Chapter 522 - 521: Three Years

Chapter 522: Chapter 521: Three Years

Mu Liancheng responded respectfully.

Madam Wu tapped her fingers on the small table. In the middle of the western chamber was a round table, on which a bronze incense burner shaped like a crane’s head was lit with sandalwood. The aroma was not strong, but it was calming and soothing.

After waiting for a while, people from the third and fourth branches arrived as well.

When everyone had gathered, Madam Wu sat up straight with her legs crossed, her gaze sliding over Mrs. Xu and Mrs. Lu, and said, "Regarding the issue of the young master, I assume you have all heard.

The Pingyang Marquis Mansion is in mourning. Tomorrow, Lian Kang, you and your wife should also go over. After all, we are relatives by marriage, and the proper etiquette should not be neglected.

Lian Hui doesn’t want to stay at her in-laws. This old woman has thought about it; Lian Hui is different from Yuan Jing, and this matter needs to be considered carefully.

I understand your temperaments as well.

If Lian Hui really wants to return, you won’t make things difficult for her.

However, this matter is still far from settled."

Lian Family bowed her head, quietly observing her sisters-in-law.

To be honest, she didn’t want Mu Lianhui to serve Jin Shangshou for life, but no matter how much she cried or made a fuss, it wasn’t her decision to make in the end.

Madam Wu didn’t speak definitively. Ultimately, the opinions to watch for are those of Mrs. Zhou, Mrs. Xu, and Mrs. Lu.

Once the decision is made within the mansion, only then can one gauge the palace’s thoughts.

"Consider it carefully"—these four words were not spoken casually by Madam Wu; such matters aren’t impulsively decided.

Mrs. Xu’s gaze fell outside the window. The sunset painted half the sky red, and for a moment, her eyes were confused.

She hated the second branch, wished to tear apart Mu Yuanmou and Lian Family, and didn’t like Mu Liancheng and Jiang Yunuan. Her discontent with the deceased Mu Lianyu stemmed mostly from the scandalous affairs between him and Mu Yuanjing.

However, Mrs. Xu didn’t feel the same strong feelings about Mu Lianhui.

The thought of having Mu Lianhui, who had been married for less than a year, stay in Pingyang Marquis Mansion, Mrs. Xu couldn’t harden her heart immediately.

Reflecting on her own widowhood, the more she hated the second branch, the more she sighed over the life Mu Lianhui was about to face. By the logic of cause and effect, the ones who should suffer were the couple Mu Yuanmou and Lian Family, whereas Mu Lianhui, just because she spoke harshly, shouldn’t end up being forced into a lifetime of service...

Mrs. Xu mumbled and uttered a Buddhist chant.

Mrs. Zhou deliberated before saying to Madam Wu, "Old Madam, I’ve thought about it before. Regardless of what happens in the future, during this three-year mourning period, Lian Hui must observe the rites. These three years will give Lian Hui time to think carefully, and for us to think carefully as well."

"That’s reasonable." Madam Wu nodded with satisfaction. "During these three years, you’ll all understand better. After three years, once the decision is made, you must be united.

Whether Lian Hui stays in mourning, returns home, or remarries, during these three years, you can deliberate among yourselves. Once you’ve deliberated, any gains or losses in the future should not lead to mutual blame.

The decision is made together, and the path chosen is also together. Whatever the outcome, you should all bear it together."

Madam Wu’s words, naturally everyone agreed to them.

Du Yunluo caught some meaning from Madam Wu’s words.

Madam Wu did not intend to forcibly keep Mu Lianhui, but she also wouldn’t readily let Mu Lianhui return home or remarry. The face of the Marquis Mansion and the status of Lian Hui as a Lady both had to be considered.

The next morning, Du Yunluo and her party headed to the Pingyang Marquis Mansion.

In the carriage, Du Yunluo asked Jiang Yunuan, "Yesterday, besides the Marchioness, what did the others mean?"

Jiang Yunuan smiled wryly, "What else could it mean? On one hand, they scold the concubine, and on the other, their eyes seem to spit fire at us."

