Chapter 454 - Chapter 454: Chapter 454 Wei Yichen High School Association Yuan_1 (1/2)

Chapter 454: Chapter 454 Wei Yichen High School Association Yuan_1

She felt like her adopted daughter, once so in tune with her, had now become a stranger, while her own biological daughter was cold and aloof. She felt as though she had failed as a mother.

Yun Shi wanted to discuss some things about Wei Ruo’s upcoming marriage, but couldn’t bring herself to speak due to Wei Ruo’s frigid and aloof look.

Wei Yilin ran to Wei Ruo’s side, eager to continue their earlier conversation.

“Big sister, I’ve gathered even more silver. This time, I’m going to buy you even more expensive gifts! Can I pick out jewelry and beautiful fabrics for you?”

“Where did you get more silver?”

“You don’t need to worry about that. Just tell me what you want, and I’ll buy it for you!”

Wei Yilin planned to sell some of his valuable possessions in secret, although he had no idea how much they were worth. However, he was willing to exchange them all to add to his sister’s dowry.

“I lack nothing. My dowry is all prepared,” Wei Ruo said.

“Whether you need it or not, I want to buy things for you!”

Wei Yilin’s desire to please Wei Ruo was painfully obvious. He might as well have carved the word “ingratiation” on his forehead.

Yun Shi said, “Your brother’s heart is in the right place. Let him buy you some things.”

Wei Ruo did not respond but changed the subject. “Has there been any news from Father recently?”

At Yun Shi’s, the only topic that interested Wei Ruo was news about Wei Mingting.

Yun Shi replied, “I just received a letter from your father yesterday. He rarely shares details about his military camp, but this time, he mentioned a few things.”

Yun Shi continued with concern, “Because of this, I’m especially worried about your father. The Capital City is abuzz with rumors that if this situation with the Japanese Pirates isn’t resolved soon, the Anti-Japanese Army will be held accountable. ”

Wei Ruo frowned. The Anti-Japanese Army, poorly equipped and short on rations, could only take a defensive stance, constantly on the back foot.

It was already a challenge to repel the pirates most of the time. To expect them to defeat them completely and prevent future invasions was asking too much.

“Is the imperial court sending reinforcements?” Wei Ruo asked.

“I haven’t heard anything about it. There’s also been no movement regarding rations. Harvests nationwide have been poor, so they likely want Taizhou prefecture to deal with the issue themselves,” Yun Shi said with a troubled look.

Wei Ruo fell into deep thought. Even though Taizhou prefecture had a good harvest last year, it would still be difficult for them to be self-sufficient.

If the imperial court didn’t send any additional troops or rations, the Anti-Japanese Army might collapse even before they’re held accountable.

Hearing this, Wei Yilin blurted out, “How can they do that? Our father and his men are fighting so hard. Why aren’t they supplying food?”

Yun Shi sighed. “On one hand, grain is scarce due to poor harvests in recent years, and the imperial granary isn’t exactly overflowing. On the other hand, the court probably views the threat from the Jurchen Tribe as greater, so they want to allocate more troops and rations to fight them.”

Wei Ruo understood this. Although the Japanese Pirates were repugnant for their pillaging and looting, they didn’t threaten the imperial power.

The situation was different with the Jurchen Tribe from the north. They could invade the south and take over the Central Plains.

Hence, the court placed a greater emphasis on the threat from the Jurchen Tribe than on the Japanese Pirates.

Wei Yilin, not comprehending the complexities, protested indignantly, “Even so, they can’t just abandon our father and his men. Those people in the Capital City live in decadence and luxury, dining on the finest food. Why can’t they spare some for the soldiers who are defending our homeland?”

“Yilin, you’re still young. Many things are complex. Even if I had time, I couldn’t explain everything to you,” Yun Shi said.

Wei Yilin glanced at Yun Shi, then at Wei Ruo, and muttered, “No matter how young I am, I understand that we can’t let our soldiers down.”

Wei Ruo said, “You’re right, but unfortunately, some people just don’t understand.”