Chapter 258 - 257: Disgrace
Mu Lianxiao walked extremely fast.
This alley was quiet, with not many people going in and out.
Fortunately, because of this, his disheveled appearance was not seen by others.
The late autumn wind blew against him, barely cooling the heat, so he had to lean against an old tree, taking deep and steady breaths.
Before his eyes was still the gentle smile of Du Yunluo, her soft and sweet voice, like her cherry lips, completely disarrayed his senses.
Yun Qi came running after him.
He had been trying to get close to the coachman to prevent him from going back to the mansion and revealing the meeting between Du Yunluo and Mu Lianxiao.
The young coachman was particularly interested in martial arts, listening to Yun Qi talk about training, wrestling, and various happenings in the military camp with great enthusiasm.
The two were deeply engaged in conversation when Mu Lianxiao suddenly got out of the carriage without a word and walked away without looking back.
Yun Qi had no choice but to hurriedly bid farewell to the coachman and quicken his pace to catch up with Mu Lianxiao, wondering in his heart: Could it be the Young Master had a disagreement with Miss Du?
As the thought surfaced, Yun Qi himself didn’t believe it.
Not to mention Miss Du’s temperament, just considering the Young Master himself, who treats her as the apple of his eye, how could they quarrel? He couldn’t even indulge her enough.
Yun Qi couldn’t guess the reason until he reached Mu Lianxiao’s side.
Yun Qi keenly discovered the truth and burst out laughing.
Mu Lianxiao’s handsome face turned crimson red: "What are you laughing at!"
Yun Qi initially tried hard to suppress his laughter, but upon hearing this, couldn’t help it anymore. Afraid that Mu Lianxiao would kick him, he clutched his stomach and moved aside to laugh.
Mu Lianxiao’s teeth itched with annoyance, but he ignored the insolent Yun Qi, having calmed down after some time.
He glared at the distant Yun Qi who was peeking at him, grinning broadly with his white teeth.
Mu Lianxiao adjusted his attire; let Yun Qi laugh, as long as Du Yunluo didn’t know, it was fine. Being a young lady, she probably wouldn’t understand anyway.
Mu Lianxiao thought to himself.
And it wasn’t until Du Yunluo returned to the mansion that she managed to contain her laughter.
Old Mrs. Xia had someone wait for her at the second gate, so Du Yunluo went to Lianfu Garden.
Miao Shi, Liao Shi, and Xia Anxin were all in Old Mrs. Xia’s room, discussing Du Yunlan’s impending marriage, requiring meticulous attention to detail.
Du Yunluo greeted each of them.
Liao Shi was talking about flowers.
Du Yunlan and Jiang Si Niang’s bridal chamber was finally chosen to be in a small courtyard not far from Anfeng Courtyard.
Though small, it was well-appointed after some renovation, with furniture, calligraphy, and paintings arranged to make it look decent.
The small size had its benefits; when Jiang Si Niang’s family grows in the future and the small courtyard becomes insufficient, Liao Shi would be more confident to ask Old Mrs. Xia for a larger courtyard.
Therefore, Liao Shi was satisfied with the place.
But in November, unlike spring or summer, there were fewer flowers despite the warm rooms, and Liao Shi wanted a riot of colors but couldn’t work with a shortage of materials.
But who could be blamed for this? She’s the one who chose November; the seasons couldn’t be contested.
Old Mrs. Xia also found it somewhat meager; she was pleased with the Jiang family’s marriage and didn’t want anyone to feel aggrieved over trivial matters. Hence, she decided to add two pots of rare autumn chrysanthemums in the courtyard and two half-foot-tall East Sea red coral pots as decorations indoors.
Liao Shi gratefully thanked her for the gifts.
Du Yunluo served Old Mrs. Xia a little warm almond dew and said, "Grandmother, for my third brother’s wedding, should we invite Mrs. Ying again?"
Liao Shi turned to look at Du Yunluo upon hearing this.
Miao Shi and Xia Anxin also knew about that affair, and they could guess Mrs. Ying Jin’s intentions. However, since Du Gongfu and Old Mrs. Xia didn’t make a decision, Miao Shi, being the daughter-in-law, couldn’t interfere in Anfeng Courtyard’s matters.
Old Mrs. Xia took out a handkerchief, dabbed the corners of her lips, and smiled: "Why, does Yunluo want to invite that lady?"
Du Yunluo carefully chose her words, explaining the background of the Ying family and Ying Ji. As for the source of the information, she claimed to have asked Princess Nanyan during a meeting in the palace today, without mentioning Mu Lianxiao at all.
Old Mrs. Xia listened but didn’t immediately reply, patting Du Yunluo’s hand and said, "I know about this matter. I’ll have to think it over some more."
Miao Shi surreptitiously glanced at Old Mrs. Xia. In her view, what was there to ponder over? Such an opportunity wouldn’t occur again. The Ying family might have a weak foundation, but didn’t Ying Qianshi climb step by step to his position? Ying Ji’s future was uncertain more because he was too straightforward. Regardless of whether he’d make a good official, such a son-in-law would treat his wife well without any ulterior motives.
Besides, marrying into the Du family could open more pathways in his career. Even if he couldn’t become a Second Rank like Ying Qianshi, securing a position in the Central Army Commander’s Mansion would still be beneficial.
If Meng Qianshi and the Ying family’s marriage went through, the sisters would look out for each other as in-laws.
Miao Shi’s mind buzzed with plans, but it wasn’t her place to decide, so she remained silent, occasionally watching Liao Shi’s reaction.
Liao Shi opened her mouth to speak, but Old Mrs. Xia gave her a slight frown, so she closed it again.
Old Mrs. Xia needed her afternoon nap, so everyone dispersed.
Du Yunluo returned to Anhua Courtyard, finding Jin Ling sitting in the outer room doing embroidery, so she went over to take a look.
Jin Ling stood up smiling to welcome her: "This handkerchief is almost finished."
The deep red double-happiness handkerchief, Jin Ling embroidered it herself. Her wedding was not far off, and being skilled, she managed to prepare most of the dowry within a short time.
Du Yunluo called Jin Ling into the East Wing, letting her sit on a stool to continue her embroidery, while she also took her embroidery basket to focus on her sachet.
Jin Rui lit some incense; its fragrance was refreshing. She sat at the table painting patterns.
Her embroidery skills weren’t impressive, so she didn’t embarrass herself by helping Du Yunluo with her bridal embroidery, knowing she’d create more work instead of helping.
The three of them focused on their tasks, unaware of the passing time until greetings were heard from the courtyard.
Jin Lan lifted the curtain and came in, smiling: "Miss, Fourth Young Lady is here."
Jin Rui promptly tidied up the table, and Jin Ling brought tea and snacks, leaving the room for the sisters.
Du Yunuo propped her arm on the small table, glancing at the sachet: "It’s beautiful."
"I’m glad you think so," Du Yunluo said with a smile.
Du Yunuo pursed her lips and softly asked, "I’ve heard about the Ying family’s situation."
Du Yunluo raised an eyebrow and curiously asked, "Who told you?"
As soon as she spoke, she already knew the answer.
The true intentions behind Mrs. Ying Jin’s visit were known to only a few in the entire household; Liao Shi was the only one who would inform Du Yunuo.
Back then, Liao Shi admonished her not to speak of it, but today...
It’s understandable; when Liao Shi didn’t know about the Ying family’s plans, but now understanding them, naturally she hopes for this marriage to succeed. Yet Old Mrs. Xia remained enigmatic, leaving Liao Shi no chance to express herself, so she could only tell Du Yunuo.