Chapter 36 - Chapter 36: Chapter 36: Dragon Boat Festival Trip_l

Chapter 36: Chapter 36: Dragon Boat Festival Trip_l

Translator: 549690339 ,

Meanwhile, in the Wangmei Gardens.

Wei Qingwan, after a few days of rest, finally got out of bed.

However, her complexion was not good, her face paler than Wei Jrnyi’s at this time.

These past few days, she had been confined to Wangmei Garden, listening to Cuiping telling her about Wei Ruo’s activities. She knew that Wei Ruo had been busy all the time, running around every opportunity she got.

Despite her maid’s persuasion, Wei Qingwan went to the kitchen herself, made some osmanthus cakes, and personally delivered them to Wei Yichen.

Wei Yichen had been engrossed in studying for days and rarely bothered with

the world outside.

Only when Wei Qingwan came to check on him would he relax a little.

“Wanwan, why are you here yourself today?” Seeing his sister, a tender and indulgent smile naturally appeared on his face.

“I came to check on you, my brother. I worry that you are working too hard and forgetting to eat because you’re always reading. Whether you pass the scholar examination or not does not matter to me. All I want is a strong and healthy

brother.”

“Don’t worry, I take good care of myself. I always eat well and would never starve myself. My dear sister, don’t worry.

“So you won’t eat the osmanthus cakes I made?”

“Of course, I will!” Wei Yichen quickly reached for the osmanthus cakes Wei Qingwan brought. “My sister’s cooking is much better than everyday food.” “Brother, I heard sister has been frequently going out these days and even went to the wastelands in the south of the city. Is it true?”

“It is.”

“Isn’t it difficult to cultivate crops on that land?” Wei Qingwan asked curiously.

“While it is indeed hard, it doesn’t matter. Ruo has her methods. If she succeeds, it would be a great achievement. If not, we wouldn’t lose much.”

Wei Yichen’s view was the same as Wei Mingting’s.

“Sister is so lucky, free to go out and do what she wants.” Wei Qingwan couldn’t help sighing, a deep longing in her expression.

Wei Yichen chuckled: “So, my dear Wanwan, you want to go out as well? Do you want to learn from Ruo and farm? That won’t do, you can’t withstand the

harsh weather.”

“You’re making fun of me again, Brother.”

“I’m not making fun of you, but caring for you. Only because she likes and is used to doing these things, can I bear to see Ruo running around and working so hard,” said Wei Yichen with a smile.

“Yes… farming is indeed very hard work… I wonder how Old Lady Li is doing now…” Wei Qingwan’s expression became sorrowful.

Seeing her like this, Wei Yichen reassured her, “Wanwan, Old Lady Li did wrong and she needs to be punished. I understand your affection for her but if we are not strict with this, it would encourage disobedience.”

“I know, but given her age and the months she has been at the farm, I fear she may not be able to withstand it…”

Wei Qingwan looked worried. When she mentioned that Old Lady Li might not resist, her eyes reddened involuntarily.

Wei Yichen frowned: “Wanwan, I understand your concern for Old Lady Li. I’ll talk to the manager at the farm and ask him to help look after her and to give her less strenuous work.”

Wei Qingwan pressed her lips together: “Thank you, Brother.”

“Silly girl, don’t say that. I understand your feelings. You’re the kindest soul, but we must punish when we must, excessive kindness may harm you,” said

Wei Yichen.

“Ok,” Wei Qingwan agreed softly.

###

Very soon, the Dragon Boat Festival arrived.

The customs were simple in Xingshan County – families would insert peach leaves and iris into their doors, and eat dumplings.

The Colonel’s residence was no exception.

The most pleasing part was that Wei Mingting took a day off.

Pairing his rare presence at home with children and Wei Ruo’s first Dragon Boat Festival spent with the Wei Family, Wei Mingting decided to take them to the streets.

Although there weren’t any grand events in Xingshan County for the Dragon Boat Festival, it was livelier than usual.

Wei Ruo was unusually excited, having got up early and asked Xiumei to help her dress up.

“Miss, you weren’t this happy last time when you went to pray with Madam.”

“That’s different, today we’re going to the streets.”

Helpless, she was now in a deep palace, and going out was not as easy as before.

Even though she had been put in charge of the wastelands in the south of the city, Mrs. Yun instructed her to have subordinates to do things for her whenever possible – she should stay inside if possible and avoid manual labor.

In short, there weren’t many opportunities to go out!

When she passed Jinyi’s pavilion, Wei Ruo stopped, peered into the yard, and saw Wei Jinyi still sitting in the pavilion reading and writing.

It seemed that he wouldn’t be able to go out today.

Didn’t they say that Wei Mingting was kind to Wei Jinyi? Why did he end up leaving Wei Jinyi alone on this family holiday?

Did Wei Mingting only pretend to care about his illegitimate son, as described in the original novel? Did he arrange the small kitchen and monthly allowance for Wei Jinyi just to save face but not really care about him?

Wei Ruo didn’t think much of it. It was useless anyway for her to mull it over.

Just as she was about to leave, Wei Jinyi noticed her.

“If you want to come in, come on in,” Wei Jinyi said to Wei Ruo.

“No, I’m leaving.” She waved her hand.

“Hmm.”

“Don’t feel bad. Father probably thinks you are just out of sickness and wants you to rest.”

Having said this much, Wei Ruo comforted him. Otherwise, she would seem mean, announcing that she was going out when she clearly knew that Wei Jinyi couldn’t go.

“You don’t have to be so concerned about me. I’m fine, it’s me who doesn’t want to go out,” Wei Jinyi answered.

“Oh, as long as you’re okay!”

“Yeah, have fun.” Wei Jinyi advised.

“Then I’ll go.” Wei Ruo waved goodbye and left.

Wei Jinyi kept his gaze on the direction where Wei Ruo went. The thirteen-year-old girl was charming, lively, like a free bird, and also like a blossoming spring flower.

He didn’t shift his gaze until he completely lost sight of her.

When Wei Ruo came to the entrance of their home, except for Wei Jinyi, the family had gathered. Wei Ruo was the last to arrive.

For this outing, the household prepared a carriage and two horses.

Wei Mingting and Wei Yichen rode horses, while women and young Wei Yilrn rode in the carriage.

Comparatively speaking, the streets of Xingshan County were indeed much busier today.

After a while, a large crowd appeared ahead and blocked the road. The Wei family carriage had to stop.

Looking ahead, it was at the entrance of a shop with several tables placed outside and a group of people gathered around them.

There were also a few bamboo frames with calligraphy works hanging on them.

Mrs.. Yun lifted the curtain of the carriage and asked, “What’s happening up front?”