Chapter 55: A Simple Act

Beside him, Lie Chang’an glanced at the slender hand still holding the little boy’s, frowned, and said, “Consider this money as what you’re owed. As for the silver that local tyrant seized, we’ll definitely get it back.”

The Crown Prince immediately nodded in agreement.

But to their surprise, Wei Qingheng was unmoved, still shaking his head, lips pressed tight, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on the tightly closed door, both fists clenched, a determination blazing in his eyes that brooked no compromise.

The Crown Prince was both surprised and impressed by the boy’s spirit. He smiled. “If that’s the case, we won’t give you money. We still have some provisions and medicine left on our carriage—why don’t we bring them to your home instead?”

Afraid the boy would refuse, the Crown Prince added, “We’re almost at our destination anyway. These supplies will go to waste if we keep them, so it’s no trouble at all to help you.”

Wei Qingheng considered for a moment, then nodded.

Everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief, smiling as if a weight had been lifted, and quickly followed Wei Qingheng to his home.

His house was at the far end of the village, a few thatched huts, but the place was spacious and reasonably tidy.

The Crown Prince ordered the soldiers to carry in the provisions and medicine, only then noticing the woman lying on the bed.

As unfamiliar men, the Crown Prince and Lie Chang’an felt it inappropriate to linger, so they left Guli and Yu Yang to look after things for a while.

When the woman heard Wei Qingheng relate all that had happened, she was so grateful that she tried to get out of bed to kneel in thanks, tears streaming down her face, but Guli hurriedly helped her up. “Please, don’t stand on ceremony. It was nothing.”

“Thank you so much, benefactors. I have no way to repay such great kindness,” the woman sobbed in gratitude, but her body was too weak. After only a few words, a fit of coughing overtook her. Guli quickly helped her lie back down, offering a few words of comfort before stepping out with Yu Yang.

When they left the room, Yu Yang looked at Guli with newfound astonishment. She had assumed this princess was spoiled and willful, but it turned out she was well aware of the people’s hardships and showed great propriety.

Wei Qingheng’s younger sister was not at home. According to him, his sister loved learning and attending school, but the family couldn’t afford a tutor. So she often slipped outside the village school to listen in. She was probably there again now.

Guli felt an even deeper pang of sorrow upon hearing this.

At that moment, Wei Qingheng fetched some clean water to wash his face, and only then did Guli realize the boy was actually quite handsome—just a little short for his age due to long-term malnutrition. With better nourishment, he would surely catch up in height.

Wei Qingheng brought out a few stools, and Guli and the others sat down together in the courtyard.

Only then did Guli notice that Lie Chang’an was nowhere to be seen—most likely sent on an errand by the Crown Prince.

Soon after, a few more soldiers arrived, carrying all manner of vegetables, pork, rice, oil, medicinal herbs, and some fabrics and clothing—everything purchased as instructed by the Crown Prince. All these were placed together with the other provisions.

Wei Qingheng understood instantly—this was the Crown Prince converting all the silver into goods for his family.

“I can’t accept this,” he protested.

The Crown Prince smiled. “It’s not for you—it's for your mother and your sister. Besides, if you think it’s too much, you can share it with the neighboring villagers.”

With the Crown Prince’s words, Wei Qingheng could no longer refuse.

After a moment’s thought, he said, “Why don’t you stay for lunch before you go?”

They had helped him so much, and for now, this was the only way he could offer his thanks.