Chapter Seventy-Six: Tensions Rise

"Hmm... I danced..." Xiaobei replied in a whisper.

Wei Jinyi felt a throbbing in his temples.

"And what else did I say?"

"You didn't say much, young master, just spoke to the young lady about things you usually wouldn't—praised her for her beauty, said the dishes she and Xiumei made were delicious, and..." Xiaobei tried to choose his words carefully, hoping his young master wouldn't feel too embarrassed.

"And what else?"

"And you waited for the young lady to praise you..." With those words, Xiaobei lowered his head so much he dared not look at his master's expression or reaction.

...

Wei Jinyi's headache intensified.

After that accident at age ten, he had never touched alcohol again; he disliked the feeling of losing control over his own body and abhorred his own recklessness.

Yesterday, lulled by the sweet plum wine, he thought his tolerance couldn't be so poor that a single cup of such mild fruit wine would topple him—so he drank.

For several days, a tense atmosphere pervaded Xing Shan County. Troops were seen passing through the city several times, along with shipments of supplies and equipment.

Rumors spread quickly: a battle was about to break out beyond the city walls.

They had always been minor skirmishes before, but this time, it seemed an all-out war was imminent.

Panic seized the hearts of the people, and the citizens within the city were deeply worried.

If this battle was lost, the gates breached, and the pirates entered the city, not a single soul would be spared.

Yet by now, all city gates of Xing Shan County were strictly controlled; even if people wanted to flee, it was already too late.

The Wei household, too, was shrouded in gloom.

Whether the rumors were true, even the Wei family could not ascertain. The officials and the army had issued no statements, and Wei Mingtin had not returned home for ten days running—no opportunity for the family to ask him directly.

Yun was so worried she could barely eat, fearing that once the fighting started, her husband might be injured in the fierce struggles against the ruthless pirates.

Despite her fears, she had to keep the household running smoothly, making preparations just in case the family needed to evacuate and relocate if the worst came to pass.

While managing the affairs of the household, she also fretted constantly for her husband, leaving her physically and emotionally drained.

Noticing this, Wei Qingwan went daily to Cangyun Courtyard to keep Yun company, helping her with various small chores.

Growing up in the Wei household, Wei Qingwan had long since absorbed much about a mistress’s duties. Now, assisting Yun as her right hand came naturally.

After busying themselves for a while in Yun’s study, Yun paused to rest.

Looking up at Wei Qingwan, who sat at the table diligently organizing household matters and allocating the monthly stipends, Yun was deeply moved and sighed with emotion, “If not for your help these days, Wan’er, I don’t know what I would have done.”

“Mother, what are you saying? It is my fortune as your daughter to be able to ease your burdens.”

Wei Qingwan put down her work, walked behind Yun, and began to massage her shoulders.

As she kneaded, she spoke with heartfelt sincerity, “Mother, you work too hard. All the affairs, great and small, rest on your shoulders, and now with the city in turmoil, you must also worry about Father at the front. Please, take care of yourself. I do not wish for riches—only for my parents’ health and long life, so that I may serve you in your old age.”

“Ah, I know your filial heart.” Yun patted Wei Qingwan’s hand, her face full of comfort.

But then she sighed, “With you by my side, things have been much easier. Still, we are short-staffed; if anything happens and we must flee back to the capital, we will need more hands.”

Her brow furrowed with worry.

Her husband had entrusted her with the household, and she must manage it well so that he would have no worries behind the lines.

Noticing Yun’s troubled expression, Wei Qingwan said softly, “Mother, since there is so much to handle lately, why not bring back Nanny Li? I cannot bear to see you so overworked. If Nanny Li returns, she will surely be of help.”

“Nanny Li made a mistake; sending her to the estate for three months was already a light punishment. If she comes back early, the others may think our family’s discipline is lax.” Yun’s tone was tinged with helplessness.

“Mother, you are right, but...” Wei Qingwan bit her lip, swallowing the rest of her words.

Seeing this, Yun said, “Wan’er, just tell me what’s on your mind. There’s nothing you need to hide from your mother.”

Only then did Wei Qingwan continue hesitantly, “I just think that in extraordinary times, punishments too must be handled differently. The household is in greater need of hands, and Nanny Li is deeply familiar with all the affairs. If she returns, she can certainly share your burdens.”

“You make a good point, but the three-month sentence isn’t up. I can’t change it lightly.” Yun was somewhat persuaded.

“Punishment need not be limited to the estate. She could continue to be disciplined here—her wages can still be docked, and she can be assigned heavier tasks,” Wei Qingwan suggested.

Yun pondered her words seriously. Indeed, they were short-staffed, and Nanny Li was of little use on the estate; only at home could her value be realized.

“Wan’er, tell me honestly, is it because you miss Nanny Li?” Yun asked.

Wei Qingwan bit her lip, her eyes reddening as she lowered her head in silence, her expression sorrowful.

Yun sighed—how could she not understand? Nanny Li was, after all, an old servant of the family and had raised and cared for Wan’er since childhood. Naturally, their bond was deeper than with others.

“There is reason in what you say. I am truly short-handed. Let her return, but her wages will be docked for another three months, and even after her return, Nanny Zhang will remain in charge of the household,” Yun decreed.

That would be Nanny Li’s ongoing punishment.

“I’ll leave it all to your judgment, Mother,” Wei Qingwan replied, her face lighting up with joy.

No matter what, at least Nanny Li would be home again.

Yun, of course, noticed Wei Qingwan’s happiness. “I know you are close to Nanny Li. Sending her away made you sad, but remember—she is, after all, a servant. If we do not discipline such boldness, she may one day try to overstep her station.”

“When she returns, do not indulge her too much—she must be made to recognize her place.”

“I understand, Mother. Please be at ease. I will admonish her well so that she does not err again,” Wei Qingwan assured her.

Having finished discussing Nanny Li, Yun sighed and asked, “I wonder what Ruo’er has been busy with these days?”