Chapter 50: Chapter 49: Loving Mother
The mistresses and maids went about their busy tasks.
Miao sat in the Flower Hall, her eyes closed in concentration. Quan Yin brought over a cup of hot tea, and Miao opened her eyes, leisurely blew on it, and took a sip.
Whether in the height of summer or the depth of winter, Miao loved hot tea. With a gulp, she felt her heart, liver, and lungs all at ease.
Mrs. Shen Changgen hurried in, bowed, and said, "Madam, the front has reported that Mr. Si has returned."
Miao frowned slightly and put the teacup down, "Yun Di has returned?"
"He has just entered the mansion."
Upon hearing this, Miao stood up, ready to go to the front.
Quan Yin stepped forward to support her, advising, "Madam, you hardly rested last night, and it’s rare for you to have some peace now. Why not sit a while longer? Everything in Mr. Si’s residence is well-prepared, so you need not worry."
Miao chuckled, "What’s a little fatigue? Yun Di is the old master’s favorite. If I don’t go, who knows what stories might spread?"
Mrs. Shen Changgen quickly offered a few comforting words and shook her head at Quan Yin.
Quan Yin lowered her head, feeling a bit of discontent.
The third branch’s members are always the old master’s favorites, while the second branch’s sons and daughters are always a step behind.
Thinking of her madam’s recent hardships, Quan Yin pursed her lips.
The third branch benefits without much effort and surely won’t spread any rumors. But it’s always the fourth branch, with Liao Family’s big mouth...
Seeing Miao being assisted away by Mrs. Shen Changgen, Quan Yin secretly clenched her fist, left the Flower Hall, and found a maid on duty, instructing, "Mr. Si has returned. Quickly inform the Qinghui Garden; the Third Madam must be waiting."
The young maid agreed and ran to Qinghui Garden. She hardly ever had the chance to speak before the masters and was even less familiar with the Third Branch’s masters. After glancing around, she spotted a kind-faced nanny coming out from the cross room and approached her.
Upon learning that Du Yundi had returned, the nanny was delighted and had Shui Yue bring the maid in.
In the East Wing, Mrs. Zhen reclined on the couch, lazily waving an ivory-handled fan with female figures painted on it. Du Yunluo and Du Yunru sat at the table, with ice bowls before them, chatting with Mrs. Zhen as they ate.
Shui Yue lifted the curtain and entered with a smile, "Madam, Mr. Si has returned to the mansion."
Knowing that Du Yundi was due to return these days and counting the days, Mrs. Zhen rejoiced at the news, "Is he truly back?"
"He has returned, Third Madam." Although the young maid did not stutter, her voice was trembling.
Mrs. Zhen didn’t mind at all and instructed Shui Yue to give her some reward money.
Du Yunluo put down her ice bowl, took out a handkerchief to wipe her mouth, and asked, "Where do you serve? You seem unfamiliar. Why did Second Aunt ask you to run errands?"
"Servant Sui’er serves outside the council Flower Hall," Sui Yue felt more at ease seeing Du Yunluo’s friendly demeanor and the handful of reward money she held, "After Second Madam finished her business, the front reported that Mr. Si returned to the mansion. Second Madam hurriedly left, and Sister Quan Yin said Third Madam must be thinking about it, so she sent me to report."
"No wonder you seem unfamiliar." Du Yunluo nodded.
Seeing there was nothing more needed, Sui’er retreated outside.
"I’ll go ahead and take a look." Mrs. Zhen, anxious about her son, could not sit still and called for people to help her tidy up the front courtyard for her son.
"Mother, Fourth Brother is already back. Of course, he will come to see you. Please wait a bit and let Fourth Brother pay respects to Grandfather and Grandmother first." Du Yunluo spoke up.
Mrs. Zhen was about to go out through the curtain when she heard this and paused, turning to look at her daughters.
Du Yunru glanced at Du Yunluo and nodded to Mrs. Zhen as well, "Mother, Sister is right. Don’t delay Fourth Brother’s visit to Lianfu Garden. Grandfather..."
Du Gongfu...
Mrs. Zhen was startled, her heart tightened.
A loving mother spoils her son; that was Du Gongfu’s constant saying.
She had just been carried away with joy, nearly forgetting about what her father-in-law detested most.
Had she rushed to the front courtyard, inevitably dragging Du Yundi to chat a bit, even without much delay, Du Gongfu would regard even a moment’s delay as if it were half an hour.
Mrs. Zhen stepped back a few paces and returned to sit on the couch, "You two do remember well, alright, I won’t go. Let Nanny Zhao make a trip then."
Du Yunru chuckled, "With Second Aunt there to support, you needn’t worry, Mother."
Du Yunluo also said a few words in agreement, though in her heart, she was wondering how a prudent and capable servant would convey this message.
"Third Madam, Mr. Si has just returned, knowing you were anxious, Second Madam sent me to inform you. Please be patient, after Mr. Si pays respects to the old master and mistress, he will come to you."
In her mind, the image of Mrs. Shen Changgen appeared. If it were her, she would undoubtedly say it with a broad smile.
But Sui’er...
Led Mrs. Zhen into a panic, potentially causing Du Gongfu’s displeasure. Deep down, Du Yunluo didn’t believe this was Miao’s idea.
Miao was not someone who wasted time on meaningless tricks like this.
Then was it Quan Yin?
Regardless, it doesn’t hurt Miao or Quan Yin. With nothing to lose, it’s worth a try.
Du Yunluo’s mind turned, listening to the soft conversation between Mrs. Zhen and Du Yunru, as she raised her hand to rub her brow.
Perhaps, it was just a coincidence.
Perhaps she had become so accustomed to her comfortable days that even the slightest oddity prompted overthinking.
They waited for more than an hour.
Nanny Zhao returned first, reporting, "Mr. Si went to Lianfu Garden, and I led the people to tidy up the front courtyard. Madam, rest assured."
Mrs. Zhen nodded slowly.
After a while, Mrs. Zhen kept glancing at the Western clock, "Why is it taking so long?"
Du Yunru consoled, "Fourth Brother hasn’t been back for half a year. Perhaps Grandfather is testing him on his studies. Mother, you know well that Grandfather loves to guide the brothers on their studies now."
Du Gongfu, at his core, was not of an official temperament but a scholar.
Among the grandsons, Du Yundi carried his great expectations, which is why, upon discovering Du Yundi’s talent, he personally taught him, fearing he’d become a frog at the bottom of the well, and sent him to Lishan Academy.
In the past month, his passion for teaching had rekindled, reaching fervor. Encountering a good student, he certainly would want to offer guidance.
Mrs. Zhen understood this too and glanced at the Western clock again, "Never mind, the latest he’ll be back is before dinner. Shui Yue, have the kitchen prepare some of Yun Di’s favorite dishes, add a couple more tonight."
Shui Yue left with a smile.
Just as she stepped outside the main house, she saw a young figure approaching from outside. Shui Yue’s eyes brightened, and she turned back to the East Wing, "Madam, Mr. Si is here!"
