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Though she looked as if she was eating seriously, in truth Wei Ruo only ate until she was about thirty percent full. She planned to spend New Year’s Eve later in the courtyard with Xiumei, just the two of them. The braised dishes she had brought back were meant for that, and she had also prepared a jar of wine.
After dinner, Yun Shi kept several of them back for tea and conversation, intending to talk a bit more than usual tonight.
First, she shared the contents of the reply letter from the Bo Zhongyis household in the capital.
“Your grandfather wrote that he is very pleased, and that he eagerly looks forward to the day, not too far off, when the whole family can reunite in the capital.”
Everyone responded in agreement.
Except for Wei Ruo, naturally the others all hoped they could go to the capital as soon as possible. Who wouldn’t prefer being an official in the capital over staying in this remote place, so close to the Japanese pirates and constantly facing danger?
Then Yun Shi said to Wei Yichen, “Yichen, your grandfather especially praised you, saying you are the most promising among your brothers. He said you make him proud.”
In this generation of the Wei family there were altogether eight boys, and among them, Wei Yichen was considered the most accomplished.
“Grandfather flatters me. I am still far from being worthy of making him proud,” Wei Yichen replied.
Then Yun Shi turned to Wei Ruo, “Your grandfather mentioned you in his letter as well. He said you must study hard and learn diligently. He also especially instructed me not to rush your marriage.”
Yun Shi more or less understood the intention from the capital: they wanted to wait until her husband received a promotion and was transferred to the capital, and only then arrange a better marriage for Wei Ruo.
“Mm.” Wei Ruo responded, her tone flat.
In contrast, Wei Qingwan’s expression on the side turned somewhat unpleasant.
She looked at Yun Shi, waiting for Yun Shi to mention her.
However, Yun Shi did not. Not because she didn’t want to, but because the letter from the capital hadn’t mentioned her at all.
The elders of the Bo Zhongyi’s household valued bloodline. Toward Wei Qingwan, who was not related by blood and with whom they had barely interacted, they felt there was no need to show concern.
“Mother, did Grandfather mention me in his letter?” Wei Yilin could no longer wait and eagerly pressed for an answer.
Yun Shi said, “Your grandfather did mention you. When your father sent the New Year’s gifts to the capital, he especially wrote in the letter about the progress you have made lately. Your grandfather was very pleased, and in his reply he told you to keep working hard and to follow in your father’s footsteps.”
“That goes without saying!” Wei Yilin replied with great confidence.
After answering his question, Wei Yilin suddenly thought of something and hurriedly asked, “Mother, what about Sister Wanwan? Did Grandfather say anything about her?”
At that, Yun Shi’s expression stiffened.
Seeing her reaction, everyone immediately understood.
Wei Qingwan lowered her head sadly, while Wei Yichen and Wei Yilin both looked toward her with words of comfort.
“Sister Wanwan, don’t be sad. Grandfather probably just had too many things on his mind and forgot!” Wei Yilin said.
“Grandfather usually only mentions something when he has a specific matter to entrust. Since he didn’t bring up Sister Wanwan, most likely it’s because she has always been outstanding as usual, which puts his mind at ease.” Wei Yichen added.
“I’m fine, Eldest Brother, Yilin, don’t worry.” Wei Qingwan lifted her head with a strained smile.
It was clearly a forced smile, one she wore only to ease their concern.
Seeing her like this, Wei Yichen and Wei Yilin felt even more distressed.
“Wanwan…” Yun Shi, too, felt heartache, but the attitude of those in the capital was not something she could change.
Meanwhile, Wei Ruo sat off to the side, leisurely sipping her tea, her gaze appreciating the shifting expressions of everyone in the room, as though she were watching from the sidelines.
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