Chapter 316 - 315: Knowing People (250 Monthly Votes+)

Chapter 316: Chapter 315: Knowing People (250 Monthly Votes+)

Upon hearing this, Du Yunluo was a little surprised, "Does Mama have dealings with Lady An? Do you know what kind of person she is?"

Hong Jinbao’s maid shook her head and said, "I have no dealings with Lady An; it was just on the nineteenth of February that I overheard a mama from Baijie Hall mention a few things.

Madam does not believe in Buddhism and never worships Bodhisattvas, nor does she like the people around her doing so.

But Lady An seems to believe, secretly bowing to the Bodhisattva behind Madam’s back, very devoutly.

I was wondering, could someone with such devotion to Buddhism really commit such a disgraceful act?

That’s Mr. Si, Madam’s own nephew. Even if she wanted to find a man, she wouldn’t necessarily have to choose Mr. Si."

Du Yunluo fell into thought.

Seeing Du Yunluo’s conflicted expression, Hong Jinbao’s maid continued, "Madam, truth be told, it’s hard to judge a person’s true nature. Many who profess their faith in Bodhisattvas do sordid things; Lady An can only move around the inner courtyard, where there are no men."

Du Yunluo nodded slightly, tapping her fingers on the table.

The logic was sound.

If Lady An could secretly worship the Bodhisattvas behind Mu Yuanjing’s back, she could naturally also secretly have an affair with Mu Lianyu.

Looking up at Hong Jinbao’s maid, Du Yunluo whispered, "Mama, discreetly inquire about what kind of person Lady An really is. Catching someone in the act is one thing; if we can’t catch them, what good will it do?"

Hong Jinbao’s maid, perceptive and astute, nodded in agreement, "Rest assured, Madam, I will proceed carefully, and I certainly will not alert the enemy."

This matter would not be resolved in a day or two.

Du Yunluo was in no hurry; across her past and present lives, with so many years having passed, patience was something she possessed in abundance.

If a commotion could be stirred by others, it would be best; if not, she would wait until August.

She had time to spare.

At the end of May, a post was sent from the Du Mansion to Du Yunluo.

Nanny Xu came personally, smiling warmly as she said to Du Yunluo, "At the end of February, your second sister and her husband departed from Lindong, and they just arrived in the capital yesterday. It’s said they will come to the manor the day after tomorrow to pay respects to the Old Master and Old Madam, and the manor is hosting a welcoming feast, inviting you back for a drink."

Having not returned to the Du Family for some time, Du Yunluo was eager not to miss the opportunity, so she reported it at Baijie Hall.

"That’s good news," Madam Wu beamed, "I’ve never heard you mention your second sister. Your brother-in-law is...?"

Du Yunluo smiled and said, "A few years ago, my second sister went with my uncle to Lindong, where she married. Her husband, surnamed Shen, is the brother of Shenzi Shen Bianxiu from the Hanlin Academy.

My brother-in-law and second sister have come to the capital this time to try their luck in officialdom."

Madam Wu understood, clapping her hands and saying, "Speaking of the imperial examinations, I heard from your mother-in-law recently that news from her family said the Holy Emperor will open a special examination next year, and it’s very likely true. Your brother-in-law came at just the right time to try his hand."

Du Yunluo was momentarily surprised; a special examination, the following year or the 21st year of Yong’an?

She distinctly remembered, the major exam in the 22nd year of Yong’an, when Du Yundi achieved top honors, and then in the 23rd year of Yong’an, the Holy Emperor opened a special examination, during which Shi Shiren was listed, and Shi Lian’er schemed against Du Yundi.

Why was the special examination being held in the 21st year of Yong’an in this life?

Or perhaps, the examinations were consecutive for three years in her past life, but because it was unrelated to her, she had forgotten about the special examination in the 21st year of Yong’an?

After half a lifetime, Du Yunluo could not immediately understand, so she suppressed her thoughts and said, "Is it true that a special examination will be held? Then my brother-in-law’s timing is perfect. Speaking of which, my elder brother-in-law is also waiting to try his luck."

