Chapter 359 - 358: Stifled

Chapter 359: Chapter 358: Stifled

Nanny Zhu went out to instruct the young maid, and when she returned to the room, Mrs. Lian was leaning on the couch, her face pale.

"Madam," Nanny Zhu hurried over, reaching out to check Mrs. Lian’s forehead, "Madam, should we call the doctor?"

Mrs. Lian shook her head: "Lian Cheng just left, if I call the doctor now and it gets back to Baijie Hall, the old ancestor will think I’m making a fuss over nothing."

Nanny Zhu put a pillow under Mrs. Lian, then served tea and water, her eyebrows full of worry.

This past year, Mrs. Lian’s health hasn’t been good. She used to have no illnesses or pains, but now she frequently experiences chest tightness and shortness of breath.

It’s all because Mu Lianhui and Mu Lianyu have angered her!

Mu Lianhui distanced herself from Li Luan, delaying the marriage, and wouldn’t hold her tongue, often saying things to upset Mrs. Lian;

Mu Lianyu is even more unreliable, having an affair with Mu Yuanjing!

This matter made Mrs. Lian unable to lift her head in front of Madam Wu.

If it weren’t for the children causing so many worries, Mrs. Lian would be in a good mood, and how could her health suffer?

Thinking back to how she stumbled upon Mu Lianyu’s scandal, Nanny Zhu deeply regretted it.

At that time, she was truly dizzy from the effects of alcohol.

But who could have expected Mu Lianyu to do such a thing, shocking Nanny Zhu to the point where her eyes nearly popped out?

Mrs. Lian rested for a while until her heartbeat gradually stabilized.

Outside came the sound of someone greeting, and Mu Yuanmou lifted the curtain and entered.

"Did you need me for something, my lady?" Mu Yuanmou asked, and seeing that Mrs. Lian was not in good spirits, he continued, "If there is a need for a doctor, call one."

Mrs. Lian forced a smile and was about to say she was fine, but Mu Yuanmou had already turned and entered the inner room.

There were rustling noises inside as Mu Yuanmou changed clothes.

Mrs. Lian’s smile stiffened on her face.

Nanny Zhu observed this, leaned in to comfort Mrs. Lian, and said: "Madam, the master does care about you."

Mrs. Lian gave a wry smile, feeling that Mu Yuanmou’s concern for her was less than his concern for his clothes.

Mu Yuanmou came out of the inner room, and Nanny Zhu went into the bright room to keep watch, leaving the chamber for the couple to talk.

Mrs. Lian managed to sit up, saying: "Master, Lian Xiao’s wife wants to go with Lian Xiao to his post."

Mu Yuanmou frowned slightly: "What is she going for?"

"If she goes with him, how are we supposed to..." Mrs. Lian cleared her throat and pointed to her stomach.

In these two months, the family income had fallen into the hands of the eldest branch, and after discussing with Mu Yuanmou, they stopped adding things to the chicken soup.

After all, if over a month passes and Du Yunluo doesn’t become pregnant, that’s the best. But if she does get pregnant, once Mu Lianxiao leaves, they will have opportunities to act throughout the year.

But now, Du Yunluo wants to go to Lindong, so how can they keep an eye on her?

At this moment, Mrs. Lian wished that Du Yunluo would become pregnant immediately. If she was pregnant, Madam Wu naturally wouldn’t let her go on a long journey.

Thinking of this made Mrs. Lian feel tight in the chest.

In the past, she tried to prevent Du Yunluo from getting pregnant. Now, the situation was reversed. How truly laughable.

Mu Yuanmou sipped from a teacup, his gaze dark and gloomy. He didn’t speak for a long time, only responding when Mrs. Lian urged: "How many people is she taking?"

Mrs. Lian’s eyes gleamed with understanding: "And your meaning is..."

"Discuss with Mother, the manpower is insufficient, no one can be relieved," Mu Yuanmou said.

Mrs. Lian understood Mu Yuanmou’s meaning, that they must ensure to plant their people around Du Yunluo to facilitate their plans.

