Chapter 473 - Chapter 473: Chapter 473: Returning to Longan Temple_1 (1/2)
Chapter 473: Chapter 473: Returning to Long’an Temple_1
Wei Ruo gave a light smile and answered calmly, “Indeed, Qingwan and I are both daughters of the Wei Family. Whether in our home or after getting married, our relationship remains unchanged.”
Imperial Concubine Qi was very satisfied with the answer: “As expected of a girl from the Loyal and Righteous Duke Residence, truly mindful of the big picture.”
Then, Imperial Concubine Qi asked Wei Ruo about another matter: “It is said that Queen Rui had helped Princess Jingmin with disaster relief and land reclamation in Taizhou Prefecture. Is this true?”
“Indeed, that did happen,” answered Wei Ruo.
“My son has also been deeply concerned about the people affected by the disasters in the past years. If Queen Rui has any ideas, feel free to share with me, and I can pass them on to Hengheng. This would benefit many people,” said Imperial Concubine Qi.
“Imperial Concubine may not know, it’s not that I don’t want to help, but I wasn’t the one leading the efforts in Taizhou. I’m not clear about many things,” Wei Ruo replied.
“But since Queen Rui was involved in the entire disaster relief process, you must know quite a few things. I assume you also understand something about the methods to improve the land,” Imperial Concubine Qi added.
Wei Ruo answered with a slight smile, “Based on my knowledge, disaster relief and land reclamation strategies should be adapted to the local conditions. Different areas require different methods, and simply copying solutions could lead to the opposite of the desired outcome.”
Upon hearing Wei Ruo’s explanation, Imperial Concubine Qi remained silent for quite a while, seemingly contemplating whether to believe Wei Ruo’s words.
Wei Ruo added, “If the Imperial Concubine wishes, I can tell you what I know. But if the result turns out to be contrary to expectations, I hope the Imperial Concubine will not blame me.”
Imperial Concubine Qi responded gently: “That’s a pity. I was hoping to help alleviate the Emperor’s worries.”
No matter if Wei Ruo’s statement was true or not, Imperial Concubine Qi could not openly make things difficult for her.
“It’s my lack of ability that didn’t meet your expectations,” Wei Ruo said, her tone filled with regret and self-blame.
“It’s not your fault, Queen Rui. You’ve already been outstanding. I had wanted to marry you to my son if the Emperor had not disallowed it,” Imperial Concubine Qi stated.
Chu Heng’s official wife had long been decided, and she was to be a lady from the Qi Family.
Imperial Concubine Qi had always wanted to choose a suitable concubine for Chu Heng. The family background of the concubine couldn’t be too distinguished, so as not to arouse the Emperor’s jealousy, but they should be able to bring some benefits to her son.
That’s why Imperial Concubine Qi had initially set her sights on Wei Ruo, because Wei Ruo, with her capabilities, could help her son, but for some reason, the Emperor did not agree.
Subsequently, Imperial Concubine Qi chose Wei Qingwan instead.
Wei Ruo simply responded to this with a faint smile.
Wei Ruo stayed at Imperial Concubine Qi’s residence for about an hour. Imperial Concubine Qi wanted to invite Wei Ruo to stay for dinner, but Wei Ruo politely declined, citing the need to go back and take care of the sick Prince.
Hearing that it was for the ailing Prince Rui, Imperial Concubine Qi did not insist further and had someone escort Wei Ruo back to the King Rui Residence.
###
On the fifteenth of May, the middle of the month, Wei Ruo went to the Long’an Temple outside the city to offer incense.
Wei Ruo had already visited at the beginning of February. Those who were not in the know might think that Wei Ruo was visiting due to the Buddha statues in the temple, but her visit was not for worship.
To avoid unnecessary trouble, Wei Ruo presented herself as Xu Heyou as usual.
Upon arriving at the Long’an Temple, Wei Ruo didn’t stop, instead, she continued to follow the narrow road leading to the back hill of the temple.
The road was quite narrow, just wide enough for Wei Ruo’s carriage to pass.