Chapter 540 - 539: Yearning

Chapter 540: Chapter 539: Yearning

Since the hunting ground, Du Yunluo and Huang Jie haven’t seen each other for several years.

Back then, both were unmarried maidens, and now Du Yunluo is already a mother, while Huang Jie has not yet been betrothed.

To put it into perspective, Huang Jie already reached adulthood last year, and logically, a marriage should have been arranged, but General Huang was defending Shanyu Pass and couldn’t attend to matters in the Capital, and Huang Jie’s mother had standards too high, unable to find a match satisfying both sides.

Huang Jie has had a fair complexion since childhood, and the light yellow robe made her cheeks look like white jade.

Du Yunluo was observing Huang Jie, and Huang Jie was also observing Du Yunluo.

In her memory, the petite Du Yunluo had her hair styled as a married woman but remained delicate, while she herself was still the "tall, strong" "big oaf."

Huang Jie bit her lip, feeling a slight pang of melancholy.

But in recent years, she had no other friends in the boudoir and from their past acquaintance, Du Yunluo always treated her with respect, not merely formalities.

Plus, it was her mother who received the invitation.

Upon hearing it was a note from the Dingyuan Marquis’s wife, whom she had known since youth, Huang Jie’s mother became quite enthusiastic, insisting that Huang Jie should attend the banquet.

Besides, it wasn’t just Huang Jie attending; Huang Yun was there as well.

Putting aside the mixed thoughts for now, Huang Jie greeted Du Yunluo with a smile.

Du Yunluo warmly called her "Miss Huang."

Huang Jie’s gaze fell on the smiling Gui Family lady beside them.

Du Yunluo explained, "This is my aunt from the clan. Today’s Suru Garden for viewing osmanthus is a garden of the Mu Family, and this is actually my first visit. My aunt worried I might not recognize the way, so she specifically led the way to prevent any slight."

Huang Jie’s bright eyes regarded Gui Family lady and offered her well-wishes.

Gui Family lady said there was no need for politeness, though her thoughts were elsewhere.

As today involved someone from General Huang Mansion, she had inquired beforehand, learning some things about the General Mansion, especially about Huang Jie’s temperament.

When the women gossip, they rarely leave face for the daughters of others, speaking freely of both pleasant and unpleasant things.

Gui Family lady thought the rumors were accurate upon meeting today.

Clearly daughters of a General Mansion, yet lacking any heroic spirit, instead appearing somewhat coy.

In comparison, her two daughters displayed better manners.

This comparison improved Gui Family lady’s mood substantially, saying, "The osmanthus in Suru Garden is truly excellent, and it’s not far away. I’ll lead you there."

Du Yunluo, not fond of Gui Family lady’s chatter, initiated and spoke to Huang Jie, "When the Marquis was at Shanyu Pass, he was well taken care of by General Huang and the eldest son. We knew each other before, and by rights, I should have invited you as soon as we returned to the Capital, but the Marquis was injured, and there were other matters at the mansion... thus today."

Huang Jie laughed, her eyes curving like a crescent moon, saying, "Father and brother didn’t do much; truth be told, it was thanks to the Dingyuan Marquis and the Mu Family’s eldest son’s benefit that we could capture Ancient Meili and earn military merit. Did you also go to Shanyu Pass, Madame?"

Recalling Shanyu Pass, Du Yunluo had much to reflect on; the landscape there was something she had never seen in two lifetimes in the Capital, and she eagerly shared it with Huang Jie.

Huang Jie yearned as she listened. Held back by her mother since childhood, her sisters even rode horses with their father to race, while her most distant trip was to the temple on Potuo Mountain.

Yet Huang Jie loved reading about grand rivers and mountains in writers’ works, and she yearned for the border’s scenery, exclaiming her admiration.

Du Yunluo found this yearning Huang Jie much more endearing than her hesitating self, said, "My sister-in-law is also here today; she grew up outside the pass. If you enjoy hearing about these regional customs, she can talk about the Green Oasis outside the Pass."

Huang Jie’s eyes immediately brightened.

As they talked, they arrived outside Suru Garden.

Gui Family lady wanted to join in the conversation, but the two left no room for interruption. Never having left the Capital, she could say nothing of interest to Huang Jie, so she resignedly said, "You young people continue; I’ll not disrupt the fun. I’ll have some snacks sent over later."

Du Yunluo replied blandly, "Thank you, Aunt."

Though she thanked her verbally, there was little gratitude, clearly perceptible to the astute Huang Jie.

She wasn’t foolish enough to involve herself in another’s family affairs; seeing a poised woman approaching, she focused and immediately understood her identity.

A pair of eyes as blue as a lake, undoubtedly Prince Shun’s daughter.

"Commandery Princess." Huang Jie curtsied and paid her respects.

Zhuang Ke laughed at Huang Jie, giving Du Yunluo a knowing look.

As Du Yunluo described, this Miss Huang indeed had fine features, though her height worked against her, her smile wasn’t particularly forthright, but it was warm.

"Miss Huang, you’re here?" Zhuang Ke said with a bright smile, "Can you smell the osmanthus fragrance?"

Huang Jie nodded with a smile, "I could smell it from afar."

Du Yunluo laughed, "Sister-in-law, Miss Huang wants to hear about the border’s scenery from you."

Zhuang Ke clapped her hands with a laugh, inviting them inside, "I was just strolling in the garden. There’s a pavilion by the water that’s perfect for viewing water and flowers; let’s go there and chat."

The three of them sat down, and the maids served tea.

Brother Yan, still young and restless, wobbled as he followed behind Sister Ying, with Lady Peng watching over him.

Brother Hui seemed a bit tired, being held by his wet nurse, gleefully watching his siblings play.

Du Yunluo, fond of children, smiled even more brightly seeing them so cheerful.

Huang Jie curiously observed as well.

Zhuang Ke explained the three children to her.

Huang Jie felt a twinge of envy, in her memory, she never had the chance to play with her elder brothers and sisters, who would always noisily play while she stayed in, painting, writing, and reading as her mother demanded.

Though she loved music and painting, deep down, she envied her sisters to some extent.

They could ride horses, shoot arrows, and she, despite being General Huang’s daughter, couldn’t even throw properly.

Seeing Huang Jie’s somewhat dejected spirit, Zhuang Ke changed the topic to life outside the pass.

She spoke of the endless desert, the brilliant night sky, the few oases in the desert, where the lakes gleamed like gems within the Great Desert...

Huang Jie listened intently, frequently asking questions, creating quite the lively atmosphere.

Not long after, Gui Family lady sent over a food box.

Du Yunluo was surprised at the person who came, looked to Zhuang Ke, and Zhuang Ke shook her head.

Gui Family lady hadn’t sent an older woman or a maid, but her young daughter Mu Lianyi.

Mu Lianyi was not yet of age, spoiled by the clan matriarch and Gui Family lady, fond of comparing herself to others.

With no girls her age at the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, within the clan, Mu Lianyi’s attire and ornaments were always the finest.

She placed the food box on the stone table, smiling, "Two sisters-in-law and Miss Huang, my mother asked me to bring over some pastries."