Chapter 576: 576 Departure_1

“When I went to offer my New Year greetings, I left an address and a message for father to pick up his gifts, which include not only an armor but also some weapons,” Wei Ruo said.

“Sister, you actually gave father all these presents! Why didn’t you bring them directly to father’s residence but asked him to retrieve them?” Wei Yilin asked, puzzled.

“It’s better if fewer people know about certain things,” Wei Ruo responded, patting Wei Yilin’s head. “When you see our eldest brother later, say less, especially about my matters.”

“Why? Don’t you like our eldest brother?”

“Why do you have so many questions? Haven’t we just reconciled recently?”

“But we are blood siblings! As our eldest brother said, blood ties are embedded in our bones, they are innate!”

Wei Ruo shook her head, thinking that Wei Yichen must have been deeply hurt by Wei Qingwan, that’s why he was now seeking solace in their blood ties.

Wei Ruo returned to the front hall with Wei Yilin.

Wei Yichen was already waiting for them in the hall.

Wei Ruo consciously scrutinized Wei Yichen’s expression as he should have met their second brother by now, hence he should already have known about their matters.

However, Wei Yichen’s expression seemed perfectly normal, making it impossible for anyone to pry any information from him. Hence, Wei Ruo decided to drop the subject.

“Queen Rui, it’s getting late, my brother and I will not intrude any longer,” Wei Yichen bid Wei Ruo farewell.

Wei Ruo didn’t retain them and ordered their departure.

“Sister, I will come and see you off when you leave!” Wei Yilin shouted to Wei Ruo as he reached the door.

Once Wei Ruo left for Jiliao, it was uncertain when they would meet again.

Unluckily, they might not see each other again in this lifetime.

With this thought, Wei Yilin felt upset and his eyes reddened.

Wei Ruo waved at him.

Wei Yilin waved back, showing reluctance as he departed from the King Residence.

After the brothers left, Wei Ruo went to Wei Jinyi’s study room.

As if expecting Wei Ruo, Wei Jinyi had already prepared tea.

Wei Ruo laughed, “The understanding between second brother and me seems to deepen.”

Wei Jinyi explained, “I invited Wei Yichen to meet. You must be here to know about our conversation.”

Wei Ruo admitted, “Yes, I’m curious about what you talked about and his reactions after seeing you.”

In actuality, Wei Ruo had no doubts about Wei Jinyi’s decision. Her curiosity was purely out of interest.

“His reaction wasn’t big. Even though he was surprised to see me, he came to his senses quickly. He said he had foreseen that I was not dead, but he did not expect that I am the same person as King Rui,” said Wei Jinyi.

Wei Jinyi also told Wei Ruo, “He asked me whether I have ambitions for the throne. Upon learning that I don’t, he urged me to take good care of you.”

After hearing this, Wei Ruo was a little touched.

Wei Ruo then asked Wei Jinyi, “Now that he knows about your identity, what are his plans?”

“He said that he’ll pretend to be unaware.”

However, it was hard to discern his attitude from his response.

Wei Ruo pondered for a moment before asking, “Does second brother think he can be trusted?”

“He now places the family’s interest as priority. My matter involves our father, so whether he wishes to or not, he won’t stand against me. As for his stance in this battle for the throne, I did not inquire,” Wei Jinyi replied.

“Okay, I understand.”

Having finished discussing Wei Yichen’s matter, Wei Ruo looked at Wei Jinyi, hesitated for a moment, and asked, “Would second brother like to have dinner together later?”n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Wei Ruo seemed a bit embarrassed, but she chose to ask anyway.

Previously, apart from special occasions, they had their meals separately.

But in order to express her gratitude to Wei Jinyi through actions, Wei Ruo planned to invite Wei Jinyi for all their meals during this period, given if he was willing.

Wei Jinyi did not answer immediately, and Wei Ruo quickly added, “Of course, if second brother prefers to dine alone, then forget I ever mentioned it.”

“I would be glad to accompany you,” Wei Jinyi answered.

“Then… then let’s eat together later.”

After saying this, Wei Ruo quickly turned and left Wei Jinyi’s study.

Outside the room, Wei Ruo couldn’t help but tease herself silently.

Wei Ruo, what are you being embarrassed about?

Isn’t it just inviting second brother for meals? What’s there to fuss about? Haven’t you eaten together in the past?

You must not behave this way next time!

###

Over the next ten or so days, Wei Ruo was busy packing and arranging personal and business affairs.

During this period, she received visits from many people, including her brothers from the Wei family, and other members of the Qunfang Association.

Naturally, this included Qi Shijing and Wei Qingwan who came on behalf of the King Yu Residence and brought gifts for Wei Ruo.

Wei Ruo saw them, but she only made a polite small talk with Qi Shijing, and did not talk to Wei Qingwan at all.

Wei Qingwan behaved like a submissive wife, keeping her head down and seldom speaking. She checked her belly nervously from time to time, seemingly worried about the child she was carrying.

After a short conversation, Wei Ruo sesigned citing health issues and bid them farewell.

###

On the first day of February.

The King Rui Residence was fully prepared, ready to set off.

Before departing, Wei Jinyi accompanied Wei Ruo to meet the Emperor in the palace.

Wei Ruo gave the Emperor a big box of medicine for his future consumption.

She sincerely hoped that the Emperor could live for a few more years. The longer he lived, the longer she and her second brother could live comfortably.

The Emperor also privately bestowed some rewards on Wei Jinyi and Wei Ruo.

When they were parting, Wei Ruo noticed that the Emperor’s eyes turned red. He stared at Wei Jinyi, his gaze filled with reluctance.

Even though he was reluctant, the Emperor chose to send Wei Jinyi to his fief. He must have thought that this was a good way to protect Wei Jinyi.

After leaving the palace, Wei Ruo’s party officially set off.

A team of hundreds, 16 carriages, dozens of horses, started their majestic journey from the King Rui Residence to the east city gate.

At the East City Gate, on top of the city wall, stood two tall silhouettes braving the cold wind.

One person wore a black outfit, and the other a purple one.

The man on the left in black was Chu Lan, and the man on the right in purple was Lu Yuhong.

Lu Yuhong did not come with Chu Lan. He was there to bid farewell to Wei Ruo. He happened to meet Chu Lan at the city gate and joined him.

As Wei Ruo saved Lu Yuhong’s life, he felt it his responsibility to see her off on her departure, whether out of affection or politeness.

However, as a man from a different family, Lu Yuhong knew he should not meet Wei Ruo in order to avoid gossip. Therefore, he had previously sent gifts to the King Rui Residence in the name of his grandmother, and today he was standing at the city gate to bid her farewell from afar.

“Do you really have feelings for Queen Rui?” Lu Yuhong asked the person next to him, Chu Lan.

Only their family knew the inside story of the poisoning attempt against Queen Rui by Queen Jing.