Free Web NovelChapter 22: Chapter 21: The Rabbit
As soon as Du Yunluo reached Anhua Courtyard, she saw Jin Rui pulling Jin Ling to head outside.
"Let’s talk inside." Du Yunluo stopped them both, and the three of them entered the East Wing.
Jin Ling had just arrived and was being urged by Jin Rui to go to Lianfu Garden, but she wasn’t clear about what was happening. Seeing Jin Rui bustling around serving tea and water, she quickly lent a hand.
Du Yunluo pointed to the embroidered stools: "Sit down and talk."
Jin Ling looked at Jin Rui, and only after seeing her sit down did she follow suit.
"Jin Ling, I have something to ask you."
Seeing Du Yunluo being serious, Jin Ling’s heart began to race, she swallowed and nodded.
Lowering her voice, Du Yunluo asked, "Did you hear anything on the streets when you left the mansion today?"
Jin Ling was taken aback.
She had gone home to see her mother, Mrs. Duan, and her younger brother. To make it easier for her brother to see a doctor, she had asked for Mrs. Zhen’s favor, allowing Mrs. Duan and her son to rent a room outside.
Poor people’s houses are shared courtyards amongst a few families. Mrs. Duan had failing eyesight, so Jin Ling bit the bullet and hired a little maid, with assistance from neighbors, managing to get by. freewebnσvel.cѳm
She went back today, partly to visit, partly to fetch a doctor for her brother.
"After leaving the mansion, I went straight to Shanming Hall to fetch a doctor, then went home. After settling the prescription, I sent the doctor back and collected the medicine. Once I finished brewing it, I returned to the mansion. I didn’t spend much time on the streets; I don’t think I heard anything," Jin Ling said, frowning.
Thoughtfully, Du Yunluo asked again, "Think carefully, about anything related to Princess An Ran, the Heir of Duke Dingyuan, or about me."
Jin Ling was shocked at the mention of Princess An Ran and the Heir. Instinctively, she looked at Jin Rui, who also seemed astonished.
They were both aware, following Du Yunluo, and having heard Du Yunuo speak in Anhua Courtyard, sensing something significant involving their mistress’s future. But they had kept quiet about it.
Could it be that the matter has really leaked?
"Is it the Fourth Miss?" Jin Rui suddenly realized, muttering softly. Noticing Du Yunluo’s gaze, she panicked; how could she judge the affairs of the masters? She gave an awkward smile, "Miss..."
"I know it’s her." Du Yunluo spoke slowly, "So, Jin Ling, think carefully again."
Jin Ling frowned. She was beautiful, and even the expression of frowning had a certain charm, reminding one of Xishi holding her heart.
After pondering for a while, Jin Ling suddenly exclaimed, "Ah, could it be what Aunt Di meant! Aunt Di lives in the same courtyard as my mother, and usually helps a lot, being very warm-hearted. Today, while I was brewing medicine, Aunt Di came over and chatted for a bit. Mostly saying things like ’How did a good situation get mixed up in a storm,’ ’A disaster borne of conflict,’ and ’I don’t believe your lady is reckless, she must have been too angry to speak sensibly.’ At the time, I didn’t understand and asked a few questions, but Aunt Di didn’t explain in detail."
Jin Rui, anxious, reproached, "Why didn’t you ask more clearly!"
Jin Ling regretted deeply. If she had known it was such an important matter, even if her mother urged her to return to the mansion, she would have ensured everything was clear.
Listening to these few words, Du Yunluo couldn’t grasp everything, but she started to have an idea.
Unfortunately, some aspects remained unclear.
Finding out wouldn’t be difficult; bringing Du Yunuo here and probing a little would reveal the truth. However, Du Yunluo couldn’t do that, or else, in front of Mrs. Xia, she wouldn’t be able to clear herself.
Du Yunuo actively going to speak with Princess An Ran and Du Yunluo orchestrating Du Yunuo to talk were two different things.
Even playing the innocent, or seeking to hold accountable, would be seen as unstable and subordinate in Old Mrs. Xia’s eyes.
After all, she used to be arrogant and occasionally unreasonable, unable to bear grievances, but she wasn’t one to stir up trouble based on mere speculations.
Du Yunluo tapped her finger lightly on the table, and suddenly heard noises from outside. It turned out to be Lanzhi arriving.
Lanzhi came to deliver rice dumplings.
