Calm before Celebration
Calm before Celebration
Even if Prince Ji Sheng was not in place, the others would be able to defend the border all the same. After all, Prince Ji Sheng only started to gain more fame in recent years. He was not an adult yet, but his position was already really high.
[A/N: In ancient China, women usually categorized as an adult at either 15 or 16 (depending on the era) while men at 20 years old]
"Does it mean the Han Shi Kingdom is gaining more advantage?" Wei Liuying asked curiously.
Wei Lu smiled. "It's possible, but you shouldn't forget that there might be promising young generals from the Xiong Tribe too. We don't have much information about them, and they don't have much of ours."
"I see."
"Anyway, what's a young lady like you doing to think about wars?" Wei Lu shook his head in amusement. Other women were talking about poetry, embroidery, music, or the likes, but Wei Liuying was talking about wars.
Wei Liuying merely smiled. It was the only topic that she found interesting enough to keep her entertained in the study. If she didn't try to make herself interested in the study, she knew that it would be impossible for her to keep up with the task of summarizing those books for Wei Hong Zheng.
She had to partially enjoy it a bit if she didn't wish to make it feel torturing for her.
"Uncle Wei, will you come to dinner during New Year?" Wei Liuying asked.
Wei Lu shook his head. "My brother didn't really like me, so I'll just spend my time eating alone at home."
Wei Liuying furrowed her brows. Because Wei Lu's wife had died a few years ago, it meant that he would be eating alone. Spending New Year alone didn't sound so entertaining.
Seeing his niece's expression, Wei Lu shook his head. "You shouldn't worry so much about me. Why don't you worry about other things such as your own marriage? You'll be 14 soon, right?"
"Uncle Wei." Wei Liuying pouted. "There are still two years before I turn 16. There's no hurry."
"You lass. Are you not worried that you'll be arranged to be with an old official?"
Wei Liuying lowered her head. "If that happened, it just meant that Father wants to use me to expand his connection, right?"
Wei Lu sighed. "Yes."
"I still have two years. Who knows what will happen during the next two years," Wei Liuying replied with a smile.
Wei Lu arched his eyebrows. Usually, Wei Liuying would be more apathetic when talking about this matter. Did something happen in the household recently? However, he also knew that two years could be either long or short. Anything could happen in that period of time.
Besides, if Wei Liuying truly didn't want it, there were several ways she could use to handle it. She was smart enough to understand something like that.
"You seem to be more spirited than before."
"There are some changes, Uncle Wei," Wei Liuying replied. "Also, I want to hear more about the new policy."
"Ah, you little."
In the end, the two of them talked about what was discussed in the morning court over the past few weeks. There were several problems in the Han Shi Kingdom, mainly because of the kingdom's large size. Fortunately, there were a lot of talented officials who helped to solve the matter through discussion and talking.
There was no more morning court because it was nearing New Year. At the same time, only the highest officials were still coming to the court because of Prince Ji Sheng's arrival in the capital city. Wei Lu was not included because his ranking was deemed to not be high enough.
When it was evening, Wei Lu excused himself. "I have taken too much of your time, Little Lass. You should spend more time studying too. I heard that you failed in your test not long ago."
"It's just the annual test," Wei Liuying replied unhurriedly.
"You can't do embroidery?"
Wei Liuying turned sideways and shook her head lightly. Well, she could, but the result was terrible. It was to the point that the teachers wished to berate her on the spot because of her poor result.
Wei Lu sighed. "You need to learn more, Xiao Ying."
"I'll do my best, Uncle Wei."
At this moment, a servant walked in and bowed down. "Second Master Wei, Third Miss Wei, Master had returned."
"Ah, I understand." Wei Lu stood up. "It seems that our little chat should end today. Let's talk again in the future, Little Ying."
"Yes, Uncle Wei."
Wei Liuying passed a sidelong glance to the servant before she slowly walked out of the hall. Her footsteps were unhurried, but when they were already outside the main courtyard, she spoke out.
"Xiao Qing, note that servant's name and action."
"Yes, Miss."
Wei Liuying fell into deep contemplation when she thought of that servant. It was not the usual servant that her father arranged in the main courtyard. It seemed that after getting the hold of the finance and management of the residence, Wei Xiao Hua had started to change the people.
'She's moving really fast.'
However, Wei Liuying was not that worried. She didn't really wish to have a fallout with Wei Xiao Hua unless it was necessary. The two of them could just maintain an amiable relationship on the surface, and it would be enough.
But if it was not possible… she had to be prepared for the worst case scenario.
While Wei Liuying returned back, Wei Lu was sitting in the main hall patiently. He raised his head when he heard the servant announce Wei Hong's arrival.
Wei Hong narrowed his eyes. "What do you want, Second Brother?"
"How rude. Am I not allowed to visit my older brother?" Wei Lu stood up and smiled faintly. "Or are you worried that I'll be affecting your children?"
"They won't be affected by you."
"Little Ying is a good listener."
"That's because she's stupid." Wei Hong strode into the hall and sat down. His dark brown eyes glared at his younger brother. "What do you wish to say today?"
"I only want to know if you have changed your vision or not." Wei Lu played with the cup of tea in his hand. His lips curled up to form a playful smile.
Wei Hong arched his eyebrows. "If you're talking about that matter, I'll never change my position."
"Even if the court changes?"
"What do you imply?"
Wei Lu put down the cup of tea. "With Prince Ji Sheng's return, what do you think will change? Think about it."
Wei Hong's face darkened as he watched his younger brother's departing back. He was the one smarter than his younger brother, so he was annoyed with Wei Lu's words. As for that matter, he would never change his opinion in the slightest bit.