Chapter 310: Making Wei Qingwan Cry_i

Upon hearing this, Wei Ruo glanced at Wei Qingwan.

Wei Qingwan was half-hidden behind Mrs. Yun. When Wei Ruo’s gaze fell on her, Wei Qingwan slightly lifted her head, timidly meeting Wei Ruo’s eyes. Tsk. With such a frightened look, one would think Wei Ruo had done something terrible to her.

Your reason,” Wei Ruo moved her gaze back to Mrs. Yun.

“Wanwan has been helping me manage the household affairs for a long time, and she has experience in all aspects. Having her accompany you would be helpful,” said Mrs. Yun.

“There is no need. The Yuan Residence is full of capable people, and there are specialized people to assist me with the accounts,” Wei Ruo declined gently. Mrs. Yun took a deep breath, reminding herself not to lose her temper with her eldest daughter today. But every time her eldest daughter spoke, it would set off bursts of anger in her heart.

Mrs. Yun patiently explained to Wei Ruo, “Ruoruo, your sister lacks experience in dealing with major matters. If you take her with you, she can gain some experience.”

“Is it truly just for gaining experience?” Wei Ruo had a playful smile on her face. Her bright, clear eyes closely observed both Mrs. Yun and Wei Qingwan in front of her.

“Anyway, there are no downsides for you in this matter, it is only beneficial for Wanwan and the Wei family. As the legitimate oldest daughter, you should take more responsibility for your younger sisters,” said Mrs. Yun firmly.

“Alright then,” agreed Wei Ruo.

Her sudden agreement made Mrs. Yun and Wei Qingwan feel somewhat unprepared.

“You agreed?” Mrs. Yun asked uncertainly.

“Mother, didn’t you say that as the legitimate eldest daughter, I should take care of my sisters? What’s wrong with me agree to let her accompany me to the Yuan Residence to share some of my burdens?” said Wei Ruo.

What she said was well-reasoned, generous, and showed the demeanor of an eldest daughter.

But it was somewhat hard to believe, coming from Wei Ruo.

Mrs. Yun and Wei Qingwan didn’t respond for a while. Wei Ruo said, “What are you standing in a daze for? Shouldn’t we go now? We have an appointment, remember?”

After saying this, Wei Ruo turned and walked towards the carriage and Wei Qingwan quickly followed.

Once they boarded the carriage, Wei Qingwan carefully glanced at Wei Ruo and found her leaning against the cushion resting with her eyes closed, leaving Wei Qingwan unsure about what she was thinking.

Wei Ruo was aware that Wei Qingwan was looking at her, but she chose not to open her mouth to say anything and continued to lean comfortably against the cushion.

The disaster relief work had just begun and there was a mountain of tasks to tackle. Even her own affairs were slightly out of control, let alone worrying about Wei Qingwan’s concerns.

As the carriage moved between the Colonel’s Mansion and the Yuan Residence, Wei Ruo took advantage of the journey to rest, preserving her energy and maintaining her focus.

When the carriage arrived at the Yuan Residence, the maid assigned to the Lady of the Yuan Household, Qingyi, as usual, was waiting at the entrance.

Seeing an extra person, Wei Qingwan, in the carriage today, Qingyi surprised but didn’t ask about it. She politely approached to welcome Wei Ruo.

“Miss, you’ve worked hard.” Qingyi led the way for Wei Ruo, completely ignoring Wei Qingwan who was trailing behind like a maid.

Wei Qingwan had no choice but to follow along with Xiumei.

Oh yes, Miss Qingyi, I have a favor to ask of you,” Wei Ruo beckoned to Qingyi. Upon understanding her intentions, Qingyi nodded and leaned in to hear what Wei Ruo was saying.

After Wei Ruo whispered a few words in Qingyi’s ear, she nodded her understanding.

Then she turned to another maid and said, “Please take the Second Miss of the

Wei Family to Huichung Pavilion.”

The maid took the orders, leaving Wei Qingwan looking bewildered.

“Sister, where exactly are we going?” Wei Qingwan asked in confusion.

“Didn’t my sister come to learn from me? But what is being done now is crucial and cannot tolerate any errors. The lady of the Yuan Household and Seventh Prince have made arrangements for seasoned accountants to assist me. I worry that you might not be able to keep up. So it would be better if you could practice a little more. Only when I am sure of your capabilities will you be able to join us,” explained Wei Ruo.

Wei Qingwan’s expression stiffened, “But sister, I have helped mother manage the family affairs and keep track of the store account books just as much as you.”

In Wei Qingwan’s mind, Wei Ruo’s advantage lay in her knowledge of agricultural matters, not in her abilities to manage accounts and finances.

In terms of management and accounting, Wei Qingwan was confident she was no less capable than Wei Ruo.

Wei Ruo replied, “Sister, you should go and gain some experience first. If anything goes wrong with the disaster relief, it could have severe consequences.”

After Wei Ruo finished speaking, Qingyi signaled the maid, and together they led Wei Qingwan towards Huichung Pavilion.

Naturally, Wei Qingwan was reluctant to go. However, with two maids escorting her, she had no choice.

As they were in the Magistrate’s household, she didn’t dare to cause any trouble. In the end, she reluctantly went with them to Huichung Pavilion.

After arriving at Huichung Pavilion, Qingyi led Wei Qingwan into a guest room. Then she brought out some brush, ink, paper, inkstone, and a copy of the “Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art”.

“Miss, you have to study ‘The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art’ carefully. Once you have mastered it, you can help Miss Wei Ruo and the other ladies handle the accounts for the disaster relief program.” Qingyi said to Wei Qingwan.

Angrily, Wei Qingwan replied, “I’ve already studied this book. I don’t need to read it again.”

“Is that so? Then please recite it to us, to prove that you are capable,” said Qingyi.

Wei Qingwan couldn’t recite it. Although she had read it, reading something doesn’t mean one can memorize it word for word.

What she read and memorized in her daily life were mainly books like “Female Precepts” and “Female Learning”.

The fact that she was proficient in “The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art” – a book that most men typically studied – already indicated that she was far more advanced than an average woman. How could she be expected to recite and write it down word for word?

“Can my sister write this book from memory?” Wei Qingwan asked back. “Whether your sister can write it is not important. She has other talents, and the entire relief effort exists because of her. But it’s not the same for you. You re here to help your sister with the accounts, so you naturally need these skills. Unless you believe you have the same talents as your sister, do you?” Qingyi asked.

Frustrated with no counterarguments, Wei Qingwan was at a loss for words, her face turning red.

It seems you can’t recite it. Then please study ‘The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art’ carefully here. If you need anything, just ask. There will be servants waiting outside the door.”

After saying this, Qingyi left the room, leaving Wei Qingwan alone.

There being servants waiting outside the door meant that Wei Qingwan was being watched – escape was impossible.

Wei Qingwan looked at the book and the writing materials in front of her, and finally realized why Wei Ruo had agreed so readily to let her accompany her.

Wei Ruo had planned it all from the beginning! She never intended to involve her in the disaster relief work in good faith!

Wei Qingwan’s eyes welled with tears, her eyes red from anger. However, she was the only one in the room. Nobody saw her in this sullen state and there was nobody to comfort her..