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“Yes,” the guard replied. “Miss Wei has been overseeing and coordinating almost all plague-related affairs in the city. The fact that the epidemic has been contained so quickly—Miss Wei deserves much of the credit.”
Hearing this, Wei Yichen was completely taken aback.
He had never imagined that his sister’s prolonged absence was for this reason—they had all misunderstood her!
As he was still processing the shock, the guard continued, “My lady also asked me to explain so that there would be no misunderstanding. It was her oversight not to inform the Wei family earlier. Miss Wei has been so busy that her feet barely touch the ground—she hardly has time to sleep, let alone handle such matters. It was never her intention to keep your family uninformed.”
“Today, both my lady and Miss Wei are unable to come out to see you,” the guard added. “Especially Miss Wei—because she has had close contact with several patients while managing the situation, she may be at risk of infection. Until the plague is completely eradicated, she cannot meet with anyone outside.”
Wei Yichen was deeply moved. “I understand,” he said quietly. “Please convey my message to my sister—tell her the family is well and that she need not worry. Also, remind her to take good care of herself, and to be very cautious.”
“I will be sure to pass on your words, Young Master Wei,” the guard replied respectfully.
When Wei Yichen returned to the Colonel’s Residence, he went straight to see Yun Shi.
At the time, Wei Qingwan was also with her mother. During the New Year period, while Wei Ruo had yet to return home even once, Wei Qingwan had stayed by her mother’s side every day—an unspoken contrast that only deepened Yun Shi’s feelings toward her two daughters.
“Did Ruo’er come back?” Yun Shi asked hurriedly when she saw her son.
“No,” Wei Yichen replied.
“What? She still isn’t planning to come back? Does she really think the Yuan residence is her home now?” Yun Shi’s temper flared instantly.
Wei Qingwan quickly tried to calm her. “Mother, please don’t be angry. You’ve overexerted yourself these past few days and your health is already fragile—getting upset will only make it worse.”
Yun Shi retorted irritably, “If only Ruo’er were half as considerate as you, I wouldn’t be so angry!”
Wei Yichen hastened to explain, “Mother, Eldest Sister isn’t staying at the Yuan residence as a guest—she’s been busy dealing with the plague! All the arrangements regarding the epidemic in the city are being handled by her. In order to help everyone, she’s even had unavoidable contact with the infected, which is why she hasn’t been able to return home.”
“What did you say?” Yun Shi stared at him in disbelief.
Wei Qingwan, beside her, was equally astonished.
“The servants from the Yuan residence, on Madam Yuan’s behalf, told me that since New Year’s Eve, Elder Sister has been working tirelessly to fight the plague. She’s barely had a proper night’s rest.” Wei Yichen said truthfully.
Yun Shi still found it hard to believe. “Are you sure you’re not mistaken? Ruo’er… she’s been handling something so important? The plague is a grave matter! How could a young woman like her…”
“This was a message directly from Madam Yuan—it can’t be wrong. If it weren’t true, why would Madam Yuan give such great credit to Elder Sister?” Wei Yichen replied.
Containing the plague was no small feat; even if the achievement were attributed to Lord Yuan himself, it would still count as a great merit.
Hearing this, Yun Shi’s anger quickly dissipated, replaced by deep worry. “Then… could Ruo’er have been infected?”
“It’s possible,” Wei Yichen admitted. “Mother knows well—this is the plague. It spreads through contact. Elder Sister is risking her life for this.”
“This child… how could she take on something so dangerous without saying a word!” Yun Shi exclaimed, torn between anger and distress.
After a pause, Wei Qingwan asked quietly, “But why hasn’t Eldest Sister contacted us all this time?”
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