Chapter 556: Don’t Believe in Fate_1

“Coexistence is mutual, not something to demand from just one person. How can we blame you for acting accordingly when she’s the one who started it all? As a father, I certainly hope for harmony in our family, but if the problems run too deep, striving to maintain a superficial appearance of unity is pointless.”

Immediately after, Wei Mingting spoke earnestly to Wei Ruo, “You’re my daughter, and it’s my duty as your father to shelter you from harm. Clearly, I’ve been unfit for that role as I haven’t been able to fulfill my duty. Now that someone wants to harm you, you’re protecting yourself. Should I blame you for that? Is there any sense to that?”

A blow struck Wei Ruo’s heart.

Afterwards, she turned her head away, unable to meet Wei Mingting’s eyes.

After a moment, Wei Qingruo handed a letter to Wei Mingting: “Father, you can take this letter to the address written on it, where you may find something useful.”

Looking at the envelope in front of him, Wei Mingting said, “Ruo, you’ve gone to such great lengths for me.”

“Not just for you, Father, but for the common people, and for myself. I can only make a profit if the country is thriving and the people are at peace. If there is civil unrest, I can’t live a good life.” Wei Ruo explained.

“Good. For the common people. For the country. For the family.” Wei Mingting let out a hearty laugh.

“I should take my leave now, Father.” Wei Ruo said.

Wei Ruo had wanted to ask Wei Mingting about some military matters, but now she was in a hurry to leave.

As Wei Ruo was about to go, Wei Mingting stopped her. “We haven’t had a moment to ourselves in a long time. Why don’t you sit down and have a drink with me, let’s talk.”

Wei Ruo hesitated for a moment, then nodded in assent.

Wei Mingting then called a servant to warm a pot of wine, and asked the kitchen to prepare some snacks. The father and daughter thus began their heart-to-heart in his study.

Wei Mingting voluntarily told Wei Ruo about the army, starting from their recent victory, moving onto the newly built warships, and ending with the entire Jiangzhe region’s grain and food support for their Anti-Japanese Army.

Wei Mingting wasn’t a talkative person. In Wei Ruo’s memory, he had never spoken so much even to his wife or his eldest son, Wei Yichen.

But for some reason, he talked so much with her today.

Wei Ruo found it all fascinating, especially when he talked about the Anti-Japanese Army’s grand victory against the Japanese Pirates; she listened attentively, intensely engaged.

The father–daughter pair chatted until dinnertime, which was when Wei Ruo finally took her leave.

She was supposed to return home after dinner, but considering everything that happened today, Wei Ruo thought it best not to stay for dinner.

When Wei Ruo exited Wei Mingting’s study, Chu Heng had already left with Wei Qingwan.

Chu Heng seemed unfazed when he left, as if today’s events hadn’t affected him much.

After leaving the Loyal and Righteous Duke Residence, Wei Ruo got into the carriage heading towards to the King Rui Residence.

In the carriage, Xiumei asked, “Miss, do you think that the second young mistress is truly destined to bring calamity to her parents? Does her destiny have something to do with what’s happening to Prince Yu now?”

“No, it’s not true. Her destiny isn’t that bleak. There was something fishy about the He Family’s fortune-telling to begin with.” Wei Ruo said.

Wei Qingwan was the heroine in the original novel and naturally had a destiny of a noble lady. How could she possibly be someone destined to cause her parents’ deaths?

In fact, the fortune of her being a calamity to her parents—determined by the He Family’s fortune-teller—was a hurdle set up for the protagonist Wei Qingwan in the original novel.

This was part of the plot that occurred later in Chu Lan’s backyard. His official wife, Zuo Lingyue, specifically sent people to investigate it, using it as a weapon to attack Wei Qingwan.

After Chu Lan verified it, there was a hidden truth to the matter. The star chart used by the He Family’s fortune-teller did not signify that she would be a calamity to her parents; instead, it signified that she was a prophesied phoenix maiden. It had been deliberately tampered with by individuals who were not keen on the prosperity of the He Family.

In other words, Wei Qingwan was actually a prophesied noble maiden, and she indeed claimed that position in the original novel.

Regrettably, in this life, both Wei Qingwan and the Wei family mistakenly believed that her actual star chart had issues, and so she let Qi Zhen forge her star chart.

“So, didn’t the second young lady shoot herself in the foot?” Xiumei asked.

“Indeed, it’s just a matter of whether her husband is willing to investigate it thoroughly for her now.” Wei Ruo stated.

“Today, Prince Yu didn’t seem too upset. It seemed like he wasn’t angry about it.” Xiumei said.

“That man is deep and well-hidden, not one to wear his heart on his sleeve. Even if he were upset, he wouldn’t have shown it openly in the Duke’s Residence.”

The original novel described Chu Heng in this way.

After a pause, Wei Ruo added: “Actually, my fortune isn’t that great; it’s just average. But I don’t believe in fate. I believe in making my own destiny.”

“Yes, Miss, you’re right. Regardless of what our fortunes are, we ultimately need to strive for our own well-being.” Xiumei agreed.

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On the way back to King Yu Residence, inside the carriage, Wei Qingwan was treading on eggshells; she didn’t dare breathe too heavily.

Chu Heng’s face was devoid of the smile he had shown at the Wei family’s residence, his expression was cold and icy.

Wei Qingwan saw this side of Chu Heng for the first time, and she trembled uncontrollably from the nervousness.

Wei Qingwan maintained this nervous state of mind until they reached King Yu Residence.

Upon arrival, Chu Heng hopped out of the carriage and went on his own, leaving behind a bewildered Wei Qingwan.

Cuihe helped Wei Qingwan into Cuiting Pavilion.

Once they were alone, Wei Qingwan burst into tears.

Just as Nanny Li and Cuihe were trying to soothe her, Qi Shijing arrived.

“The queen is here,”

Upon hearing the voice, Wei Qingwan was so nervous that she momentarily forgot to cry.

After a pause, with the assistance of Cuihe and Nanny Li, Wei Qingwan went to the door to greet her.

“Sister…” Wei Qingwan cautiously called out.

“No need, it seems that Consort Wei is on cloud nine these days. It won’t be long before you take my place as queen. I hope you’ll spare me when the time comes.” said Qi Shijing.

“Sister, you are joking. I am terrified.” Wei Qingwan hastily replied.

“I heard you’re pregnant?” asked Qi Shijing.

“It hasn’t been confirmed yet. It’s just a rumor.” Wei Qingwan responded nervously.

“I hope that it’s not just a rumor.” said Qi Shijing.

“Sister..” Wei Qingwan looked at Qi Shijing feeling clueless.

However, Qi Shijing simply smiled. “Don’t be so nervous. The baby inside you is the prince’s child. Would I harm him? I don’t have the courage for that. I even hope you give birth to the child safely.”

“This child is not only the prince’s first child but also the Emperor’s first grandchild, who will be born into luxury. The prince is currently out of favor, if he wants to regain the Emperor’s affection, having the first grandson of the Emperor might be a good strategy.”

Wei Qingwan stared blankly at Qi Shijing, who smiled and said, “Take good care of yourself. Whether or not you have a chance for wealth and power depends on whether or not the child in your belly will cooperate.”