The Lucky Heiress

February 20th.

Without any realization, more than half of February has already passed.

The epidemic is finally drawing to a close.

Because of the timely management and effective measures, the spread of the disease was well controlled. It did not spread outside Taizhou Prefecture and also minimized the casualty figures.

With the recovery of the last patient, people like Wei Ruo could finally rest.

However, they were not yet able to return home, needing to stay at the small courtyard for a few more days to ensure no one amongst them was infected.

Finding some leisure time, Wei Ruo’s first task was to sleep in, only reluctantly waking up when her belly started grumbling with hunger at high noon.

Today’s meal was not brought in by Madam Yuan from the Family residence, but was cooked by Xiumei.

“I have cooked some homestyle dishes for the young master and the doctors and also prepared some good wine.” Xiumei said.

No one had drunk wine in the past few days because all the wine was used for washing hands.

“Is it that good wine brought by your young master?” Doctor Cheng asked hurriedly.

The wine was truly fragrant, but at that time no one thought about it, pouring wine all over their hands, bodies, and clothes, without taking a single sip.

“Yes. When there was only half a jar from my young master’s good wine left, Sister Qingyi knew we needed more white wine, she then sent a few jars of good wine over from the prefecture’s office, as a result, the half jar from my young master was left behind.” Xiumei explained.

“Come, come, let me taste the good wine that your young master has been keeping!” Doctor Cheng said laughingly, already impatient.

Everyone else also joined in.

Not that everyone was excessively fond of drinking, but after being busy for more than twenty days, they finally saw a clear sky after a long overcast period, so there was a need to celebrate, and drinking was just for the occasion.

Sitting together with good food and wine, Wei Ruo naturally also drank a little, although not excessively, merely tasting a few glasses, accompanying everyone in their joy.

Wei Jinyi still didn’t touch a drop, being the only one among them who didn’t.

However, he was also affected by the joyful atmosphere of everyone else, especially Wei Ruo’s. He could feel the laughter that she emitted from the depths of her heart, that kind of lighthearted joyful feeling.

Her open laughter was a stark contrast to her demeanor when facing family at home.

###

On February 22nd, everyone could finally leave the small courtyard.

Magistrate Yuan sent someone to escort all the doctors home, while Wei Ruo was first taken to the residence by Madam Yuan. After freshening up and changing her clothes, Madam Yuan then sent her back to the Military Prefecture.

When sending Wei Ruo onto the carriage, Madam Yuan told her, “I’ve already spoken with your family. During these past few days, you have been at my residence helping me manage and coordinate all affairs related to the epidemic.”

Upon hearing this, something warmed inside Wei Ruo. This was Madam Yuan’s way of helping her. She made sure that her absence was justified during these days while giving credit to her identity as Wei Qingruo.

“Thank you, Madam.”

“No need for thanks. This is indeed your accomplishment. I am merely changing the method of explanation and there is no exaggeration in it at all.” Madam Yuan said.

Wei Ruo and Madam Yuan looked at each other and laughed. Madam Yuan said, “Alright, go home quickly, rest well for a few days, look at you, you’ve become severely thin.”

After saying this, Madam Yuan instructed the coachman and the guard to move and send Wei Ruo to the Military Prefecture.

Wei Jinyi left with Wei Ruo, but he wasn’t present in sight, but in the dark following Wei Ruo’s coach. When the carriage reached the entrance of the Military Prefecture, he left.

Descending from the carriage, upon seeing Wei Mingting, Lady Yun, Wei Yichen, and Wei Qingwan standing at the side gate, Wei Ruo was somewhat surprised.

“Father?” Wei Ruo looked at the smiling Wei Mingting, who was walking toward her, in confusion.

In her impression, her father rarely smiled, and yet, today his face was beaming with smiles.

“Ruoruo, good job! Your father is proud of you!” Wei Mingting was genuinely pleased, not hiding his feeling of pride at all.

Wei Ruo figured it out, it seems the Yuan Family had informed them in advance.

She responded, “It’s what I am supposed to do.”

“Inclining to benefits and avoiding harm is human nature. Being able to eliminate personal gain and prioritize greater good in such crises is absolute unwavering bravery! You are a good child of the Wei family!” Wei Mingting couldn’t hide his joy and pride.

Wei Ruo said, “It’s not as exaggerated as what father described.”

Nonetheless, Wei Mingting continued to laugh. Looking at Wei Ruo’s smiling face, he couldn’t control his happiness.

It was Wei Yichen who reminded him from the side, “Father, it’s cold outside, let elder sister enter the house first.”

“Yes, go in first.” Only then did Wei Mingting react.

Everyone then headed to Cangyun Garden together.

The charcoal fire in the house was burning warmly. After entering the house, Xiumei took off Wei Ruo’s cloak.

After sitting down, everyone started talking about recent happenings outside.

Snow disasters, epidemics, food shortages…. Under the effect of multiple disasters, the people were suffering immensely.

For the wealthy officialdom like the Wei family, life was comfortable even in such times. They had food and clothing, and even if there were some problems, they were just minor ones like insufficient charcoal supply.

However, for the common masses, the troubles were being unable to afford meals or the entire family crammed in one place, unable to leave because of the cold.

Wei Mingting sighed, “This time, tens of thousands of people died in the entire Taizhou Prefecture. Some died because of hunger, some because of cold, and others due to sickness. The exact figures are hard to come by. Even so, Taizhou Prefecture is probably in a better situation than the other nearby provinces.” “Why? The other provinces shouldn’t have had an epidemic, right?” Wei Ruo asked.

“There was no epidemic, but there were people dying due to hunger, cold, and sickness. However, unlike the contagious disease of Taizhou Prefecture, these were normal ailments that, without timely medical treatment, can also be fatal. On the contrary, in Taizhou Prefecture, Magistrate Yuan and Princess Jingmin donated money and resources, preventing even more casualties. Even many who could not afford medicine received treatment.”

Having a good official was extremely important, while typical officials doing their very best for the people were already commendable, in addition to that, Magistrate Yuan also had a wealthy wife. Madam Yuan’s generosity greatly benefitted the masses.

Wei Ruo nodded, understanding the situation.

“The only good news during this time was that the Japanese Pirates have been inactive, which let our soldiers rest and recuperate. If they had attacked during this time, with both internal and external challenges, the consequence is unthinkable.” Wei Mingting said.

When Wei Mingting mentioned this, Lady Yun also broke in a cold sweat. During those days, she had been constantly worrying about fights breaking out, not knowing what kind of chaos would ensue if it happened.

Wei Yichen said, “We can say that the heavens blessing Taizhou Prefecture”

“In addition, there is another piece of good news. The seventh prince has been found. He’s alive and in good health.” Wei Mingting informed.

The most surprised by this news were Wei Yichen and Wei Qingwan. They had no clue when the seventh prince had disappeared.

“Father, what happened? When did the seventh prince disappear? Why didn’t I hear about it before?” Wei Qingwan asked several questions in succession..