But Mrs. Lian still felt uneasy and said: "Can’t we just prevent her from leaving?"

"Not leave?" Mu Yuanmou glanced at Mrs. Lian, "How do you propose we prevent her?"

Mrs. Lian whispered: "Illness? Injury?"

Mu Yuanmou sneered: "How to be ill? How to be injured?

Lian Xiao’s wife has been married for a year with no illness or pain, and just as she is preparing to leave for Lindong, she suddenly falls ill. Such a coincidence doesn’t happen in reality.

It’s difficult to act within the mansion; harming her as she leaves...

This is under the emperor’s feet!

When circumstances aren’t handled properly, we invite unnecessary trouble."

Mrs. Lian bit her lower lip tightly.

She knew Mu Yuanmou was right, that after years of planning and arrangement, they shouldn’t be careless now, leading to a total loss.

However, things had exceeded her expectations, and Mrs. Lian felt uncertain.

Mu Yuanmou sat beside Mrs. Lian, patting her shoulder gently: "My lady, don’t act hastily.

About Lian Xiao’s wife, discuss with Mother, and for the rest, just proceed as we discussed earlier."

Mrs. Lian gritted her teeth and slowly nodded.

In Shaohui Garden, Jin Rui and Jin Lan were quickly packing boxes.

They were to depart with Du Yunluo, and since carriages couldn’t match the speed of fast horses, Mu Lianxiao set the departure date early.

Du Yunluo didn’t want heavy luggage to burden the journey, so she only let Jin Rui pack some daily essentials she was used to, while anything else could be acquired upon arrival in Lindong.

As they were busy, Lian Qiao lifted the curtain and came in, saying: "Madam, the old madam invites you to Baijie Hall."

Madam Wu was looking for her, so Du Yunluo didn’t dare delay and hurried over.

The young maids guarding outside the room greeted cheerfully and whispered: "Madam, the first madam and the second madam are inside."

Du Yunluo’s mind was stirred.

It was nearly time for dinner in Baijie Hall. It wasn’t unusual for Mrs. Zhou to be inside, but why was Mrs. Lian also there?

Could it be her actions were beyond Mrs. Lian’s expectations?

Du Yunluo smirked to herself and entered the West Warm Pavilion.

Madam Wu, smiling, waved her over and let Du Yunluo sit beside her, saying: "Have you started packing your luggage?"

"Yes, we’re packing," Du Yunluo replied.

Madam Wu asked: "How many people do you plan to take with you?"

Du Yunluo said: "Jin Lan, Jin Rui, and Hong Jinbao’s family."

Madam Wu frowned, showing some concern in her eyes: "Are these people sufficient? The journey from the capital to Xuancheng is long, bringing more people would give us peace of mind back home."

Du Yunluo understood.

This was definitely Mrs. Lian’s idea.

Du Yunluo, wary of Mrs. Lian’s interference, naturally preferred fewer people. Meanwhile, Mrs. Lian probably had Madam Wu propose the idea to insert personnel.

Regarding safety, Madam Wu would surely listen.

Du Yunluo lowered her eyes, smiled, and said: "Grandmother, the princely heir is going to Shanyu Pass to be stationed. If I make a big fuss about going with him, it might lead to people gossiping behind our backs, harming his reputation instead.

I think it’s better to travel light, with fewer luggage and people, to avoid drawing too much attention.

This time, Yun Qi stays in the capital, while Jiuxi, Ming Liu, and Shuying are all setting off together, there shouldn’t be any mishaps on the road."

Madam Wu exchanged a look with Mrs. Zhou.

They had to admit that Du Yunluo’s considerations were reasonable. When it comes to family members accompanying assignments, there were more civil officers than military ones.

Even if some followed, they usually left the capital discreetly, as it is for keeping guard, not for enjoying luxury.

If Du Yunluo were too ostentatious, with carriage after carriage of luggage and personnel, it would only attract unnecessary gossip.

After hearing this, Mrs. Lian said: "Lian Xiao’s wife, that’s indeed the reasoning, but once you reach Xuancheng, won’t it be difficult with fewer hands to serve you?"