Free Web NovelChapter 146: Chapter 145: Bewitched
Du Yunluo couldn’t lie to Mrs. Zhen; if she told a fib, her siblings would surely sell her out.
Seeing Du Yunluo nod, Mrs. Zhen cleared her throat and leaned close to her daughter’s ear, speaking softly: "Nannan, Mama knows you like the Princely Heir. The two of you are engaged, just waiting for you to come of age and marry over."
Du Yunluo listened intently to Mrs. Zhen, and was momentarily stunned when she heard the words "like".
Mrs. Zhen’s words whispered by her ear, accompanied by her breath, felt like the wind, making her shrink her neck.
Noticing Du Yunluo’s reaction, Mrs. Zhen chuckled softly, raising her hand to stroke Du Yunluo’s long hair smoothly: "You, aren’t you usually thick-skinned? Why can’t you stand hearing someone say you like him?"
Du Yunluo rubbed her nose. She was indeed thick-skinned. She could stand tall and openly admit liking Mu Lianxiao, but when it came from Mrs. Zhen, there was something strange about it.
The amusement in Mrs. Zhen’s eyes deepened: "Nannan, I’m not saying you can’t see the Princely Heir. Meeting occasionally is harmless."
"What?" Du Yunluo was surprised; she couldn’t believe Mrs. Zhen had said this, making her think it might rain red petals from the sky.
"Silly girl! I haven’t finished yet!" Mrs. Zhen said amusedly, patting her daughter. "But remember, you’re a young lady. Be composed in situations, speak properly, and don’t get handsy. The Princely Heir is a sensible person. Don’t be foolish, or what will people think if they see something?"
Du Yunluo blinked her eyes; why did this sound so much like what Du Yunlan had said in Wangmei Garden?
If she didn’t know that Du Yunlan went to the front courtyard with Du Yunlang after leaving Lianfu Garden, she would have suspected Du Yunlan had already let her secrets slip.
"Mama is serious with you, so don’t take it lightly." Mrs. Zhen reminded her once more.
This daughter she had raised was pampered from a young age, not fond of socializing. Besides the young men she met during family visits, the number of gentlemen she knew could be counted on two hands.
Also, Du Yunluo wasn’t even interested in befriending girls her age, let alone talking to gentlemen. So from childhood to adulthood, Mrs. Zhen never had to worry about this aspect.
But things were different now. Du Yunluo had grown up, her heart was spoken for, and that person was also her fiancé. Mrs. Zhen had seen Du Yunluo’s attention toward Mu Lianxiao, those round eyes stuck to him like glue, making Mrs. Zhen a bit worried.
She’s reaching the age for marriage, and if Mu Lianxiao becomes impulsive and Du Yunluo doesn’t realize...
The thought made Mrs. Zhen uneasy, prompting her to give her daughter earnest advice even late at night.
In the dim light, Du Yunluo’s cheeks blushed as she pouted and murmured, "I know, I’m not stupid."
"Okay, okay, Nannan isn’t stupid." Mrs. Zhen pinched her cheek, thinking this wasn’t about being smart or not.
After a few more words of advice, Mrs. Zhen blew out the lamp and went to rest.
Du Yunluo lay on her bed, reflecting on Mrs. Zhen’s words, letting out a silent hum.
How could she be considered foolish?
She was well aware!
Her mother also said Mu Lianxiao was a sensible person.
But what sensible person suddenly holds her shoulder and takes her hand during the day?
He held her hand so tightly. His body was naturally warm, his entire hand burning hot, making her hand sweat. Once he let go and the wind blew, she felt chilled.
She remembered his dark eyes, deep and mystical, with a slightly cool shimmer, reflecting her image like a mirror.
Du Yunluo’s ears burned, recalling the moment they were in the snow, Mu Lianxiao holding her shoulder and looking at her seriously; at that moment, she thought Mu Lianxiao might embrace her...
She dared not think further, pulling the quilt over half her face, forcibly closing her eyes to sleep.
That sleep was a blur.
She dreamed of Mu Lianxiao again, him holding her shoulder, never blinking as he gazed at her.
Du Yunluo awaited, for him to hug her, take her hand, or...
But Mu Lianxiao didn’t move.
Du Yunluo grew anxious, wanting to speak, but just as she was about to open her mouth, Mrs. Zhen’s voice flashed in her mind, advising them to "speak properly, no physical gestures". Startled, Du Yunluo immediately opened her eyes.
It was pitch black.
Gazing at the ceiling, Du Yunluo breathed heavily, recalling the dream. She clutched the quilt corner tightly, wishing she could bite it and let out a groan.
To have such a dream, she must be possessed!
Ugh.
She wondered if Mu Lianxiao ever dreamt of her?
Her mind was a mess of chaotic thoughts, and she didn’t fall asleep until dawn, not even realizing when Du Huaili left for the government office.
When she woke up, Du Yunluo felt unwell all over, the quilt sticky.
Sitting up, she suddenly realized her period had arrived.
Having been free from the torment of her period in her previous life after aging, it was a shock in this life, now young again, to face it. The unexpected visit left her not only with a stomachache but a sense of disbelief.
While Mrs. Zhen tended to Du Yunluo and directed the maids bustling about, her face was full of smiles.
Knowing Mrs. Zhen’s happiness, Du Yunluo refrained from dampening the mood, only moaning about her stomachache to elicit sympathy, which made Mrs. Zhen dot over her, refusing to let her return to Anhua Courtyard, allowing her to stay in Qinghui Garden instead.
The first period came as suddenly as it went.
The past two days brought another snowfall, even heavier than a few days prior, blanketing the scenery in white by morning.
Lunar month twenty-second, the government office seals its stamps, reopening after the Lantern Festival. This brief holiday gave Du Huaili more time to spend with his family.
As the thirtieth of the month approached, the sound of firecrackers filled the air even before dusk.
A feast was spread in the Flower Hall, bringing the family together in warmth and cheer.
Having had two cups of wine, Mrs. Zhen recalled Du Yunru and sighed, "Just last year she was still with me, laughingly feeding me two cups of wine. Now, she’s someone else’s wife."
Miao Family’s eyes reddened, glancing at Yun Ying: "This will be Yun Ying’s last year at home too, I can’t bear it!"
Hearing this, Yun Ying raised her wine cup to her lips, lowered her gaze, and her ears turned red.
In half a year, she would be married.
She hadn’t seen Lu Huan in person, but Du Yunluo and Yunuo said he was tall and handsome.
She wanted to ask more, but Du Yunluo was too playful, saying, "In that situation, how could we just stare and scrutinize our future brother-in-law? Isn’t that asking for a laugh? We only took a quick look. If you want to know about his nose or eyes, wait until you’re married and you can look all you want without anyone laughing."
Annoyed, Yun Ying almost reached to scratch that mischievous mouth, finally understanding why Du Yunru used to feel inclined to rip Du Yunluo’s thick skin off.
Liao Family picked a piece of lamb for Yunuo, whispering, "Yunuo, stay with your mother and concubine for a couple more years, and we’ll carefully choose someone."
Comments like this left Yunuo unable to respond, simply burying her head in her meal.
