Chapter 368 - 367: New Home

Chapter 368: Chapter 367: New Home

Du Huarang is the Lindong Prefect, and there are several vacant courtyards near the government office, which he quickly inquired about.

The people around the Yang Family are efficient and thorough; they went separately to inspect each location and reported back three courtyard options.

Du Yunluo knew that Mu Lianxiao wouldn’t stay in Xuancheng for many days, so she wanted to settle the residence as soon as possible.

Yang Family herself took Mu Lianxiao and Du Yunluo to view the courtyards.

Because of the proximity to the government office, Yang Family arranged for a sedan chair.

Du Yunluo was not picky about the residence, but Yang Family was very meticulous, and finally chose a two-entry small courtyard.

The small courtyard is located in Guishu Alley, a tranquil place, and from the maid’s pace, it’s less than a quarter of an hour’s walk to the government office, making it extremely close.

This courtyard hadn’t been occupied since last year but was excellently maintained, showing no signs of decay.

Behind it is a small garden, and now that spring has arrived, if someone takes care of it, it will surely provide a bright spring scene.

Mu Lianxiao was also pleased with it.

Yang Family allocated manpower from the mansion to work with Hong Jinbao’s family to tidy up the courtyard.

The boxes and baskets brought from the Capital were unloaded, and Jin Rui and Jin Lan worked until nightfall, making the place habitable.

The following morning, Yang Family assigned more staff to attend to them.

The cook, Flower Supervisor, and the rough maids and women were all well trained.

With Yang Family’s full support, Du Yunluo’s new home quickly took shape.

The Yang Family and Yan Family visited the mansion and grew more satisfied with the small courtyard.

Yan Family whispered to Du Yunluo: "Is the Princely Heir staying in Xuancheng for a few more days?"

Du Yunluo replied with a smile: "Possibly just three to five days, aiming to reach Shanyu Pass before April."

Upon hearing this, Yang Family glanced briefly at Du Yunluo’s belly; knowing Du Yunluo was aware, she didn’t bring it up further but asked about Du Yunhu: "Du Yunhu mentioned in her letter that everything is well, but as I haven’t seen her, I feel uneasy."

Du Yunluo chuckled softly; that’s a mother’s sentiment.

Yang Family laughed to herself: "The imperial examination is these few days; wonder how Wen Yu will fare."

Wen Yu is Second Young Master Shen’s name.

Besides Shen Wenyu, Shao Yuanzhou also participated in the exam this session.

In Du Yunluo’s memory, both Shao Yuanzhou and Shen Wenyu became scholars in the end, although the timing of the imperial examination in this life differs from the past, so Du Yunluo couldn’t say when her brothers-in-law might see their names on the gold list.

Yan Family smiled at Yang Family: "Mother, don’t worry. After some days, the official notice will arrive, and our brother-in-law is outstanding in literature, so you can rest assured."

Yang Family shook her head: "Passing the imperial exams isn’t solely about literary talent. While Wen Yu has guidance from the grandmaster and his elder brother, being new to the Capital, I worry he might be inadequately prepared for his first try and if..."

Yan Family chuckled, noticing Yang Family looking over, and said: "Mother, you’re worried he may fail his first attempt, but you’ve also mentioned that our brother-in-law has talent and guidance. So even if he doesn’t succeed this year, when the spring examination comes next year, there will certainly be no problem."

Yang Family nodded thoughtfully.

She was confident in Shen Wenyu, or she wouldn’t have insisted on marrying Du Yunhu into the Shen Family, whose business was in decline.

Looking back, the eldest son of the Shen Family made a dazzling entry into Hanlin, and Shen Wenyu had a scholarly and gentle demeanor, treating Du Yunhu well. He was also capable, so as he soared in the future, Yang Family’s choice of treasure was the right bet.

She hoped she was right.

As night fell, Mu Lianxiao and Du Yunluo shared their first dinner in the small courtyard.

The cook is a local from Xuancheng and has worked in the kitchen of the government office for over six years, learning authentic Capital cuisine from the cook brought by Yang Family from the Capital.

Du Yunluo tasted a bite of mutton, stewed tender without a gamey taste, much to her delight.

Mu Lianxiao, not a picky eater, had traveled widely over the years, sampling diverse local cuisines. But savoring the authentic Capital flavors in Xuancheng tantalized his appetite immensely.

"Yunluo," Mu Lianxiao served Du Yunluo more dishes, smiling, "Such good dishes in Xuancheng, I’ll be yearning every night at Shanyu Pass."

Du Yunluo teased him with a cheeky laugh: "Then just come back whenever you have time!"

Mu Lianxiao’s smile glowed warmly, his clear eyes reflecting Du Yunluo’s image.

Indeed, he would yearn every night, as his lovely wife was here; whenever he had time, he would gallop back to see her.

Du Yunluo felt her heart flutter under his gaze, biting her chopsticks, murmuring, "Are we going downtown tomorrow?"

Having agreed with Du Yunluo, Mu Lianxiao wouldn’t forget, nodding his consent.

The next day, however, Du Yunluo slept till late morning.

The previous night, with the courtyard not entirely cleaned, they stayed at the government office, and Du Yunluo was staying near Yang Family for the first time, too embarrassed to sleep in. Despite fatigue, she rose early.

After resting in the new courtyard yesterday, indulging in joy with Mu Lianxiao, the consequences of that indulgence exploded in the morning.

The exhaustion of two months on the road overwhelmed Du Yunluo, leaving her body sore even to turn over.

Du Yunluo didn’t want to move, nor did wandering the streets entice her.

Mu Lianxiao saw her pitiful state and couldn’t help but soften, cautiously alleviating her discomfort.

Du Yunluo opened her eyes wide, glaring at him, but her misty eyes held no intimidation, only allure.

Mu Lianxiao’s heart stirred, he lowered his head, gently kissing the corners of her eyes and brows.

Du Yunluo rose during lunchtime and later accompanied Mu Lianxiao out.

Her clothing and jewelry, whether in material or craftsmanship, vastly differed from those of Xuancheng residents. Not wishing to stand out, Du Yunluo chose the simplest attire and fixed two silver hairpins.

The couple casually strolled down the street.

Du Yunluo softly inquired of Mu Lianxiao, "Where is Shengxiang Pavilion?"

Mu Lianxiao guided her over.

Shengxiang Pavilion was on the bustling middle street, with a small yet elegant storefront.

Inside hung various folding fans, tassels, fan covers, creating an intriguing display.

Du Yunluo swiftly found the fan Mu Lianxiao had once gifted her, painted with ancient pine trees and lotus ponds.

She couldn’t help but smile.

Mu Lianxiao was straightforward, gifting her the fan solely to inform her of his whereabouts without artistic embellishment.

Du Yunluo picked a blank fan this time.

"What will you draw?" Mu Lianxiao asked.

Du Yunluo’s smile was sly, eyes bright: "You’ll know when I’m finished."

They returned to Guishu Alley before nightfall.

Ming Liu and Shuying came to find Mu Lianxiao, while Du Yunluo began painting in solitude.

On both sides, cloud-like flowers, one in bud, the other in bloom, mirrored her mood.

As Mu Lianxiao departed, Du Yunluo handed him the fan with his belongings.

Jiuxi also left with him, tasked with recognizing the route between Shanyu Pass and Xuancheng, later to follow Du Yunluo so if anything arose in the city, he could quickly report to Shanyu Pass.

Du Yunluo escorted Mu Lianxiao out, lingering until his galloping silhouette vanished from sight, before instructing the gate be closed.