Madam Qin had watched Yu Mingyue grow up. She was her mistress's most cherished treasure, pampered from birth. In the entire capital, who dared claim to be more pampered than their young lady?
Yet, despite being raised with such indulgence, the young lady had never become arrogant or overbearing. Over the years, she had only grown more dignified and poised.
Just look at this time, she had come out on top in the selection of female officials, immediately taking up a position as a Vice-Sixth Rank official in the Dali Temple. To put it bluntly, many young men couldn't achieve this.
"You always say the best things," Cui Shi sighed. "She is my only daughter. I don't care about her promotion or wealth. I only wish for her a happy marriage. Honestly, I wish this child were more ordinary, less devoted, and could live a more relaxed and carefree life."
Alas, her daughter's disposition meant she would never be as she wished. Well, she had come to terms with it. As long as her daughter was happy, that was all that mattered.
"Our young lady is blessed by the gods. Madam, please rest assured," Madam Qin comforted her.
...
It wasn't until Yu Mingyue got into the carriage that she had time to open the letter from Jiangzhou. Fortunately, she received it in time. If it had been any later, she would have had to wait until she returned from Rong County.
Yu Mingyue recognized the handwriting on the envelope as that of her brother Jiayan. What a shame that despite his esteemed talent as the top scholar, his letters always began with "May this letter find you well."
Yu Mingyue sighed to herself and continued reading. The academy had finished transcribing another batch of books, and they had sent them to Anping as before, to be stored safely.
She had asked him last time if the academy's progress was going smoothly and if he would return home early. He had replied this time that his return date was uncertain, awaiting the emperor's decree.
Yu Mingyue paused at the words "return date uncertain" and sighed silently again.
Her brother Jiayan also congratulated her on entering the Dali Temple. The trivial matters in the letter revealed the sincerity of the writer.
However, from beginning to end, he hadn't mentioned missing her once. Yu Mingyue felt a pang of disappointment, yet it was also within her expectations.
Her brother Jiayan was just like that. Perhaps he thought of her but was unwilling to say it, otherwise, he wouldn't have so earnestly reminded her of the things she needed to pay attention to.
Yu Mingyue closed the letter. She would reply tonight when she found a suitable inn. The carriage was bumpy, and her handwriting wouldn't be neat.
She had arranged to meet Du Rui at the city gate. Since Censor Shi had just returned to the capital from an external assignment, she would let him rest for a few days.
Du Rui had also been on an external assignment and was more experienced. Moreover, he was steady and meticulous in his work, making it convenient to handle matters with him.
What Yu Mingyue hadn't expected was that Song Yuming would also be at the city gate. Before she could ask, Song Yuming quickly explained, "Lord Di was worried about the two of you, so he sent me to accompany you."
Yu Mingyue nodded. Song Yuming was skilled in martial arts and intelligent. With him around, the mission would be completed more effectively.
Fortunately, the Duke's mansion carriage was large enough, so the addition of two people didn't make it feel cramped. Zhu Yu, while driving the carriage, paid attention to the sounds inside, afraid her young lady would be bullied.
They had to make good progress during the day, so they settled for a quick meal at a roadside tea stall. Fortunately, Cui Shi had asked the kitchen to prepare preserved meat and pastries.
Du Rui was fine, but Song Yuming was not polite at all. Most of the preserved meat ended up in his stomach.
This was Yu Mingyue's first official assignment. Thinking about the case, she had no appetite and only ate a few pastries before continuing their journey.
Song Yuming didn't eat the preserved meat for nothing. In the afternoon, he volunteered to drive the carriage. As expected of someone who had served in the army, he drove both fast and steadily.
Fortunately, they reached a small town before dark. When it was time to pay, Du Rui and Song Yuming both tacitly took a step back.
Yu Mingyue wailed inwardly. The Dali Temple was indeed a poor yamen. She didn't know if she could get promoted, but getting rich was clearly impossible.
Mother, I have failed you.