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Wei Jinyi returned to the room, changed back into his own clothes, and left two silver taels on the bed as payment for the lodging and the borrowed clothes.
Afterward, the group left Xishan Village.
Upon leaving the village, Wei Mingting instructed the soldiers to rest—those whose homes were in Xingshan County could return home directly, while those from outside the county would go back to the barracks to rest. They wouldn’t have to be on duty for a few days.
After entering the city, Xu Zhengyong parted ways with Wei Ruo and the others to go home and assure his parents of his safety, as they must have been worried sick during his absence.
Finally, it was just Wei Mingting, Wei Ruo, and Wei Jinyi heading back to the Wei Mansion.
Upon arriving at the mansion, Wei Ruo excused herself to change her clothes and didn’t accompany Wei Mingting to Cangyun Garden. She went directly to Tingsong Garden instead.
Wei Jinyi, likewise, didn’t go to Cangyun Garden and accompanied Wei Ruo to the backyard.
On the way, Wei Ruo noticed that Wei Jinyi seemed a bit tired, so she didn’t speak to him. They didn’t exchange a word until they reached Tingsong Garden.
###
Meanwhile, in Cangyun Garden, upon seeing Wei Mingting return safely, Yun Shi burst into tears.
Wei Mingting knew he had caused his wife to worry, but he didn’t know how to comfort her, so he simply held her as a gesture of comfort.
Soon after, Wei Yichen and Wei Qingwan also arrived.
"Father, it is such a relief that you're safe!" Wei Qingwan rushed forward, tears streaming down her face like Yun Shi's.
Wei Yichen was so overwhelmed with emotion upon seeing his father that he was left speechless.
After a while, Yun Shi and Wei Qingwan calmed down and stopped crying.
Yun Shi sighed with great emotion, "It truly is thanks to the heavens and our ancestors' protection that you returned safely this time!"
Wei Mingting shook his head and said, "No, it wasn't the heavens that protected me. It was Jinyi and Ruo'er who risked their safety to find me. If it weren't for Ruo'er's cleverness, I might already be on the road to the underworld."
Yun Shi was surprised and looked at Wei Mingting, "Ruo'er and Jinyi went to find you?"
Wei Mingting nodded, "These two children are kind-hearted. Not only did they save the people of the south of the city, but they also saved me."
Hearing Wei Mingting's words, both Wei Yichen and Wei Qingwan were also taken aback.
After his initial shock, Wei Yichen's expression turned to admiration and respect, "My younger sister is more capable and braver than I am."
Wei Qingwan's expression, however, turned somewhat stiff.
###
Later in the evening, Xiaobei arrived at Tingsong Garden, delivering a box of items to Wei Ruo.
"These are some interesting things the young master saw while out and bought for the eldest young lady."
The box was full of various items, including rouge and powders for women, hairpins, ornaments, and some strange and rare objects.
After receiving the items, Wei Ruo personally went to Yingzhu Garden to thank Wei Jinyi.
When she opened the door to Yingzhu Garden, she saw the familiar figure in his usual spot.
Wei Ruo walked to the pavilion and sat down in the empty spot beside him, observing Wei Jinyi writing on the paper.
"I received your gifts, Second Brother. Thank you."
"Hmm."
"I have something for you too." Wei Ruo took out a dagger from her pocket and handed it to Wei Jinyi.
This dagger was made when she had one crafted for Xu Zhengyong.
Wei Jinyi glanced at the dagger and asked, "Is it the same as the one you gave to Major General Xu?"
"Not exactly the same. While the blade is similar, the scabbard and handle are different," Wei Ruo explained.
"Hmm." Wei Jinyi shifted his attention back to the writing in his hands expressionlessly.
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