Chapter 369 - Chapter 369: Chapter 369: Attending the Mid-Autumn (1/2)
Chapter 369: Chapter 369: Attending the Mid-Autumn
Banquet_l
The letter demanded firmly that his younger brother obey the noble’s arrangements, stating that the rise and fall of the Wei Family depended on this occasion.
Because of this letter, Madam Yun had been angry for several days.
in fact, Madam Yun didn’t feel very festive about this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival. Those who should have come didn’t, and those who shouldn’t have, did.
After Wei Ruo learned about the situation, she didn’t ask any further. The sweet potatoes on her farm and the first batch of rice were ready for harvest, which was a busy time.
Wei Ruo’s desk was piled with account books from various farms.
Wei Ruo started to look them over after asking Zhang.
According to the current reports from the farms, the yield of this batch of gram was bountiful, even better than last year s.
The bumper harvest of this batch of grain put Wei Ruo at ease. The gram she had previously stored up was mostly used up – a small portion to sustain the people on the farm, and the majority to sell to the military camp.
If this year didn’t turn out to be a fruitful harvest, it would pose a significant problem for Wei Ruo.
Wei Ruo also inquired about the situations in other households in Taizhou Prefecture. The early varieties, those that haven’t been affected by disease or have not required a change in seed variety, should also be ready for harvest now.
They reportedly did not yield as much as Wei Ruo’s late-ripening variety, but with various measures taken under the government office, this year’s harvest was better than the previous two years.
This was a good sign.
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The next day, on Mid-Autumn Festival, Wei Ruo and Madam Yun were invited
to the banquet at the prefecture’s office.
When Wei Ruo arrived at the entrance of the prefecture office, she saw another carriage from the Wei Family.
As Wei Ruo looked towards that carriage, the curtain was lifted, and Wei Qingwan, dressed in a light green long skirt, got out with the help of Maid
Cuihe.
When Wei Qingwan raised her head to meet Wei Ruo’s gaze, Wei Ruo saw a hint
of challenge in her eyes.
Her eyes seemed to tell Wei Ruo that even though she was forced out of the Wei Family, she could still return, couldn’t she?
But when she approached Wei Ruo, her expression became cautious.
“Sister,” Wei Qingwan said softly and cautiously.
Wei Ruo didn’t respond; instead, she turned to look at Madam Yun.
“Mother, would you care to explain what’s going on?”
Wei Ruo’s gaze was sharp, giving no room for evasion.
Madam Yun looked a little guilty and looked away, then explained, “To avoid raising suspicion by having Wanwan hidden away for too long and inadvertently solidifying the rumors of her affair with a man, I thought it would be better to have her attend such events.”
She paused and added, “I’m also doing it for your sake. If Wanwan is suspected, your reputation would be damaged too.
“Ha, mother is indeed thoughtful,” Wei Ruo snorted.
“I am just letting Wanwan attend today’s banquet. She will continue to recuperate at the farm afterward. You don’t have to be so petty,” Madam Yun retorted.
“What does being petty have to do with this? Don’t try to imply that sending her to the farm was my wish. Let’s not forget it was the punishment she deserved,” Wei Ruo replied coldly.
Madam Yun’s complexion changed slightly, but she quickly said, “It’s getting