Chapter 72: The Heir of Heyi Receives No Visitors

Wei Yichen had paid no mind to any of this. He carefully carried the parcel meant for Wei Ruo to the Pine Pavilion. Upon learning from Xiumei that Wei Ruo was not there, he entrusted the wooden box to her care.

On his way back, he passed by the Bamboo Pavilion just as Wei Ruo emerged. Her face was alight with laughter, lively and spirited, chatting as she walked with those inside.

“Goodbye, Second Brother! I’ll come find you again tomorrow for delicious food. The pumpkins in my garden have ripened these days—I’ll ask Meimei to make pumpkin cakes for you.”

Wei Ruo turned, catching sight of Wei Yichen, who was watching her with a curious gaze.

“Big Brother.”

Her cheerful smile was replaced by a more reserved expression.

“What brings you such joy?” Wei Yichen asked, his curiosity piqued.

“I just had something tasty at Second Brother’s place,” Wei Ruo replied.

“I overheard you telling Jin Yi you’d make pumpkin cakes for him. Does your big brother get a share?” Wei Yichen inquired.

“Pumpkin cakes are coarse fare favored by country folk. I fear you may not be accustomed to such things.”

“But I’d like to try them.”

“Of course, I’ll bring some for you next time I make them,” Wei Ruo answered.

“Then I’ll await Ruo’er’s pumpkin cakes,” Wei Yichen said, smiling.

“Mm.”

After exchanging a few casual words with Wei Yichen, Wei Ruo returned to the Pine Pavilion, only then learning that he had come earlier to bring her brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone.

Looking at the set before her, Wei Ruo sighed.

Wei Yichen could not be counted as unkind to her. The original Wei Ruo had thought as much and thus poured a great deal of love and hope into her elder brother.

Yet, whenever a choice had to be made between the original Wei Ruo and Wei Qingwan, Wei Yichen always sided with Wei Qingwan. This fueled the original Wei Ruo’s jealousy, allowing it to fester unchecked.

Truthfully, Wei Ruo herself was much the same. Once she cared, it was difficult to remain calm and detached.

Thus, in this life, Wei Ruo resolved from the start not to entangle herself too deeply with Wei Yichen.

Withholding affection was the best way to protect herself.

###

Madam Yun was deeply invested in the matter of the Four Treasures Studio’s mystery boxes, keeping a close eye on developments these days and frequently sending Cuiping, her trusted maid, to gather news.

Like Wei Yichen, Madam Yun cared little for the ink works of Recluse Lin. However precious, they were but a piece of calligraphy—and besides, her eldest son had already won a piece when the studio first opened.

What concerned her more was whether Lord He You and Recluse Lin were truly close friends despite their age difference.

She needed confirmation that the claims from Four Treasures Studio were genuine and not merely exaggerated for business. So she had repeatedly sent people to inquire.

After much investigation, she learned that since both ink works were authentic, and Recluse Lin rarely sold his pieces, those who acquired them were usually close friends or family.

This suggested that the studio’s assertion—its owner, Lord He You, being an old friend of Recluse Lin—was not an exaggeration, and his ability to write recommendation letters was genuine.

Thus, Madam Yun sent someone to Four Treasures Studio to negotiate, hoping they might facilitate an introduction.

However, her request was gently refused, and she was informed that their owner did not meet with visitors.

Unwilling to accept this, Madam Yun decided to go herself.

By then, all the mystery boxes had been sold, and a notice was posted at the door stating that Lord He You would contact the registered individual the following morning and deliver the recommendation letter.

There were few guests inside; some came to inquire about the mystery boxes, only to be told they were sold out and results would be announced soon.

Madam Yun entered the shop with her nursemaid and maids, greeted by Manager Jia with a smile.

Anyone with a keen eye could tell that those who entered with several attendants were not ordinary folk.

“Manager, I wish to meet your owner, Lord He You,” Madam Yun stated directly.

Manager Jia apologized, replying smoothly, “I’m sorry, madam. Lord He You does not meet with outsiders.”

“I am Madam Wei of the Captain’s Residence. I came today specifically to see Lord He You,” she declared.

In Xing Shan County, the Captain’s Residence was among the most prominent households.

“I apologize, Madam Wei. Just two days ago, Madam Qian asked for the same, but our owner truly does not see outsiders,” Manager Jia replied, once again politely declining.

Not only had outsiders never seen him—even Manager Jia himself had never met the owner; all communication was relayed through Manager Xu.

Hearing that Madam Qian had also come in person, Madam Yun realized she was not alone in her ambitions.

Her brow furrowed in thought, then she said, “Manager Jia, if Lord He You could write an extra recommendation letter for my son, I promise your shop will be richly rewarded.”

Businessmen were motivated by profit; if she offered the right price, surely they would agree.

Manager Jia smiled. “Madam Wei, I am truly sorry. Our master has made it clear—only one recommendation letter will be written. Any more, and they would lose their value.”

Though he smiled, Manager Jia could not help but think: This is not like picking sweet potato leaves from the field—once harvested, there’s more to be had.

Even with a letter, it must be recognized by Recluse Lin.

No matter how strong the friendship, if you send a pile of letters, at best Recluse Lin would be annoyed; at worst, he might sever ties with their master.

He continued, “Rest assured, Madam Wei. The answer will come tomorrow. When the result is out, our shop will deliver the master’s letter to your residence. If you receive no letter, then it was not meant to be.”

“Thank you for your trouble,” Madam Yun replied, seeing she could do no more.

###

Early the next morning, Four Treasures Studio sent someone to the Captain’s Residence with the letter.

The guards, upon hearing it was a letter from Four Treasures Studio, became exceptionally attentive, inviting the delivery person inside.

But Manager Jia declined, saying he was merely there to deliver the letter, and handed it to the guard before departing.

The guard hurried to take the letter to the rear courtyard, giving it to Madam Zhang, the chief stewardess.

Madam Zhang quickly brought the letter to Cang Yun Pavilion for Madam Yun.

Seeing the letter, Madam Yun’s heart leapt with joy, and she promptly called Wei Yichen over.

“Yichen, come quickly! Four Treasures Studio has sent a letter!”

“Really?” Wei Yichen’s face was alight with happiness.

“Don’t guess. Open it and see for yourself. Good news should be witnessed by you,” Madam Yun urged.

“Yes.” Wei Yichen opened the letter, but the joy on his face gradually faded away.

“What is it?” Madam Yun asked, puzzled by her son’s expression.