Chapter 76 - 76: Tense Situation_l

Translator: 549690339 I

“Um…you danced….” Xiaobei answered softly.

Wei Jinyi felt a sudden throbbing in his temples.

“What else did I say?”

“Young Master didn’t say much more, just many things you don’t normally say to Miss. You complimented Miss and Xiumei on their looks, praised how good their cooking was, and ” Xiaobei chose his words as modestly as possible to

cushion the blow for his young master.

“What else?”

“Also… you were waiting for Miss to compliment you…” Xiaobei bowed his head low, not daring to glance at his young master’s expression.

Wei Jinyi had another bout of headache.

After the accident at the age of ten, he had stopped drinking. He disliked the feeling of losing control over himself and regretted his rash actions when drunk.

He drank the plum wine yesterday, thinking that its sweetness would not result in intoxication.

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For several days, there was a tense atmosphere throughout Xingshan County. Several times, people had seen troops moving through the city, along with transports of supplies and equipment.

Before long, rumors were flying that war might break out outside the city walls.

Until now, there had only been minor skirmishes, but this time it looked like a full-scale war was imminent.

With the looming danger, the city’s inhabitants were fretful.

If the city were to fall, none could escape the wrath of the Japanese pirates.

However, all city gates were now strictly monitored. Even if the inhabitants wanted to flee, it was already too late.

The Wei Family was also enveloped in a cloud of anxiety.

Whether the rumors were true or not, even the Wei Family couldn’t find out at this point.

The government offices and the army had not made a public announcement yet. Meanwhile, Wei Mingting hadn’t been home for ten days, leaving the Wei Family with no chance to ask him about the situation.

Mrs. Yun was so worried she could hardly eat. She was concerned that her husband could be injured in battle against the ruthless Japanese pirates.

While being anxious, she also had to continue managing the household in case the Wei Family needed to evacuate immediately in the event of defeat.

With Mrs. Yun bustling about to take care of the household matters while worrying for her husband, it’s clear that she’s worn out from it all.

Noticing this, Wei Qingwan went to Cangyun Garden every day to accompany Mrs. Yun and help her with some miscellaneous tasks.

Having grown up in the Wei Family, Wei Qingwan was well versed in matters of housekeeping, so she was able to effectively assist and advise Mrs. Yun.

After a period of working together in Mrs. Yun’s study, Mrs. Yun paused for a brief rest.

Looking up to see Wei Qingwan busily helping with the home management and budgeting, Mrs. Yun felt deeply touched and couldn’t help but express her thanks: “I’m so grateful for your help these past few days, Wanwan.”

“Mother, what are you saying? It’s my blessing as a daughter to help you share the burden,” Wei Qingwan replied.

Wei Qingwan then put down her work, went behind Mrs. Yun, and gave her a shoulder massage.

As she massaged, she sincerely said to Mrs. Yun, “Mother, you work too hard. You have to deal with all the assorted chores around the house, and now you’re also worrying about father being on the front line. Please take good care of yourself. I don’t care about our household’s wealth, I just want my parents to be healthy and live a long life so that I can serve you both till old age.”

“Ah, I know you have a filial heart,” Mrs. Yun patted Wei Qingwan’s hand, looking reassured.

Then she sighed and said, “With your help, I can at least lighten my load a bit. However, we are short-staffed. If something really happens and we need to flee to the Capital City, we will need more people.”

Mrs. Yun’s brows furrowed, feeling heavy-hearted.

Her husband had entrusted this household to her. She must manage it well so that her husband would have no concerns.

Witnessing Mrs. Yun’s anxiety, Wei Qingwan said ever so gently, “Mother, since the household work has been so overwhelming recently, why not bring back Mother Li? I don’t wish to see you working so hard. If Mother Li returns, she may help you somewhat.”

“Mother Li made a mistake. Punishing her for three months by sending her to the farmhouse was already a light punishment. Letting her come back prematurely will give the servants the wrong idea that the Wei Family is lax in discipline,” Mrs. Yun said with some helplessness.

“Mother, you’re right, but…” Wei Qingwan bit her lip, trying to say something but swallowing her words instead.

Seeing this, Mrs. Yun said, “Wanwan, you can say whatever you need to. We mother and daughter don’t need to hide anything from each other.”

Wei Qingwan then hesitated before continuing, “I just think that in these extraordinary times, there should be some extraordinary forms of punishment. We are in need of manpower, and Mother Li is very adept at managing household matters. If she comes back, she will surely be able to alleviate your burdens.”

“What you said also makes sense, but I can’t easily change the three-month punishment period,” Mrs. Yun said, somewhat swayed by Wei Qingwan’s argument.

“Punishment doesn’t necessarily mean going to the farmhouse. She can also be punished when she’s back in the mansion, such as continuing to withhold her salary and making her do more arduous work,” Wei Qingwan suggested.

Mrs. Yun seriously contemplated Wei Qingwan’s words. Indeed, right now, their household was understaffed. Keeping Mother Li at the farmhouse wouldn’t help matters, and bringing her home would be of greater benefit. “Wanwan, tell me truthfully, are you missing Mother Li?” Mrs. Yun asked.

Wei Qingwan bit her lip, her eyes glistening, and silently lowered her head.

Mrs. Yun sighed; she naturally understood.

Mother Li had been in the household for a long time, brought Wei Qingwan up from a child; of course, their bond would be deeper than that with others.

“What you just said does make sense. I am really short-handed right now. Let’s have Mother Li come home, but she will be penalized another three months of salary. Also, the chief maid will still be Mother Zhang,” Mrs. Yun said.

This was the additional punishment for Mother Li.

“I’ll follow whatever Mother decides,” Wei Qingwan replied, her face lighting up with joy.

In any case, Mother Li would now be allowed to return home.

Mrs. Yun noticed Wei Qingwan’s happiness and said, “I know you have a close bond with Mother Li. Sending her to the farmhouse must’ve upset you. But remember, she is ultimately a servant in our household. If she’s not duly punished for her overconfidence and lack of discipline, who knows how much she may trespass against us in the future.”

“Even when she returns, don’t pamper her too much. She needs to understand her place,” Mrs. Yun continued.

“I understand, Mother. Please rest assured, I will admonish Mother Li properly so that she won’t make the same mistake again,” Wei Qingwan quickly assured Mrs. Yun.

After discussing with Wei Qingwan about Mother Li, Mrs.. Yun breathed a sigh of relief and asked, “I wonder what Ruoruo has been busy with these past few days?”