The Lucky Heiress

“Your grandmother giving you things is normal; you’re still a child of the Wei family, my only granddaughter. Who else should I give these things for girls to if not you? Even back in the days when we didn’t know we’d got things wrong, I gave a good number of things to Wanwan as well, and the most beautiful courtyard in the Wei Residence was reserved for her. You, on the other hand, have to settle for living in Changchun garden now.”

Changchun Garden was a guest room. It became Wei Ruo’s temporary dwelling since there were no other vacant courtyards in the house.

This was why Wei Ruo arrived quite later than the others at Shou’an Hall the day before because of the long distance she had to cover.

“I don’t mind where I reside, but I would hope that you could exempt me from the morning and evening salutations,” said Wei Ruo.

There were many rules in Duke Residence and according to the customs, the younger ones had to visit the old Madam in Shou’an Hall first thing in the morning and last thing at night to greet her.

Following her understanding of the original plot, Wei Ruo knew what the old master and madam prized the most, hence, she had already figured out what conditions she would negotiate with the old couple when the conflict arose with Mingzhu today.

“True, Changchun garden is quite far away, it is a bit tiring for you to make the morning and evening visits every day. Let’s just exempt you from it, just say it’s for saving you some time to prepare for the wedding,” the old Madam of the Wei family agreed.

“Thank you, grandmother.”

“You’re welcome. It’s just that we’re already sending you off so soon after getting to know each other, the amount of things I can do for you is quite limited,” lamented the old Madam of the Wei family.

Speaking of connubial matters, the old Madam of the Wei family took the initiative to discuss the dowry with Wei Ruo: “I need to be frank with you about your dowry.”

“Please, grandmother.”

“You’ve been back at the Duke Residence for almost two years now, you’ve probably seen most of what goes on. We are far from being as wealthy as we seem, it’s impossible for us to give you and Wanwan a hefty dowry,” said the old Madam candidly.

“I understand.”

“The court will prepare the dowries for you two following the usual rules. In the past, the Wei family tradition was to give 5,000 taels to legitimate daughters and 2,000 to concubines’ daughters. Given the current state of the residence, we’re only capable of preparing 1,000 taels each. Your grandfather and I will add a bit more too. As for how much your mothers want to add, that will be left up to them and I won’t intrude,” she said.

“Okay,” Wei Ruo agreed fairly readily.

Wei Ruo didn’t care much about the dowry. She wouldn’t be bothered even if the Residence decided not to give her anything, because she never intended for the marriage to go ahead in the first place.

“Ruo’Ruo, feel free to tell your grandmother what you need. If it’s within my power, I will certainly fulfill it for you,” said the old Madam.

“I’ve heard that the Capital City is very lively during the New Year. There’s a lion dance, street performances, magic shows, and various types of gatherings. I’d like to take a look,” said Wei Ruo.

“Those activities you’re talking about are usually attended by common folk, they’re crowded and disorderly, not suitable for you. However, if you’re really interested in the busyness of the Capital City, I could have your brothers accompany you for a stroll on the streets, especially since you and Wanwan are looking to purchase dowry items anyway,” said the old Madam.

Although the old Madam didn’t agree to Wei Ruo’s request to join in the merriments, she consented to let her go for a stroll, as long as someone is accompanying her.

“Okay.”

###

The conversation with the old Madam went fairly well. Once it was over, Jin Maomao escorted Wei Ruo back to Changchun Garden.

After everyone left, Xiumei asked Wei Ruo, “Miss, the old Madam seems to be very kind to you. No matter what you ask, she always agrees.”

“What may seem as kindness might not necessarily be genuine. Regardless of how much she values her legitimate granddaughter, we haven’t been together long enough to have any real feelings for each other. It’s already pretty good that she shows superficial care.”

“Then why is the old Madam so agreeable to everything you say?”

“It’s likely out of self-interest. According to their plans, my stay in this family is temporary. After I become the Marchioness of Xuanping, they’re still counting on me to do them favors. It’s not worth it for them to sour the relationship with me at this point.”

That was Wei Ruo’s conjecture based on her predecessor’s situation in the Duke Residence.

“Oh, I see. And here I was thinking the old Madam is a nice person!” muttered Xiumei.

“Whether she’s nice or not, as long as she lets me have an easier time during my stay, that’s good enough.”

###

With the New Year approaching, the Capital City was particularly bustling.

Despite the continuous disasters in other places over the years, the Capital City still remained vibrant.

Accompanied by the eldest son of the main house, Wei Yifeng, and the eldest son of the second house, Wei Yipeng, Wei Ruo and Wei Qingwan went shopping on the streets for rouge, powder, and some head accessories.

In the ranking of the Wei household in the Capital City, Wei Yichen was ranked third. Hence, Wei Ruo should refer to him as her third brother.

Wei Yifeng and Wei Yipeng are older than Wei Yichen. Wei Yifeng will be twenty-five after the Spring Festival, and Wei Yipeng will be twenty-two.

Wei Yifeng, who is already married but without a child, and Wei Yipeng, who is currently engaged, both are fond of amusements, indulging in games and food, regardless of their marital status.

“Where do you two ladies want to play? The Capital City is bustling with activity these days, there are so many fun places!” said excited Wei Yipeng to Wei Ruo and Wei Qingwan in the carriage.

Wei Qingwan reminded him softly, “Second brother, we are here today for serious business.”

“Ok, ok, ok, don’t rush, Wanwan. We have plenty of time today. We can wander around a bit first!” Wei Yipeng hurriedly said.

“Yes, Wanwan, we can stroll around first. If you’re not sure, let’s go watch cockfighting. After walking down Suzaku Street and making a left turn, there’s a cockfighting field. It’s really lively and interesting,” Wei Yifeng seconded.

Wei Qingwan wanted to refuse again, but noticed Wei Yipeng giving her a pleading look.

After hesitating for a moment, Wei Qingwan agreed, “Alright, but only for a moment.”

After Wei Qingwan agreed, Wei Yifeng and Wei Yipeng drove the carriage to the cockfighting field.

Cockfighting is a popular activity among noblemen’s sons. During every cockfighting competition, the field would be packed.

The venue was often a mixed bag.

Upon reaching the entrance of the cockfighting field, they could hear the roaring noise from inside.

After the carriage came to a halt, Wei Yifeng and Wei Yipeng pulled back the curtain, letting Wei Ruo and Wei Qingwan descend the carriage.

Wei Qingwan wrinkled her brows, clearly reluctant.

“Don’t worry, Wanwan. Your brothers and I are here, we will protect you. We’re just going to watch from a distance; nothing will happen,” said Wei Yipeng.

“Yes, Wanwan, the cockfighting field may seem noisy and chaotic, but the people here are noble sons from prestigious families. Your second brother and I have been here a few times and we know this for sure,” said Wei Yifeng.

Upon both their persistent persuasions, Wei Qingwen finally stepped off the carriage.

Then Wei Ruo got off as well and accompanied the three into the cockfighting field together.

After entering, the noise got even louder, especially during intense competitions when the cheering was absolutely deafening.