Chapter 308 - 307: Guidance
At dusk, Mu Lianxiao returned from Qinglian Temple.
Du Yunluo helped him remove his cloak, tidied it up a bit and handed it to Jin Rui, then asked, "Did Master Kongming still refuse to say anything?"
Mu Lianxiao nodded.
For the past few years, it has always been like this, and he has gotten used to it, so he doesn’t feel downcast.
However, there is still hope in his heart that maybe one day, Master Kongming will reveal even the tiniest detail he remembers.
Mu Lianxiao picked up a teacup and drank it in one go, turning his gaze to ask her, "Did Mr. Xing diagnose the peaceful pulse? What did he say?"
Du Yunluo responded softly, "He prescribed some remedies, saying that it would be fine with gradual care."
Mu Lianxiao’s gaze swept over Jin Rui and Jin Ling, and the two of them understood, retreating quietly.
Du Yunluo was still lost in thought until Mu Lianxiao pulled her to sit on his lap, bringing her back to reality.
"Yunluo," Mu Lianxiao embraced her and sighed, "Is it grandmother and mother who are putting pressure on you?"
Du Yunluo was taken aback at his words, meeting Mu Lianxiao’s gaze, their faces almost touching.
Gazing into each other’s eyes, Du Yunluo clearly saw her reflection in Mu Lianxiao’s eyes, those dark and gentle eyes were filled with her image.
Resting her head against Mu Lianxiao’s shoulder, Du Yunluo said, "No, grandmother and mother haven’t mentioned anything to me."
Mu Lianxiao’s hand gently stroked down Du Yunluo’s spine, one stroke after another.
Even if Madam Wu and Mrs. Zhou hadn’t mentioned it, he thought, Du Yunluo would still feel the pressure regardless.
When Madam Wu went to the palace, her message to Cining Palace was expressing hope for the main family to bear heirs, making her intentions very clear.
"Yunluo, having a child isn’t just a matter of wanting one; it’s not entirely your responsibility," Mu Lianxiao’s voice was low, tinged with slight discomfort.
Du Yunluo could hear it, and she couldn’t help but bury her head in the crook of his neck, chuckling softly.
It’s so obvious he’s uncomfortable yet still wants to comfort her...
It warms her heart immensely.
Even though Mu Lianxiao misunderstood her thoughts.
Du Yunluo lifted her head, looking at him seriously, "Heir, I understand all these truths. I’ve been thinking, if grandmother and mother want me to manage the household, I’ll take it over. I won’t be afraid of being overburdened when pregnant. You can’t rush these things; taking it step by step is fine. Once I’m well-rested and healthy inside, a child will naturally come."
Du Yunluo’s voice was soft and sweet, carrying a hint of caution and shyness.
Mu Lianxiao’s heart skipped a beat, his gaze deepened, and he lifted Du Yunluo’s delicate chin, lowering his head to seek her cherry lips.
Du Yunluo did not avoid him but instead leaned closer to him, her lips slightly parted, allowing him to conquer the territory.
In truth, it couldn’t really be called conquering; Mu Lianxiao kissed tenderly and cautiously, as if afraid of hurting her, his tongue gently intertwining, expressing indescribable affection and deep emotion.
Du Yunluo’s mind went blank, her breathing gradually hastened, and she was almost unable to catch her breath.
"Mmm..." Du Yunluo had just drawn a breath when he sealed her lips tightly again.
What was more fatal was that his warm hand gently caressed her curves, and even through the fabric, she could not help but shiver.
Before completely igniting, Mu Lianxiao ended the kiss.
Du Yunluo collapsed softly in Mu Lianxiao’s embrace, gasping for air.
Mu Lianxiao leaned back against the chair, his cheeks flushed, closing his eyes to adjust his breathing.
After all, they were staying for a bit at the Zhen Family, and it was not yet dark; making love in daylight was far more awkward for Du Yunluo than fetching water in the middle of the night, besides, he was reluctant to have anyone speak ill of Du Yunluo behind her back.
