Chapter 364 Duke An’s Mansion(2)_1
Steward Cao went off with a grin on his face.
Mu Zhongqing said with concern: "Lady Mei, I feel something’s not quite right. That Steward Cao is being overly attentive. Considering your influence in this mansion, it just doesn’t add up to why he’d go to such lengths."
Lady Du said: "I too sense something amiss, but my concerns for my mother override all else. If they truly harbour ill intent against me, not coming here wouldn’t spare us. Given the power of the Duke’s household, they could get rid of us easily. For now, let’s just take it one step at a time."
Just as they were talking, Steward Cao returned and laughed: "Mistress, Son-in-law, please come with me. The Duke and all the lords are eager to meet you. Please come and meet your family!"
Lady Du and Mu Zhongqing looked at each other, nodded their heads, and with conflicting feelings, followed Steward Cao towards the main hall of the mansion.
They passed around the screen wall, arrived at the entrance of the hall, where they saw four maids standing by the door. Several older female servants were also standing in the gallery, awaiting their orders.
Spotting Lady Du and her husband, one of the quick-handed maids lifted the door curtain, inviting the couple to enter.
Inside the Flower Hall, it was crowded with people, both standing and sitting. In the centre sat Duke An, Du Ruohai and his wife, Lady Wang, on a pair of pear wood armchairs.
Du Ruohai, around fifty years old, had thinning hair and pale complexion. His swollen eyes implied a man worn down by indulgence in alcohol. He wore a chestnut-colored, wide-sleeved robe with edging and intricate embroidery on it, suitable to his status as Duke An.
His wife, Lady Wang, was in her early fifties, with a dignified and clean-cut appearance. She was wearing a Lake Blue Embroidered Western Lotus Brocade Bilateral-Top with a Deep Brown Gold Embroidered Blossom Horse-faced Skirt. On her head, she wore an openwork kingfisher Phoenix Head Hairpin and a Gold-rimmed Ruby Floral Hairpin with the word "Longevity". A pair of Red Coral Pendants hung from her ears. She wore a jadeite bracelet on her left hand and a jade ring on her middle finger, appearing both luxurious and wealthy.