Chapter Fifty-Six: A Great Help

Wei Ruo’s carriage journeyed northward, and upon reaching the area near Mantou Hill outside the city, the steward there had already received orders from the Yun family and was waiting ahead of time. After instructing the steward to have the laborers replant the rice seedlings in the vacant plots, Wei Ruo excused herself to take a walk and left, accompanied by Xiumei.

Along the way, Wei Ruo noticed that the rice paddies here were not thriving; in fact, large swaths had already withered. Some fields were in even worse condition than those belonging to the Wei family. This did not bode well—if things continued like this, the autumn harvest would be worrisome indeed.

Her nursemaid had written to her earlier about Xing Shan County’s grain situation this year, but seeing it now with her own eyes, Wei Ruo realized it was far graver than she’d imagined.

Wei Ruo led Xiumei to Little Yang Hill. Most of what had once been barren land was now planted with sweet potatoes; the vibrant green leaves blanketed the earth, and the growth was promising. Every day, some vines and leaves were plucked and taken to the market to sell. At a price of just one copper coin per bundle, it was affordable for both wealthy households and ordinary families alike. As a result, even a cartful a day was never enough to meet demand.

Though the price was low, there was still profit to be made. For common fruits and vegetables, Wei Ruo favored the approach of small profit and quick turnover; only the “luxuries” aimed at the upper classes did she price high.

She picked a plot at random, dug up a corner, and checked the growth of the sweet potatoes. At this time of year, they were still undersized, barely the length of a pinky finger, not yet at harvestable size, but their healthy development was clear—no sign of pests or disease.

The seeds from Wei Ruo’s spatial store were of superior quality, highly resistant to pests, drought, and floods, and grew faster than their ordinary counterparts. By her estimation, in another month, this crop would be fully grown and ready to harvest.

Then, she could begin selling them in batches. Some would be stored in the granary, while some she planned to process into dried sweet potatoes for long-term storage; a portion of these would be sold at the preserved fruit shop.

During her visit at the Dragon Boat Festival, Wei Ruo had taken the opportunity to inspect several preserved fruit shops, and finally settled on one for cooperation—she would sell dried sweet potatoes and chips through their shop. This way, she could avoid the risks of opening a store herself and take advantage of the shop’s existing clientele to boost her own sales.

Wei Ruo remained at Little Yang Hill until dusk, then returned to the Wei family’s Mantou Hill. The replanting of the rice seedlings was nearly finished; after a cursory inspection, she boarded the carriage and headed home.

By the time Wei Ruo returned to the Wei residence, the usual dinner hour had already passed. Yet the family had not dined without her; they waited until her arrival before Yun called for the meal to be served.

After supper, as they sat together drinking tea, Yun inquired about the day’s events.

“The matter of the wasteland in the south of the city was handled brilliantly, Ruo’er. I truly never expected you could successfully cultivate crops there. I underestimated you before,” Yun said with heartfelt admiration.

Wei Ruo responded with a quiet “Mm.”

“Your decision to replant the surplus seedlings at Mantou Hill has been a great help to our family. This year, everyone’s rice seedlings have suffered varying degrees of loss—ours fared better than most, but some families have lost nearly half. Even before autumn, we can already foresee the grim grain situation. The townspeople are deeply worried, and several ladies I know are troubled and anxious over this as well.”

Chronic poor harvests were a strain even for established families in Xing Shan County. With so many mouths to feed, buying grain daily would cost a fortune. Moreover, when food was scarce, prices would inevitably rise, making it even harder to purchase grain, even if one had the money.

Wei Ruo sipped her tea in silence, thinking that had she known everyone else’s seedlings were dying, she might have quietly sold the surplus and made a tidy sum.

“Tell me more about what happened in the southern part of the city today, Ruo’er,” Yun prompted, wanting to hear the details from her again.

“The seedlings were growing well. Father and Magistrate Qian both approved. Also, a young master from the capital expressed interest in helping—he’ll be sending people tomorrow,” Wei Ruo replied lightly, glossing over all the details.

The matter of Chu Lan could not be omitted, as he would be sending someone to the residence the next day, and as someone of his status, Wei Mingting would certainly notify the household in advance.

“A noble wishes to assist?” Yun exclaimed in surprise.

Wei Qingwan also looked up at Wei Ruo.

In Xing Shan County, the only person the Wei family would call a “noble” was the elegantly dressed young man glimpsed once in the street. Though his identity was never formally announced, the family had pieced together enough from rumors coming from the capital.

“He seems deeply concerned about the people’s hardships,” Wei Ruo said, her tone indifferent. She was thoroughly vexed by Chu Lan and would rather not discuss anything related to him.

Wei Ruo spoke with such detachment, but those listening felt a storm of emotions within.

“Yes, indeed. Since the noble has offered his help, you must be doubly cautious, Ruo’er,” Yun immediately advised.

“I’m already doing my utmost in farming,” Wei Ruo answered. “It’s not as if I’m growing crops for Chu Lan’s sake.”

Yun sighed, “I once thought that the incident at Fahua Temple, when Wanwan and Miss Qian offended the noble, would have incurred his displeasure. Now it seems he hasn’t taken that matter to heart at all; instead, your efforts in the southern part of the city have drawn his attention.”

As Yun spoke, Wei Qingwan, sitting nearby with her head bowed, trembled slightly. Her words were like a slap across her face. Compared to Wei Ruo, Wei Qingwan felt utterly diminished, as if trampled into the dust.

Wei Ruo, on the other hand, barely registered Yun’s comments. To her, that “noble” was anything but; she wished to stay as far from him as possible.

Wei Yilin pursed his lips and glanced at Wei Ruo several times. No matter how he looked at it, he simply couldn’t believe she was capable of such accomplishments. If even Wanwan couldn’t do it, how could Wei Qingruo? Wanwan was so much more capable!

By the end of dinner, the food tasted like dust to Wei Qingwan. With a heavy, dispirited heart, she left Cangyun Courtyard.

Wei Yichen saw her and hurried after her, asking, “Wanwan, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

“Big Brother, am I useless?” Wei Qingwan asked softly.

“Why would you say that, Wanwan?”