Chapter 527 - 526: Double Joy

Chapter 527: Chapter 526: Double Joy

Tian was neither crying nor making a fuss, showing great obedience.

Old Mrs. Xia particularly liked her. Although there was the older Qin, as the eldest daughter in the Capital’s Du Mansion, Tian, with her beautiful appearance, was adored in Lianfu Garden.

The Tang Family also came to present gifts. Du Yunluo had a favorable impression of the Tang Family and stayed with Mrs. Zhen to chat with the in-laws for a while.

After the Three-Day Cleansing Ceremony, Tian was kept in Lianfu Garden.

Du Yunluo pretended to be jealous and said to Old Mrs. Xia, "Grandmother has Tian now, you’ve truly forgotten about me."

Old Mrs. Xia jokingly scolded, "This is your brother’s own daughter. If you get jealous over this, you’ve really become childish! I haven’t even said how you forgot your grandmother once you got a husband!"

Du Yunluo let out a playful shout, then hugged Brother Yan and followed Mrs. Zhen out, with laughter echoing in the room. She couldn’t stop smiling even as she walked.

In Qinghui Garden, Mrs. Zhen teased Brother Yan, saying, "This is truly a double blessing."

Du Yunluo was startled.

"I’m talking about your father," Mrs. Zhen said with a smile, "Vice Minister Mr. Xie is retiring. Both the Chief of Staff and Lord Shi proposed your father for promotion. From what I heard yesterday, it’s almost certain he will be promoted."

Jumping from Extraordinary Minister to Vice Minister in one step, Du Huarang’s move was quite significant.

In their past life, it was for Du Huarang’s promotion that Yun Di had waited for a long time for the perfect moment to accept Shi Lian’er into the mansion and prevent the Shi Family from causing trouble, which would have resulted in losing everything.

Now, everything went smoothly.

Du Yunluo smiled, "That’s truly wonderful news, a double blessing."

After discussing Du Huarang, they talked about Du Huaili and Du Yunru’s families in Lindong.

"The news from the old master is about eighty percent certain," Mrs. Zhen said softly, "It’s been rumored for a long time that the eldest uncle would transfer to Jiangnan, and it seems set. He will transfer in the spring next year, and Shao Yuanzhou will take over the Lindong Prefect position."

Du Yunluo was stunned.

Next spring, which is the 24th year of Yong’an, was just as it was in the past, so Du Yunluo was not surprised.

What surprised her was that Shao Yuanzhou would take over. With Shao Yuanzhou’s qualifications and age, this was a significant promotion.

Mrs. Zhen noticed and said, "It’s said that Yuanzhou is clever, doing well in Linggu, with guidance from the eldest uncle."

The mother and daughter chatted for a while, and seeing it was getting late, Du Yunluo went to Lianfu Garden to bid farewell to Old Mrs. Xia and play with the little girl, then returned to Dingyuan Marquis Mansion with Mu Lianxiao.

In Baijie Hall, Madam Wu had just gotten up from her afternoon nap. Hearing so much about Tian, she smiled, "I envy the matriarch of the family. Over the years, one child after another has made the mansion lively."

Du Yunluo bowed her head, saying, "Grandmother, we have girls and boys in our mansion too."

Madam Wu chuckled, "I’m not blaming you all. The mourning period is a delay, but I’m just regretful that besides Sister Niang, none were born in front of my eyes. The Three-Day Cleansing Ceremony has only been held once in the mansion."

Mrs. Zhou, from the side, comforted, "When the mourning period is over, Madam Wu, the mansion will surely become lively again."

Back in Shaohui Garden, Jin Lan was doing needlework while asking Jin Rui, "Is Fourth Granny’s little girl, Tian, good-looking? Lively?"

Jin Rui laughed, "It’s only been three days. I can’t tell if she’s good-looking, but given Fourth Master and Fourth Granny’s looks, how could their child not be?"

Jin Lan seemed thoughtful.

Hearing this, Du Yunluo burst out laughing.

She’s the one who knows best that Tian looks like a carved jade doll, just like the dragon girl beside Guanyin, loved by all.

When Mu Lianxiao came back, Du Yunluo was still talking about how Tian looked, wishing to watch and protect her every day.

"If you keep saying that, your brother and sister-in-law will get mad at you," Mu Lianxiao chuckled, tapping Du Yunluo’s nose, "Girls shouldn’t be praised."

Du Yunluo pursed her lips.

In the family, when raising daughters, they are always told they’re not pretty, believing that saying the opposite would make them grow charmingly beautiful.

Though Du Yunluo knew this custom, she couldn’t bring herself to say that such a beautiful Tian was not pretty.

Mu Lianxiao saw this and simply pulled her to sit on his lap, saying, "If you like girls so much, just have one yourself. You can watch her every day, and no one can take her from you."

Thinking of raising children, Du Yunluo recalled what Madam Wu said, softly coughing to mask her slight embarrassment. She said, "Not at all. When they grow up, who knows which brat will take them away."

Mu Lianxiao couldn’t help but laugh, glancing at the dressing table’s mirror, which reflected half of his face.

"In the eyes of your parents, I’m just another brat," Mu Lianxiao said.

Du Yunluo buried her face in his neck, chuckling, "Good that you know."

Their breaths mingled, lightly brushing against the skin like feathers.

The scent of fragrant powder on Du Yunluo was sweet yet not overpowering, making Mu Lianxiao long for a taste.

Thinking this, Mu Lianxiao acted on it.

Gentle kisses landed on her eyes and brows. Feeling ticklish, Du Yunluo reflexively tried to pull away, but Mu Lianxiao held her tightly, making escape impossible.

Their lips and teeth met, his tongue grazed her teeth, and before they knew it, their kisses grew deeper, their breaths intertwined and consumed.

When they came up for air again, Du Yunluo’s clothing was half undone.

She lowered her gaze to Mu Lianxiao leaning against her chest, softly asking, "What are you doing..."

Mu Lianxiao didn’t lift his head, mumbling, "Doing what brats do."

Despite his words, given they were still in the mourning period...

Mu Lianxiao had longed for this, especially after talking about children, which stirred his emotions.

Even if they couldn’t fulfill their desires, it alleviated some longing...

At the end of the month, the weather grew hotter.

The clan sent an invitation; the marriage date of the clan leader’s eldest grandson was set long ago. The marriage was to take place on June 28, and the clan would recognize the new family member on the 29th. Afterward, the groom’s parents, Third Master Xu and the Gui Family, would escort them to the Marquis Mansion for formal introductions.

Du Yunluo received the invitation and sent a reply.

For red and white events within the clan, the mansion always provided the due silver, though, due to their status, they rarely made personal appearances.

The widowed ladies did not involve themselves in wedding festivities, and Madam Wu, due to her status, wouldn’t personally attend. In past years, it was the Lian Family who made the public appearances.

Du Yunluo informed Fengyu Courtyard. The Lian Family claimed ill health, leaving only Jiang Yunuan available due to her fitting status within the mansion.

Without the Lian Family participating, Jiang Yunuan wisely didn’t go against their will and also declined.

Thus, the Marquis Mansion awaited the new daughter-in-law’s visit.

On June 28, Jin Rui went to the front street to visit her parents and came back to tell Du Yunluo that she coincidentally witnessed the wedding reception, which was very lively.

Du Yunluo casually flipped the book in her hands, thought for a moment, and said, "Have Hong Jinbao’s pass a message. I’ll attend the clan’s recognition tomorrow."