Chapter 400: 400 Chu Lan bids farewell to Wei Ruo _1

“Yes, I can’t hide it from you, Father.” Wei Ruo admitted frankly.

“Ruo, is it because of Wanwan that you are in such a hurry to find a suitable husband?” Wei Mingting asked.

“Not entirely. Father, you know I am of marriageable age. Didn’t Mother want to arrange my marriage with the son of the Xiu Family? Instead of waiting for an unfavorable marriage that would confine me within a walled estate, it’s better to plan ahead.”

Wei Ruo didn’t hold back her true thoughts from Wei Mingting.

“If you are worried about an inappropriate marriage arrangement, there’s no need, with me here, I will not let you step into a deep mansion courtyard against your wishes.” Wei Mingting declared firmly.

“Thank you, Father. But I think that young master Zhao is quite good in many ways and is a match for me.” Wei Ruo replied with firm determination.

Wei Mingting fell silent.

After a while, Wei Mingting spoke again. “If Ruo truly thinks he is suitable, I won’t object. But I need to examine his character and physical condition further.”

“I will follow father’s instructions,” Wei Ruo replied.

After another bout of silence, Wei Mingting asked Wei Ruo,”What do you think about Wanwan’s marriage?”

“I don’t have any particular thoughts. It’s my sister’s good fortune to be chosen, and I wish her well,” Wei Ruo answered.

Wei Mingting watched Wei Ruo with a furrowed brow, contemplating something.

After a while, Wei Mingting dismissed Wei Ruo.

Coming out of Wei Mingting’s study, Xiumei heaved a sigh of relief. “Miss, your foresight was right as always, guessing that Master might disagree if we really chose someone who is on his deathbed.”

“I only changed my mind recently, thinking that this would make it easier for the Wei family to agree. It just so happens that Zhao Hai and Zhao Xun are willing to help me with this, so I simply arranged it this way.”

However, this might complicate matters when it’s time to break free.

“Once Miss is married, we won’t have to return to this household anymore. You can do whatever you please without having to put up with their attitudes!” Xiumei said with anticipation.

“Mmm. If all goes well.”

Before that, Wei Ruo shouldn’t get too ahead of herself.

She had been brewing this escape plan for so long, but when it came time to execute it, Wei Ruo was nervous yet expectant.

###

Wei Mingyong pondered all night long.

If he lends these three hundred taels now, later on, he can ask Wei Qingwan to help him find a suitable position.

Once Wei Qingwan gains favor, the benefits it could bring to him would far outweigh these three hundred taels.

So, after weighing the advantages and disadvantages, Wei Mingyong finally decided to lend these three hundred taels of silver to Wei Qingwan.

Wei Mingyong found a chance to meet with Wei Qingwan and, after discussing the issue, gave the silver note of three hundred taels to Wei Qingwan.

“Wanwan, even for your second uncle, these three hundred taels are not a small amount. Keep it well and do not lose it.”

The implication being: you must remember this great favor.

“Your kindness, second uncle, I will remember in my heart.” Wei Qingwan responded.

This reply made Wei Mingyong very satisfied: “Wanwan, you can rest assured and recover from your injury. Your good days are on the way.”

“I’m counting on your good words, uncle.”

With the silver in hand, Wei Qingwan felt as if a weight had been lifted off her chest.

As soon as she was separated from Wei Mingyong, she immediately sent nanny Li to bring the silver note to the city’s Tongde Hall to purchase ointment.

“Miss, we’re all set now, we have the ointment. As for big Miss’s situation, it seems real. She is really going to marry a sickly, poor scholar.” Cuihe mocked.

“Would such a smart and calculating person really plan such a marriage for herself? I still find it hard to believe, suspecting that there must be some deceit involved.”

“Miss, don’t worry. Big Miss won’t be able to do anything tricky. No matter how hard she tries, her marriage can’t be better than yours!”

“That’s true.”

Although Wei family’s status has greatly improved, making it much easier for the daughters of the Wei family to discuss marriage, regardless, Wei Qingruo will only marry a man of a similar status. It still falls short compared to her position as a concubine.

###

Being busy with the reservoir project, Wei Ruo hadn’t visited her estate for several days.

Today, having a rare opportunity, she dressed herself in men’s clothing and took time to inspect her property.

With the arrival of October, the weather began to turn cold and preparations for winter needed to begin.

The first place she visited was the Younan Farmstead. As soon as her carriage stopped, Wei Ruo leaned out.

The person standing before her made Wei Ruo look surprised.

Chu Lan.

What was he doing here?

After hesitating for a moment, Wei Ruo gathered herself and stepped down from the carriage.

This was her place, she could come and go as she wished.But there was no reason to be afraid.

“Long time no see.”

Chu Lan moved forward, his profound eyes lingering on Wei Ruo.

Wei Ruo smiled politely, “What brings you here?”

Wei Ruo’s attitude visibly dimmed Chu Lan’s expression. “I came to say goodbye.”

“I wish you a smooth journey, Master Zhu.” said Wei Ruo.

Chu Lan looked troubled, “Do you truly dislike me that much?”

“Master Zhu, you are a person of noble status. I dare not comment on you, let alone talk about liking or disliking.”

Chu Lan mustered a bitter smile, “Alright. Today, I will leave Taizhou prefecture and return to Capital City. I don’t know when we will meet again.”

Chu Lan, having temporarily concluded his duties as the military governor of the Anti-Japanese Army in Taizhou prefecture, was about to set off to return to the Capital City.

Before leaving, he wanted to see Xu Heyou once more.

But he didn’t know when Xu Heyou would return to the Younan Farmstead, so he could only wait outside the farmstead.

During this time, Chu Lan’s adviser repeatedly urged him to start his journey promptly as the royal decree had already arrived, and he might be punished for being late to reach the Capital City if the delay continued.

But Chu Lan insisted on waiting.

After waiting for three days, he finally saw Xu Heyou.

“If it’s meant to be, we’ll see each other again.”

Better if it’s not meant to be.

“I also hope that we have that destiny.” Chu Lan said, his gaze landing on Wei Ruo with a profound depth.

Wei Ruo didn’t respond.

Chu Lan continued, “Won’t Master Xu invite me in for a while? Consider it a farewell.”

Wei Ruo was reluctant in her heart, but seeing Chu Lan’s expression, she didn’t dare bluntly refuse, fearing it might backfire.

After some thought, Wei Ruo decided to agree. After today, Chu Lan would return to the Capital City, and it was highly unlikely they’d cross paths again.

“Master Zhu, if you don’t mind, please come inside my humble abode for a cup of tea.” Wei Ruo said.

Only then did a hint of a smile appear on Chu Lan’s face.

Wei Ruo invited Chu Lan into the farmhouse, and he himself suggested going to the small courtyard where he had previously stayed. Wei Ruo agreed.

In front of the stone table in the courtyard was placed a tea stove. Water was boiled, tea was brewed, and a few dishes of candied fruits were served.

Wei Ruo and Chu Lan sat facing each other.

The morning sun fell on them, covering them in a golden haze.

Chu Lan inevitably reminisced about the days he had spent recovering in the Younan Farmstead. By now, a considerable amount of time had passed.