Chapter 299 - 298: Regret
This is indeed an honest statement.
For a woman, marrying is like a reincarnation; her fortune depends entirely on fate.
If everything is as she wishes, naturally all will be well, but if not, she truly suffers for a lifetime.
Moreover, the way a husband and wife get along is like drinking water; only they know if it’s warm or cold, and outsiders can’t really see clearly.
When Mu Yuanjing got married, she was also carefully chosen among many.
It was Mrs. Zhou who suggested the Liu Family in Shu, with the Old Marquis and Old Madam Wu making the final decision, and it eventually took place.
But it ended like this.
Mu Yuanjing couldn’t bear to resent Madam Wu and could only vent her anger on Mrs. Zhou.
Madam Wu, having gone through this once, had this to say when it came to Mu Lianhui.
No matter how things turn out, Mu Lianhui would either resent her grandmother or her mother. Both are her dearest relatives, and even if she keeps quiet, they will still be on her mind.
After all, it’s important not to implicate others.
"Has anyone proposed a match?" Du Yunluo asked Lian Qiao softly.
Lian Qiao shook her head: "If there was someone suitable, the second madam wouldn’t be sighing like this."
Du Yunluo nodded in understanding.
The only girl among the Lian generation in the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, with a title of Lady, accompanying the Empress Dowager in Putuo Mountain for three years—even with such credentials like Mu Lianhui, marrying too low would dissatisfy the Lian Family. But to marry someone high or of equal status, how many suitable matches are left?
Moreover, the Lian Family hoped that Mu Lianhui’s marriage could strengthen Mu Liancheng’s position by choosing someone from a noble or royal family.
However, Li Luan was pushed away by Mu Lianhui herself, offending the Empress Dowager and cutting off the path through Li Yu.
Counting further, those of the appropriate age were rather limited.
Du Yunluo figured the Lian Family would be troubled over this for some time, whereas Mu Lianyu’s marriage would be a bit easier to handle.
She remembered from her past life that in this summer, Mu Lianyu’s marriage alliance was decided. Although not very high in rank, it was somewhat connected to the Lian Family, making them essentially "one of their own."
While Du Yunluo pondered, she saw Mu Lianxiao coming out of the washroom, and she set aside those thoughts for the time being.
Mu Lianxiao’s hair was wet, wiping it with a handkerchief while asking, "Yunluo, what were you frowning about?"
Du Yunluo pressed her lips together and looked up at him.
Lian Qiao quietly retreated.
Seeing the curtain sway, Du Yunluo couldn’t help but smile, stood up and pulled Mu Lianxiao to sit down, taking the handkerchief from his hand to dry him carefully.
Mu Lianxiao’s hair took after Mrs. Zhou’s—fine and straight, easily combed without much effort.
Unlike Du Yunluo’s long hair, soft yet ever tangled, a woman’s intricate hairstyles take quite a bit of effort daily to manage.
Du Yunluo envied Mu Lianxiao’s hair, and when he asked her again, she replied, "I was thinking about whether or not you’ll have time to accompany me back to Tong City after Qingming."
Mu Lianxiao raised his eyebrows, though he promised Madam Wu, he couldn’t say for sure if he would have time in April.
After all, he was earning a salary from the court, and the emperor’s command came first.
Mu Lianxiao leaned slightly back, resting against Du Yunluo as he looked at her, "Do you want to go back?"
Du Yunluo was silent for a moment before speaking honestly, "I do. Last time we returned from Tong City, Grandfather had just begun to say a few vague words. He mentioned knowing that you’d visited the Zhen Family, but unfortunately, he was ill and didn’t see what you actually look like. I promised him we’d go back together later."
As Du Yunluo spoke, her voice gradually lowered, unable to hold back a bit of sobbing.
Turning her head slightly, Du Yunluo sniffed and forced a smile, "It would be best if you have time..."
Mu Lianxiao lifted her hand gently, wrapping it around Du Yunluo’s hand, bringing it to his lips for a gentle kiss.
He knew she was sensible, which made his heart ache even more for her.
And Du Yunluo’s longing for Old Master Zhen reminded him of the Old Marquis.
Raised and taught by the Old Marquis, learning martial arts and literacy, he recalled the first time riding horseback in his grandfather’s arms and his grandfather’s hand guiding his little fingers through calligraphy strokes.
He always thought of doing something for his grandfather, striving as much as he could, yet he hadn’t done it all.
Some matters could wait, some could not.
He wished to fulfill more and more now that his grandfather and father were no longer present to witness his achievements and his marriage.
Such regret, he wanted to minimize as much as possible.
In Tong City, although Old Master Zhen was under the care of Imperial Doctor Xing, having suffered from paralysis in the past, who could say for sure what the future held?
If they didn’t go this year and waited a year or two, perhaps...
He didn’t want Du Yunluo to be left in tears and regret.
"I’ll do my best," Mu Lianxiao said.
Du Yunluo smiled and nodded.
These three simple words, yet Du Yunluo quickly realized their significance.
Mu Lianxiao became even busier, leaving early and returning late, their time together dwindling to brief exchanges before sleep.
Du Yunluo understood Mu Lianxiao’s difficulties and bore no grievances, gradually taking on household affairs from Mrs. Zhou, crafting shoe insoles and making clothes during her spare time, leading a fulfilling life.
One day, visiting Baijie Hall to pay respects, she accompanied Madam Wu for lunch.
Banqiao set the table, and Du Yunluo supported Madam Wu to her seat.
The Old Madam picked up her chopsticks, about to eat, then turned to Banqiao, "Today is Mrs. Yuan’an’s birthday, isn’t it?"
Banqiao pondered, "It is the fourth madam’s birthday."
"Send someone to the kitchen to check if the longevity noodles have been delivered. Don’t let it slip through the cracks." Madam Wu instructed.
Banqiao nodded in acknowledgment.
After the meal, the confirmation came that the noodles were indeed sent, reassuring Madam Wu.
Madam Wu nodded, seeming to want to say something to Du Yunluo, but ultimately remained silent.
After Du Yunluo left, Madam Wu asked Nanny Shan to accompany her to the small prayer room.
Nanny Shan lit incense, and Madam Wu knelt before the altar, sighing, "In the blink of an eye so many years have passed, yet when I remember, it feels just like yesterday.
I gave birth to four children myself, so I wasn’t afraid of childbirth, yet Mrs. Yuan’an was terrified out of her mind.
A formed baby boy, lost just like that. If not for the Bodhisattva’s protection, it would have been a mother and child lost."
Nanny Shan kept silent, casting a glance at Madam Wu, knowing why she didn’t share this with Du Yunluo.
It was because Mrs. Lu lost her unborn child after Mu Yuan’an died in battle.
Such topics, be it Jiang Yunuan with her full belly or Du Yunluo working for a lineage, were best left unspoken.
Nanny Shan lowered her eyes, "Fortunately, the fourth madam made it through."
In silent prayer, Madam Wu recited scriptures.
After some time, Banqiao arrived with news that Mrs. Lu was here.
Mrs. Lu entered the small prayer room.
Nanny Shan inquired after her well-being, glanced at Mrs. Lu’s attire.
Though it was her birthday, Mrs. Lu still wore muted colors.
Mu Yuan’an had been dead for over ten years, and during this time, Mrs. Lu’s figure had changed considerably. Her new clothes these past years were all plain, the once-bright dresses no longer fit.
During festivities and celebrations in the mansion, Mrs. Lu adorned herself only with some jewelry to add a bit of festivity to her appearance.