The poetry gathering ended past the hour of Xu (7-9 PM), and those sent by their respective households were already waiting outside the pavilion.
"Today is Mingjing's fault for delaying everyone. Next time, Mingjing will host to apologize to all of you," Yu Mingjing said.
"No need for apologies. When Mingjing hosts, bring a couple more jars of fine wine," everyone chimed in, followed by another burst of laughter.
Though poetry and wine were often intertwined, they were still young men. Even when drinking, they knew their limits to avoid trouble.
Gu Tingyun was just saying that. If he dared to get drunk outside, he'd likely get a beating upon returning home.
After some pleasantries at the entrance, everyone dispersed.
As Yu Mingjing entered the carriage, his expression immediately turned grim. He was worried about his father and, secondly, about his sister's affairs.
In just a few days, the Gu residence knew everything. It seemed someone had deliberately spread the news.
Yu Mingjing had a rough idea of who in the household would do such a thing.
The inner court of the Duke's mansion needed a thorough cleaning. This matter had to be handled by his mother.
Yu Mingyue was having dinner that evening when Chihua entered from outside. Before she could speak, Yu Mingyue guessed it was likely not good news.
"Miss,"
"Speak, I'm listening," Yu Mingyue said, taking a handkerchief from Chidan to wipe her hands.
Though only twelve years old, she already exuded an imposing presence.
"Miss, the cousin's confinement has been lifted," Chihua said, suppressing her anger, her fingers turning red from clenching the handkerchief.
"As expected," Yu Mingyue was not angry.
The Old Madam was quite upset this time. She certainly couldn't vent her anger on her father. Given her temperament, she would find ways to annoy her mother.
Su Wanqing was her best weapon.
"Miss suffered so much because of her, and she's released after only a few days," Chihua felt indignant on her mistress's behalf.
"It's just a few days earlier. We are in the same Duke's mansion, so we'll inevitably encounter each other," Yu Mingyue smiled.
However, she would no longer fall for her tricks as she had in the past.
...
Ci'an Hall
Su Wanqing knelt by the couch, feeding the Old Madam bird's nest soup. "Great-Aunt, you must get well quickly. You are Wanqing's only support. Without you, Wanqing cannot live. As long as you recover, Wanqing is willing to serve you her entire life..."
Su Wanqing had gauged the Old Madam's feelings. This was not simply showing weakness; it was telling the Old Madam that she had no other recourse, was willing to be a pawn, a vanguard, and loyal for life.
The Old Madam's gaze fell on Su Wanqing, who was weeping profusely. "You speak foolishly, child. How can you not live without this old woman?"
Su Wanqing's eyes glistened with tears. "Great-Aunt, besides you, who in this mansion truly cares for Wanqing? Without you, Wanqing would rather die with you..."
These words greatly pleased the Old Madam. She was right; in this Duke's mansion, she was her reliance.
"Silly child, how could this Great-Aunt bear it? In the past, I doted on your mother the most. Alas, your mother was not blessed. Seeing you reminds me of her..." The Old Madam also began to wipe her tears with a handkerchief.
The two embraced and wept, and it took the maids and servants a long time to calm the grandmother and granddaughter.
Leaving the Old Madam's courtyard, Su Wanqing's eyes were red, clearly having cried.
Su Wanqing stopped on the small bridge, her eyes no longer showing the gentleness from moments before.
"What are you looking at, Miss?" Baoqin asked.
"At how exquisite and beautiful everything in this Duke's mansion is. Even covered in snow, it remains majestic and grand," Su Wanqing praised, but there was no admiration in her eyes.
"Naturally. Miss, you don't know, our Duke's mansion was bestowed by the late Emperor, it was the residence of Prince Chen of the previous dynasty," Baoqin said with pride.
The lake was covered in a thick layer of ice, and the surrounding scenery was veiled in snow, but it did not diminish their beauty.
"Yes!"
Su Wanqing clutched her handkerchief. Why couldn't such a fine Duke's mansion be hers?
Yu Mingyue approached from across the lake with her maids, holding freshly picked plum blossoms. The red blossoms were like fire, reflecting her face, making her appear even more beautiful than the flowers.