Madam Wu laughed heartily, "It’s absolutely good, with both brothers-in-law taking the exam together, it could be double happiness."

"Thank you for your kind words," Du Yunluo smiled.

The next day, after Du Yunluo dressed up, she returned to the Du Family.

Mrs. Zhen greeted her at the screen door, helping Du Yunluo out of the carriage, and after looking her over, said, "You seem to be in good health."

Du Yunluo smiled lightly, "I’ve been eating and drinking well at the Marquis Mansion, naturally feeling good."

"I heard the Old Madam has asked you to oversee the household affairs?" Mrs. Zhen inquired.

Du Yunluo nodded, "I’m to learn from my second aunt first, then gradually take over."

Being a sensible person, Mrs. Zhen understood the implication of "gradually" and patted Du Yunluo on the shoulder, "Then just follow the Old Madam."

"I know my limits," Du Yunluo returned Mrs. Zhen’s smile, "I certainly won’t be as foolish as the one in the Duke Jing Mansion."

Hearing this, Mrs. Zhen couldn’t help but both chuckle and sigh, shaking her head helplessly.

In Lianfu Garden, there was a lively atmosphere.

Du Yunluo entered and paid her respects; Old Mrs. Xia hugged her, affectionately calling her "heart" and "baby," much to the amusement of Xia Anxin and Jiang Si Niang, who couldn’t stop laughing.

Du Yunluo glanced sideways, seeing Xia Anxin with her high, rounded belly, she teased, "Second sister-in-law, stop making fun of me. How much longer can I stay favored? Once your little one is born, the ’heart’ and ’treasure’ by Grandmother’s side will immediately have a new owner."

Xia Anxin blushed.

Old Mrs. Xia chided warmly, "As soon you come back, you’re full of sour words!"

Du Yunluo giggled, seeing Du Yunnuo gesture, she moved to sit by her.

Du Yunnuo lowered her voice, "Princess An Ran’s son just reached a hundred days. I went with mother to visit once; he’s chubby and fair."

Du Yunluo pursed her lips, "That’s good. Having a son will make life in the Enrong Bo Mansion even easier for her. In this way, Aunt Liao in Duke Jing Mansion can be at ease, and so can fourth aunt."

Du Yunluo’s smile faltered, turning into a self-deprecating grin, "That’s all I can hope for."

"That’s human nature," Du Yunluo said.

Aunt Mo was Du Yunnuo’s concubine mother, so naturally she hoped Aunt Mo would do well.

Du Yunnuo lowered her gaze and added, "Aunt Liao isn’t just at ease now; she’s excited.

The Young Master’s new wife is pregnant.

She’s quite spirited too; although she should be taking good care of herself, she painstakingly organized more than half of the household affairs and doesn’t relinquish any power, exhausting herself every day.

Aunt Liao, in comparison, enjoys her leisure, just hoping the new wife has a son so there will be some drama to watch."

As they chatted, Du Yunru returned with Sister Yi.

Moments after they walked in, word came from the front that the second young master of the Shen family and Du Yunhu had arrived at the mansion gates.

Du Yunru handed Sister Yi to Mrs. Zhen, then went with the other sisters to the screen door to welcome Du Yunhu.

The carriage stopped outside the second door, the curtain lifted, and a charming maid jumped down. She placed a footstool and helped Du Yunhu out of the carriage.

Du Yunluo looked up to scrutinize her, muttering, "I don’t even remember what second sister looked like as a child."

Du Yunhu smiled placidly, "I still remember what you all looked like when you were young."

Back in Lianfu Hall, Du Yunhu, with tears in her eyes, greeted Old Mrs. Xia.

Old Mrs. Xia clutched her hand tightly, choking up, "When you left, you weren’t even as tall as this Arhat Bed, and now you’ve come back, already someone else’s wife."

Her words wrenched the heart.

Miao Family looked distracted, the hour was late, why hadn’t Du Yunying arrived yet? When they delivered the invitations the other day, they clearly accepted.

Just as she was mulling over this, Lanzhi brought in a woman, bowing and saying, "Old Madam, Madam, Mrs. Zhang from the Chengyi Bo Mansion is here."