The Lucky Heiress

The anxiety within the mansion recently, combined with the culmination of Wei Qingwan’s incident, had yet to allow relationships to ease.

Lady Yun intentionally included Wei Qingwan in tonight’s meal, hoping to use this opportunity to mend the strained relationships between the siblings.

Her daughter, who had been patiently keeping her company with gentle care despite being injured for the past few days, made Lady Yun reflect on their bond over the past decade. Seeing her daughter genuinely repenting and sincerely seeking for a change, softened her heart. After all, they are family. They could not possibly sever their ties due to this one incident, could they?

When dinner ended and everyone casually chatted together, the atmosphere turned even colder.

Opening the conversation, Lady Yun reiterated to Wei Yichen: “From tomorrow onwards, Yichen, you need to take care of yourself. Your sister and I have personally visited the residence at the provincial city. Although it’s not big, it’s serene and very convenient.”

“Thank you for your concern, mother, and sister.” answered Wei Yichen.

“As for the other things, there is no need to worry. Just take care of your health and focus on preparing for your exams. If you need any help from home, send a letter and your father and I will do our utmost to assist.” Lady Yun added.

“I understand, Mother.” Wei Yichen replied.

A change that Lady Yun could not ignore was how her son now seemed much colder than before, with a hint of chilliness constantly lacing his gaze.

Initially, Lady Yun attributed it to his anger and frailty; however, after ten days, her son remained distant causing her to feel increasingly worried.

Thus, she probed further, “Yichen, is there anything else you need? I’ll prepare it for you.”

“No, Mother. You’ve already prepared everything meticulously for me.” Wei Yichen answered calmly, albeit without the earlier warmth in his voice.

“That’s good,” Lady Yun nodded, unsure of what else to say.

With silence descendent again, Lady Yun looked at her children, unsure about how to ease the tension.

At that moment, Wei Yichen turned to Wei Jinyi and asked, “Jinyi, how are your studies progressing?”

“Fair enough,” Wei Jinyi ambiguously replied, maintaining his usual indifference.

“Although Jinyi started relatively late, do not be discouraged. Your intelligence surpasses many others. As long as you are willing, you will catch up in no time.” Wei Yichen encouraged.

“Alright.” Wei Jinyi responded.

Wei Yichen nodded then turned his attention to Wei Yilin, “Yilin, while I’m away in the provincial city, continue studying diligently and don’t waste your time.”

“Rest assured, big brother. I will work hard on my studies and prepare for the Martial Township Exam next year!” Wei Yilin confidently declared.

Their family, being from the Martial General Family, was entitled by the imperial court to directly participate in the martial exams, bypassing the need to take the civil exams.

Wei Yichen nodded approvingly, “It’s admirable that you are ambitious, Yilin.”

Despite the likelihood of Wei Yilin passing the Martial Exam at his young age being low, Wei Yichen still supported his decision.

He continued, “As siblings of the Wei Family, we should work together, lighten our father’s burdens, and honor our family name.”

Wei Yilin nodded firmly, “Rest assured, big brother. In the future, I will be just like father, bravely leading on the battlefield and becoming a hero whom the common people admire!”

Wei Jinyi watched from the side, choosing not to join in the conversation.

Wei Ruo felt that Wei Yichen seemed more calculating ever since the incident.

She could understand his change of heart. He must have felt a sense of helplessness during those three days in confinement before she found him; a feeling that he had not previously experienced. It wouldn’t be unusual for this to give birth to a desire to become stronger.

After he finished speaking to his two younger brothers, Wei Yichen’s gaze landed on Wei Ruo. He stared at her, his eyes revealing a deep mystery, as if he had a lot to say.

But, in the end, he said nothing.

Wei Ruo felt his gaze. However, since he didn’t speak, she kept quiet as well.

Wei Qingwan had been watching Wei Yichen, hoping for him to say a word or two to her.

However, her hopes were dashed. In the end, not only did he not utter a single word to her, but he didn’t spare her a single glance.

She wanted to open her mouth and wish him success, but she feared that her words would incur his displeasure and further embarrass her.

Just when everyone chose to maintain their silence, Wei Yilin spoke up, “Sister Wanwan, big brother is going to the provincial city tomorrow. Aren’t you going to talk to him?”

Wei Yilin wasn’t very clear about what had happened. All he knew was that Wei Qingwan had been in a secret liaison, committed a wrong, and was punished. He was unaware of the issues between her and Wei Yichen.

As soon as Wei Yilin opened his mouth, the atmosphere in the hall instantly became tense.

With Wei Yilin’s statement creating an opportunity, Wei Qingwan expressed her concern to Wei Yichen, “Big brother, I wish you success in the county exam…”

“There’s no need to continue.” Wei Yichen interrupted her, “It’s late. I need to get up early tomorrow, so let’s end it here.”

Wei Yichen promptly stood up and excused himself to Lady Yun, “Mother, I’m going to rest. You should also retire early.”

“Alright.” Lady Yun gently agreed.

Now, nothing in the house was more important than her son’s exams.

Wei Qingwan saw Wei Yichen depart, her back rigid and her body slightly trembling.

Wei Yilin went to Wei Qingwan and comforted her, “Sister, don’t be sad. Big brother is a bit busy lately. Once he finishes the exams, he won’t be mad at you anymore.”

Wei Qingwan snapped out of her reverie, biting her lips and nodding, “It’s all my fault. I did something wrong. I deserve this.”

“Sister, don’t say that.” Wei Yilin comforted her, “Though your private meeting was wrong, you’ve been punished and you’ve changed. Our master tells us that changing upon realizing one’s mistakes is very commendable.”

Wei Qingwan just nodded.

At this time, the usually quiet Wei Jinyi finally spoke up, “Mother, the reputation of our second sister is not good and might affect our eldest sister. We should send Wenwan to the country house to protect our eldest sister’s reputation.”

Upon hearing this, everyone left in the room looked at Wei Jinyi in surprise.

Wei Ruo was surprised that her second brother would speak up about something like this, given his usual reticence to speak to their mother, and especially surprised that it was on her behalf.

Lady Yun was taken aback that Wei Jinyi would made such a suggestion.

Wei Qingwan was surprised that Wei Jinyi thought her reputation was unsavory.

“Second brother, how do you explain that my reputation is not good? What are you talking about?” Wei Qingwan asked.

For the past few days, Wei Qingwan had been confined indoors and was unaware of the rumors that had been spreading.

She had thought the incident was only known to a few people in the house and had not leaked out..