叭哒漫画

Wei Yichen explained, “Firstly, my younger sister really doesn’t have much time. The epidemic is a complex matter, and she’s busy from morning to night. Secondly, I think my younger sister doesn’t want us to worry much about her. Currently, all this is conveyed to us by Madam Yuan. If it were my younger sister, she might consider hiding it from us.”

The word was not conveyed by Madam Yuan, but was Wei Yichen’s own speculation.

Hearing this, Lady Yun had no resentment or dissatisfaction towards Wei Ruo left in her heart, only consisting of shame and worry.

“I never realized Ruo was busying herself with such a big matter. I truly have wronged and misunderstood her.”

Remarkably, Lady Yun admitted her own mistake.

After all, the matter was too significant, and her daughter is now in danger. If it goes wrong, she might not be able to return.

Wei Yichen also said, “As an elder brother, I am both proud and somewhat ashamed. Our study is supposed to benefit the people and appeal on behalf of the people. However, my younger sister has done it a step ahead of me.” Hearing Wei Yichen’s words, Lady Yun couldn’t help but her heart stir somewhat.

Perhaps the eldest daughter was indeed more like her husband. It’s a pity she wasn’t bom a son; otherwise, she might have been able to succeed her father better than Yilin.

Wei Qingwan lowered her head once again after looking at Lady Yun and Wei Yichen’s expressions.

She had originally thought that Wei Qingruo’s actions this time would indeed provoke her mother’s anger and her elder brother’s aversion. However, it unexpectedly resulted in a completely opposite outcome.

Her right hand unconsciously clenched her skirt tightly, and her heart was occupied by feelings of regret and sorrow.

###

The fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the Lantern Festival.

Madam Yuan sent a large table of good food to the small courtyard to show appreciation for the people who’ve worked hard for more than half a month. Doctor Cheng took the lead, asking everyone to take a break, sit down, and eat well. Eating a full meal and having a good rest would be the best way to restore their spirits and work more efficiently.

A few people sat at the table. Compared to when they first arrived, they were noticeably thinner, even including Wei Ruo.

Fortunately, everyone had a robust foundation, so no one has been infected yet, nor has anyone fainted from exhaustion.

Although everyone was still busy and couldn’t afford to slack off, their appetites and spirits were much better than before. This was because conditions were improving, patients were recovering every day, and the number of sufferers was decreasing daily.

So, when facing the good food on the table, everyone’s appetites improved distinctly.

Looking at the chicken, duck, and fish in front of him, Doctor Cai from Baoshan Hall sighed, “Though we’ve been a bit busy and tired these days, the Commandery Princess hasn’t mistreated us. Our meals are very sumptuous every day, with both fish and meat. Compared to those who starve or freeze to death outside, we don’t know how fortunate we are.”

Doctor Cai’s own encounter with Wei Ruo was when Wei Ruo pretended to be sick to get rid of Wei Qingwan. At that time, Doctor Cai from Baoshan Hall was the one Lady Yun called to diagnose Wei Ruo. However, she diagnosed Wei Ruo from behind a curtain and didn’t see Wei Ruo’s face.

“Let’s not think about these things for now. These matters are for the government officials to handle. What we can do now is the work at hand. Saving one more life is already something,” added Doctor Cheng.

The others nodded in agreement.

After lunch, they took a brief rest.

Doctor Cheng took the opportunity to tell Wei Ruo, “Young Master Xu, you should take more rest.”

■Tm fine, I’m young. Doctor Cheng should take care of himself,” replied Wei Ruo.

Doctor Cheng’s face softened into smile as he advised, “You’re a good child, but you are a girl after all. There is nothing wrong being a little vulnerable at times. You don’t have to show strength in everything and act like a man.”

Wei Ruo revealed a surprised expression.

Had Doctor Cheng already discovered her disguise?

Was her disguise such a failure? Even after using a disguise mask, was she still recognized?

Seeing the surprise on Wei Ruo’s face, Doctor Cheng confessed, “Young Master Xu, you’ve disguised yourself very well. I didn’t notice anything when we first interacted. However, we’ve been together day and night for half a month. As a doctor, I have an exceptional insight into people’s characteristics. Therefore, I discovered the truth.”

He continued, “But don’t worry. I know there must be a strong reason for you to conceal your real identify. I won’t reveal your secret, and I won’t belittle you for being a woman. On the contrary, I am more impressed by you. I have told you this so you will take good care of yourself. Please don’t blame me for judging that girls are naturally weaker than boys, in terms of physical strength.”

Doctor Cheng was already in his fifties, and Wei Ruo was starting her fourteenth year. In Doctor Cheng’s eyes, Wei Ruo was just like his granddaughter, hence the additional layer of affection and care.

Hearing Doctor Cheng’s words, Wei Ruo let down her guard.

“Thank you, Doctor Cheng,” Wei Ruo expressed her gratitude.

“Why are you thanking me?” You should thank all of us. During these days, you’ve made significant contributions to all of us and the entire city,” Doctor Cheng seriously replied.

Wei Ruo gave a small smile, and soon the pair returned to work.

###

By the time of Zi Shi (midnight, 11 PM -1 AM), Wei Ruo planned to go to bed.

Suddenly, Wei Jinyi appeared at Wei Ruo’s door holding a rabbit lantern.

“A lantern? Where did you get it?” Wei Ruo asked in surprise.

All the Lantern Festival activities were cancelled in Government City this year, almost no one was selling lanterns. Even if someone did, Wei Jinyi couldn’t interact with outsiders like they did.

“I made it,” replied Wei Jinyi.

“You made this?” Wei Ruo was even more surprised.

“Yes.”

“Your hands are really crafty, brother. If your studies don’t work out, you could open a small lantern shop and support yourself,” she joked.

Wei Jinyi did not respond, and Wei Ruo continued, “Why a rabbit lantern?”

“You said rabbit meat is delicious,” answered Wei Jinyi.

You still want to eat the spicy version.

Wei Ruo recalled that she had said this when they were at home.

However, making a rabbit lantern for this reason was quite a unique approach!

Wei Ruo couldn’t help but laugh. She took the special rabbit lantern from Wei Jinyi’s hand and said, “Thank you, big brother.”

“Yes, rest early,” Wei Jinyi didn’t stay long.

Tomorrow, Wei Ruo would have to get up early and continue her hectic work. Wei Jinyi did not want to impact her precious rest time.

After Wei Jinyi left, Wei Ruo closed the door and hung the rabbit lantern by the window where she could see it from her bed.

Gazing at the lantern, the comers of Wei Ruo’s mouth curl into a smile. Carrying that smile, she soon fell asleep..