Du Yunluo nodded slowly.
No movement, that was typical of the Lian Family.
Cautious and careful, for decades, the Lian Family dared not draw even a glance from Madam Wu, and was most adept at keeping a low profile.
Moreover, Cangzhu’s death was a double-edged sword.
The Lian Family wished the culprit were someone from Shaohui Garden, but Du Yunluo had clearly stated that the matters within the courtyard required no intervention from the Lian Family. If they meddled, it would appear presumptuous and opportunistic in Madam Wu’s eyes.
If someone else in the mansion was responsible, perhaps with some unspeakable secret behind it, exposing it would only bring disgrace upon herself.
In such a case, it would be better to turn a blind eye and let the matter gradually slide past.
Though it couldn’t strike at the main branch, it avoided self-harm.
The Lian Family’s calculations were astute.
However, Du Yunluo’s position differed from that of the Lian Family.
In Shaohui Garden, she called the shots. As long as she was certain there wasn’t any internal strife, she could make a case out of it.
Of course, Du Yunluo would learn from the Lian Family’s "steady progress".
Madam Wu was already preparing to entrust her with household responsibilities. Unless Cangzhu’s death had a severe impact on the Lian Family and the second branch, it would be better for Du Yunluo to sort out the household affairs before making the matter public.
Being too hasty would only repeat the mistakes of the Duke Jing Mansion’s new lady.
Du Yunluo softly instructed Hong Jinbao’s family: "Continue to watch those in the courtyard, especially those who were close to Cangzhu. They might know something."
Hong Jinbao’s family pursed her lips, respectfully asking, "Madam, are you referring to Hongfu and Yan’er?"
"I don’t know them as well as you do." Du Yunluo smiled.
Hong Jinbao’s family nodded knowingly, explaining, "Cangzhu and Hongfu were both second class, living in the same room. We often saw them talking together. Hongfu was transferred from the Princely Heir’s courtyard. She originally worked with Yan’er cleaning the Princely Heir’s place. They were quite familiar, and because of this relationship, Cangzhu and Yan’er were also on good terms."
"If that’s the case, I’ll trouble you to pay more attention." Du Yunluo said.
Hong Jinbao’s family repeatedly said it was no trouble before retreating.
After Mu Lianxiao was ready, the two went to Baijie Hall together.
Banqiao was setting the table and greeted them with a smile.
Madam Wu glanced at the two, "Coming just in time for a meal."
Originally, she intended to make a stern joke, but once the words were out, Madam Wu couldn’t help herself and laughed heartily.
After the meal, Madam Wu inquired about the trip to Tong City, learned that Old Master Zhen’s health had improved significantly, and murmured a Buddhist prayer, "Mr. Xing’s miraculous skills revived him, and it was also your grandfather’s destined fortune to survive this calamity, promising future blessings."
Mu Lianxiao went out on business, and Du Yunluo and Mrs. Zhou assisted Madam Wu with her nap, only leaving Baijie Hall afterward.
Mrs. Zhou returned to Jingshui Hall, while Du Yunluo met the Lian Family in the garden.
The Lian Family welcomed her with a smile, "I knew you two had come back, was the journey smooth?"
Du Yunluo inquired after her and said plainly, "Traveling day and night, it was tiring, but seeing my grandfather made it all worthwhile, thank you for your concern, Auntie."
The Lian Family chatted idly for a while, then added, "Look at me, you must be tired now, I kept you chatting too long. Hurry back and rest, and when you’re feeling better, come to Fengyu Courtyard and have a chat with Hui’er."
Du Yunluo agreed, watching the Lian Family leave, her gaze deep and thoughtful.
Just as she expected, the Lian Family avoided mentioning Cangzhu’s matter, wishing to let it go.
At night, Mu Lianxiao didn’t return for dinner, and it wasn’t until the second watch that he came back to Shaohui Garden.
Du Yunluo looked up at him. Perhaps because of his youth and martial training, Mu Lianxiao didn’t show signs of fatigue, but he couldn’t be called energetic.
Standing behind his chair, Du Yunluo raised her hand to massage his shoulders.
Mu Lianxiao’s body was firm, and Du Yunluo had to use all her strength for it not to feel like scratching an itch.
After a long time, Mu Lianxiao leaned back, lifting his head to look at her, "In three days, I have to depart."
Du Yunluo’s eyes suddenly tightened, and her hands stopped moving.
From Mu Lianxiao’s angle, he could only see her trembling eyelashes.
Strength returned to her hands, and Mu Lianxiao heard Du Yunluo’s slightly hoarse voice, saying "Okay."
Just one word, yet it conveyed endless reluctance and concern.
Mu Lianxiao couldn’t help sighing; he too was unwilling to leave his lovely wife behind.
He raised his hand to hold hers on his shoulder, wrapping the soft, boneless hand in his palm, pulling Du Yunluo in front of him, gazing into her clear almond eyes, "Yunluo, you’ve told me you understand; there’s no need to say more. I’ll come back; wait for me to return."
Du Yunluo’s throat suddenly burned like fire; she blinked fiercely, avoiding Mu Lianxiao’s gaze, taking a deep breath to suppress the urge to cry.
Of course, she would wait for him.
Before, he always said that, and she always waited, even if he broke his promise. In this mansion, she kept waiting fifty years until he could come to take her when she closed her eyes.
"I know, I’ve never been to the frontier, but I know war is cruel," Du Yunluo forced a smile. She had long resolved not to let tears burden Mu Lianxiao when he went to war, "Fighting means getting hurt is as common as eating, but promise me, don’t get seriously injured, don’t die; you must come back..."
Mu Lianxiao’s heart softened immensely; he cupped Du Yunluo’s cheeks and said solemnly, "I promise you, I won’t let you worry, I won’t get seriously injured, won’t die, and I will come back."
Du Yunluo nodded vigorously, yet her tears uncontrollably fell like rain.
The more she thought not to cry, the more tears flowed. She hurriedly wiped them, making the skin around her eyes red.
Mu Lianxiao held her without saying another word, just gently patting her back to comfort her.
Finally, Du Yunluo’s tears ceased. She looked up, with a nasal tone, softly saying, "I’m fine, really, I won’t cry next time."
After crying, her face felt uncomfortable, so Mu Lianxiao called Jin Rui in.
Jin Rui brought in a basin of water, and Mu Lianxiao personally wrung a cloth, carefully and gently wiping her face.
Du Yunluo didn’t refuse, noticing Jin Rui wishing she could bury her head in the ground, she smiled with her eyes bent.
Mu Lianxiao went to the dressing table, looking at the rouge and fragrant ointments, momentarily unable to distinguish, his brows furrowed slightly.
Du Yunluo’s smile deepened, her tone turning light, "The small white porcelain box."
Mu Lianxiao opened the lid, the fragrance of the ointment filled the air, it was light and pleasant, the same scent he always picked up from Du Yunluo’s cheeks and neck, a scent he liked very much.
Du Yunluo went over, took a small piece, spread and applied it on her face, then glanced at him, "Looks like you’ve really never given rouge or fragrant ointment to a lady."
Her tone was slightly sour, slightly sweet, utterly endearing.
Mu Lianxiao leaned closer to steal a kiss, whispering in her ear, "I’ll send them to you next time."