Chapter 221 - 220: Beautiful
When his hands touched the red brocade box, Mu Lianxiao couldn’t help but wonder what kind of flower melon Du Yunluo had carved this time.
Yun Qi stood aside with his hands hanging down, craning his neck to look, and then he saw Mu Lianxiao stunned, but soon, his Young Master grinned, smiling particularly happily.
Yun Qi’s heart felt like it was being scratched by a cat. What exactly did Miss Du carve to make the Young Master so happy? His curiosity was killing him, but because of the angle, he couldn’t see the flower melon.
Seeing Mu Lianxiao’s attention focused entirely on the flower melon, Yun Qi tiptoed two steps, and when he saw the flower melon clearly, he exclaimed in his heart; isn’t it just like the Young Master!
Looking at the real person and then at the flower melon, Yun Qi had to admit that it was a spitting image! This was exactly how the Young Master looked when he played polo; Miss Du’s skill was truly clever and her memory precise!
If not for those two inseparable from Mu Lianxiao, Yun Qi would have thought Mu Lianxiao had secretly gone to see Du Yunluo and let her carve it while facing him.
Mu Lianxiao was unaware of Yun Qi’s jumbled thoughts. He pulled a chair and sat down at the table, looking down at the flower melon in his hand.
Unlike last year’s bold dragon boat, this year’s horse involved more detailed carving work.
It looked quite convincing. However, as someone who dealt with horses regularly, Mu Lianxiao could tell at a glance that Du Yunluo had made a mistake. The lines of the legs and abdomen of a horse when leaping in this posture were not what Du Yunluo had carved.
However, the person on the horse was not mistaken at all; the appearance, expression, posture, and demeanor all perfectly matched Mu Lianxiao himself.
It was clear that Du Yunluo was just focused on watching him at that time, her almond eyes filled with him, without paying any attention to how the horse’s lines should exactly look.
A flawed horse, but a perfect man, such a combination inexplicably made Mu Lianxiao joyful.
Mu Lianxiao’s lips curled up, his smile deepened. If Du Yunluo were here, he would tell her exactly where she went wrong; Du Yunluo would certainly be adorably embarrassed and annoyed.
So adorable that one would want to tease her even more.
Seeing that Mu Lianxiao was in a very good mood, Yun Qi ventured to approach him and boldly said, "Master, there’s something I wish to ask of you."
"What is it?" Mu Lianxiao asked casually.
Yun Qi blushed and said, "I want to know if Miss Jin Ling beside Miss Du has been promised to anyone. If not, Master, can I... can I..."
Mu Lianxiao was drinking water, and upon hearing that, almost spat it out, staring wide-eyed: "What did you say? You want me to speak on your behalf to propose?"
Yun Qi nodded fervently.
"When did you meet Jin Ling? Why don’t I know about this?" Mu Lianxiao asked in surprise.
Yun Qi said, "I met her last time when I helped deliver the horse to Miss Du for you, and then I saw her twice more."
Mu Lianxiao didn’t know whether to laugh or get angry, pointing at Yun Qi: "You met her just three times, and you’re already thinking of marrying her? Tell me, what do you like about her?"
Yun Qi hung his head, thinking to himself: Master, when you didn’t even know if Miss Du’s face was round or square, you were already engaged. After meeting her once, you were completely smitten. At least I’ve seen her three times...
These words, Yun Qi only dared think to himself, never to speak out loud. If he uttered a single word, Mu Lianxiao’s face couldn’t sustain it, and he wouldn’t go to talk to Du Yunluo on his behalf.
Yun Qi scratched his head: "Miss Jin Ling is beautiful."
Mu Lianxiao laughed and scolded: "Are you sure you want me to say that to Yunluo?"
Although he also thought it was true, beauty is something everyone appreciates. Yun Qi liking Jin Ling for her looks was understandable, but such a reason...
For Yun Qi to fancy a maid wasn’t a problem, but to provide such a flirtatious reason, even his intervention wouldn’t stop Du Yunluo from getting angry, possibly even taking her anger out on him.
Yun Qi also realized this, chuckling foolishly while shaking his head quickly, thick-skinned: "Master, I’ve inquired. Miss Jin Ling has a mother whose eyes have gone bad and a sickly younger brother. She’s very filial, and besides her monthly salary, she helps out in the Du Mansion’s sewing room to earn some pocket money, all for her mother and brother. She works meticulously and is well-liked by everyone in the Du Mansion..."
"You’ve certainly investigated thoroughly," Mu Lianxiao said.
Yun Qi lowered his head, extremely respectful: "I beseech you, Master, to make it happen."
Mu Lianxiao laughed: "Pleading with me won’t help; she’s Yunluo’s maid. Not to mention now, even after they marry, it’s her decision."
Yun Qi wore a bitter face: "Master, I truly like Miss Jin Ling. Please help me mention it to Miss Du. If Miss Jin Ling agrees, then wouldn’t everyone be happy?"
"Everyone happy?"
Yun Qi swallowed a gulp of saliva, fearlessly asserting: "If I were to marry Miss Jin Ling, I would have her speak well of you in Miss Du’s ear, surely it would work."
Mu Lianxiao picked a small walnut from the plate on the table and flicked it at Yun Qi’s forehead: "You think I have to rely on you to speak well of me to Yunluo indirectly?"
Yun Qi rubbed his forehead. Mu Lianxiao hadn’t used much force, so it didn’t hurt: "I spoke out of turn; you and Miss Du are of one heart, no need for my meddling."
Mu Lianxiao cast him a glance, yet he quite liked the phrase "of one heart." He carefully put away the flower melon, saying: "I understand. Next time, I’ll help you ask."
Yun Qi was overjoyed, spinning in place twice, then remembered the important matter, hurriedly saying: "Master, when you speak to Miss Du, tell her that I know about Miss Jin Ling’s family situation. I only have a sister, no parents, and I would treat her mother as my own, and her brother as my own too. I’ll surely take good care of them."
Mu Lianxiao laughed: "Isn’t that obvious? If you want to marry her, wouldn’t you take care of her family? Never mind Yunluo, I’d beat you myself if you didn’t."
Yun Qi nodded earnestly: "I understand, I understand."
The matter agreed upon, Mu Lianxiao finally had time to ask: "How did you meet Jin Ling afterward? Did you see Yunluo?"
Yun Qi’s expression suddenly turned serious, recounting the whole situation with Ma Dehai and the Zhao family to Mu Lianxiao in detail.
Mu Lianxiao’s smile vanished, asking in a low voice: "Why didn’t you tell me earlier?"
Yun Qi lowered his head, saying: "Master returned to the capital without a moment’s rest and was summoned to the palace; that’s why I..."
Master, I’ve found out that Ma Dehai hasn’t rested these days. On the day of Zhongyuan, he took leave, saying he was returning to Yanzi Mountain Village. I figured it would be more appropriate to act outside the palace than inside."
Mu Lianxiao pursed his lips.
Yun Qi had reasoned it out very well.
Since Ma Dehai harbored resentment toward the Du Family, it would be impossible to coerce him into revealing who tampered with Snow Clothes’ horseshoes through inducements; only threats would work.
If Ma Dehai disappeared in the palace, inquiries would inevitably follow, but if he left the palace without returning, dealing with him outside would be far easier.