Chapter 226: Encounter with Grateful Refugees of Wei

Ruo_l

Translator: 549690339

But when facing Xiu Yaojun’s provocations, Wei Qingwan showed indifference and arrogant aloofness, rendering Yaojun’s efforts futile.

Thus, today, Yaojun seized the opportunity to annoy Wei Qingwan by intentionally mentioning Wei Ruo.

Usually, when Yaojun tried to provoke Wei Qingwan with other issues, she would remain calm. However, today she clearly lost her usual composure, which satisfied Yaojun greatly.

Following that, Yaojun moved to Wei Ruo’s side, striking up a conversation: “Miss Wei, your Loquat Syrup is quite good, it cured my grandfather’s chronic illness. Both my grandparents often sing your praises.”

“As long as it’s useful.” Wei Ruo’s attitude towards Yaojun was basically the same as to the madams. She was polite and courteous, composed and relaxed.

Yaojun continued, “Unlike your sister, who is said to be so talented but as I see, apart from reading a bunch of books, there’s nothing impressive about her. When something actually needs to be done, she’s of no use.”

Yaojun was actually praising Wei Ruo in order to belittle Wei Qingwan further.

Wei Ruo looked at Yaojun with slight surprise.

Miss Xiu’s loud voice could be heard by the ladies surrounding them, including Wei Qingwan herself, although the madams leading the line might not hear her harsh comments.

Such blatant public criticism seems to be what the vapid minor female characters from novels would do.

In the original story, many such characters appeared around Wei Qingwan, but she always responded with a cold and indifferent demeanor.

Most of these characters had unfortunate endings, because besides being jealous of Wei Qingwan, they weren’t capable of wise actions.

No wonder Wei Qingwan could remain calm when dealing with their provocations. Their anger not only failed to harm Wei Qingwan but also indirectly confirmed Wei Qingwan’s extraordinary beauty and talent.

Wei Ruo smiled at Yaojun and intentionally steered the conversation back to her grandfather’s chronic illness. “Does your grandfather still cough at night after going to bed?”

Yaojun answered, “I don’t know about after bedtime, but when I visit him, we barely coughs while we sit and talk over tea. It also seems he’s been more cheerful.”

After answering Wei Ruo’s question, Yaojun quickly changed the topic back to Wei Qingwan, “Look how weak your sister is, as if a gust of wind could blow her away.”

While speaking, Yaojun disdainfully glanced at Wei Qingwan.

Wei Ruo didn’t respond. She didn’t know what kind of conflict had occurred between Yaojun and Wei Qingwan. Due to her unfamiliarity with Yaojun, she didn’t want to delve into such topics carelessly.

Wei Qingwan’s face turned ashen. From the first day she started attending classes in Tongzhi Prefecture, Yaojun had shown a strong hostility towards her.

She hadn’t done anything to Yaojun, but because she performed exceptionally well in class and was praised by the teacher, Yaojun started to mock her and intentionally isolated her.

Regarding these matters, she didn’t care. She was very clear that this was Yaojun’s incompetence and rage, that Yaojun acted this way because she was inferior and was finding ways to trouble her.

She also knew that besides verbal sarcasm, Yaojun couldn’t cause any substantial harm to her, so she didn’t mind much.

But when Yaojun and Wei Ruo taunted her together, she couldn’t keep calm and ignore what was happening.

She could not bear to hear Wei Ruo being praised by those who despised her!

Everyone continued walking along the relatively flat path around the village.

Suddenly a farmer’s wife approached with her husband.

Seeing someone coming close, the maids quickly stepped forward to stop them.

The woman seeing that she was unable to get nearer, dropped to her knees from a distance and shouted to Wei Ruo.

“Miss Wei!”

Wei Ruo looked at the woman with surprise, “May I ask you, who you are?”

“Miss Wei, last year when I took my young child to visit my parents in West Mountain Village, we were caught in a natural disaster. You, your father, and your elder brother risked your lives to save the villagers from West Mountain Village, enabling us to escape. Later, you sent us food and quilts. My parents managed to survive because of your kindness.”

Then the woman’s husband added, “Thank you, Miss Wei, for saving my wife and child’s lives!”

Hearing the woman and the man’s words, the ladies in the group realized that Wei Ruo had done many good deeds in Xingshan County, and the couple had come to express their gratitude.

Upon hearing this, the Madam Tongzhi signaled the maids not to hinder them and allowed the couple to move closer.

The woman then put the basket she was holding on the ground, “I hope you can accept these eggs, Miss Wei.”

“Please get up, the road is full of stones, don’t hurt your knees.” Wei Ruo hastily told them to rise. She was not accustomed to being knelt to.

Xiumei also came over to help the couple stand.

Wei Ruo then said to the couple, “Your goodwill is greatly appreciated, but please take these eggs back. Whether you sell them or eat them, it’s fine.”

For a farming family, eggs are precious resources. This basket of eggs would have taken at least a couple of weeks to collect. The gift was too generous, and Wei Ruo couldn’t accept it.

“No, no, no, please accept these eggs, Miss Wei. This represents our gratitude!” The woman insisted on giving the eggs to Wei Ruo.

“No need, truly. I’ve received your goodwill, and I am very happy. If you really want to express your gratitude, take good care of yourselves, eat well, dress warmly, and live well. That’s what I wished for when I did what I did, not for you to scrimp and save to give me food.”

The woman’s face was filled with emotions.

Wei Ruo added, “This year will be another difficult year. Farming work is exhausting, you need to eat more eggs so that you can have the strength to work in the fields, and hopefully, have a good harvest this year. Also, your child is growing now, you should give him more eggs to nourish him.”

“Thank you, Miss Wei, thank you, Miss Wei! We hope your blessings come true! We hope your blessings come true!” The couple bowed repeatedly in thanks.

“Alright, go back now, don’t delay today’s farming activities. It’s the rice-planting season now, you mustn’t miss this time.” Wei Ruo advised.

From Wei Ruo’s words, it was clear that she was very knowledgeable about farming, knowing exactly what should be done at this time of the year.

The couple nodded repeatedly, gave Wei Ruo a deep bow, and then left.

Then, Wei Ruo asked Madam Tongzhi to proceed.

As they continued their journey, the madams couldn’t help but praise Wei Ruo.

“I hadn’t expected Miss Wei to be not only intelligent and competent but also kindhearted. She has actually done so many good deeds.”

“Compared to Miss Wei, I feel a little ashamed.”

“Miss Wei, could you elaborate on how you helped those disaster-stricken people in Xingshan County?”