Chapter 539 - 538: Entertaining Guests

Chapter 539: Chapter 538: Entertaining Guests

This year’s sweet osmanthus bloomed earlier than usual, filling the garden with fragrance even before the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The Gui Family sent someone to inform Du Yunluo that the osmanthus in Suru Garden was in full bloom and everything was ready.

Du Yunluo invited Huang Jie and also Zhuang Ke.

Zhuang Ke enjoyed lively gatherings and was delighted to go. When she heard it was to match Huang Jie with Ye Yuzhi, she was utterly surprised.

"Is it that Young Master Ye who got lost outside the pass and eventually met our master?" Zhuang Ke’s eyes widened.

"Yes," nodded Du Yunluo, "He’s the eldest son of Duke Jing Mansion."

Since it was gossip about others, Du Yunluo had only mentioned it briefly to Zhuang Ke before and hadn’t elaborated. Now that matchmaking was involved, it was better to know some situations in advance.

Du Yunluo sorted her thoughts and spoke to Zhuang Ke about the two Heir’s Wives of Duke Jing Mansion, the manipulative indulgence from the old master and his wife, Princess An Ran, and Ye Yuzhi’s reasons for having to go to Shanyu Pass.

While in the outside pass, Zhuang Ke had never encountered such intricate tactics and relationships among the aristocratic families in the capital. During her days back in the capital, she had gained some understanding, and listening to Du Yunluo, she couldn’t help but sigh.

"Whose stomach one emerges from is truly a learned question." Zhuang Ke remarked.

Du Yunluo lowered her gaze.

Conflict between legitimate and concubine-born children occurred in every family, but as the Holy Emperor said, disturbances as noisy as those in Duke Jing Mansion were rare.

After talking about Ye Yuzhi, they turned the conversation to Huang Jie.

In Du Yunluo’s impression, Huang Jie’s facial features were excellent, and just by looking at her face, she was a beauty in the making.

Huang Jie’s disadvantage was in her physique, which was entirely like her father, General Huang, looking much sturdier than the average woman.

If she dressed more heroically, it could conceal her flaws, but unfortunately, influenced by her mother, Huang Jie’s attire and accessories were sweet and dainty, making her seem all the more peculiar.

Moreover, Huang Jie was quite reserved, extremely mild-mannered.

But in terms of temper, she was unmatched, with a good heart as well.

To Du Yunluo, finding a friend that matches every expectation is difficult; as long as the person has a kind heart, they are worth befriending.

Du Yunluo and Zhuang Ke agreed that on the day of the banquet, they would bring their husbands and children to Suru Garden.

These people going out could hardly escape the attention of the Lian Family.

The Lian Family was surprised, saying, "Has Lian Xiao’s wife only called Lian Kang’s wife? Are they ignoring our second house?"

Nanny Zhu quickly comforted, "The invitees are General Huang’s son, Huang Yun, and daughter, Huang Jie. The Marquis and the young lord received much help from General Huang at Shanyu Pass, so inviting them is only appropriate."

Zhu Shan, having been frightened by the Lian Family’s temperamental demeanor lately, noticed Nanny Zhu constantly signaling her and quickly handed over a cup of tea, saying, "Yes, our second mistress doesn’t know Miss Huang; there’s no need to join in the fun.

Besides, the Marchioness and the eldest mistress have ended their mourning period, while the second mistress is still... Ouch!"

Zhu Shan was cut off by a sharp step on the foot from Nanny Zhu.

Nanny Zhu was exasperated by Zhu Shan’s lack of tact; how could she bring up the topic that shouldn’t be mentioned?

Sure enough, the Lian Family, already distressed, grew even gloomier, placing her teacup on the table with a snort, saying, "They are in quite a hurry, barely out of mourning and they’re already rushing to admire flowers at a banquet. It’s just as well if Lian Cheng’s wife doesn’t go, as she won’t get along with those two anyway."

Nanny Zhu offered an awkward smile in apology.

After the Lian Family closed her eyes to rest, Nanny Zhu pulled Zhu Shan’s sleeve and took her to the veranda outside, "Are you out of your mind!"

Zhu Shan knew she was wrong and did not dare retort, bowing her head as Nanny Zhu scolded her a few more times.

Meanwhile, the Gui Family greeted their company, seeing the children arriving together, promptly offering each some osmanthus candy with a smile.

"No one has lived in Suru Garden for years. Whenever we have good flowers, they are moved inside. No matter when you come, it’s always a lovely sight," the Gui Family led the way, saying, "Lian Xiao’s wife and Lian Kang’s wife are here for the first time, I suppose? Lian Kang and Lian Xiao visited as children."

Du Yunluo smiled without comment.

Since Zhuang Ke was granted the title of Commandery Princess, the Gui Family’s attitude toward her made an about-face, always welcoming with a smiling face.

As for what was really on her mind, Du Yunluo and Zhuang Ke couldn’t be bothered to guess.

Although Mu Liankang had been here before, he had long forgotten everything, so how could he know what Suru Garden looked like?

"I forgot too," Mu Lianxiao shook his head, "so many years have passed; I only remember the general direction, nothing more."

"No worries," the Gui Family chimed quickly, "There’s some time before the guests arrive, right? Let your aunt take you on a stroll. Though small, Suru Garden is complete with all essentials."

As the Gui Family said, the tiny Suru Garden was a single-entry courtyard, but behind it was a beautiful garden.

"Originally, the garden ended here. During renovations, for a better view, we broke down these walls to connect with the back garden. Not far ahead, there is a small pond. The water is shallow yet flowing," the Gui Family introduced to everyone.

Du Yunluo smelled the rich fragrance of osmanthus flowers.

The scent of the golden osmanthus, even from afar, couldn’t be ignored.

"Lian Xiao’s wife," the Gui Family smiled, "The garden is not bad, right? If you want to host a banquet, you can come here often. Every season has its beauty; look, that’s the plum garden. When snow falls in winter, the red plum blossoms are stunning."

Du Yunluo was non-committal; she realized why the Gui Family was so enthusiastic. It was to make her like Suru Garden.

If Du Yunluo frequently hosted banquets there, the Gui Family could also attend these gatherings, networking with noble guests.

Knowing well within herself, Du Yunluo held her tongue, and as the time seemed right, she said to Mu Lianxiao, "The guests should be arriving soon; shall we go meet them at the entrance?"

Mu Lianxiao nodded and went with Mu Liankang.

Du Yunluo entrusted Brother Yan to Zhuang Ke’s care and went toward the secondary gate.

The Gui Family followed closely, cheerfully saying, "General Huang’s daughter must be impressive, right?"

Du Yunluo glanced at the Gui Family, "Aunt is grandfather’s daughter; the Lady is grandfather’s granddaughter; Dingyuan Marquis’s daughter and granddaughter—Aunt, are they impressive?"

The Gui Family was rendered speechless, having fallen into the rhetorical trap laid by Du Yunluo, whom she silently cursed.

If she didn’t want to talk, fine, but to set a trap—what bad intentions!

The Gui Family silently cursed but kept a smile, forcing herself to say, "Oh, look at you saying that, haha..."

It wasn’t long before the carriage stopped at the secondary gate; a maid descended to place the footstool, opened the curtain, and Huang Jie, wearing a light yellow jacket, stepped down with the maid’s assistance.