Chapter 119: Chapter 118: Goodness
Du Yunluo just smiled without speaking.
Mrs. Zhen embraced her, sighing deeply, and finally frowned, saying, "Since it’s nothing, what are you feeling guilty about?"
Du Yunluo had just calmed down a bit, but those words brought her anxiety back up. Fortunately, Mrs. Zhen didn’t pursue the matter further.
Du Yunluo secretly breathed a sigh of relief. The only time she wasn’t directly under Mrs. Zhen’s watchful eye was the little moment she took a nap in the side room. It was only because of those events that Mrs. Zhen didn’t continue dwelling on it.
Mrs. Zhen called Shui Yue inside, gave some instructions, and then, remembering Du Yunying’s marriage, advised Du Yunluo, "Regardless of the outcome, keep this matter to yourself. If anything goes wrong, neither your second aunt, third sister, nor even the old lady would protect you."
Du Yunluo nodded repeatedly. Any potential issues would naturally arise from the one in Anfeng Courtyard. If she found out that the Chengyi Bo Mansion was in a rush to arrange a marriage for the second young master to avoid marrying Princess An Ran, the Liao Family would likely pass word to Duke Jing Mansion.
In Lianfu Garden, Old Mrs. Xia and Du Gongfu quickly made a decision.
Du Yunluo guessed correctly: it’s now or never. If they don’t secure a good match in the future, won’t Du Huaiping and the Miao Family blame them?
The Chengyi Bo Mansion has solid foundations, and the Old Lord is reliable, plus the princely couple have a good reputation. That second young master — although Du Gongfu hasn’t dealt with him, a child raised in that household should be no less than decent.
Once Old Mrs. Xia had decided, she sent someone to inform the Miao Family.
Upon confirmation, Ms. Miao returned to her room, quietly chanting "Amitabha Buddha" several times, which puzzled Du Yunying greatly.
Ms. Miao whispered into Du Yunying’s ear, explaining the situation in detail.
Du Yunying blushed deeply with joy in her eyes and asked, "Mother, is it true?"
"Would I deceive you on such matters?" Ms. Miao replied with satisfaction, holding Du Yunying’s hand. "You’ve endured so long, looking here and there for more than half a year; this is the best and most reliable opportunity. Tomorrow, your mother will go to the Vice Minister Mansion to pass the word, to settle things early."
Du Yunying reluctantly agreed, then reconsidered and stopped Ms. Miao: "Mother, Mrs. Shi just visited today; if we agree tomorrow, won’t it..."
Last time, when Du Yunluo was arranging a marriage, it dragged on for quite some time.
Du Yunying always remembered that Old Mrs. Xia said, "Hold your head high when marrying off a daughter." Now it was her turn; rushing to agree might lower her standing?
Ms. Miao understood Du Yunying’s concerns, hugged her, and said, "Now is different. The Chengyi Bo Mansion is in more of a hurry than we are. They fear losing the opportunity if Duke Jing speaks up first."
Ms. Miao only said half. She was thinking of last time when Du Yunying arranged a match and Old Mrs. Xia, taking her time, left the matter hanging for a few days. Then, when the Mid-Autumn Festival incident happened, the engagement fell through.
This time, things must go smoothly.
Du Yunying nodded obediently and said, "Then, Mother, don’t go to the Vice Minister Mansion. Tell Fourth Aunt. If she finds out, we’ll be on the back foot. Didn’t you invite Shi Qingyu for Fifth Sister’s birthday? Let her bring the message then, and Mrs. Shi will understand."
Ms. Miao pondered her daughter’s reasoning, finding some truth in her words. Anyway, Du Yunluo’s birthday was only a few days away, so she held back.
If Ms. Miao could hold her patience, Du Huaiping, the savvy businessman, could certainly do so as well.
On Du Yunluo’s birthday, snowflakes began to fall gently.
Ms. Miao worried whether it might turn into heavy snow. If a snowstorm arose, could Shi Qingyu still come?
When Du Yunluo got up and saw the gloomy sky, she couldn’t help but feel somewhat downcast.
Jin Ling came in from outside, took off her snow jacket in the anteroom to warm up a bit and dissipate the chill, and only then entered the inner chamber.
Jin Rui was helping Du Yunluo with her hair, and she looked up at Jin Ling, "You’re finally here."
Jin Ling, pretending not to catch the sarcasm in Jin Rui’s voice, approached with a smile and said, "Today’s hairstyle is really lovely, miss. I’ll hold up the mirror for you."
Jin Rui deftly adorned Du Yunluo with jewelry and pinned a silk flower as Jin Ling held up the mirror for her to see.
Du Yunluo nodded with satisfaction, and Jin Rui’s face lit up with joy, becoming somewhat formal with Jin Ling.
In Lianfu Garden, Old Mrs. Xia was waiting for her. After letting her pay respects, she had Lanzhi give her a red envelope.
Both Ms. Miao and the Liao Family also gave her one with a smile.
Du Yunluo knelt, kowtowing three times to Mrs. Zhen, who hugged and kissed her with red eyes.
The snowflakes fell for over an hour before gradually ceasing, to everyone’s relief.
Accompanied by Du Yunying and Du Yunnuo, Du Yunluo returned to Anhua Courtyard.
The three, each harboring their own thoughts, talked casually to pass time until Shi Qingyu arrived, bringing genuine joy to Du Yunluo.
Du Yunnuo observed her smile before noticing Du Yunying’s expectant expression and couldn’t help but ponder, since Du Yunluo and Shi Qingyu were indeed close, yet why was Du Yunying also showing such interest?
Du Yunluo invited Shi Qingyu to sit down.
Shi Qingyu, remembering Mrs. Shi’s instructions, wanted to ask about Du Yunying but refrained in the others’ presence, cheerfully congratulating Du Yunluo on her birthday instead.
The four young ladies gathered to play leaf cards, enjoying some merriment.
Du Yunying, intent on getting Du Yunnuo to leave, pondered for a while before saying, "I forgot the birthday gift for Fifth Sister in Shuifu Garden."
Du Yunnuo, holding her leaf card, casually replied, "In that case, send someone to retrieve it."
"I prepared it secretly; no one knows where I’ve stored it." Du Yunying explained, getting up and pulling Du Yunnuo. "Fourth Sister, accompany me. It’s so dull to go alone."
Du Yunnuo, still not understanding, was half-dragged to her feet.
"Fifth Sister, wait for me a moment." Du Yunying winked at Du Yunluo.
Du Yunluo understood Du Yunying’s intentions; coincidentally, she also had something to discuss with Shi Qingyu.
Once the two left, Shi Qingyu moved closer to Du Yunluo, asking, "What kind of personality does your third sister have?"
Du Yunluo couldn’t help but laugh, it was indeed Shi Qingyu, straightforward and direct, with no beating around the bush.
"Third Sister, she has her little calculations and plans for herself," Du Yunluo paused, then spoke seriously, "but she’s actually a simple person. She’s very straightforward; one is one, two is two. She doesn’t covet what isn’t hers, but wouldn’t be happy if what’s hers falls into someone else’s hands."
After speaking, seeing Shi Qingyu in thought, Du Yunluo added, "She’s kind-hearted. Otherwise, during Mid-Autumn Festival, how would she have so bravely saved Fourth Sister?"
No one is perfect; considering her own interests isn’t wrong, but Du Yunying has her moments of courage too. When Du Yunnuo’s hair caught fire, it was Du Yunying who rushed over without thinking, disregarding her safety.