Du Yunluo raised an eyebrow. In the Capital, it was common for officials to keep concubines; Jin Shang was just one of many. Such matters, at most, garnered a few reprimands, not a major dispute.

Mu Liancheng, acting beyond his authority, disregarded Mu Lianhui’s feelings and went directly to Jin Shang about the matter, not realizing the concubine was crazy, leading to a death.

In the end, it was all connected; everyone was at fault, and no one was free from blame.

Outside the Pingyang Marquis Mansion, there were quite a few carriages lined up for incense offerings.

After getting off the carriage, the group went to the spirit hall.

Jin Shang died in the concubine’s home, which was disgraceful regardless of the reasons. The Pingyang Marquis Mansion was also embarrassed, unable to claim Jin Shang had turned over a new leaf due to his uncle’s advice. Those who came only knew he died with a concubine, so they refrained from prying, leaving the matter partially covered.

Mu Lianhui knelt before the spirit in mourning attire, tears absent from her face, as if her spirit wandered elsewhere.

Seeing her family arrive, Mu Lianhui finally lifted her head, her eyes scanning everyone’s faces before settling on Du Yunluo.

"Yunluo," Mu Lianhui called her.

Du Yunluo was momentarily surprised, but then she understood.

Zhuang Ke had a prominent status but didn’t engage in household matters. Jiang Yunuan couldn’t manage her own affairs, let alone speak to Madam Wu and Lian Family about Mu Lianhui’s situation. Only Du Yunluo was left, managing the household affairs.

"What did Grandmother say?" Mu Lianhui asked.

Du Yunluo squatted down and said, "Whatever happens, these three years you must observe mourning properly."

"I know that," Mu Lianhui pursed her lips, "but what I meant is..."

Before Mu Lianhui could finish, Du Yunluo felt a strong push on her shoulder. Already less stable squatting than standing, she tilted and fell to the ground.

Smack—

The sharp sound of a slap resounded, and one side of Mu Lianhui’s face immediately became red and swollen.

Everyone present heard it and turned to look.

Zhuang Ke quickly came over to help Du Yunluo up. Jiang Yunuan held Mu Lianhui’s shoulder, looking at the person who struck.

Du Yunluo also raised her eyes, only to find the face unfamiliar. Hearing the chatter of the maids and servants nearby, she realized this was Jin Shang’s full-blooded sister, Jin Huan, known to have a volatile relationship with Huo Ruyi.

Mu Lianhui slowly stood up, her face burning, yet she didn’t feel the pain. "Why hit me?"

"Wicked woman!" Jin Huan spat, "In what way did my brother treat you poorly? You caused his death!"

"I was deep within the Marquis Mansion, and he died in Rouge Alley. Yet you’re pinning this on me," Mu Lianhui’s eyes were cold. "Luckily, I married in when you were already out. Otherwise, imagine how I, as the sister-in-law, might have to discipline you as a sister-in-law."

"You!" Jin Huan glared, pointing at Mu Lianhui.

The Grandma Jin, who had been standing by watching the commotion without interfering, was flushed with embarrassment. Mu Lianhui’s words weren’t just an attack on Jin Huan but included her as well.

Jin Huan raised her voice, "These few must be your sisters-in-law from your mother’s side. You speak of my manners; what about the manners taught to you by your sisters-in-law?"

Du Yunluo shook her head.

In front of so many people, Jin Huan slapped Mu Lianhui, yet the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion people wouldn’t speak up in her defense, which was disgraceful.

Zhuang Ke had never witnessed the verbal disputes among the noblewomen in the Capital, and Jiang Yunuan was not cut out for it. In the end, only Du Yunluo was left.

"That’s not right to say. Favored by the Empress Dowager, the Great-Aunt was granted the title Lady Jiarou. The Lady follows the teachings of the Empress Dowager and the Imperial Consort, guided by her grandmother and mother upon returning home. Naturally, it shouldn’t be the responsibility of her sisters-in-law and younger siblings to teach her manners," Du Yunluo paused, then changed the tone, speaking sternly, "However, Madam, you come in pushing and hitting people. The Lady is your sister-in-law and a court-appointed Sealed Lord..."