothers walked together, each deep in thought.

"Big Brother, though you are the eldest, in the future we may both have to rely on Third Brother. You have a son who excels at his studies, and now a niece who brings honor to the family—your household is bound to flourish," Wei Ming Yong said with a mocking smile.

"Second Brother, you'd do better to worry about yourself than me. I hear your wife is making trouble over your concubine!"

"Big Brother, I heard things aren’t peaceful in your house either—your eldest son seems to have been causing quite a stir lately."

"Hmph, what’s the point in your sarcasm? If you have the skill, try competing with Third Brother’s family!"

Wei Ming Hong, irritated, flicked his sleeve and walked away without looking back.

"Hit a sore spot, didn’t I?" Wei Ming Yong sneered, then walked off to his own courtyard.

###

In the blink of an eye, the fifteenth day of the sixth lunar month arrived.

It was also the day Xu Zheng Yong officially started his post.

Wei Ruo used the excuse of inspecting progress in the southern part of the city, and together with Xiu Mei, went to Four Treasures Pavilion to dine with the wet nurse’s family.

The wet nurse busied herself preparing a table full of dishes, almost all Wei Ruo’s favorites.

Around the table, everyone chatted and laughed.

In the Wei residence, there was a rule against talking during meals, but the Xu family had no such restrictions.

After the meal, Xiu Mei pulled Xu Zheng Yong aside and handed him a small pouch.

"What’s this?" Xu Zheng Yong asked.