Yunuo arrived at Lianfu Garden with the Liao Family and Aunt Mo, where Mrs. Zhen and Du Yunru, Du Yunluo were already present.
She looked around, noticing that the second branch hadn’t shown up yet.
Lanzhi was telling Old Mrs. Xia a joke she heard outside, amusing the old lady greatly.
Upon seeing the Liao Family, Du Yunluo stood up to pay respects, noticing Aunt Mo was dressed elegantly, which aroused so suspicion in her heart.
Was Aunt Mo bold enough to outshine the Liao Family today?
The thought flashed by, and as Du Yunluo saw the Liao Family smilingly exchanging pleasantries with Old Mrs. Xia, while Aunt Mo still followed behind as usual with her eyes downcast, she realized she might have been mistaken.
In Du Yunluo’s mory, at family banquets, the fourth branch always arrived last. The Liao Family disliked Aunt Mo appearing in front of people and would delay as long as possible.
Today, she not only arrived early but also adorned Aunt Mo grandly—ha...
It seems not a moon but a sun will hang in the sky soon.
It truly is peculiar.
Du Yunluo casually pondered why the Liao Family suddenly treated Aunt Mo generously, but she didn’t delve deeper, as her mind was occupied with Du Yun Di.
"Didn’t you say you’d co back for the Mid-Autumn Festival before sending big sister off to marry?" Du Yunluo said, sitting by Old Mrs. Xia’s side. "It’s almost the hour, why hasn’t anyone arrived yet?"
"Probably delayed on the road." Old Mrs. Xia hoped too, as she yearned for family reunions during festive seasons, being unable to reunite with the first branch, now hoping Du Yun Di would return soon.
With many people in the room, conversations also increased.
The Liao Family selectively talked about blessings, and when the Miao Family and Du Yunying arrived, her smile grew even wider.
The Miao Family paid respects to Old Mrs. Xia. Hearing a gentle "Second Madam", she turned to see Aunt Mo standing beside.
Her gaze lingered on the horse face skirt in indigo color, and looking at Aunt Mo’s flawless appearance, powdered and applied with rouge, she appeared as charming as a maiden in her early twenties.
The Miao Family hesitated slightly, the Liao Family smiled and took a sip of tea, then suddenly said to Old Mrs. Xia: "Yun Di is a child who knows his limits well. Having ntioned he’d co back for the reunion dinner, he’d certainly make it in ti. Such a considerate child, deserves a more considerate partner in the future."
Old Mrs. Xia laughed heartily.
The Miao Family, understanding the Liao Family profoundly, realized the reason behind Aunt Mo’s appearance after the initial mont of surprise, knowing the Liao Family was implicitly saying she was relieved like a flower blooming, with troubles vanished, happy seeing anyone, especially happier seeing the displeased Miao Family.
Moreover, the Liao Family intentionally referenced Yun Di’s marriage to highlight her satisfaction with Du Yunlan’s marriage.
The Miao Family’s mouth twitched, spitting inside, and cursed: Selfish triumph!
You think Old Mrs. Xia doesn’t know what you’re thinking? She couldn’t care less about you! This petty tactic, you’ve quite the nerve to use it.
The happier you are, the more blooming you’re, why don’t you ascend to heaven!
This evening, don’t bother watching the palace or the jade rabbit; just watch you, the Liao Family, hanging in the sky!
The Miao Family, having cursed, felt sowhat relieved, ignoring the Liao Family and speaking with Old Mrs. Xia about the banquet arrangents.
These followed longstanding conventions, the Miao Family managed for years and was adept, leaving Old Mrs. Xia without any dissatisfaction.
As the conversation continued, soone ca to report that Du Yun Di had returned and would head to Lianfu Garden after bathing and changing clothes to pay respects.
Upon hearing this, everyone’s hearts were relieved.
Old Mrs. Xia said: "With everyone here, we shall go to the Flower Hall, and Yun Di should head directly there rather than detour here."
Since instructed by Old Mrs. Xia, no delays were allowed.
A group of people headed toward the Flower Hall.
Located by the garden’s lake, the Flower Hall offers a good viewpoint of the mansion, with removable carved windows on both northern and southern sides, revealing glittering lake water. When the bright moon hangs high, two round moons atop the sky and within the water face each other, quite amusing.
Inside the Flower Hall, Du Gongfu and several of his sons and grandsons were conversing.
With too many ladies in Lianfu Garden, Du Gongfu wasn’t interested in listening to internal household affairs, hence arrived earlier at the Flower Hall, chatting about politics and worldly experiences with his sons and grandsons.
Both sides exchanged greetings.
Huai’en noticed Aunt Mo on the side, the exquisitely adorned, elegant woman he hadn’t seen in years, becoming excited inwardly, not showing it among many people, yet nodded toward the exceptionally magnanimous Liao Family.
Once Du Yun Di finished preparing, he ca, as straightforward as ever, not asking maids to lay a cushion, directly kneeling to pay respects.
Mrs. Zhen showed concern, as did Old Mrs. Xia, quickly asking people to help him rise.
Du Yunluo smiled, paying respects to Du Yun Di, pulling him and saying: "Fourth brother, did you return with Second Brother Shao?"
"How could I," Du Yun Di laughed and said, "He was the groom, taking leave ten days ago."
Du Yunluo pursed her lips: "Your brother-in-law held off at the academy until the last mont, then rushed back on horseback?"
Although their voices were muted, Du Yunru stood by Du Yunluo, hearing every word clearly.
Du Yunluo lowered her gaze, noticing Du Yunru was nervously twisting a handkerchief, and chuckled.
Du Yunru blushed, wanting to counter, yet feared the articulate and bold Du Yunluo would retaliate. At Qinghui Garden, it was fine; now, with everyone present, if blocked by Du Yunluo, she’d be too humiliated to even find a crack to stand.
She could only glare and let it go.
The Miao Family, overseeing house affairs, was equally busy now, preferring not to sit around listening to the Liao Family flaunting here and there but rather to appear busy, showing Old Mrs. Xia she had been diligently managing the house.
In the Flower Hall, two large round tables were set, being all family mbers, no screens were needed, ensuring transparency.
Outside, on the corridor, was a buffet line for the maids and won not celebrating at ho to sit and enjoy a few drinks, which delighted Old Mrs. Xia most.
The Miao Family was directing personnel.
A matrons hurried over, happily reporting: "Madam, rewards have co from the Eastern Palace to our mansion."
The Miao Family paused, then quickly entered the Flower Hall, releasing all previous frustrations.
The Eastern Palace gracing Du Mansion with rewards during the Mid-Autumn Festival!
This prestige, how many families in the Capital possess?
With such prestige, wouldn’t her daughters find suitable marriages? She refused to believe otherwise!
Inside the Flower Hall, upon hearing, everyone showcased joyous smiles.
Du Gongfu urged everyone to retreat for grooming and dressing, yet only a few steps were taken when they spotted a stewardess leading a eunuch, followed by five or six palace maids in light green attire.
Du Gongfu examined closely, realizing it was Eunuch Cao, the chief eunuch of the Eastern Palace, the foremost person around the Crown Prince.
Eunuch Cao hastened his steps, approaching, supporting Du Gongfu: "Old Master, take it easy; today’s just a few small treats and jugs of wine from His Highness, no need for formalities."
Du Gongfu repeatedly waved his hand, uttering his astonishnt.
User Comments
0 comments from readers