Jin Rui accepted the food box with a smile, "This sort of errand can be entrusted to the little maids, there’s no need for you to come in person, Sister."
Lanzhi smiled knowingly, "What errand? I’m taking the opportunity to stroll in the garden and enjoy the spring scenery; it’s quite pleasant. Fifth Miss, if Jin Rui doesn’t enjoy this task, don’t assign it to her in the future. Let her stay in the courtyard and see if she gets anxious."
Jin Rui begged for mercy repeatedly.
Seeing that Lanzhi was holding another food box, Du Yunluo inquired.
Lanzhi said, "This is for the Old Master, I need to take it to the front."
Du Yunluo suggested, "Could you please also take a small copper bell to my grandfather for Yaya to play with?"
Lanzhi agreed readily.
Jin Ling went in to fetch the copper bell and also grabbed a handful of copper coins, stuffing them all to Lanzhi.
Accepting with a smile, Lanzhi exchanged a few words and was about to leave when they heard greetings being exchanged from behind.
Du Yunluo looked over to see Du Yunuo had arrived.
Feeling a surge of thoughts, Du Yunluo smiled. She hadn’t laid a trap, the rabbit came by itself.
Clearly, this rabbit was anxious and couldn’t wait.
Lanzhi bowed elegantly, and Du Yunluo’s eyes twinkled. She stepped up and took Du Yunuo’s hand with delight, "Fourth Sister, what brings you here?"
"I thought you’d be having lunch with Grandmother, but then Qian He mentioned seeing you back in the garden, so I dropped by since I had nothing better to do," Du Yunuo said nonchalantly, seeing Lanzhi, and greeted, "Hello, Sister."
"The rice dumplings from Lianfu Garden have been sent over by Sister Lanzhi. Come in with me, Fourth Sister, and have a taste," Du Yunluo invited Du Yunuo inside.
Du Yunuo’s gaze settled on the food box.
The rice dumplings were sent back from the main family’s property, but only Du Yunluo received some. Despite being used to Mrs. Xia’s favoritism, Du Yunuo couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.
Lanzhi watched the two girls enter the room and then exchanged a few words with Jin Rui and Jin Ling before heading toward the front yard.
Inside, Jin Ling took out the rice dumplings and a plate of sugar, while Jin Rui fetched the dishes, dividing them for the two young ladies.
Du Yunuo tasted just a bite before putting it down.
"Fourth Sister doesn’t like it?" Du Yunluo asked.
Du Yunuo’s bright eyes shifted between the two maids.
Since Du Yunluo already knew Du Yunuo’s intention, seeing her behavior, she understood.
Once the maids had left, Du Yunluo softly inquired, "Fourth Sister, did something happen?"
Du Yunuo’s face fell suddenly, her eyes reddening, "Fifth Sister, I’m afraid I made a mistake."
"What mistake did you make?" Du Yunluo feigned concern, "Is it something serious? Are you worried about being reprimanded by the elders? If I can help, I surely will speak for you."
"If it were something else, you’d definitely help me; you are favored by the elders, and with your support, they wouldn’t be too harsh on me..." Du Yunuo paused, sniffing, "But this matter, I’m afraid you’d blame me."
"What exactly happened?"
"It’s... it’s about your engagement to the Young Master..." Du Yunuo confessed, watching Du Yunluo’s eyes widen, she laughing awkwardly, "When I last visited Duke Jing Mansion, although I’m a cousin to the County Princess, you know, she only maintains appearances with me, and her close ones barely engage with me.
On that day, with many people around, I stood out being a bit isolated, so I tried to start a conversation to seem more familiar with them, avoiding being the subject of ridicule. I didn’t think too much and only mentioned the Young Master subtly.
Of course, I dared not speak outrightly, just hinted a few times, initiated a topic which could prompt discussion without a definitive statement.
That was my thinking, but I didn’t expect that the County Princess had feelings for the Heir...
Just turned fifteen a few days ago, unable to leave the mansion, she went out this morning and actually sought the Heir to speak. Mrs. An from my chamber went out in the morning and heard some rumors, which made me anxious. I didn’t expect things to escalate that way.
Later, learning that Second Uncle marched angrily to Lianfu Garden, I knew there was trouble, trembling in fear, so I sent Qian He to keep watch in the garden. As soon as you returned, I came to speak with you."
