Chapter 117: A Father’s Promise

Wei Ruo thought to herself, "Why are you asking me this? If you want to bestow a reward, just say so directly. Why must you make me ask for it myself?"

She worried about whether asking for something specific would provide others with leverage against her. The minds of royalty were labyrinthine; who knew if she might accidentally step into some forbidden territory?

"I dare not ask for a reward," Wei Ruo replied.

"Since I have asked, you may answer. There is no need for such concerns," Chu Lan said.

"The reclamation of the wasteland south of the city is for the benefit of the country and the people. Being able to ensure the common folk have food is my own good fortune. Since my father serves in the imperial court, eating the ruler's grain and bearing the ruler's burdens, I, as his daughter, should naturally understand this principle and act to share his worries," Wei Ruo replied.

*Although it is for the country and the people, you, Chu Lan, as a prince, it wouldn't be too much to reward me a little, right? I don't want anything else—just some silver will do.*

Wei Ruo could only keep these thoughts to herself; she dared not voice them, fearing Chu Lan might seize upon them as a pretext.

Wei Ruo’s words filled Wei Mingting with a mixture of emotion and shame. Because his daughter had been switched at birth, she had been raised in the countryside and suffered much, and he, as her father, had never been able to provide the affection and protection she deserved. Even now, after bringing her home, the troubles with the Japanese pirates left him with no time to care for her. Yet, his daughter was so sensible and possessed such a deep sense of righteousness.

Chu Lan looked at Wei Ruo and said, "Since Miss Wei asks for nothing, then I shall have to reward you with some worldly goods. I hope Miss Wei will not find it too vulgar."

At these words, Wei Ruo’s eyes brightened. *Money? That would be perfect!*

In this light, the original male lead wasn't entirely useless; at least he knew to provide silver once a task was accomplished.

Chu Lan continued, "I must also trouble Miss Wei to prepare a detailed report on the entire process of this field—from the soil improvement and fertilization to the planting and harvesting. I have a use for it."

Wei Ruo knew Chu Lan intended to report the experimental field's success to the imperial court. She would provide the details, and how he chose to present them would be his business.

"I have been keeping records of the relevant data all along; it will only require a little organization," Wei Ruo said.

She had long anticipated that the data might be useful. Moreover, having the habit of keeping records during her experiments, she had made notes after every inspection of the southern fields. If she couldn't make it herself, she would have Nanny Zhang report the situation to her.

"Very well. I shall have Nanny Qin come to the residence later to collect this crucial record from you," Chu Lan said, clearly satisfied with her answer. He appreciated those who worked for him to be clear-headed, organized, and efficient.

Once Chu Lan finished praising her, Wei Ruo instructed A-Gui and Xiao Ba to begin harvesting the rice.

As they harvested, Chu Lan and Magistrate Qian watched from the side, occasionally picking up an ear of rice to examine it in their hands. The harvested rice would be transported away by men dispatched by Chu Lan shortly.

As noon approached, Magistrate Qian invited Chu Lan and Wei Mingting to his residence for a meal. However, Chu Lan suggested visiting the Wei residence instead: "I have heard from Xie Jue’s sister that Miss Wei’s maid has exceptional culinary skills. I wonder if I might have the opportunity to taste them?"

"Oh? Miss Wei’s personal maid has such skills? Then I must try it as well," Magistrate Qian said with great interest.

"This... I am not entirely sure about that," Wei Mingting said, looking toward Wei Ruo.

Wei Ruo muttered to herself: *Although it is rather shameless for Chu Lan to invite himself over for dinner, at least he didn't reveal that I am the one who knows how to cook, nor did he ask me to cook for them personally.*

"If Young Master Chu and Magistrate Qian do not mind, then I shall have to comply," Wei Ruo said.

She turned to Wei Mingting: "Father, I shall return to the residence first to inform the kitchen and my maid to prepare."

"I shall escort you back. The area south of the city is not entirely safe," Wei Mingting replied. He remembered the trouble his youngest son had encountered there previously, and he shuddered to think what might happen if something were to befall his daughter.

Wei Mingting then sought permission from Chu Lan and Magistrate Qian: "Young Master Chu, Magistrate Qian, please allow me to accompany my daughter back to the residence to make preparations."

"Miss Wei’s safety is of the utmost importance. Please go ahead, Magistrate Wei," Chu Lan replied.

Wei Ruo boarded the carriage she had arrived in, and Wei Mingting rode ahead to escort her. After a while, he slowed his horse and pulled up beside the carriage window to speak with her.

"Ruo'er."

Hearing his voice, Wei Ruo lifted the curtain: "Is something the matter, Father?"

"In the future, regardless of who offers you grace, do not mention anything related to me. If you desire something, pursue it for yourself," Wei Mingting cautioned.

"Why do you say that, Father?" Wei Ruo asked.

"Firstly, I am a military official. A soldier’s merits should be earned through one’s own strategy and martial skill, so that others may be convinced. Secondly, I..." Wei Mingting paused, his voice dropping lower. "I have not been of any help to you. You have achieved these things on your own, having nothing to do with me. What face would I have to bask in your glory?"

Wei Ruo did not know how to respond.

Wei Mingting continued, "Ruo'er, the ten years we lost cannot be reclaimed, and there is no way I can make up for them. I cannot make any promises about the future, but I can promise you this: whatever you wish to do—whether you want to farm, grow flowers, or do things different from ordinary noblewomen—I will support you."

This was the only promise and assurance the father could think to offer his daughter at that moment.

Touched, Wei Ruo paused for a moment before saying, "Thank you, Father."

After the conversation, Wei Mingting returned to the front of the carriage. Wei Ruo let the curtain fall and sat inside, her mood somewhat shifted.

Upon returning to the Wei residence, Wei Ruo found Xiu Mei, who had stayed behind to prepare the dried snacks she intended to give to Wei Jinyi in a few days. She told her about the upcoming lunch for Chu Lan and Magistrate Qian.

Xiu Mei replied, "Preparing lunch is no problem for me. If the Seventh Prince truly rewards you with gold and silver and reports your achievements in the south to the court, I’d be happy to cook for him—not just for one lunch, but for a whole month!"

"I wouldn't be able to bear it for a month; I can't have my Mei-Mei so tired! Besides, if he eats it all, what will I eat?" Wei Ruo teased.

"Miss, you must be patient. This is for the sake of our future life of leisure and luxury!" Xiu Mei insisted.

"Fine, fine, I’ll listen to you. Let’s go to the main kitchen; they are likely already preparing the ingredients," Wei Ruo said.

While Wei Ruo and Xiu Mei talked, Wei Mingting informed Lady Yun of the situation. Hearing that Chu Lan had specifically requested Wei Ruo’s maid to cook, Lady Yun worried, "Can that girl really cook? Could it be that Miss Xie just said it casually and the Young Master Xie exaggerated it, leading to a misunderstanding by the Seventh Prince?"