Chapter 108: The Prefect's Wife

Lu Yuhong said, "I only ate until I was thirty percent full. If I weren’t worried about tiring Miss Wei, I would have asked her to make a few more dishes."

Then Lu Yuhong sighed, "It would be much easier if I could just pay for the fish, but that’s really difficult. I do want to pay, but she’s a lady from a noble family. If I gave her money, it would belittle her. And if I gave her other gifts, that wouldn't be appropriate either. She’s a young lady, and I’m a rough man. Giving gifts might offend her, or worse, if someone overheard, it could ruin her reputation."

"I didn’t expect you to be so considerate at a time like this," Chu Lan remarked.

"Your Highness, don’t tease me. Though I’m a bit rough around the edges, I at least understand the basic etiquette," Lu Yuhong replied. After all, he came from an esteemed family.

Then he pondered aloud, "When do you think I can eat Miss Wei’s cooking again? Maybe I should find a way to send her a grand gift. That way, she might be inclined to cook for me again next time out of appreciation. But how can I properly present such a gift to a young lady who hasn’t yet married?..."

Lu Yuhong muttered to himself incessantly.

Chu Lan and Xie Jue exchanged helpless looks. No one paid him any more attention. Once a foodie’s mind is captured by delicious food, it’s hard to snap out of it quickly. They let him stew in his worries; when the time came, he would figure it out himself.

***

When Wei Ruo and Xiu Mei returned to the temporary residence of the Xie family’s annex, Madam Yun and Wei Qingwan had already come back.

Seeing Wei Ruo, Madam Yun asked, "Ruo’er, where did you and Miss Xie go today?"

"We took a boat ride on East Lake," Wei Ruo replied, deliberately not mentioning anything about meeting Chu Lan, Lu Yuhong, or Xie Jue.

"Hmm, since we were able to use the Xie family’s annex this time, next time you visit, take some gifts along for me as a token of goodwill," Madam Yun said.

"Understood."

Wei Ruo turned and left, followed by Wei Qingwan.

Outside the house, Wei Qingwan approached Wei Ruo and asked, "Did Miss Xie mention anything about her brother when you were out with her today?"

Wei Ruo stopped and turned, looking at Wei Qingwan with interest.

"What are you trying to find out about Master Xie?"

"Don’t misunderstand, sister. I’m not trying to pry into Master Xie’s affairs. I just heard that the reason he’s been staying in Taizhou Prefecture lately is because of Master Chu," Wei Qingwan explained.

Realization dawned on Wei Ruo’s face. "So you want to learn about Master Chu, then?"

"Please don’t misunderstand. Master Chu’s status is special. If our Wei family gains his favor, it would be extremely beneficial to both father and our clan. My inquiries are not for myself, but for the Wei family’s sake."

"So the method you have in mind to gain Master Chu’s favor is to offer yourself?" Wei Ruo said.

"You underestimate me, sister. I would never think of such a thing," Wei Qingwan quickly denied.

"You know your own intentions well. Even if I asked about Master Chu’s affairs, what could you possibly do? Have father try to curry favor with him?" Wei Ruo smiled and retorted.

Wei Qingwan remained calm. "That’s not what I mean. I just hope that if you have the chance, you could subtly find out Master Chu’s preferences from Master Xie, so we can better plan our actions. If there’s no opportunity, then so be it."

"Then you should work hard for the family’s future yourself," Wei Ruo said brightly, then turned and walked away.

If you can, go investigate on your own. She wouldn’t say a word anyway.

Wei Qingwan watched Wei Ruo’s retreating figure with a surge of anger. If she could obtain the information smoothly, would she even bother to ask Wei Ruo? She didn’t want to rely on her at all unless she had no other choice!

***

During these few days in the city, Wei Ruo hadn’t found the chance to visit the Drunken Immortal Pavilion, let alone discuss what she wanted to. So the matter remained unresolved.

Three days later, on the morning of the garden party, Madam Yun took Wei Ruo and Wei Qingwan out.

Wei Qingwan had put on special attire—a popular flying fairy bun hairstyle for unmarried young ladies, a white jacket and skirt, with a light pink cross-collar vest over it, adorned with pearl hair accessories gifted by Madam Yun.

In contrast, Wei Ruo’s outfit, though made of rich cloud brocade, was much more understated. Her hairstyle was casual, with only a small velvet flower decoration.

Madam Yun asked Wei Ruo, "Ruo’er, why aren’t you wearing the gold jewelry your grandmother gave you?"

"I forgot to bring it," Wei Ruo replied casually.

In truth, she had the jewelry with her in her space but was too lazy to take it out, much less wear it.

She liked gold, but not when it was worn on her head.

Besides, everyone invited by the Prefect’s wife was from noble families. Even if she wore the jewelry, it wouldn’t earn her any face. Everyone knew the Wei family’s current situation—it was not something dressing up could change.

And she had no interest in competing for such appearances.

Madam Yun was somewhat disappointed by Wei Ruo’s answer, but there was nothing more she could do.

***

On the way there, Madam Yun repeatedly reminded Wei Ruo and Wei Qingwan, "The annex we’re visiting today was built by Prince Huai for his beloved daughter, Princess Jingmin, also known as Madam Yuan. It’s much grander than ordinary residences. Stay close to me and don’t get separated."

"Mother, don’t worry. I won’t run off," Wei Qingwan replied obediently.

"Mm," Wei Ruo responded with a somewhat perfunctory tone.

"Ruo’er, be careful and don’t lose your manners," Madam Yun cautioned especially.

Since Wei Ruo had lived in the countryside all her life and had never been to such a residence before, she would be facing an unfamiliar situation. Madam Yun was worried she might falter.

"Mm," Wei Ruo replied again, still somewhat indifferent.

Wei Qingwan asked Madam Yun, "Mother, what will we do at the garden party today?"

"Actually, this garden party is mainly arranged by Madam Yuan to win over the people under Master Yuan. It’s also a chance for the ladies of various families to get to know each other, and some might even try to find a future daughter-in-law. So besides strolling the gardens, drinking tea, and admiring the flowers, there will be games like 'Flying Flowers and Responding Words.' Just make sure you don’t make mistakes."

Even with Wei Qingwan, Madam Yun wasn’t very confident, let alone with Wei Ruo. She just hoped the two daughters wouldn’t make any major blunders.

"I understand, mother. Please rest assured," Wei Qingwan promised.

Madam Yun continued, "Also, Madam Yuan gave birth just six months ago. I heard she’s still weak, so be sure not to offend her."

"I heard she gave birth on the way back to Taizhou Prefecture?" Wei Qingwan inquired.