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“How could your mother have guessed that you would have such an extraordinary encounter in the countryside of Huzhou Prefecture if you did not bring it up yourself?” said Mrs. Yun.

Madam Bai was quick to speak in Mrs. Yun’s defense, “That’s right, Queen Mother, your mother worried about the hardships you underwent in the countryside of Huzhou Prefecture. She was so distressed, she didn’t dare bring up your heart-wrenching past. If she happened to upset you for no reason, what on earth would we do then?”

When Wei Ruo saw Bai speaking on behalf of Yun, she was not surprised. Despite Bai’s private rivalry with Yun, she understood who to prioritize and sides with the interests of the Wei Family when necessary.

“Indeed, I did not proactively share with you, but so what?” Wei Ruo retorted.

These words pained Mrs. Yun, and a pallor replaced her usual countenance.

Mrs. Bai hurriedly, consolation in her voice, commented, “Indeed, it goes without saying that during the Mid-Autumn Festival, your grandparents were taken aback by this whole affair. They were unsure of how to respond to the inquiries of others. Their point being, if you still have things you’re hiding from us, it would be best to warn us in advance so we can prepare, rather than panicking later.”

“I am not at liberty to discuss my affairs with you,” Wei Ruo stated.

With Wei Ruo’s cold demeanor, Mrs. Yun and Mrs. Bai’s posture stiffened even further, yet they had no choice but to endure it.

Mrs. Yun remained silent while Madam Bai forced a smile. “If Queen Rui doesn’t wish to talk, let’s leave it at that. We can always talk about it later when she is in a better mood.”

Subsequently, Bai asked, “Queen Rui, it has been said that the Emperor plans to appoint one of the princes as the Minister of Public Works to oversee all matters of the Ministry of Works… is there any truth to this?”

“I am not aware of the affairs of the court,” Wei Ruo replied.

At these words, Bai and Yun’s unsaid words were choked back, strangled by Wei Ruo’s dismissive response.

After Wei Ruo’s declaration, she began to scrutinize Yun and Bai.

Yun appeared complex, as if she had something to say but couldn’t find the words.

Bai’s eyes were filled with anxiety, her brow furrowed.

Then she elbowed Mrs. Yun.

At first, Mrs. Yun didn’t react to Bai’s initial nudge, but when Bai gave her another, she finally spoke, “Ruoruo, there were some things I did wrong in the past… I hope you can forgive me.”

Mrs. Yun apologized to Wei Ruo.

Wei Ruo, who had been swaying back and forth, suddenly stopped, lifted her gaze to Mrs. Yun, a hint of a smile pulling at her lips as she casually asked, “What favor do you wish to ask of me?”

Such a sudden apology must have a reason behind it.

With her lips pressed together, Mrs. Yun pondered over her response.

Admittedly her visit today was on behalf of her family’s request for her daughter’s assistance.

However, she also had other reasons…

Over time, with Wanwan’s various actions, she has begun to suspect that she may have truly misunderstood her biological daughter.

Her Wanwan is not as pure and kind-hearted as she initially believed.

Mrs. Yun was reluctant to admit her error. Even managing to muster an apology today was no easy feat, hence her response following her contemplation, “Why can’t Ruoruo think on the brighter side? Why must she view her mother so negatively?”

Wei Ruo chuckled lightly, “You’ve always been the type to only ask for favors when necessary. Surely on a day like today, you’ve come to ask something of me, haven’t you? Since you’ve set the groundwork, why don’t you just clearly state your intentions?”

“There’s nothing of the sort, absolutely nothing of that sort,” Mrs. Bai urgently supported Yun, “Queen Mother, you mustn’t overthink. Today, we came only to reminisce with you about the past and apologize to you for some past misdoings. After all, you are mother and daughter of the same blood, even if there are disagreements, family ties remain.”

“Oh? Really?” Wei Ruo challenged, raising an eyebrow.

“Of course!” Mrs. Bai affirmed.

Immediately afterwards, she signaled to her maid to present several gift boxes.

“These are gifts for the Queen Mother, specially procured from Huzhou Prefecture. Specially made silk clothes, dried bamboo shoots, smoked bean tea, and potato noodles.”

Wei Ruo simply smiled, offering no praise or protest.

“Well, we should be off for today,” Mrs. Bai continued, “We will take our leave.”

With that, Mrs. Bai and Mrs. Yun took their leave of Wei Ruo.

After their departure from the Wang Residence, Xiumei inspected the gifts from the Wei Family. As declared, they were indeed special products from Huzhou Prefecture.

“Why are they being so kind this time? They didn’t ask for anything and even gave gifts to you,” Xiumei asked.

“Not that they don’t have demands, they just don’t dare state them outright. Considering the conversation thus far, to voice their request outright now would expose their true intentions for visiting today,” Wei Ruo reasoned.

“So, what will you do?” Xiumei asked.

“Just pretend to be oblivious. If they don’t clarify, I’ll continue to act confused. Once they clarify their demands, then I can make up some reasons to dodge them,” Wei Ruo responded without having to give it much thought.

Xiumei heavily nodded in agreement.

###

Kin Yu Residence.

Cuiting Pavilion.

“Sister, you haven’t paid a visit to Queen Rui in a while. These few days, the prince has received a tribute of pearls from Nanyang. Could you please help me deliver them to the King Rui Residence as a gift to Queen Rui?”

Qi Shijing held out an entire box of pearls, lightly smiling as she presented her request to Wei Qingwan.

Wei Qingwan eyed the pearls, each one round and full, and her expression grew stiff.

Each pearl could be considered a valuable, precious piece of jewelry which greatly underplayed the fact that they were all securely boxed together.

What made Wei Qingwan more disconcerted was that Qi Shijing intended to gift this entire box of pearls to Wei Qingruo.

Seeing Wei Qingwan hesitate to reply, Qi Shijing asked with concern, “What’s wrong, little sister Wanwan?”

“N-nothing… I’m just thinking of the previous disagreement I had with sister Ruoruo, and I’m afraid she might still be holding a grudge, which makes me a little worried.”

“The two of you are sisters, born of the same mother. Even if there are disputes, if you sincerely apologize, everything will be alright, won’t it?” Qi Shijing asked, her smile never wavering.

“Yes… yes.” Wei Qingwan bit her lip.

She understood what Qi Shijing was implying. This was her way of telling Wei Qingwan to humble herself, apologize to Wei Qingruo, and seek her forgiveness.

“Little sister Wanwan, you must be aware of how crucial it is for Prince Yu to secure the position overseeing the construction of battle-ships right now. Even if he isn’t personally stationed there, it is still imperative that it be someone who serves Prince Yu’s interests, otherwise it may be detrimental to Prince Yu.” Qi Shijing expounded upon her idea.

“I understand.” Wei Qingwan replied. She was aware of the ongoing situation.

“Then, sister, you must also have heard that this matter originated from King Rui and Queen Rui, so both their opinions are very important. If they speak up, the Emperor is sure to heed their advice,” Qi Shijing gently prompted.