Chapter 596: Daydreaming_1

Wei Ruo had an awkward expression on her face, catching a glimpse of Xiumei and others staring at her and Wei Jinyi curiously, she quickly wheeled Wei Jinyi away.

Xiumei, Xiaobei, Zhang Yi, and Yun Zixiu all exchanged glances, remaining in their original positions.

“Er… Xiaobei, Elder Brother Zhang, Butler Yun, am I imagining things? I feel like the relationship between my lady and the prince seems a bit… different…” Xiumei expressed her confusion and curiosity.

Xiaobei nodded firmly, “I feel the same way too. I think the master and our young lady seem to be getting along better than before!”

Zhang Yi then said, “I overheard them discussing having children earlier. They want to have their own children, right?”

Zhang Yi turned towards Yun Zixiu, “Old Yun, you were closer so you might have heard better, was that their intention?”

“I shouldn’t speculate on this matter, but it’s natural for a husband and wife, such as the Prince and our young lady, to want to have children.”

Yun Zixiu maintained his usual serious demeanor.

“Why are you always so serious? Today is supposed to be a joyful occasion. Can’t you drop your pretentious attitude for once?” Zhang Yi couldn’t help but murmur.

“I’m exactly as you see me. If you’re not satisfied, find someone else.” With that, Yun Zixiu left.

Zhang Yi, unable to argue with Yun Zixiu, could only stare at his retreating figure and yell, “With that attitude of yours, you’ll never get married like Brother Ke! You should be prepared to die alone!”

Not receiving a response from Yun Zixiu, Zhang Yi turned to Xiaobei and asked, “Don’t you agree with me, Xiaobei? Someone like Old Yun will never find a wife.”

“I don’t understand this stuff…” Xiaobei said, keeping his eyes on Xiumei.

Xiumei did not notice his gaze. All she could think about was the conversation between Wei Ruo and Wei Jinyi earlier.

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After sending Wei Jinyi back to Yingzhu Court, Wei Ruo returned to her room.

Closing the door behind her and sitting on her bed, Wei Ruo’s mind kept replaying Wei Jinyi’s earlier words.

She was wondering, how did she agree to it?

But… having a child with him… a chubby and fair baby, possibly resembling both him and her.

This… wasn’t something she couldn’t accept.

If… if they were to have a child, they’d have to… consummate their marriage…

At the thought of consummating, Wei Ruo’s face flushed uncontrollably.

Immediately following, she pictured Wei Jinyi’s body in her mind.

She had seen Wei Jinyi’s body several times before, especially this time, due to his injury. She had seen almost 95% of his body, only leaving one area unseen.

While treating his wounds, Wei Ruo never had any improper thoughts. However, now that she was reminiscing about it, she felt her cheeks redden in embarrassment.

She couldn’t help but remember the sensation of her hand caressing his chest.

Although Wei Jinyi seemed frail in daily life, he had a well-toned body because of his martial arts training. His muscular lines were distinct, obviously a result of regular exercise.

Thinking about this made Wei Ruo feel a heat rush through her body.

Lost in her thoughts, Wei Ruo couldn’t help but knock her head.

Wei Ruo, Wei Ruo, what are you thinking about in broad daylight? How did you end up thinking about consummating your marriage and having a baby with him!

It must be because I didn’t have a good sleep!

I need to sleep right now!

Wei Ruo hurriedly got back into bed, covering herself with a blanket and took a nap.

When she woke up it was already afternoon, she called Zhang Yi and instructed him to carry out the adoption of the orphans.

The Jiliao region had always been a bleak place, but during the recent famine, it was slightly better off than other harshly affected regions, attracting a number of refugees.

Among these refugees were some young children who were helpless and starving.

Within a few days, Zhang Yi and the others had found eight children, both boys and girls, ranging in age from one to eight years old.

They brought these children to Wei Ruo.

The children stood in two rows, timidly looking at Wei Ruo seated in the hall.

Seeing the little girl who could barely stand, Wei Ruo was surprised. It was unexpected for a girl this young to have survived the journey.

Upon further inquiry about the girl, Wei Ruo learned that she’s the sister of the eldest boy and he had protected her all the way here.

Wei Ruo took a closer look at the boy and specifically asked for his name.

“What’s your name?”

“My name is Doggie.” The boy spoke with sharp and alert eyes, his guard never dropping around Wei Ruo.

“You’re amazing,” Wei Ruo praised.

Doggie merely pursed his lips and remained silent, his eyes radiating an adult-like sense of steadiness and alertness.

“From now on, you will be the big brother to these other children. You all need to get along well,” Wei Ruo said.

“Will you really provide us with food and shelter?” Doggie asked in return.

“Do I have any reason to deceive you? Is there something valuable enough on any of you that’s worth lying for?” Wei Ruo asked with a smile on her face.

After a moment of silence, Doggie replied, “As long as you provide food for my sister and I, I’ll listen to you.”

“For now, I want you all to grow up healthily and happily, learn to read and write. In the future, I may have more expectations from you. Like becoming good people, defending our borders, putting others before yourselves when you are well-off. However, that’s for the future,” Wei Ruo said.

Doggie stared at Wei Ruo, seemingly contemplating the authenticity of her words.

Wei Ruo gave a light smile and then told the other children, “From now on, you all will live here. I’ll arrange for people to cook for you, take care of your daily needs, and in a while, I’ll find teachers to teach you how to read and write.”

Although these children were young, most of them were mature for their age. They were looking at Wei Ruo with expressions of shock and confusion.

Wei Ruo could sense their disbelief from their expressions.

She didn’t find it surprising. After facing hardship and barely surviving, it would be hard for anyone to believe that someone would come forward and offer them a better life.

Wei Ruo knew that whether or not they believed her, they would accept the arrangement as she was providing them with food and shelter. They couldn’t afford to turn down such treatment.

After a brief conversation, Wei Ruo had the children taken to a residence next to the Wang Residence.

Wei Ruo had bought this property and had gotten it refurbished. It was a place specifically designated for housing the orphans in the future.