Chapter 279 - Chapter 279: Chapter 279: Advising Madame Yuan_l (1/2)
Chapter 279: Chapter 279: Advising Madame Yuan_l
Translator: 549690339 |
“It is already late, and I shouldn’t be disturbing you at this hour. However, I was afraid that you might be busy during the day and lack spare time, so I took the liberty of asking Qingyi to invite you over to the Military Prefecture.” Madam Yuan apologized.
“Madam, you need not to be so formal with me.”
“We are well acquainted by now, so I won’t beat around the bush. Given Ruoruo’s intelligence, you probably have guessed why I have invited you here today.” Madam Yuan said candidly.
“I probably have some idea. Recent weather changes leading to crop damage must be causing concerns for both the honorable Yuan and Madame Yuan.” Wei Ruo replied.
“That’s right, Ruoruo. Grain yields have been poor around the country in recent years, our national treasury is nearly empty, and food supply has always been a top priority for the court. Officials are rated primarily on this issue. That’s why the recent cold spell has the Government Office on tenterhooks and directly affects the promotion prospects of my husband next year.”
“But that’s only part of the story. Apart from considering my husband’s career, I am genuinely concerned about the suffering of the common people. Moreover, if there are widespread starvation leads to unrest, the suffering will not be limited to the common people alone. Therefore, both personally and from the standpoint of my husband’s official position, we do not wish to see such a situation.”
Wei Ruo believed what Madam Yuan said. When there was an outbreak of infectious disease in Taizhou prefecture, Madam Yuan had generously contributed time and resources to call in local doctors and discuss measures to combat the disease.
“I understand, Madam Yuan. In fact, before you invited me today, the seventh prince had already visited me,” said Wei Ruo.
“Did the seventh prince also approach you for this matter?” Madam Yuan hurriedly asked.
“Indeed. The prince hopes that I can help him improve the impoverished terrain in Taizhou prefecture, open up farmland and increase productivity,” replied Wei Ruo.
After pondering for a moment, Madame Yuan said to Wei Ruo, “That seems to be a viable approach. Ruoruo, you could try it. If successful, it would greatly benefit both you and the Wei Family.”
“Do you think I should agree to it, Madam?”
“Helping the seventh prince would undoubtedly benefit your family, even if he might not be able to reward you handsomely due to your female status. Nonetheless, it would be wholly beneficial to the Wei Family,” Madam Yuan analyzed for Wei Ruo.
As long as something is good for the Wei Family, it is also good for Wei Ruo. As long as Wei Ruo is a member of the Wei Family, this relationship won’t change easily.
“I understand, Madam, but I don’t want too much interaction with the seventh prince. The heir to the throne is not yet decided, and becoming too closely involved with any prince would put me, and the Wei Family in a delicate situation which we cannot afford,” Wei Ruo stated.
Whether considering the bigger picture or personal feelings, Wei Ruo has been resisting any extensive interaction with Chu Lan from the bottom of her heart. The last time she was involved in land improvement in Xingshan County, she took the initiative, but Chu Lan jumped in later and left her no option. Now that she has an option, she prefers to keep her distance.
“You are right. It is rare for you to consider these factors.”
Madam Yuan was somewhat moved. Wei Ruo’s striving to consider a broader perspective and not be blinded by immediate temptations was a step up from most girls of her age.