Chapter 368 - Chapter 368: Chapter 368: Blood-Related Relatives_i (1/2)
Chapter 368: Chapter 368: Blood-Related Relatives_i
Wei Ruo bundled up in her clothing, wrapping herself tighter.
Inwardly, Wei Ruo complained that the fabric of her clothes was unsuitable for venturing outdoors. This fabric was specially modified by her and while it was more breathable and lightweight than ordinary material, making it quite comfortable during hot weather, it was indeed awkward in this kind of situation!
Then, Wei Ruo leaned against the stone wall behind her, listening to the sound Of heavy rain pounding in the forest and the occasional rumble of thunder. The wetness all over her body made her feel somewhat restless, hoping that the rain would end soon.
Catching a glimpse of Wei Jinyi, who was standing with his back to her, Wei Ruo felt a warmth in her heart. Though her second brother could sometimes be old-fashioned”, he was genuinely considerate towards her.
Besides Brother Xiaoyong, he was the second brother who treated her well and the only one she was related to by blood who felt like a real family member.
This was what a relative felt like. Fortunately, fate was not extremely unkind to her, leaving her with at least one “relative”.
“Thank you, second brother,” said Wei Ruo in a low voice to Wei Jinyi. “Hmm,” Wei Jinyi responded in a voice slightly lower than usual. On the other side, Xiumei was in a similar situation as Wei Ruo, wearing clothes made of the same fabric.
Xiaobei followed suit by covering Xiumei with his clothes, to which she quietly thanked him.
Perhaps the heavens had heard Wei Ruo’s plea, for the rain stopped after approximately the time it took for a stick of incense to burn.
Even though the rain had stopped, water was still trickling over the ground and the entire mountain seemed washed by the rain, the gathered water flowed like a small stream.
Wei Jinyi sent Xiaobei to a spot that was untouched by rain to gather some dead branches and leaves.
Although the weather was not too cold, Wei Ruo wouldn’t be able to return to the city comfortably with her damp clothes and hair.
Wei Jinyi cut some miscellaneous trees nearby to make a temporary shield for Wei Ruo and Xiumei.
After Xiaobei collected some firewood, he lit a fire, allowing Wei Ruo and Xiumei to dry their clothes behind the temporary shield.
After the rain shower, the sun came out again, and with the help of the fire, their clothes dried within the time it took to burn a stick of incense.
Although Wei Ruo and the others appeared somewhat disheveled, they were not as uncomfortable as before.
When Wei Ruo emerged from behind the temporary screen, she returned the now-dried clothes to Wei Jinyi.
Wei Jinyi received the clothes and noticed a faint scent, not of flowers or incense, but akin to a mixture of herbs and sandalwood.
Wei Jinyi knew this was Wei Ruo’s scent, and unconsciously tightened his grip on the clothes.
After freshening up, the group descended the mountain once again, making it back within the city gates just before they closed.
Early the next morning, Wei Ruo went to visit the villages and counties belonging to Fengting Mountain to roughly discuss the purchase. The negotiations went relatively smoothly, especially with Wei Ruo offering a combination of silver and grain for the purchase, which was gladly accepted. This year, grain was particularly valuable, and using grain to make purchases was even more effective than using silver.
At the same time, the brothers Zhao Hai and Zhao Xun arrived in the provincial city. Zhao Hai would help manage the newly acquired lands on behalf of Wei Ruo. His early arrival was also convenient for helping Wei Ruo to settle the villagers from Dahetun Village, who were hiding on Fengting Mountain.
The reason for arranging Zhao Hai to come was not only because of his good ability and experience in managing estates, but also partly due to Zhao Xun’s desire to come to the provincial city to take the imperial examination.