The Lucky Heiress

Based on the timing, the people from the Loyal and Righteous Duke Residence did not come after receiving the news of Wei Jinyi’s death – if they had come to mourn, they would not have arrived so quickly.

They must have received the news of Wei Mingting’s promotion in advance and followed the palace attendant who came to make the announcement.

The person who returned this time was not another member from the Loyal and Righteous Duke Residence, but Wei Mingting’s second brother, Wei Mingyong.

In the front hall study, Wei Mingyong, the Second Lord of the Wei Family, had a broad smile on his face the moment he saw Wei Mingting.

“Younger brother, you really are capable! You were promoted to a fifth-rank official, and I feel truly honored to be your brother!”

Wei Mingyong slapped Wei Mingting on the shoulder, his smile almost reaching his temples.

Wei Mingting had a serious expression and did not join in Wei Mingyong’s joviality. Instead, he asked, “What brings you here, second brother?”

Wei Mingting was always serious and seldom joked around, such behavior was something that Wei Mingyong had grown accustomed to.

So, Wei Mingyong continued with his cheerful demeanor, explaining, “Initially, I heard the news about your forthcoming promotion in advance. Our parents and eldest brother sent me to congratulate you. Moreover, we brothers haven’t seen each other for quite some time, and I wanted to come and catch up with you. However, I didn’t expect Jinyi to meet with such misfortune.”

Wei Mingyong continued consoling Wei Mingting, “Younger brother, don’t take Jinyi’s death too hard. The world is unpredictable; no one could have seen this coming. Thankfully Jinyi was just a secondary son with few prospects. On the other hand, you have Yichen, a talented legitimate son. Once the examination results are out, if he gets a place, he will be the first scholar in our family in three generations.”

Wei Mingting said, “I appreciate your sentiments, second brother. You must be tired from the journey; you should rest in the guest room today. We can discuss any other matters some other day.”

Wei Mingting didn’t really want to hear what Wei Mingyong was saying and hence wanted to wrap up the conversation for the day.

“Ah, there’s no rush,” Wei Mingyong waved his hand, and then asked, “Younger brother, you have read the letter that our eldest brother sent you, haven’t you?”

“Yes, I have read the letter, and I have written my thoughts in the reply letter,” Wei Mingting answered.

“Eldest brother and I think that we haven’t clearly conveyed about this matter to you, which leads to our different perspectives,” Wei Mingyong replied.

Wei Mingting frowned; he had guessed that Wei Mingyong’s visit would involve this matter and had intentionally avoided it.

But because Wei Mingyong was his second elder brother, Wei Mingting asked patiently, “Is there anything else you want to say to me, second brother?”

“Younger brother, I know you have been promoted to the rank of fifth-rank Guard Commander, but you should be aware that in our dynasty, civil officials have always been valued more than military officers. The position of military officers in the court has never been high. Your rapid promotion and appointment to an important role are merely due to the headache that the Japanese Pirates have given the court. Once the Japanese Pirate issue is settled, you will likely be marginalized.”

We Mingyong continued, “If you had a brother in the capital who could speak for you, things would be different. When the war is over, your brother could help you secure a good position in the capital.”

Wei Mingting replied, “Second Brother, I didn’t join the military to gain recognition. My lifelong goal is to ensure national peace. If the price of peace and stability is my being relegated to insignificance, I will happily accept it.”

We Mingyong sighed and asked, “Have you ever thought carefully about how long it has been since you returned to the capital? How long has it been since you saw our parents? With the number of injuries you have suffered and the several near-death experiences in these years, don’t you desire a peaceful life in the capital as an official?”

Wei Mingting answered, “I understand your concern, Second brother. But since I chose to join the army, I didn’t do so in pursuit of a comfortable life. I knew of the hardships and dangers early on. The fact that I can’t dedicate myself to our parents in person is ungrateful, and for that, I have to trouble you and our elder brother to take care of our parents on my behalf.”

“You’re as stubborn and bull-headed as ever, younger brother. The wealth and property accumulated by the Wei family over hundreds of years are now declining and heading towards a dead end. Even if you don’t think for yourself, you should consider our parents, our elder brother and me, and our younger generation.”

Wei Mingyoung had an exasperated expression.

“Second Brother, if planning for our parents, elder brother, and younger members of the family involves attaching ourselves to a particular prince, I think it’s imprudent and not a wise choice.”

“Why isn’t it a wise choice? You’re not afraid to go into battle and kill the enemy. Are you afraid of choosing the wrong side and being implicated?” asked Wei Mingyong.

“Taking on the enemy in battle and dying doing that is a worthy death. If I die in a power struggle, my death would be insignificant.” Wei Mingting replied.

“Nonsense! Death is death, there’s no difference in weight or significance! Who told you that serving the Sixth Prince would definitely lead to death? All we need to do is support him and do things for him in secret. We are not asked to do anything that would violate our principles or be stigmatized by society for the Sixth Prince. It’s a mutually beneficial deal. If we don’t take the seat that the Sixth Prince has to offer, the Seventh Prince will offer it to someone else. Why should we let such an opportunity slip from our hands?” Wei Mingyong refuted.

Wei Mingyong’s remarks prompted a deeper furrow in Wei Mingting’s brow.

“Second Brother, do you think that if we simply support the Sixth Prince in secret, he will take care of our family members?”

“Why wouldn’t he? It’s a time when everyone is needed, and you and your children have attracted the Sixth Prince’s attention due to your abilities. It’s only natural for the Sixth Prince to want to bring you under his command,” Wei Mingyong responded.

After a moment of silence, Wei Mingting said, “Second Brother, you must be tired from the journey. Go have a rest today; I still have some official duties to attend to.”

Wei Mingting did not want to continue the argument with Wei Mingyong, so he dismissed his brother.

“Younger brother” Wei Mingyong, still wished to discuss further with Wei Mingting but was escorted out by the latter’s personal guard.

With no other choice, Wei Mingyong had to pause for the moment.

After all, he was here, and he would have plenty of other opportunities to discuss this matter with his stubborn younger brother.

###

On the morning the provincial examination results were announced, Madam Yun woke up early, cleansed herself, and then lit incense to pray and offer blessings in front of the family’s ancestral tablets.

Following this, Madam Yun sat in the main hall, occasionally sending people out to inquire about the news.

“Go and check again. Why is there still no news?”

Just a quarter of an hour ago, she had sent someone to check, but Madam Yun couldn’t help it and dispatched someone once more.

“As you wish, Madam.”

After another hour, a young servant dashed in.

“Madam, great joy, great joy! The eldest young master has made it! He’s made it!”

Madam Yun stood up abruptly: “Really?!”

“Indeed, those who are here bearing the good news are already at the door!” the servant replied.

Madam Yun could not contain her joy, “Quick, help me to the door!”

With the assistant of her maid, Cuiping, Madam Yun hurried towards the main entrance.