叭哒漫画

“Aren’t you a member of the Wei family? Isn’t the effort you put in for the Wei family too? As long as you are willing, who would dare to gossip if we acquire more land?” Mrs. Yun repeatedly questioned.

“But I am not willing. I just want to earn myself a good reputation, not acquiring lands this way.” Wei Ruo answered, her eyes bright and clear, with a slight upward curve at the corners of her mouth.

“What did you say?”

Wei Ruo calmly explained, “Does Mother see a problem? Isn’t it good to be a young lady praised by everyone, doing things beneficial for the reputation of the Military Prefecture? When isn’t money obtainable and lands purchasable? But a good reputation is not so easily achieved.”

Wei Ruo continued, “Mother should think about it. I’m not just earning a reputation for myself, but for our Wei family as well. My sister’s unconventionality has damaged the reputation of the Wei family and subjected us to gossip. As the eldest daughter, isn’t it fitting that I now do some good deeds and earn a good reputation?”

“Moreover, my father is a government official who has the blood of the people on his hands on the battlefield. He is a great hero praised by everyone, and as his daughter, I should not drag him down. I should also establish a good image of selflessly giving to the people.”

Wei Ruo’s righteous remarks stifled Mrs. Yun’s brewing rebuttal.

Everything Wei Ruo said was reasonable, and not only did she not make a single fault in her argument, it felt highly praiseworthy.

Watching Mrs. Yun’s struggle to find words to scold her, Wei Ruo gently smiled, “Does Mother think that what I said makes some sense?”

Mrs. Yun, with a stern face, replied, “You’ve said it all. What else do you want me to say? Clearly, you have not considered our family’s circumstances in the least! You say I favor Wanwan. Have you ever thought about why? Whatever troubles me, Wanwan is always thoughtful, filial, and sensible. But you never take our family into consideration.”

“Oh? Sister is thoughtful? Has she helped you solve problems? Mother, why did you come to me instead of her?”

“She doesn’t have the acumen you do.” Mrs. Yun rebutted.

“So mother thinks that just uttering comforting words is enough to earn the name of being dutiful? Without spending money or making an effort, it indeed seems profitable to gain a good reputation this way.” Wei Ruo chuckled softly.

“What manner of speaking is this?” Mrs. Yun frowned.

“Does Mother think there’s a problem with what I said? Why not try asking sister to contribute her private money to support the household?” Wei Ruo suggested.

“She doesn’t have much private money.” Mrs. Yun replied.

“She does have several sets of jewelry which could be sold for a decent sum of silver.” Wei Ruo suggested.

“She only has a few sets, and she needs to wear them when meeting others.”

“If she truly is as selfless as Mother describes, willing to help relieve Mother’s worries, surely she wouldn’t need Mother to tell her to sell her jewelry and give the silver coins to Mother. After all, talking does not cost silver.”

After saying this, Wei Ruo stood up and said to Mrs. Yun before leaving,

“Mother, I’m sorry I couldn’t be of help with your problem for now. If I come up with a good solution, I’ll come see you. I have some duties to attend to today, so I won’t bother you any longer.”

Then Wei Ruo, without giving Mrs. Yun time to react, quickly left Cangyun Garden.

Mrs. Yun took several deep breaths to prevent herself from erupting in anger.

After a while, Mrs. Yun turned to Cuiping, her attendant standing by her side, and said, “Look at her rebellious attitude, how can I have a proper conversation with her! It’s already a feat that it didn’t end in a fight.”

In a whisper, Cuiping consoled, “Madam, calm down.”

Cuiping didn’t say much else. She believed that what Miss Wei had said made some sense, but since she was a maid serving the Madam, it was not appropriate for her to say so.

###

On the third of September, three days after the examination had ended, Wei Yichen returned to the Military Prefecture.

Upon his return, he immediately went to see Mrs. Yun. Her face lit up with joy as she asked him about the examination.

“It went well.” There was not much emotion on Wei Yichen’s face, with neither apparent joy nor sadness.

“Yichen, don’t hide the truth from me. Didn’t you do well this time?” Mrs. Yun worriedly asked.

“No.”

“Yichen, if you didn’t do well this time, don’t be upset. We can wait another three years.” Mrs. Yun continued.

Compared to the sorrow and frustration of her son not doing well this time, Mrs. Yun was more worried about Wei Yichen’s state of mind.

After all, such a big thing happened just before this exam, and it was only natural that her son’s performance would be affected if his mood was.

“It’s really not the case. Mother, please don’t worry. I performed normally in this exam. Although I am not sure if I will pass, I have no regrets.” Wei Yichen answered.

“Really?” As she looked at her son, Mrs. Yun found it somewhat unbelievable.

“Yes.”

Receiving a confirmed response, Mrs. Yun finally let go of her worries.

Wei Yichen then asked Mrs. Yun, “I heard that Mother took my sister, who should have been grounded, to Mrs. Yuan’s banquet on Mid-Autumn Festival?”

“Did Wei Ruo tell you? Why would she broach such topics with you as soon as you returned home?” Mrs. Yun asked.

“It wasn’t Wei Ruo who told me. After leaving the city for the examinations, I did not see her again, and she didn’t send me any messages.” Wei Yichen explained, “Mother should not associate this matter with Wei Ruo. Now, I am asking about my younger sister.”

Facing the penetrating gaze of Wei Yichen, Mrs. Yun showed signs of unease, “Yichen, the rumors outside are unfavorable to our Wei family. I let your younger sister attend the banquet to dispel the public’s suspicion of her. If she had not gone, others would think that she had truly done something obscene.”

“But didn’t she do something obscene?”

“Yes, she did. But no matter what, she is my daughter, your sister. If we can help cover up some of her mistakes, it’s always better. Besides, what about Wei Ruo? We can’t ruin her reputation too, can we?”

“Wei Ruo is competent enough to earn herself a good reputation. We needn’t worry about her. Furthermore, with Father and me around, we should strive to bring glory to our ancestors. As long as the family is prominent, Wei Ruo will not lack a good suitor in the future.”

Mrs. Yun was at a loss for words, not knowing how to respond.

Just as the atmosphere between mother and son was growing cold, a servant boy rushed into the room in a flurry of panic.

“Madam, elder master, it’s an emergency! The second young master has had an accident!”