Chapter 601: Inquiring About a Warrior_1

Afterward, the two of them chatted over tea, with Xiumei bringing in a late-night snack at some point.

Wei Ruo and Zhe Ta hit it off as their conversation progressed, finding surprisingly common ground on many topics.

“If I had known you were this kind of person earlier, I would have told you everything upfront,” Zhe Ta exclaimed ruefully, with a sense of regret for not meeting sooner.

“Well, that probably wouldn’t have worked either. No matter how sweet your words were at the beginning, I wouldn’t have trusted you easily,” Wei Ruo replied with a chuckle.

“Fair enough,” Zhe Ta agreed, “If I were you, I wouldn’t have easily trusted a foreign princess who just showed up either, especially considering the recent minor conflict between your people and the Jurchen Tribe.”

Speaking of this, a thought suddenly sparked in Zhe Ta’s mind: “By the way, do you know who the brave individual was who single-handedly marched into the Jurchen camp to rescue a Guard General, and where they are now?”

“This incident apparently occurred within the Jiagu Tribe. How are you, a princess of the Yehe Tribe, so aware of this?” Wei Ruo inquired, a sharp glint in her eyes.

“If I told you that I was in the Jiagu Tribe that day, would you suspect our Yehe Tribe?” Zhe Ta asked teasingly.

“Possibly. After all, the Jiagu Tribe has been the source of the most troubles for our Great Empire.” Wei Ruo remarked.

“You’re right. You may not know, but the leader of the Jiagu Tribe is my aunt. I was there visiting her. But you can rest assured that, despite our tribes being related by marriage, my father and uncle do not get along. My visit to the Jiagu Tribe was solely to see my aunt.” Zhe Ta explained.

“Indeed, I’ve heard about intertribal marriages among the Jurchens.”

“Marriage is our way of binding to each other, but when disagreements happen, they happen,” Zhe Ta stated teasingly, then nudged, “So, should you answer my question now? Tell me about the mysterious hero.”

“You are very interested in that person?” Wei Ruo asked.

“Of course! He is the bravest and most formidable warrior I’ve ever seen! His bravery and loyalty have shown through his willingness to march alone into enemy territory to save a comrade. His intelligence showed when he entered the enemy camp under the cloak of night, evading the patrolling soldiers. Lastly, he escaped all on his own, leaving hundreds of Jiagu Tribe warriors helpless against him, showing his outstanding martial arts skills, which I dare say, surpasses even the strongest of our Jurchen warriors.”

As she spoke, Zhe Ta’s eyes lit up, and her face reflected pure admiration.

“He is indeed extraordinary.” Wei Ruo agreed, then turned to Zhe Ta, “What happened after you met him?”

“I asked him to be my consort.” Zhe Ta stated.

“Aren’t you being a bit impulsive? Just because you saw him off in the distance once?”

“Since I was eight years old, I’ve dreamt of marrying the most formidable warrior among our Jurchens! And this man surpasses any warrior I’ve known, hence I wish to marry him! There’s nothing hasty about this!” Zhe Ta insisted.

“But he already has a wife.” Wei Ruo pointed out.

“He’s married?” Zhe Ta furrowed her eyebrows, “But I suppose it makes sense. A man like him must have a lot of ladies wanting to marry him.”

Taking a moment to contemplate, Zhe Ta again asked: “How are his relations with his wife?”

“He loves his wife very much, and she reciprocates his feelings.”

Zhe Ta sighed, “Well, I guess I’ll have to look for someone else. I hope there’s another warrior who can match him.”

Following this, Zhe Ta turned to Wei Ruo, “Do you know of any other formidable warriors? I doubt we Jurchens have any who could match him. Perhaps your Great Empire does?”

In response, Wei Ruo said, “In the Great Empire, we have countless talents, and no shortage of warriors. But I can’t be certain as to what kind of warrior would catch your eye. If you have a chance, you could take your time to search.”

Zhe Ta responded, “I will do so when I get a chance. For now, I want to quickly bring back this thing you call ‘potatoes’ and plant them while it’s still the right season. Come October, the ground will be frozen and nothing can be planted.”

Then, Zhe Ta added, “The land of our Jurchen Tribe has very limited time for planting throughout the year, so our agriculture has always been underdeveloped, and food is scarce. That’s why some tribes have considered moving to central China. If we could grow enough crops on our own land, why would we need to clash with the Great Empire?”

Wei Ruo responded, “It’s hard to tell. The Jurchens have ambitious tribes that may have other motives, it’s not just the lack of food.”

Zhe Ta grumbled, “I believe Jurchen is the best place, I have no desire for your Great Empire, nor do I want more people.”

Wei Ruo simply smiled.

Looking at Wei Ruo, Zhe Ta asked, “I heard that your husband is a sickly man in a wheelchair? Is that true?”

Wei Ruo: “You’re rather blunt.”

Zhe Ta: “I’ve always been this forthright, I don’t appreciate beating around the bush.”

Wei Ruo: “It’s true, he is confined to a wheelchair.”

Zhe Ta: “What a pity. I think a woman like you deserves a more formidable warrior.”

Wei Ruo: “He is my hero.”

Zhe Ta: “Oh? So he’s quite formidable in your eyes?”

Wei Ruo: “Yes, he’s formidable, kind to me, and meeting him is my fortune.”

Zhe Ta: “That’s good. Then I’ll take back what I just said. Everyone has their definition of a hero, it doesn’t necessarily mean they have to be like the one I saw that day – a master who can single-handedly defeat hundreds. Of course, if it were up to me, I certainly prefer that one.”

Wei Ruo: “Well, I wish you to find your hero soon.”

###

After another three days, Zhe Ta was ready to bid farewell to Wei Ruo.

Wei Ruo bid her farewell cheerfully, sending her off with a cartload of potatoes and a bag of cotton seeds.

Zhe Ta and her guards then left with the cart.

As time passed, it was already July, and the temperatures soared under the scorching sun.

Wei Jinyi was finally able to try walking on his own.

At first, he was somewhat unsteady and had to use a cane for support.

However, within just two days, he was able to walk independently.

Wei Ruo couldn’t help but marvel, “Brother, as a warrior, your recovery speed is truly remarkable. I originally thought the rehabilitation would take at least two months, but you’ve done it in just two days. The cane made by Uncle Xu has only been used for two days.”

“It’s because of Ruoruo’s extraordinary medical skills.” Wei Jinyi replied.

“While it’s true that my medical skills are exceptional, I am confident that at least 90% of your rapid recovery isn’t due to my skills.” Wei Ruo asserted.

Slowly making his way over to Wei Ruo, Wei Jinyi asked, “Would you accompany me on a walk outside?”

Wei Ruo nodded in agreement.

Upon receiving her confirmation, Wei Jinyi gently took hold of Wei Ruo’s hand.

Wei Ruo lowered her gaze to look at their entwined hands, feeling a faint warmth radiating from their joined palms.