Chapter Seventy: Treat My Sister Kindly

“If I say I won’t agree, does that mean I won’t be able to leave this villa today?” Wei Ruo asked.

“Of course! Everyone outside is from my family, and my brother is guarding the gate. Without my permission, there’s no way you can leave.”

As Xie Ying said this, she seemed to have forgotten that just moments before, her brother had been thoroughly bested by Xiumei.

“Sigh.” Wei Ruo let out a deliberately mysterious sigh. “Fate decrees it, who am I to resist? Very well, I’ll agree.”

“You rascal, if you’re going to agree, do it properly! Why are you acting like you’re being forced?” Xie Ying grumbled, giving Wei Ruo’s shoulder a playful punch. She put on a fierce act, but the blow was little more than a tickle.

“I’m innocent here! Isn’t this all because of the conditions you set? You put on such a show of forcibly taking a virtuous maiden—it’s only right I play along.” Wei Ruo grinned.

“You little scoundrel, using all the wrong words! Now let me show you what it really means to force a maiden into submission!”

Xie Ying stretched out her hands, threatening to tickle Wei Ruo.

Seeing this, Wei Ruo dashed away—tickling was her greatest weakness, she had far too many sensitive spots!

Xie Ying chased after her, calling, “Don’t run, you rascal! Stand still and let me teach you a lesson!”

“Only a fool wouldn’t run!”

The courtyard was spacious; the two ran a full circle, passing by the rockery, the pavilion, and the little bridge, finally stopping in front of the flower bed, breathless.

At last, they sat on the ground, back to back, laughing foolishly.

After their laughter subsided, they lay on the grass and began discussing the medicinal fields and future plans for purchasing grain.

Wei Ruo had ideas, and Xie Ying wanted to help—not for Wei Ruo’s sake alone, but for the people of Xing Shan County.

They stayed together until the hour of Si. Xie Ying saw Wei Ruo off, and when she returned to the villa, she found Xie Jue waiting.

Xie Jue watched as the carriage carrying Wei Ruo disappeared down the mountain road. He smiled and said to Xie Ying, “Your friend is rather charming.”

“Of course! Anyone who can be my classmate isn’t ordinary.” Xie Ying replied with pride.

“That’s right. Otherwise, my little sister wouldn’t bother with them,” Xie Jue laughed, knowing his sister’s temperament well—spoiled by their parents and grandfather, she did everything by her own preferences.

“She’s not just my classmate now, but also my dear friend. If you ever meet her, you’d better treat her with respect,” Xie Ying added.

“I’ve never been disrespectful. As long as her fierce little maid doesn’t pick a fight with me, all will be well,” Xie Jue replied.

“You dare talk! Grandfather urged you to practice martial arts, yet you couldn’t even handle Wei Ruo’s maid?” Xie Ying looked at him with disdain.

“I’m just as puzzled—how does a maid have such skills? Next time, ask your friend where her maid learned her craft,” Xie Jue said.

“No problem. Just remember to bring me some tasty treats and fun things from the capital next time. I want to gift them to Wei Ruo. She always brings me pastries and gifts; it’s time I returned the favor, and things from the capital would be perfect,” Xie Ying said.

“That’s no trouble. If you ask, I’ll certainly oblige.” Xie Jue agreed readily—he always brought her plenty of delicacies whenever he came from the capital, even without her asking.

“By the way, brother, why have you come back? Shouldn’t you be busy with your studies? What brings you to Xing Shan County?” Xie Ying asked.

“I can’t tell you yet, lest you let something slip. Suffice it to say, I’m here on important business.” Xie Jue’s expression grew serious.

In truth, he had received word that there would soon be a major battle between Xing Shan County and coastal pirates from the East Sea. He was worried about their mother and sister, so he had come in person.

If the county gates fell, he could quickly escort his family to safety.

Without concrete information, he dared not act rashly. The Xie family was a respected name in Xing Shan County; any sudden movements could cause panic, and the court would hold them accountable.

Knowing it was important, Xie Ying didn’t press further. “Take care of yourself, and don’t make Mother and me worry.”

“Don’t worry.”

“Come on, I have a gift for you.” Xie Ying, excited, dragged Xie Jue over to the carriage.

She pulled out two wooden boxes she had bought from Four Treasures Studio.

The boxes were so large they nearly obscured her face as she carried them.

Xie Jue hurried to take them from her hands.

“What did you buy?” he asked.

“Open them and see. I’m not sure what’s inside myself,” Xie Ying replied.

“You’re not sure? Didn’t you buy them?” Xie Jue queried.

“That’s where you don’t understand. It’s called a ‘mystery box’!” Xie Ying explained proudly, sharing the origin of the two boxes.

After hearing her story, Xie Jue grew curious. “I’ve heard of Hermit Lin—he was once well regarded in the Imperial Academy and favored by the emperor, but after retiring, he secluded himself in the mountains. How did he become friends with merchants selling calligraphy supplies?”

“Never mind that for now—just open them and see,” Xie Ying urged.

Fearing his sister’s little fists would rain down on him if he delayed, Xie Jue quickly opened both boxes.

Inside were the Four Treasures of the Study: brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones.

The brushes, ink, and inkstones were nothing special—he had seen better, and his own were of higher quality.

But the paper stood out. Xie Jue couldn’t help but examine it closely.

“This paper is smooth, white, and tough—remarkably unique,” he commented, gently stroking it with his fingertips.

“Well? Never seen anything like it, have you? Not even in the capital, right?” Xie Ying’s face shone with proud delight.

“Indeed, I haven’t,” Xie Jue admitted.

“Look, here are an extra hundred sheets. I knew you’d like it, so I bought more. The shop was strange, though—they only let you buy fifty sheets per person per day. Half of these were given to me by Wei Ruo,” Xie Ying said.

“Haha, thank you, Ying’er. My sister always looks out for me,” Xie Jue laughed.

“Too bad I didn’t get a piece of Hermit Lin’s calligraphy,” Xie Ying said, glancing at the contents—just ordinary supplies.

“With my sister’s heartfelt gift, who needs Hermit Lin’s handwriting? If it’s from you, I’ll treasure it,” Xie Jue replied.

###

The next morning, Wei Ruo carried the wooden box she had bought at Four Treasures Studio into Yingzhu Pavilion.

Xiao Bei, seeing Wei Ruo struggling with the heavy box, hurried to help.

Wei Ruo handed it over. “This is for your young master.”

“Thank you, Miss. You’re so thoughtful,” Xiao Bei said cheerfully, carrying the box into the Octagonal Pavilion.

Wei Jin had already overheard their conversation. His gaze swept over the box Wei Ruo had brought. “Is this the ‘mystery box’ from Four Treasures Studio?”