Chapter 611: Chapter 611: Return to Beijing_1

After a stroll, the two returned to the Wang Residence and found themselves in front of the Wuyou Pavilion.

A few slightly older children were running a little stall in front of the pavilion, accompanied by a few younger children.

A nanny-like person stood by their side.

As soon as Wei Ruo appeared, a group of children surrounded her, their faces full of smiles as they called Wei Ruo “Auntie”.

Wei Ruo smiled and gently patted their heads, easily saying, “All of you must behave well, eat your meals properly each day, sleep well, study hard, and listen to the teacher and nanny.”

“We will~” the children chorused.

Among them, the oldest boy had a stern face. He did not step forward like the others, but the expectancy on his gaze towards Wei Ruo was clear.

Sure enough, when Wei Ruo waved at him, he too went over.

This child was the mutt Wei Ruo had adopted at the very beginning. He had grown a lot, but his disposition hadn’t changed.

He treated the other children at the orphanage very well, carried a sense of responsibility, and was seen as the big brother of the orphanage.

He studied very hard, did well in his studies, and had told the teacher that he wanted to achieve success and serve King Rui and his wife. He also wanted to become the right-hand man of Wei Ruo’s son, younger Brother Yan.

Wei Ruo patted the boy’s head and instructed, “You are the reliable big brother now. In the future, when I am not around, you must take good care of your younger siblings.”

The boy looked up at Wei Ruo. “Why are you saying this, are you not going to take care of us anymore?”

He was as alert as ever.

“I just felt like saying it.”

“You cannot abandon us.” the boy said, looking slightly concerned at Wei Ruo, his face serious and stern.

Wei Ruo smiled, “Don’t worry, I won’t abandon or neglect you.”

Only then did the boy’s expression relax, and he made a very serious promise to Wei Ruo, “I will look after my little brothers and sisters well, we will be good, don’t worry.”

“Mm, I believe you.” Wei Ruo said, patting the boy’s head again.

The boy shyly hung his head, but he did not move away.

After talking with the children for a while, Wei Ruo allowed them to continue with their tasks. She then led Xie Ying to continue their walk.

Xie Ying, recalling the dreams she and Wei Ruo had discussed in the past, said, “RoRo, you have indeed realized our dream of adopting many children.”

“I can only adopt a portion of them. That’s as much as I can do.” replied Wei Ruo.

“When I have the chance in the future, I also want to help these children.” Xie Ying stated her decision.

Then Xie Ying asked, “What were they selling just now?”

“Hand-woven items, some larger ones are baskets and bags, smaller ones are grasshoppers and dragonflies, all made by the children themselves.” Wei Ruo answered.

“What are they selling these items for?”

“They sell these to supplement the costs of the Wuyou Pavilion. It’s a voluntary effort from their end. They wish to do so, and I am very pleased about it, as it allows them to learn something early.”

“How good it is,” Xie Ying said with a touch of emotion.

After they returned to Wang Residence, Xie Ying, brimming with emotions, said, “RuoRuo, I really like Jiliao City, I wish to stay here and not return to Capital City.”

Wei Ruo laughed, “You should discuss this with Boss Fan. I would be very glad if you stay here, but I am afraid that if Boss Fan disagrees, he would take out his knife and ask me to return his daughter-in-law.”

Xie Ying pouted, “I don’t need his agreement. I can make my own decisions. However, I think I will miss my parents, my grandfather, and my brother.”

Wei Ruo did not comment further. YingYing was someone who had her own notions and knew what she truly wanted. Wei Ruo would unconditionally support any of YingYing’s decisions and choices.

In a while, Fan Chengxu came looking for Xie Ying.

As soon as she saw Fan Chengxu, Xie Ying started narrating her experiences from the afternoon.

Fan Chengxu listened to her with a smile, then he informed her, “Actually, I also went out in the afternoon.”

“Did you? What do you think about it?”

“During the incoming journey, I already had a glimpse of this place and found its uniqueness. After a bit of exploration, I found more wondrous aspects.”

After answering, Fan Chengxu looked towards Wei Ruo.

His gaze carried both inspection and admiration.

Weiy Ruo said, “Mr. Fan, you are directly staring at the Queen in the King Rui Residence, aren’t you afraid of being flogged for such a transgression?”

Fan Chengxu was not flustered, and replied leisurely, “Her Majesty, capable of transforming Jiliao into such a modern city, would not be so conservative about the matter of men and women.”

Wei Ruo did not refute.

Fan Chengxu said, “I simply wish to say if in the future Her Majesty could show some benevolence and allot me a share of this excellent trade deal, considering our many years of collaboration.”

Wei Ruo answered, “I have never restricted outsiders from conducting trade in Jiliao. Anyone coming to Jiliao who abides by my rules and pays their taxes on time is indeed welcome.”

Fan Chengxu replied, “Wait till the current turmoil subsides, I will surely revisit Jiliao to open some shops. I just hope that Her Majesty would not change her stance and expel me from the city.”

Wei Ruo laughed and said, “It would certainly be more vibrant and entertaining in Jiliao City with an able person like Mr. Fan.”

Pausing for a moment, Wei Ruo added, “I hope that such an opportunity will arise.”

Fan Chengxu echoed, “I share the same hope.”

Both of them knew very well that both the Fan Family and King Rui Residence wouldn’t be spared by the imminent crisis. What would happen afterward was uncertain; even surviving until then was a question.

Xie Ying followed up by saying, “I will also open a branch of Tongde Hall in Jiliao in the future. I have heard that the Jurchen tribe has plenty of excellent medicinal herbs, especially ginseng from the mountains that are of excellent quality. There is a lot of trading happening between Jiliao and Jurchen, so it would be most suitable for me to open a Tongde Hall here!”

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In the evening, Wei Ruo invited both of them to have dinner in the King Rui Residence, preparing a table full of delicious food and wine.

Wei Ruo and Xie Ying drank and chatted, greatly enjoying themselves.

Early the next morning, although Xie Ying planned to continue touring Jiliao City, she was informed by Fan Chengxu that there was urgent business back in Capital City and that they would need to leave immediately.

Therefore, Xie Ying had to alter her plans and leave Jiliao City earlier than expected.

As Xie Ying and Fan Chengxu were about to leave Jiliao City, they saw King Rui’s entourage in their rearview.

Both of them looked at each other in puzzlement. What was going on?

Xie Ying rode her horse up to the carriage in the middle of the procession.

She recognized this unique carriage as Wei Ruo’s. It was specially tailored for her, so Xie Ying knew the moment she saw it that Wei Ruo must be inside.

Hearing the sound of horse hooves, Wei Ruo also opened the carriage door and peered out.

Xie Ying asked, “RoRo, what’s going on? Where are you all going?”