Free Web NovelChapter 45: Chapter 44: Jealousy
June 19th, the Enlightenment Day of Guanyin.
From the nobles in the palace to the common people, almost everyone reveres the Bodhisattva, and it’s inevitable to go up the mountain to offer incense.
Old Mrs. Xia originally wanted to go, but she was fatigued these days and couldn’t endure the crowds at the temple, so she stayed home, offering incense and bowing in the small Buddha hall.
The Du Mansion has been riding a wave of good fortune these days, with Du Gongfu visiting the Eastern Palace daily after lunch, returning only when the palace gates were locked at night.
After several consecutive days, everyone began to notice something special.
In the temple’s side rooms, among the conversations of the official ladies who met there, the name "Du Yunluo" could not be avoided.
The world is never short of people who opportunistically follow the wind.
Du Huaiping, who only frequented the marketplace, felt a sense of elation these few days.
Mrs. Miao served him a cup of tea and said, "The old master just sent word back that there is a meal held in the palace today, and he won’t be returning for dinner."
"Isn’t that great?" Du Huaiping raised an eyebrow. "I must say, Father is exceptionally talented. When he served as the Crown Prince’s Tutor, he was diligent and hardworking, even praised by the Holy Emperor. If it hadn’t been for his unexpected leg injury that made movement difficult, would he have stepped down so early? If he were still in court, hmm! Who knows, he might already be among the Three Duke positions."
After all, it was their own inner courtyard, so there was no fear of outsiders overhearing their conversation. Mrs. Miao swallowed the words "boasting shamelessly" and instead said, "Inside, we have a clear conscience, but outside..."
Outside’s gossip, Du Huaiping, who roamed outside all day, was most aware of.
Behind the scenes, it’s always the same few sour and bitter phrases like "selling daughters for glory," only lacking the envy and jealousy written all over their faces.
"We can’t control others’ mouths," Du Huaiping waved his hand dismissively, "It’s neither painful nor itchy, and they’re not saying it to my face about our Du Family."
The merchant sons from official families I associate with, which of them are easy to get along with? After Father stepped down, the Du Family had fewer and fewer resources each year, and they often put on airs in front of me. But now, Du Yunluo’s high marriage and the old master going to the Eastern Palace for consecutive days, they meet me with tucked tails.
What can those dog mouths spew behind my back?
I don’t even need to listen to know! But what else can they do? I enjoy watching them curse us to their hearts’ content behind closed doors, yet they still have to compliment me to my face."
Mrs. Miao, seeing her husband so smug, decided not to dampen his spirits.
In fairness, the marriage was arranged by the old master and old madam. Though there might have been thoughts of relying on the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion to advance, there was no intention of selling daughters for glory.
Du Yunluo was the old couple’s pride and joy, someone they wouldn’t allow to be wronged in the slightest.
Selling Du Yunluo? Mrs. Miao wouldn’t believe it even if convinced a thousand times. If it had been Du Yunying or Du Yunnuo, they might have done it.
This thought made Mrs. Miao somewhat uncomfortable. She grabbed the fan from the maid’s hand and fanned herself vigorously, "It’s too hot, better let the old master and old madam head to the manor sooner. With a few less masters at the mansion, we’ll have more ice to use." frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓
Mrs. Miao decided to mention this to Old Mrs. Xia the next morning, "Everything at Xingye Manor has been arranged. If the old madam wants to set off, she can at any time."
Old Mrs. Xia’s face lit up, but she glanced at the birdcage hanging in the corner and slowly shook her head, "It was alright before, but now the old master is busy, so it’s best to reconsider going out of the capital."
Mrs. Miao was stunned, understanding that Du Gongfu’s matters were a priority, and said, "Then I’ll draw more silver to buy more ice."
Du Yunluo continued her needlework, the corners of her mouth curving involuntarily.
She had been thinking of an excuse to refuse accompanying Old Mrs. Xia to the mountains, but now, it was resolved.
As July approached,
Du Gongfu, feeling a bit free after half a month’s hard work and no longer able to tutor the Imperial Grandson, turned to the studies of Du Yunlang and Du Yunlan.
Although the studies of Du Yunlang and Du Yunlan weren’t bad, they weren’t exceptional either. Du Gongfu couldn’t help but miss Du Yundi.
"When will Yundi return home?" Du Gongfu asked Du Yunluo with a smile.
Du Yunluo replied with a smile, "The last letter mentioned mid-month, she’ll stay for half a month and then return to the academy."
Du Gongfu then turned his gaze to Mrs. Miao.
Mrs. Miao quickly responded, "Old Master, rest assured, the front courtyard is already tidied up. It doesn’t matter when Yundi returns. The third sister-in-law is meticulous and sent an old maid to check twice, ensuring everything is ready."
Only then was Du Gongfu satisfied.
Mrs. Miao smiled along, though a bit annoyed inside.
Her daughter couldn’t compare to Du Yunluo, and even her son was inferior to Du Yundi. Although she got used to it over the past decade, she still felt a sense of discontent.
"Yunluo," Mrs. Miao called out, and upon seeing Du Yunluo look up, said, "In a few days, it will be the Qixi Festival, such an important day. Don’t neglect it. Have you decided what kind of flower melon to carve? If you need any melons or fruits, tell me early so I can get them for you."
Thinking of Qixi, Old Mrs. Xia came to her senses and said solemnly, "This is important, and it’s your first year, so you mustn’t be careless."
The Qixi Festival, the girls’ festival, with begging for skill and moon worship, is something young maidens look forward to the most.
For betrothed girls, they must carve a flower melon to send to their future marital family, showing their dexterity and artistry.
Especially in the first year after the engagement.
In a past life, Du Yunluo was engaged in autumn, making the Qixi of the next year her first.
At that time, due to her temper, she carved very carelessly. After marrying, when Mu Lianxiao mentioned it, she learned that Mrs. Zhen discreetly replaced the piece because it was unsatisfactory.
This time, she would not act that way.
But what should she carve...
Du Yunluo’s eyes roamed around the room, passing by the flower stand in the corner. On top was a large basin painted with carp playing in water, holding several lotus leaves, their greenery akin to bamboo leaves, prompting her memory to the Dragon Boat Festival.
Du Yunlan said that day, on the dragon boat at the lake, the drum-playing Mu Lianxiao’s image sprang to mind, vivid even without witnessing it firsthand, as if his heroic and handsome demeanor was palpable.
Yes, she would carve this. It’s more expressive of her feelings than flowers and birds.
With her plan set, Du Yunluo smiled and said, "Grandmother, Aunt, I’ve decided. I will carve something good to send to the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion."
Seeing Du Yunluo’s confidence, Old Mrs. Xia felt relieved, "You, girl, are good at carving flower melons, but in terms of frying skill-fruit, you should consult Yun Ying. Her work comes out lively, while yours doesn’t even have a shape. Thankfully, only flower melons are sent, or it’d be embarrassing to send skill-fruit."
Mrs. Miao, hearing Old Mrs. Xia praise Du Yunying, was all smiles, though she replied modestly, "Old Madam, each has their strengths and weaknesses, unique in their own way."
