Chapter 440: 440: Older Brother's Protection_1

“Yichen, why have you come over? Didn’t I tell you to focus on your studies and not to worry about the affairs of the residence?”

Seeing Wei Yichen, the elder old master Wei’s face was full of worry and affection.

The imperial examinations were approaching, and nothing was more important than Wei Yichen participating in the exam, even Wei Ruo’s matrimonial rejection didn’t deem as important in the elder old master Wei’s eyes.

“Grandfather, Ruoruo is my only full-blooded sister, my parents only have this one daughter as well, within reason, I hope no one forces her to do what she dislikes.”

Wei Yichen was serious with a firm tone – his words were weighty and commanding.

Everyone once again looked surprised.

“Only sister”, he directly excluded Wei Qingwan!

He even dared to speak to their grandfather Wei on this matter!

Wei Ruo was equally surprised and astonished.

Wei Yichen had also spoken up for her before, but that was because he disliked Wei Qingwan, helping her was helping himself.

But this time was different, this matter had nothing to do with Wei Qingwan, yet he chose to stand up for her.

“Yichen, it’s just two jars of wine, not a big deal, no one in this home wants to bully your sister.” the elder old master Wei said gravely.

Even his most favored grandson talking like this made him somewhat displeased.

“Grandfather, since it’s just two jars of wine, let’s not risk family harmony over it.” Wei Yichen said.

Wei Yichen immediately turned to Mrs. Bai and asked, “Aunt Bai, what is the probability that my uncle can meet Sir Qi in person?”

Mrs. Bai’s face stiffened: “This…this might not guarantee meeting Sir Qi in person, but we could send the gifts to his residence.”

Wei Yichen asked again, “On what premise would we be sending a gift?”

Mrs. Bai hesitated: “This…we haven’t decided yet…”

Wei Yichen continued, “Uncle and Aunt Bai, how sure are you that Sir Qi would like this gift, and even if Sir Qi likes it, how much possibility is there that he will appreciate the Wei family and Uncle more because of it?”

Mrs. Bai looked anxious and didn’t know how to respond because she too knew the chance of this happening wasn’t high.

Wei Yichen turned back to the elder old master Wei and said, “Grandfather, what Aunt Bai is suggesting is a very slim possibility. Even though the Wei family is no longer as glorious as it once was, we still hold our noble title. Until we find ourselves in a desperate situation, there is no need for us to humble and please others in this way. Doing so won’t earn any benefits for the Wei family; instead, it will make us lose face and have others look down on us.”

Wei Yichen’s remarks stirred a change in the elder old master Wei’s expression, his wrinkled face showing further seriousness.

Despite her begrudging reluctance, Mrs. Bai countered Wei Yichen’s arguments, “Although the odds are low, it’s just two jars of wine after all. It’s great if it proves useful, and even if it’s not, the loss isn’t significant, why not give it a shot?”

Wei Yichen replied, “As far as I know, one jar of Thyme wine on the market is now believed to sell for three hundred taels of silver, and two jars would amount to six hundred taels. Aunt Bai, do you think that this is a small sum of money? Or do you think it’s insignificant because the six hundred taels belong to my sister?”

Accustomed to being eloquent, Mrs. Bai surprisingly found herself at a loss for words under Wei Yichen’s rebuff.

It was at this moment that the elder Madam Wei stepped in to mediate, “Enough, enough, it’s not a big deal. It’s indeed inappropriate to make a fuss over such a trifle. These two jars of wine are Ruoruo’s personal belongings after all, how could we, as parents, unjustly take them away?”

Having said that, the elder Madam Wei reprimanded Mrs. Bai, “Daughter-in-law, it’s very good that you’re considering for the Wei family and want to contribute. But as an aunt, it’s not your place to impose on your niece. If you genuinely consider for the Wei family, you should figure out your way to manage affairs, it’s better not to rely on the generosity of others.”

Then the elder Madam Wei said to Wei Yichen, “Yichen, the imperial examination is drawing near, you should focus all your efforts on your studies, don’t bother yourself with other matters, your grandmother is here in the residence, she won’t let anyone bully Ruoruo.”

The elder Madam Wei’s words thus clarified her stance and were also a promise to Wei Yichen.

“Thank you, grandmother.” Wei Yichen said.

“Mother…” Mrs. Bai, who was still unwilling to back down, attempted to add something.

“Alright, alright. Let’s all go back.” The elder Madam Wei interrupted Mrs. Bai, “We old ones are feeling a bit tired.”

Mrs. Bai’s grievances were held back, unable to vent.

“Your daughter-in-law will take her leave.” An unwilling Mrs. Bai retreated.

“Your grandson takes his leave.”

Wei Yichen and Wei Ruo left Shou’an Hall together.

Upon reaching the door, Wei Ruo wanted to ask Wei Yichen about why he had helped her.

“You…”

Wei Ruo had just spoken when Wei Yichen, hearing her voice but not pausing, walked quickly away.

After Wei Ruo and others had left, elder old master Wei said to the elder Madam Wei somewhat unhappily, “Why has even Yichen changed? He even started talking back to us!”

“My lord, do not worry. Yichen is very fond of his sister. Ruoruo is his only full-blooded sister, who suffered in the outside, so what’s wrong with him wanting to protect her? You forget, Yichen used to be exceptionally affectionate and protective of Wanwan.” the elder Madam Wei tried to soothe.

“Nevermind, as long as he does well in the imperial examination, everything else is trivial.” the elder old master Wei said.

###

Perhaps Wei Yichen’s speech in Shou’an Hall that day had an impact, as in the following few days, Wei Ruo lived somewhat comfortably in the Loyal and Righteous Duke Residence.

Mrs. Bai didn’t bother Wei Ruo anymore, and Yun and Wei Qingwan were too busy with the wedding preparations to bother Wei Ruo.

Wei Ruo, therefore, could focus on her matters. Although she didn’t have the freedom she once had in Taizhou prefecture and rarely had a chance to go out, thanks to Xiumei, who could carry messages outside, her plans proceeded smoothly.

In the room, Xiumei was waiting for Wei Ruo to finish writing the following arrangements, after which she would take Wei Ruo’s letter out of the residence to the Zhao brothers.

“Miss, are you planning to let Master Zhao propose again?” Xiumei asked.

“Yes. However, let’s postpone it for now. The imperial exam is happening on the ninth day of the next month, we shouldn’t disturb him at this moment. Let him prepare for the exam. His health isn’t good in the first place, and preparing for the exam takes a lot of effort and concentration. We shouldn’t let other matters distract him at this time.” Wei Ruo said.

“I wish things could be resolved soon. The Duke Residence is even stuffier than our home in Taizhou. There are too many rules and regulations.” Xiumei muttered under her breath.

Even though Wei Ruo and Xiumei had been intentionally avoiding interaction with others, they still received fair amounts of scorn at the residence ever since the wedding break off with Marquis Xuanping. Even Wei Ruo’s food, clothing, and other miscellaneous expenses were significantly reduced.

While the mistress and the maid were talking, a servant girl arrived hastily at Wei Ruo’s door.

“Miss, hurry and dress up to come to the front hall! The imperial decree has arrived!”