Chapter 394: Chapter 394 Returning to the Manor to Provoke_1

“Mother, it is up to you whether or not you want to believe such unfounded gossip, but I am simply stating an objective fact. Whether or not there was an illicit affair is not something that can be decided solely by Wei Qingwan’s account. I reminded mother that this matter seems suspicious, if you choose not to consider it, then it remains beyond my control.” Wei Ruo said with a stern face.

“Even if something is amiss, so what? This is an edict from the Emperor. Could our Wei family actually defy it?” Yun Shi retorted to Wei Ruo.

Before Wei Ruo could respond, Yun Shi continued, “Do you think I am unaware of the risks involved? Do you think I am ignorant of the fact that it’s inappropriate for the Wei family to get involved in the heir’s succession disputes? I understand these ins and outs better than you!”

“Since mother knows everything, then I suppose there is nothing for me to say.”

Finished speaking, Wei Ruo bid Yun Shi a farewell: “I won’t disturb mother’s rest anymore. I will take my leave.”

As Wei Ruo turned to leave, Yun Shi watched her go with a cold stare.

From the sideline, Cuiping said quietly, “Madam, young miss means well. As madam just said, this marriage is trouble for the Wei family, which aligns with young miss’s concerns.”

Yun Shi responded, “No doubt that she has the Wei family’s best interests at heart, but she is not kind towards Wanwan. She can’t stand to see Wanwan doing well. She’s not considering what benefits this title of Concubine might bring to Wanwan, who is already mired in gossip and slander. She only thinks about what kind of trouble will befall our Wei family.”

Pausing for a moment, Yun Shi continued, “Also, she questions me like this because she thinks I don’t comprehend the stakes here. Now that she has matured and gained some reputation outside, does she think she is smarter and more strategic than me, managing this household? Is she trying to give me orders?”

Cuiping dropped her gaze and dared not say more.

Without obtaining any useful information from Yun Shi, Wei Ruo returned to Tingsong Garden.

A marriage edict of such magnitude would certainly cause a great stir, and useful information could surely be obtained elsewhere.

It just so happened that Wei Ruo was scheduled to visit the Yuan Residence in the afternoon. Perhaps the well-informed Madam Yuan could provide more information.

After lunch, Wei Ruo departed for the Yuan Residence, accompanied by Xiumei.

The main purpose of Wei Ruo’s visit to the Yuan Residence was concerning the construction of the reservoir.

The bountiful autumn harvest and imperial commendation had given the government office and local gentry great confidence. After consulting with Yuan Zhengqin, the local magnates, and the officers of the prefectural government, they had decided to act on Wei Ruo’s suggestion of constructing a reservoir.

For this, Taizhou prefecture planned to take in a new batch of refugees to work on building the reservoir. In return, housing and meals would be provided by the government office.

This was an extension of the idea of offering jobs in lieu of charity that Wei Ruo had initially proposed. If executed properly, it would provide assistance to the disaster-stricken, stable the public sentiment, generate a return, and benefit the people.

Wei Ruo needed to identify the general area for the construction of the reservoir based on a map, then conduct field investigations, draw up construction plans, and determine more detailed arrangements.

This was a major project and would keep Wei Ruo busy for quite a while.

Before discussing this matter with Madam Yuan’s advisory group, Wei Ruo first sought an audience with Madam Yuan to inquire about the matters of the marriage decree.

Madam Yuan had anticipated that Wei Ruo would come to ask her about it: “From what I understand, not only has the Sixth Prince’s marriage been settled, but also the matter of his and the Seventh Prince’s conferment of titles has been concurrently confirmed, which is scheduled for the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month. The date of the Sixth Prince’s grand wedding is set for the second half of the next year when he will simultaneously marry both primary and secondary consorts; the Seventh Prince’s wedding is yet to be determined.”

“Does Madam happen to know who the primary consort is and why my sister was chosen as the secondary consort?” Wei Ruo asked.

“The primary consort is indeed the legitimate daughter from Qi Family; this arrangement was not surprising to anyone. As for why your sister was chosen as the secondary bride, nobody knows.”

“However, upon reflection, your sister’s status is certainly appropriate for her to become the Sixth Prince’s secondary consort. Since the primary consort is the legitimate daughter from the Qi family, naturally, the status of the secondary consort can’t be too high, the background of the Loyal and Righteous Duke’s Residence and your father’s present rank are just right.”

“What I find slightly confusing is why your sister was chosen over you. If I were Qi Imperial Concubine, I would naturally favor you over your sister, especially considering you are already well-known to the Emperor.”

“But perhaps it is exactly because of your recognition from the Emperor that he deliberately did not choose you.”

Madam Yuan and Wei Ruo analyzed the situation, and she unreservedly shared with Wei Ruo all of her thoughts.

“Thank you, Madam, I understand.” said Wei Ruo.

Madam Yuan took Wei Ruo’s hand and gently patted it twice: “Don’t worry, Ruoruo, since this is a marriage bestowed by Emperor, it is not your Wei family choosing sides. Therefore, it does not count as your family actively involving itself.”

Weu Ruo nodded, “That sounds I agree, but I fear that some people within our family may take advantage of this situation.”

“Fortunately, your father is a diligent and people-oriented official. He probably wouldn’t want to get entangled in these power struggles. Don’t burden your heart with these worry.” Madam Yuan reassured her.

Wei Ruo nodded, “Rest assured, Madam, these matters won’t distract me, and you can also be assured about the reservoir, I will do my best.”

After her conversation with Madam Yuan, Wei Ruo went to the meeting hall to discuss the matter formally with the others.

By dusk, Wei Ruo returned to the General Residence.

Just as she arrived and her carriage stopped outside the General Residence, another carriage from the residence also arrived.

Upon alighting, Wei Ruo saw a mansion servant bringing stools to the other carriage, waiting courteously at the side.

The first person to disembark from the carriage was Cuihe, who lifted the curtains of the vehicle, and then Wei Qingwan emerged.

In her stunning goose yellow gown and hair casually tied up with a jade hairpin, she looked a bit thinner, but otherwise healthy and glowing.

Cuihe and another maid went ahead to help carefully lift Wei Qingwan out of the carriage.

Upon stepping off the carriage, Wei Qingwan looked up and locked eyes with Wei Ruo.

Seeing Wei Ruo, Wei Qingwan remained calm and composed, even smiling a bit.

She walked leisurely to Wei Ruo and gave a slight bow, “Greeting, sister.”

Wei Ruo said nothing in return.

Wei Qingwan looked at Wei Ruo and continued, “I know that my sister does not like me returning to the residence, but there is no other way. Over the next year, I will need to prepare for my wedding and it will be inconvenient to do so at the village. Therefore, I had to return.”

“But sister, do not worry. Once I am married, there will only be one legitimate young miss left in the mansion – you. No one else will vie with you.”

“I know that traditionally, the elder sister should marry before the younger sister. But in this case, since the Emperor bestowed the marriage, things are a little different. I apologize for the inconvenience and hope that my sister would not resent me.”