Chapter 62: Chapter 61: Praying for Blessings
"Third sister, does your finger hurt?" Yunuo asked a bit timidly.
An embroidered curtain adorned with falling flowers hung on the crane’s beak copper hooks. Du Yunying reclined on the pillow and stretched out her hand: "The medicine woman has checked it. It’s been washed, treated, and bandaged again. Be careful these days, and it will slowly get better."
Yunuo breathed a slight sigh of relief, seeing those jade-like fingers wrapped awkwardly and unattractively. Feeling even more guilty, she took out a palm-sized round box from her sleeve: "This is an ointment from the palace for reducing swelling and scars. It was given last year by the aunt from the Duke Jing Mansion to my mother. My mother saw my neck was red and gave it to me to apply. It’s cooling and soothing. Sister, you should try it next time."
Yunluo, hearing this, looked surprised at the round box.
This Fourth Miss, who never gives anything away, actually offered something now, and from the palace too. It’s truly as if the sun has risen from the west.
Du Yunying showed a trace of astonishment in her eyes but smiled and had the maid accept it: "You are thoughtful; I will try it later."
Although she said that, there’s no way Du Yunying dared to use this ointment.
In the Duke Jing Mansion, Aunt Liao and the Liao Family are not in harmony but often compete in secret. Aunt Liao, who got things from the Young Master, would flaunt them but never share them with the Liao Family. If she did give them away, they’re not necessarily good things.
After all, the Duke Mansion may be dignified, but things granted by the Emperor aren’t so easily available or casually given away.
Moreover, Du Yunuo’s intentions are hard for Du Yunying to read. This Fourth Sister might be a viper that bites without warning, just in case...
Yunluo was impatient to meddle in their guessing games, following Miao Family’s suggestion, she changed the topic, diverting Du Yunying’s attention.
The three chatted idly for a good while. Exhausted from sleeplessness, Du Yunying became drowsy, allowing Yunluo to pull Yunuo away.
Yunuo was requested to return to Anfeng Courtyard by the Liao Family’s people, while Yunluo made her way to Qinghui Garden. Mrs. Zhen had gone to Lianfu Garden, so she followed over.
Old Mrs. Xia, having just risen from her midday nap, smiled and waved upon seeing Yunluo: "Come quickly, today’s chilled bowl is good, deeply refreshing, taking away the heat." Saying this, she had Lanzhi prepare a bowl for Yunluo.
Red beans boiled to a paste, finely crushed ice, paired with milk, fragrant and refreshing, perfectly suitable to Yunluo’s taste.
With a smile, Mrs. Zhen asked, "Did you go to Shuifu Garden? How is Yun Ying?"
Eating as she replied, Yunluo said, "The medicine woman has applied medicine and says it needs time to heal. Fourth sister and I were with third sister, chatting to keep her company. Once she got tired, we left."
"Poor child!" Mrs. Zhen recited a prayer.
Old Mrs. Xia pursed her lips and shook her head; no matter how strictly she reprimanded during the day, deep down, she felt a pang of sadness.
She only hoped these children learn from their experiences and avoid being unnecessarily caught in disputes, suffering as a result.
Nanny Xu observed Old Mrs. Xia’s expression and suggested, "Considering it’s July, how about holding a ritual for peace and serenity?"
Most people are devout, and July coincides with the ghost month, inherently feeling that odd things might bubble up.
Old Mrs. Xia wholeheartedly agreed, nearly nodding in assent, but then reconsidered, shaking her head: "No, with yesterday’s events, seen by so many families in the Capital, suddenly inviting a monk for a ritual might cause quite a stir!"
Rumors are fearsome.
Claim it’s for blessing, yet people think you’re warding off evil.
Warding off family’s? Others might gossip about what Du Yunying and Du Yunuo collided with; if enough people talk, Du Yunying won’t be able to find a suitable match.
Warding off others’? That would be akin to openly criticizing Duke Jing Mansion and Prince Ding Mansion as evil.
The Du Family cannot afford a public spat with these households.
Mrs. Zhen, understanding Old Mrs. Xia’s concerns, suggested, "Maybe in the coming days, I’ll visit Fa Yin Temple to pray. I had planned to do so anyway, as Yun Ru is getting married, and I’d like to pray for her."
Old Mrs. Xia mulled, then nodded: "That sounds reasonable. Donate additional lamps and oil, contribute in good faith, and the silver shall come from my private funds. Also, prepare to release carp and turtles."
Mrs. Zhen agreed.
Listening to their conversation, Yunluo’s heart began to pound rapidly.
She’s been waiting for this day and cannot afford to miss it.
"I’ll accompany mother with Fourth Brother," Yunluo held onto Mrs. Zhen’s arm with a smile, "We should show our presence when praying for sister’s blessings."
Mrs. Zhen couldn’t refuse her, glancing at Old Mrs. Xia, who nodded, and pinched her daughter’s nose: "You’re right!"
"Better sooner than later, shall we go the day after?" Yunluo pushed further, determined to hold the timing of the incense prayer tightly in her hands.
Old Mrs. Xia wished to pray and seek peace at the temple, resolving the household’s unrest. However, it’s approaching late afternoon, and aiming for an early start tomorrow might be too rushed, so she agreed with Yunluo’s suggestion, settling for the day after.
Nanny Zhao sent someone to call Miao Family for discussions, while Old Mrs. Xia dismissed Yunluo back to Anhua Courtyard.
Entering Anhua Courtyard, Yunluo saw Jin Ling standing along the corridor outside the side room, listening to a woman speak.
This woman was somewhat hefty, but because of her height, she didn’t look bloated. She wore a half-new, half-old blue jacket, her hair sleek and shiny, with two silver hairpins glimmering under the sun.
Seeing Yunluo, Jin Ling hurriedly curtsied, prompting the woman to turn, smiling apologetically, and greet: "Fifth Miss is back."
Yunluo focused and realized she’s from the Zhao family.
"Mother’s complexion looks quite vibrant today." Yunluo commented, noting how the Zhao woman’s face was neatly powdered, cheeks lightly tinged with rouge, unexpected for someone over forty, appearing vibrant rather than exaggerated or vulgar, contrasting markedly with the heavy demeanor of Miao Family and Liao Family masters today.
The Zhao woman’s shrewdness picked up on the subtlety of Yunluo’s words, quickly lowered her hands: "Miss teases the servant; this old face has nowhere to hide now."
Yunluo smiled.
Understanding the Zhao family’s intentions all too well, it was what she remembered from her past life – their effort to secure Jin Ling for her nephew.
Previously, Yunluo had agreed, ultimately causing Jin Ling’er to suffer an ill fate, something she would refuse in this lifetime.
Jin Ling was thin-skinned, not a native servant, facing little backing apart from Yunluo herself, unable to compare to other well-positioned matrons or deep-rooted maids in the mansion, unless absolutely necessary, Jin Ling would not offend the Zhao family.
But if the Zhao family persisted, it would damage Jin Ling’s reputation.
Thinking of this, Yunluo decided to play the villain, sparing Jin Ling from unwanted attention.
"Since you’re here, why not come inside for tea? Jin Linger, please go to Qinghui Garden and inform Big Sister I’ll be late for dinner." Yunluo instructed.
Jin Ling hesitated momentarily, but complied.
The Zhao woman initially wanted to refuse but knowing Jin Ling was favored by Yunluo, whether the matter succeeded or failed, needed Fifth Miss’s approval, she grinned: "Then, thank you for the tea, Fifth Miss."
