Chapter 380: 380: Not the Second Brother Who Died_1

“Second Brother, he’s not dead, that corpse isn’t him.” Wei Ruo declared confidently.

“No… Not the second young master?” Xiumei widened her eyes, her jaw dropping into a stunned silence.

“Firstly, I have seen my second brother’s body. The physique of that corpse is similar to his, but I’m certain it is not him due to many discrepancies in detail. Secondly, during his recent visits, he mentioned to me more than once that if I were to hear about his death, I should not believe it, claiming it to be a misunderstanding.” Wei Ruo analyzed.

“Well… The second young master did say that, but could he really have been referring to this incident?”

If that were really the case, it would indeed be the best outcome. Xiumei was just afraid of raising false hopes, believing that the young lady might have to go through another episode of heartache.

“My second brother is a man of few words and rarely speaks nonsense. If he said so twice, there must be a hidden purpose. At first, I thought his words were a common exhortation, but when I saw that corpse and recalled what he had said earlier, I felt something was wrong. It couldn’t be just a coincidence.” Wei Ruo rationalized.

After hearing Wei Ruo’s analysis, Xiumei felt a huge sense of relief. Then she asked, “So Miss, on the first day when you saw the second young master’s body, you already concluded that it was not him?”

“Initially, I was only 80 percent certain as you all didn’t let me have a close look. Later, when I was keeping vigil by the coffin, I inspected the body more carefully, in the end, I was one hundred percent sure that the body was not my second brother’s. Naturally, Xiaobei’s body is fake as well.”

“Why would that be? Why did Guard Jing deceive us by bringing back two fake bodies claiming the second young master was dead?” Xiumei asked in confusion.

“It’s likely not Guard Jing’s idea, but that of the second brother himself. But I have no idea why he chose to do so. Perhaps it has something to do with what he’s planning to do next, or he may have other plans. In either case, the deceased person was definitely not him. He must still be alive somewhere safe and sound.”

Wei Ruo then apologized to Xiumei, “I’m sorry, Meimei, for making you anxious these past few days. I just hadn’t found the opportunity to explain this to you carefully.”

Wei Ruo had been keeping vigil in the hall these last two days, while Xiumei had been called to help out in the front yard due to a lack of staff in the mansion.

The two had hardly any chance to see each other. Plus, with the hustle and bustle in the mansion, Wei Ruo had not had the chance to inform Xiumei that Wei Jinyi and Xiaobei were not dead.

Xiumei shook her head, “It’s alright, the fact that the second young master is not in real danger is more important than anything else.”

Wei Ruo continued, “This matter should only be known to the two of us. Even if we step outside in the next few days, we should still appear to be grieving. No matter what the second brother’s intentions are for doing this, we shouldn’t spoil his plan.”

Xiumei nodded earnestly, “Don’t worry, Young Lady. I will definitely keep this a secret.”

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The day after the funeral, Wei Yichen sent Xiaonan to deliver several oil-paper packages filled with fruit pastries to Wei Ruo.

There was also a jewelry box, inside were some popular head ornaments and velvet flowers from the capital

Most of these were bought by Wei Yichen when he was in the capital. He had initially intended to give them to Wei Ruo the day he returned home. However, upon visiting Mrs. Yun, he received the tragic news of Wei Jinyi’s death.

So, only after the three-day mourning period, did Wei Yichen get the chance to give these to Wei Ruo.

“Young Master said that Miss had not been eating well these past few days and had lost weight. He wants you to take better care of your health and eat more,” Xiaonan conveyed the message.

Xiumei glanced at Wei Ruo, and upon seeing her nod, accepted the things from Xiaonan. “Thank you, Elder Young Master.”

Xiaonan continued, “The Young Master also asked me to tell Miss that even though the deceased cannot be revived, those who are alive must continue to live well. He wishes for Miss to be safe and happy and believes that the second young master will always be watching over her in the world beyond.”

“Thanks for his concern, I’m fine.” Wei Ruo replied politely.

“Good, as long as Miss is well. I will return and inform Young Master.” Xiaonan responded.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

After completing the task entrusted to him by Wei Yichen, Xiaonan turned to leave.

As he turned his head, he saw Wei Qingwan was there as well, not sure if she just happened to be passing by or came here on purpose.

“Greetings, Second Young Miss.”

Xiaonan greeted Wei Qingwan as per the custom. However, his tone and expression were clearly lacking the enthusiasm and respect he had shown toward Wei Ruo just moments ago.

Wei Qingwan had caused him and his young master much suffering in the past, so naturally, he could not harbor any goodwill towards her.

After greeting her, Xiaonan left.

Wei Qingwan’s gaze shifted to Wei Ruo and Xiumei, stopping at the several large oil-paper packages in Xiumei’s arms.

The sight was somewhat irritating to Wei Qingwan.

How familiar it was! In the past, every time Big Brother returned from a trip, he would always bring her some snacks packed in several oil-paper packages.

The habit hasn’t changed, but the recipient has.

Seeing Wei Qingwan, Wei Ruo prepared to close the courtyard door.

Cuihe stepped forward and placed her hand on the gate.

“Miss, our young lady came to see you, why do you want to close the door?” Cuihe pressed against the gate, not allowing Wei Ruo to close it.

Wei Ruo replied, “When I was in the countryside, I would always close the door when I saw a stray dog running towards it. Stray dogs lack human sensibilities. Even if you tell them to go away, they won’t comprehend. They won’t leave, but instead growl and pounce at you, dirtying my clothes, possibly even tearing them, and leaving marks.”

Weiqing Wan’s face hardened and she responded, “It seems sister has already moved on from the grief of Second Brother’s death. And here I thought you had a deep bond with him. Seems I was mistaken.”

Just a couple of days ago, Wei Qingruo was still grief-stricken, but today she already had enough strength to exchange taunts and ridicule.

Wei Ruo leisurely returned, “My relationship with my brothers is way better than yours. You were indifferent when our elder brother was dying. Now, upon Second Brother’s death, all you can do is scoff. Such cold-heartedness…I never thought I would see it in my ‘gentle and kind-hearted’ sister, Qingwan.”

Wei Qingwan darkened her expression before coldly retorting, “Sister, there’s no need to provoke me with your words. It is thanks to you that I am where I am today.”

“So, you’re saying that I forced you into your wrongdoings?” Wei Ruo laughed sarcastically.

“If sister hadn’t pushed me so hard, would my situation have turned this difficult? I once had a warm heart and a wish to get along well with sister. Did sister ever give me that opportunity?” Wei Qingwan countered.

“I pushed you? Did I force you to collude with Third Young Master Qi? Did I force you to ignore our elder brother’s life hanging in the balance?” Wei Ruo laughed.