Chapter 19: Chapter 19 First Outing_l
Translator: 549690339
“Pack some snacks, in case you get hungry,” Wei Ruo replied.
Upon hearing this, Lady Yun raised her eyebrows slightly and explained to Wei Ruo, “Ruoruo, today we will have a vegetarian meal in the Huafa Temple after our prayers, so you will not go hungry.”
“It’s just snacks, it won’t affect the main meal. In case any other ladies get hungry along the way, I can share with them.”
Hearing Wei Ruo’s explanation and seeing the delicately adorned food container that would not cause embarrassment if shown in public, Lady Yun refrained from saying anything else. She just requested the maid Cuiping to take care of the food container during the mountain trip.
To control the number of people traveling together, besides the accompanying coachman and guards, only Lady Yun brought along maid Cuiping. Neither Wei Ruo nor Wei Qingwan brought their maids.
Wei Qingwan also arrived at the entrance, immediately spotting the well-dressed Wei Ruo. Astonishment flashed in her eyes for a moment, however, she quickly turned her face away.
Wei Ruo paid no attention to Wei Qingwan as her mind was preoccupied with thoughts of farming and making money.
Distractedly following Lady Yun into the carriage, Wei Ruo looked out the carriage window, her mind far away.
Lady Yun, seeing her half-awake demeanor, didn’t say anything.
Turning to Wei Qingwan, she said, “Wanwan, climbing up the Huafa Temple mountain to pray today requires trekking by foot. I’m worried your body might
not be up to it.”
“Mother, don’t worry. Whether I can complete it or not, I will try my best. Every step I take, it’s all for praying blessings for father and the soldiers. I hope they can be victorious in every encounter with the Japanese pirates and return safely. I also hope that the Japanese pirates can be driven away soon, so that Xingshan County can return to peace.”
“Your father would be very happy knowing that you care like this,” Lady Yun
said.
“Our father and soldiers are defending the country, fighting bravely, shedding blood and sweat. The least I can do is climb a hill to pray. It is not comparable to their sacrifices.”
Watching Wei Qingwan’s well-behaved and understanding manner, Lady Yun inevitably revealed a warm smile, her gaze exceedingly gentle.
Her daughter was full of wisdom, gentle yet pleasant, displaying filial piety, and was simply impeccable.
Thinking about the upcoming meeting with the other noble ladies, her mood became especially good. Wanwan was always the one receiving the most compliments on such occasions.
Everyone has a sense of vanity, and Lady Yun was no exception. Having her daughter being praised was undoubtedly a joyous occasion for her.
However, today’s situation might be a bit different…
She looked at Wei Ruo, who was lost in thought by the window, and couldn t help feeling a little worried. She didn’t expect Ruoruo to be as outstanding and praised as Wanwan, she just hoped she wouldn’t cause any troubles.
Although she had expressed her full confidence in Wei Ruo the day before when Wei Ruo asked her, she couldn’t help worrying as soon as it was time to
leave.
The carriage set out from the Military Prefecture, heading north across the city. The first half of the journey followed the same path that Wei Ruo took during her previous inspection trip.
After leaving the city, the carriage turned onto a country road, following the path to Fairy Mountain.
By the time they reached the foot of the mountain, the carriage stopped. Lady Yun and Wei Qingwan disembarked from the carriage, followed by Wei Ruo leisurely stepping out.
When they arrived, the wives of the magistrate, the county magistrate, the chief clerk, and the other young ladies of various families were already there.
Everyone was waiting at the foot of the mountain.
Upon their arrival, everyone’s eyes turned to them, as rumors had spread that another daughter had joined the Wei household.
Everyone was somewhat curious about Wei Ruo, who had just been brought back to the Wei family.
As soon as Wei Ruo alighted from the carriage, she felt many eyes on her.
Unfazed, Wei Ruo let them look at her without showing any signs of embarrassment or evasion, because she knew it was inevitable. These people were bound to satisfy their curiosity.
The noble ladies and young girls found Wei Ruo different from what they had imagined. Her graceful figure and delicate skin were even more exquisite than those of the young noble girls who had been raised in relative seclusion.
If the Wei family didn’t mention it, they would never have thought that Wei
Ruo had lived in the countryside before this.
As Wei Ruo and Wei Qingwan stood there, one was beautiful and graceful, the other was charming and cute. Speaking in terms of appearances, they indeed outshone the other noble girls present.
Some were astonishing and some were disappointing.
Those who were anticipating disgrace for the Wei family were disappointed.
The wife of the Magistrate approached Lady Yun with her daughter Qian Caisang, and greeted her, “Lady Wei, you are truly enviable. Your two daughters are both exceptional. Are you not giving the rest of us any chances?” Lady Yun laughed and replied, “Lady Qian, you’re too flattering. How could my two daughters compare to yours? I remember Wanwan telling me that your daughter’s poetry has been highly praised by Master Fu. Master Fu rarely compliments anyone’s poetry. This is unique for Miss Qian!”
Master Fu was the most prestigious female scholar in Xingshan County, currently teaching a few noble ladies in the magistrate’s office.
Lady Qian’s face was full of smiles, “She just has a little bit of cleverness! Although she said that her daughter was just a little clever, the smile was genuinely heartfelt, it was apparent that Lady Yun’s words had touched her. Following her was the wife of the County Magistrate and the wife of the Chief Clerk, both greeting Lady Yun.
Seeing that all the familiar ladies were present, Lady Yun asked Lady Qian, who was in charge of today’s activities, “Lady Qian, who are we waiting for?” “We are waiting for the wife and daughter of the Xie family from the north of the city,” answered Lady Qian.
The Xie family was a reputable family in Taizhou prefecture, known for their commitment to farming and studying. The family had produced two scholars in the last twenty years.
The father-in-law of Lady Xie was one of them. He currently held an office in the capital with a rank of fifth class. Rumor had it that he was highly regarded by the Emperor and was likely to be promoted to fourth class soon.
Upon hearing that it was the Xie family they were waiting for, everyone refrained from voicing any objections.
After a short while, the carriage from the Xie family arrived. Two individuals disembarked, they were indeed Lady Xie and her daughter Xie Ying.
Unlike the other young ladies who descended from the carriage with the help of their maids, Xie Ying jumped straight out.
This bold action was exceptional among the young ladies present.
“Be careful,” said the indulgent and helpless Lady Xie. Her daughter was excessively spoiled by her grandfather and her husband.
Meanwhile, Xie Ying had already run forward.
Lady Xie stepped forward and greeted Lady Yun and Lady Qian, “I am sorry for making you all wait. My little Ying is somewhat frivolous. She was intrigued by a magician we encountered on the way, and refused to continue.
“It doesn’t matter at all. Children are always curious, it’s perfectly normal,” Lady Qian answered with a smile.
Lady Xie looked towards Wei Ruo. All the other faces were familiar to her as she had seen them many times before, but it was her first time meeting Wei Ruo. With a smile, Lady Xie said to her, “Lady Wei’s eldest daughter is so charming and beautiful, truly a worthy daughter of Lady Wei. She has indeed inherited the good attributes of both her parents..”