So, he could only have a taste to ease the yearning.
After resting for a while, they finally calmed down. Du Yunluo got up to the dressing table, seeing in the mirror her hairpin slightly loosened, losing its previous neatness.
Du Yunluo glanced at Mu Lianxiao and called Jin Rui to come in and re-comb her hair.
Once tidied, the two of them went to Yanxi Hall together, accompanying Old Mrs. Hou for dinner.
After the meal, Du Yunluo went to see Old Master Zhen.
"Grandfather, the Heir and I will be returning tomorrow," Du Yunluo held the old man’s hand and said, "Please take good care of your health, we’ll come to see you again once the border affairs are settled. I keep my word."
Old Master Zhen grinned widely.
Mu Lianxiao sat beside Du Yunluo, he had never taken care of ailing elders himself; both his grandfather and other grandfather passed away suddenly, leaving him no chance to fulfill his filial duties at their bedside.
Indeed, it was a deep regret within him.
But now, the elderly person in front of him was also his grandfather.
Mu Lianxiao spoke, "Grandfather, I’ve heard from Yunluo that you enjoy watching birds? The uncle from Duke Dingguo Mansion in the capital also loves watching birds, when I went to the Duke Dingguo Mansion before..."
Mu Lianxiao carefully recounted the interesting stories about bird watching, talking about starlings and thrushes.
Old Master Zhen listened intently, having been bedridden for over half a year, his descendants, though attentive, hadn’t spoken about birds to him, leaving him feeling quite lonely.
In his old age, he had only a few hobbies left: drinking, watching opera, and bird watching. Now, he couldn’t partake in any of them, so hearing Mu Lianxiao talk about birds to relive the joy was wonderful.
Du Yunluo also listened, Mu Lianxiao treated her family as his own, taking the time to cheer up Old Master Zhen, which made her nose tingle with emotion.
Hooking her little finger around Mu Lianxiao’s, Du Yunluo turned to him, "I’ve heard there’s a type of big bird at the border, which flies very high and fast."
"That’s an eagle, the herders keep them to guard the flocks and hunt," Mu Lianxiao explained.
"How big are they? Are they as big as this?" Du Yunluo extended her arms for comparison.
"If it spreads its wings as well, it won’t be smaller than you," Mu Lianxiao teased.
The couple exchanged playful banter, word after word, bringing immense joy to Old Master Zhen.
The night gradually deepened, and the two of them got up to take their leave.
Old Master Zhen held Du Yunluo’s hand, trembling slightly, saying, "As long as you two are well, I am happy."
Du Yunluo bit her lip lightly, holding back the sparkle in her eyes, and nodded emphatically.
The next morning, Mu Lianxiao and Du Yunluo took their leave from the Zhen Family and set off back to the capital.
This journey was another day and night of travel, and finally, according to plan, they returned to the capital.
As it was inconvenient for Du Yunluo to return to the Du Family, she had Jin Ling return to send the message, also relaying Old Master Zhen’s condition to Mrs. Zhen.
Jin Ling, understanding perfectly, whispered, "Madam needn’t worry, I’ll know what to say and what not to say."
Back at Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, the Shaohui Garden was prepared with hot water, and the two of them bathed and changed clothes.
Hong Jinbao’s was invited in, Du Yunluo asked a couple of simple questions, learning that everything in the mansion had been as usual, and there were no incidents in Shaohui Garden, which reassured her greatly.
"What about the matter of Cangzhu?" Du Yunluo asked in a lowered voice.
Hong Jinbao’s shook her head, "No one has been found feeling guilty, but those few young maids were frightened, and they usually did tasks in pairs or groups of three, not daring to be alone."
After all, it was a matter of life, and working in the same courtyard, seeing each other every day, it’s natural to fear when someone suddenly disappeared.
Du Yunluo asked again, "Has Second Aunt found anything?"
Hong Jinbao’s responded, "It seems there’s no movement."