Chapter 347 - 346: Explanation

Chapter 347: Chapter 346: Explanation

Compared to Du Yunluo’s fatigue, Mu Lianxiao was feeling refreshed.

Although Du Yunluo understood the differences between men and women, and her body indeed couldn’t compare to the martial Mu Lianxiao, she was still gnashing her teeth.

In the East Side Room, Lian Qiao had set the table.

Mu Lianxiao held Du Yunluo’s hand as they went out, and the two sat by the table. It wasn’t until Lian Qiao brought the chicken soup to Du Yunluo that Mu Lianxiao let go of her hand.

Du Yunluo just felt a throb between her brows.

When was this chicken soup made?

From the time they asked for water until now, how could a thick bowl of chicken soup be made?

Or did Lian Qiao order the big kitchen to prepare it just as they closed the door?

The thick-skinned facade Du Yunluo had built up was about to crack open.

Lian Qiao noticed Du Yunluo’s embarrassment, cleared her throat, lowered her head, and said, "When this servant went to the big kitchen, chicken soup was already being prepared, so I brought a bowl over."

Mu Lianxiao paused his hand that was holding the chopsticks.

Du Yunluo smiled dryly, motioning for Lian Qiao to come closer: "Is everyone drinking chicken soup tonight?"

Chicken soup is for replenishing energy and blood, so it’s brought up after intimacy, and a few days every month it’s simmered in the kitchen.

Lian Qiao pressed her lips together, hesitantly shaking her head.

Du Yunluo understood instantly.

This was prepared for Shangxin Courtyard. A single old hen could simmer a whole pot of soup, Lian Qiao went at the right time and took some.

Since it was for Jiang Yunuan, Du Yunluo naturally wasn’t worried about anything strange being mixed in and drank it slowly and carefully.

Having exerted much effort in the afternoon, Mu Lianxiao had an especially good appetite.

The dishes on the table were those the two liked to eat; Mu Lianxiao wasn’t picky like some young masters. He ate quickly, but not rudely, making others feel the food was delicious.

Perhaps this also counts as "a feast for the eyes"?

Du Yunluo thought somewhat randomly, eating an extra half bowl than usual.

Afraid of having trouble digesting it at night, the couple took a slow walk in the garden to aid digestion as the night breeze outside wasn’t strong.

"Does the Princely Heir know about Uncle Four’s matter?" Du Yunluo asked softly.

Mu Lianxiao answered, "Fourth Brother suddenly arrived at the border, carrying Grandmother’s letter. The letter said he committed an offense, and Grandmother wanted him to reflect at the border.

The letter didn’t specify what he did.

Both my Second Brother and I asked him, but that kid wouldn’t say. The more we asked, the more agitated he became.

Yunluo, what exactly did Fourth Brother do?"

Du Yunluo replied awkwardly, "A scandal. Grandmother probably felt it couldn’t be explained clearly in a letter, so she didn’t mention it.

I saw Grandmother seemed ready to say it today at Baijie Hall, but really didn’t know how to start.

For such things, it’s better if I tell you privately."

Mu Lianxiao frowned tightly.

A scandal so severe that Madam Wu couldn’t put it into words—Mu Lianyu managed to cause such chaos!

Mu Lianxiao stopped walking, looking down at Du Yunluo. He didn’t rush her, waiting for Du Yunluo to speak.

Du Yunluo carefully chose her words and explained to Mu Lianxiao the entire situation: from the haunting in the backyard during Qixi, adding patrols at night, to the breakthrough incident with three people in Manhe Garden, Lady An’s betrayal leading to her suicide, and Mu Yuanjing’s abortion after taking medicine.

Mu Lianxiao’s face alternated between black and white, his chest full of turbulent energy.

If Mu Lianyu were in front of him, he’d definitely give that ridiculous brother a harsh lesson.

How could Mu Lianyu do something so against moral principles?

What a waste of all those years of studying the teachings of sages!

In front of Du Yunluo, Mu Lianxiao restrained his emotions, afraid of frightening her, just gritting his teeth to curse "that bastard."

"Aunt and Fourth Uncle like that, Grandmother couldn’t even bring it up," Du Yunluo said, "even at Second Uncle’s, I suppose it was Second Aunt who forced herself to say it."

Mu Lianxiao pursed his lips.

Such matters can only be discussed quietly between husband and wife; who else could explain it to him and Mu Liancheng?

No one can say it out loud.

Even Du Yunluo, Mu Lianxiao felt her voice was dry and awkward, precisely "forcing herself."

"Yunluo," Mu Lianxiao stepped forward, gently embracing Du Yunluo, softly asking, "when it happened, no one gave you trouble, right?"

Du Yunluo was taken aback.

With such a situation occurring, that Mu Lianxiao was scolding Mu Lianyu or even disregarding the hierarchy to blame Mu Yuanjing, or worrying about Madam Wu, wouldn’t surprise Du Yunluo.

But Mu Lianxiao’s main concern was for her, and that warmed Du Yunluo’s heart entirely.

Her face buried in Mu Lianxiao’s chest, she wrapped her arms around him, smiling as she said, "Grandmother and Mother are discerning, why would they give me trouble...

Nor did they trouble the servants; originally, they were just following orders, trying to find the person pretending to be a ghost.

At first, it was aimed at the shadow, who knew it would...

Second Aunt fell ill afterward, she’d much rather fight to the death with Aunt than give me a hard time.

Fortunately, it was discovered early; Grandmother could manage everything. Had they waited until Aunt’s belly grew big, that would have been really troublesome."

Once the matter was thoroughly explained, it was passed over lightly. Just understanding the ins and outs sufficed; continuing would only add to the embarrassment.

Mu Lianxiao asked with a light laugh, "Haven’t had the chance to ask you properly, how have you been these past six months?"

Du Yunluo raised her eyes, glancing at him, "The Princely Heir hasn’t Jiuxi already told you?"

Mu Lianxiao chuckled softly, rubbing his forehead against hers, "I want to hear it from you."

Unable to help but laugh, Du Yunluo felt bits of joy and excitement, as the two walked back, speaking softly together.

"My Fourth Sister mentioned she saw Princess An Ran’s son, very spirited and adorable," Du Yunluo said with a smile, "met Princess Nanyan during the Mid-Autumn Palace visit, she’s also expecting, about five months along now, might have gained quite a bit by the New Year’s palace visit."

Mu Lianxiao listened with a smile, and upon returning to their room, he wrapped his arms around Du Yunluo’s slender waist, saying, "Everyone’s either having a baby or giving birth."

Du Yunluo blinked, then let out a giggle.

Who could blame her for knowing mostly girls of that age.

"It’s just the right time for marrying and having children." Du Yunluo puffed her cheeks, saying.

Mu Lianxiao’s smile widened, lowering his forehead to hers, "And you?"

Their breath mingled, causing Du Yunluo’s long lashes to flutter, with many words stuck in her throat, unsure of what to say.

With their eyes locked, Du Yunluo could see clearly the reflection of herself in Mu Lianxiao’s eyes at such close proximity, his eyes deep and unfathomable, illuminated by a faint light.

After Du Yunluo responded, Mu Lianxiao cupped her face, sighing, "Yunluo, I want a child."

Du Yunluo’s nose tingled, her vision instantly blurred.

She too wanted a child with Mu Lianxiao, but even holding control over the big kitchen, Du Yunluo couldn’t be sure she could give birth safely in the manor.

Lightly biting her lip, a thought crossed Du Yunluo’s mind, "Do you want me to be like Second Sister-in-law? Pregnant and giving birth alone, sitting out the month, getting fat, getting thin, all while you’re unaware..."