Chapter Thirty-Six: Journey on the Dragon Boat Festival

Meanwhile, at Plum Blossom Court.

Wei Qingwan had spent several days recuperating and finally managed to get out of bed. Yet her overall complexion was poor—her pallor was even worse than Wei Jinyi’s at the same time.

She had been confined in Plum Blossom Court these days, listening to Cui Ping recounting matters concerning Wei Ruo. She learned that Wei Ruo had been anything but idle, always venturing outside whenever she had a moment to spare.

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

Wei Yichen had been immersed in his studies lately, rarely concerning himself with outside affairs. Only when Wei Qingwan visited did he allow himself a moment of relaxation.

“Wanwan, what brings you here yourself today?” The moment he saw his sister, a gentle, doting smile naturally appeared on his face.

“I came to see you, big brother. I worry you’re overexerting yourself, and I fear you’ll forget to eat and starve yourself thin, too caught up in your studies. I don’t care whether you become a scholar or an official; I just want my big brother to be healthy and full of vigor.”

“I won’t, I’ll take good care of myself. I eat my fill every meal, never let myself go hungry. Rest assured, little sister.”

“So, big brother, are you going to refuse my osmanthus cakes?”

“Of course not, of course not,” Wei Yichen hastily reached for the cakes his sister brought. “Anything Wanwan makes is delicious; ordinary food can't compare.”

“Big brother, I heard that lately sister has been going out often, even visiting the wastelands south of the city. Is it true?”

“It is.”

“But isn’t the land there notoriously difficult for crops to take root?” Wei Qingwan looked puzzled and curious.

“It is quite hard, but it doesn’t matter. Ruo’er says she has a way—let her try. If she succeeds, it’ll be a great achievement; if not, there’s little loss.”

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

“Sister is so fortunate—she can leave the house, freely pursue what she desires,” Wei Qingwan couldn’t help but sigh.

Wei Yichen smiled, “Why, does Wanwan wish to go out, too? Are you thinking of following Ruo’er’s example and farming? That won’t do—you’re far too delicate for the wind and sun.”

“Big brother, you’re teasing me again.”

“No, I’m not teasing you—I’m just concerned for you. Ruo’er does those things because she likes them, and she's used to it. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be willing to let her run around and exhaust herself as she does,” Wei Yichen said, smiling.

“Yes... farm work is tough. I wonder how Nanny Li is now...” Wei Qingwan’s expression turned sorrowful.

Seeing her like this, Wei Yichen consoled her, “Wanwan, Nanny Li made a mistake and must be punished. I know you care deeply for her, but if we don’t enforce discipline, unruly behavior among the servants will only grow. It must be guarded against.”

“I know. But Nanny Li is so old, and she’s been sent to the estate for three months now, hardly ever coming back. I’m afraid she won’t be able to endure…”

Wei Qingwan looked worried, and as she spoke of Nanny Li possibly not lasting, her eyes reddened.

Wei Yichen frowned, “I know you’re fond of Nanny Li, and I understand your concern. How about this: I’ll speak to the steward at the estate and ask him to watch over her and assign her lighter work.”

Wei Qingwan pressed her lips together. This was not the outcome she hoped for; what she wanted was for her brother to plead with their mother to bring Nanny Li back in consideration of her feelings.

Now, with no one beside her to offer advice, she felt out of place without Nanny Li. Her brother, who had always indulged her, was strict only in this matter.

Wei Qingwan couldn’t help but suspect this change had something to do with Wei Ruo’s arrival.

Unable to obtain the result she wanted, Wei Qingwan spent a while longer with Wei Yichen before returning to her courtyard.

###

Before long, the Dragon Boat Festival arrived.

In Xing Shan County, the customs for celebrating the festival were simple. Each household placed peach leaves and calamus at their doors and ate rice dumplings.

The Commandant’s Residence was no exception.

The only delight was that Wei Mingting had a day off.

Rarely able to spend time with his children at home, and since it was Wei Ruo’s first Dragon Boat Festival with the Wei family, Wei Mingting decided to take the children out to the streets.

Although Xing Shan County held no grand festivities, it was at least livelier than usual.

Wei Ruo was in rare spirits and had Xiumei help her dress up early in the morning.

“Miss, you weren't nearly as happy last time when you went to burn incense and pray with Madam,” Xiumei remarked.

“That’s different—today I’m going to the streets.”

It wasn’t easy to leave the inner chambers these days. Though she was in charge of the wastelands south of the city, Mrs. Yun had instructed her to delegate tasks as much as possible, minimize outings, and avoid hands-on work unless necessary.

In short, opportunities to go outside were scarce!

Passing by Bamboo Grove Court, Wei Ruo paused, peering into the gate. She saw Wei Jinyi still sitting in the octagonal pavilion, reading and writing.

It seemed he wouldn’t be joining them today.

Wasn’t it said that Wei Mingting treated Wei Jinyi rather well? Why, on a festive day for family, was he left behind?

Could it be that, just as in the original novel, Wei Mingting’s gestures—such as providing a private kitchen and equal monthly stipends for his legitimate and illegitimate sons—were mere surface-level concern, and he didn’t truly care for this child?

Wei Ruo didn’t dwell on it; thinking more wouldn’t help.

As she was about to leave, Wei Jinyi noticed her.

“If you want to come in, just come in,” he said.

“No, I’m heading out,” Wei Ruo waved her hand.

“Mm.”

“Don’t be upset—perhaps Father wants you to rest well since you’ve only just recovered from illness.”

Having said this much, Wei Ruo felt compelled to offer a few words of comfort, lest she seem callous—knowing he wouldn’t be joining them but still announcing her own outing.

“You needn’t worry about me. I’m fine—I chose not to go out,” Wei Jinyi replied.

“Oh, that’s good!”

“Mm. Have fun,” Wei Jinyi urged.

“I’ll be off then.” Wei Ruo waved and turned away.

Wei Jinyi gazed after her, watching the direction in which she disappeared. The thirteen-year-old girl was lively and charming, as free as a bird, as vibrant as a blossom in spring.

Only when she was out of sight did he look away.

Wei Ruo arrived at the gate. Except for Wei Jinyi, everyone was present; she was the last to arrive.

For the outing, the family had prepared a carriage and two horses.

Wei Mingting and Wei Yichen rode horseback, while the womenfolk and young Wei Yilin rode in the carriage.

Compared to usual, the streets of Xing Shan County were indeed more bustling today.

After a while, a crowd blocked the road ahead. The Wei family’s carriage was forced to stop.

In the distance, a shop had set up several tables at its entrance, surrounded by a throng of people.

Beside them, bamboo poles supported a row of calligraphy works on display.

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