Chapter 36: Chapter 35: Courage (2nd Update)
After Yunluo completed her lessons on the rules, she noticed that Miao Ruoshan had acquired two more maids and an older woman by her side.
She exchanged a glance with Du Yunying, and they both understood each other without words.
On the day of the coming-of-age ceremony, Miao Family was busy from early morning, wishing for another pair of hands and another mouth to arrange everything perfectly.
Yang Shen, the elder sister-in-law of Yang Family, arrived along with Mrs. Yiren.
Mrs. Yiren was Yang Family’s distant elder sister, married off a few years ago, and her life had been smooth ever since. Her husband was promoted one after another, and her status had risen accordingly. Now, returning to her parental home, she commanded more respect than when she was a young lady.
Du Yunying’s coming-of-age ceremony required an official host, and Yang Shen and Yang Yiren suggested it, and it was readily accepted.
"This time, I’m truly grateful to Mrs. Yiren." Miao Family did not dare to neglect the official host, and despite being busy, she came over to say a few words.
Yang Yiren, with her lovely dimples as she smiled, said, "You are my sixth sister’s younger sister-in-law. I might be bold to call you sister-in-law. When we were unmarried, I was on good terms with Sixth Sister, and being here to serve as a host for my niece is my good fortune."
This affectionate address brought a deeper smile to Miao Family’s face.
Yang Shen smiled and said, "We are all family, why bother about these formalities?"
"Indeed," Yang Yiren nodded, "No need for formalities. I just saw Third Niece Du, and she truly delights the eyes. Among the officials and praisers, she stands like a flower. Each of the three has their own merits, supporting one another, not outshone by anyone, making all of them even more charming."
Nobody dislikes hearing compliments, and Miao Family was no exception.
Praise for Du Yunying sounded sweeter than anything else to her.
Everything about the coming-of-age ceremony proceeded smoothly and ended orderly, allowing Miao Family to relax significantly, smiling as she chatted with the guests.
After a few words, it is unclear who brought it up, but the topic turned to Du Yunluo.
"Is she not the praised girl, a marriage bestowed by the Holy Emperor, to marry the Princely Heir of Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, truly a great fortune?"
Once someone spoke, others agreed enthusiastically. Initially, Miao Family listened with a smile, but soon felt a bit displeased.
It was Du Yunying’s coming-of-age ceremony, yet the guests cared only about Du Yunluo’s marriage, completely ignoring the main event, causing Miao Family to feel embarrassed.
She glanced around at the guests, feeling indignation: in the capital, how many truly thought marrying into Dingyuan Marquis Mansion was fortunate? Uttering nonsense without fearing a tongue twist!
Mrs. Zhen and Liao Family sat side by side, their smiles somewhat strained as well.
Only Old Mrs. Xia was overjoyed, unable to be more satisfied.
Du Yunying changed her attire and sat properly by Miao Family’s side. After listening to a few words, she couldn’t help but glance at Du Yunluo.
Du Yunluo and Du Yunru were talking quietly, paying no mind to those guests.
Miao Ruoshan sat in a corner, whispering to Du Yunnuo beside her, "After all, it’s Sister Ying’s coming-of-age ceremony, alas..."
"Five sister’s marriage is renowned," Du Yunnuo said with a faint smile.
"Renowned it is, but with Princess An Ran’s commotion making it known throughout the capital."
Du Yunnuo’s almond eyes darted, glancing at Miao Family and Du Yunying in the crowd, and quietly told Miao Ruoshan, "Princess An Ran is my mother’s niece. I have some dealings with her. Honestly, I admire her courage. Knowing full well the Duke House and our Du Family were negotiating a marriage, she still bravely expressed her affection for the Princely Heir. Although unrewarded, at least the Princely Heir knows now, and in the future, others mention the princess, he will remember this girl who was deeply in love with him."
"You..." Miao Ruoshan’s eyes widened suddenly, her hands covering her lips, her heart pounding almost out of her chest as she quivered, "Nuomu, do you truly think so?"
Du Yunnuo nodded solemnly and earnestly, "I only regret for the princess, had she been braver earlier, revealing her feelings before the Princely Heir and Five Sister’s negotiations, maybe, maybe there would be a different outcome."
A thin mist appeared in Miao Ruoshan’s eyes, and she sighed softly, "It’s destiny, destined to be missed..."
"Even missed, she doesn’t let herself regret. I sincerely admire her. You don’t know, after her coming-of-age, she was more restricted than before, unlike before, coming and going freely. She seized a precious opportunity, and if she missed it, who knows if she’ll have another chance..."
Du Yunnuo’s words struck Miao Ruoshan’s heart with the weight of a stone, her breathing became urgent, and she couldn’t quite hear Du Yunnuo’s late words clearly.
In her mind, the same few sentences played over and over.
She understood Princess An Ran’s feelings, the bitterness of yearning for someone unattainable, known only to those who have experienced it.
She envied Princess An Ran’s boldness, but she never had the courage. This time, coming to reside temporarily at Du Family, seeing Du Yunlong a few more times, made Miao Ruoshan ecstatic. Any further thought she dared not let surface in her mind.
But Du Yunnuo’s speech made her somewhat eager to give it a try.
Even without response, should she not express her feelings to Du Yunlang?
The love buried in her heart for years was her most cherished sentiment, wishing to tell him, as Du Yunnuo said, in the future, when Du Yunlang thinks of her, even with the slightest touch, Miao Ruoshan would be satisfied.
Opportunities are rare, being in Du Family now, if not seizing it, what chance left to confide in Du Yunlang?
Du Yunnuo subtly watched Miao Ruoshan’s expression, seeing her ears turn red and eyes filled with shyness, she added, "Sister Cai’er, I feel there is nothing wrong with yearning for someone. This feeling is not wrong."
Miao Ruoshan’s body trembled. She pulled out a handkerchief to cover her face, holding back tears, after a long time she said, "I-I am going to change clothes."
Miao Ruoshan quietly left, and Du Yunnuo watched the lake-hued figure disappear, slightly curving her lips.
Her nail, stained with balsam, gently brushed the tea cup as Du Yunnuo sipped the now slightly cool tea, feeling quite pleased.
Du Yunluo whispering with Du Yunru, caught a glimpse of Du Yunnuo’s inscrutable smile, and felt a chill down her spine.
Sweeping her eyes around the room, Du Yunluo asked, "Eldest sister, where is Sister Cai’er?"
"Was she not with Fourth Sister..." As Du Yunru spoke, her gaze shifted to see only Du Yunnuo having her tea refilled by her maid in the corner, Miao Ruoshan’s figure nowhere to be seen. She furrowed her brows, "Perhaps she went outside to get some air?"
Du Yunluo didn’t believe it. At that moment, Du Yunying called her over, and she moved to sit beside Du Yunying, whispering, "Sister Cai’er is missing."
Du Yunying pressed her lips tightly together.
"I’m just afraid if by any chance..." Du Yunluo said in a low voice.
A flash of sharpness crossed Du Yunying’s eyes.
Today she completed her coming-of-age ceremony, and Du Yunlang had left just after the ritual, likely still in the mansion at this time.
With the prospect of sending Miao Ruoshan away tomorrow, Du Yunying didn’t want to lose her advantage. She pulled Du Yunluo out of the Flower Hall and called over a few trusted maids and older women, giving instructions, "Find Cai’er, I fear she might have lost her way in the mansion. If she comes back on her own, so be it; if she wanders about, discreetly bring her back."
