The Young Mistress’s Little Romance in the Duke’s Mansion 12

Chapter 12
In the evening, after paying her respects at Shou’an Hall, Gu Xiyan was about to return when the Fifth Young Mistress called out to her. She quietly asked if Gu Xiyan would like to accompany her to Taihe Hall to pay respects to Princess Ruiqing.
Gu Xiyan was puzzled. “Just the two of us?”
The Old Matriarch had three branches under her care. The Eldest Branch included Princess Rui’an. The Fourth and Fifth Young Mistresses belonged to the Second Branch, while Gu Xiyan was the only one from the Third Branch. According to custom, since the entire family lived in the same mansion without having split the household, and given that the eldest aunt-in-law was unwell, it was only proper for the younger generation to visit and inquire after her health.
However, in high-ranking noble households, even the slightest movement could invite gossip and trouble. As nieces-in-law from the Second and Third Branches, bypassing their own mothers-in-law to personally curry favor with the eldest aunt-in-law could be interpreted in two ways. Those who knew might consider them filial and respectful, but those who did not might think they were deliberately trying to please her.
If their respective mothers-in-law found out, they did not know how they would be subtly reprimanded with sarcastic remarks.
The Fifth Young Mistress, however, said, “Since we have received the news, we cannot pretend not to know. Our mother-in-law is busy, and your mother-in-law may not be free either. If we all ignore this, it will appear to the Old Matriarch that we are ignorant of etiquette and cold-hearted. Besides, Her Highness the Princess is of noble status. It is only reasonable for us to go and pay our respects.”
After careful consideration, Gu Xiyan agreed that it made sense. She said, “Should I go back and change my dress?”
The Fifth Young Mistress smiled and pulled her along. “There is no need for such formality. We have just come from the Old Matriarch’s room. Hearing the news, it is natural for us to stop by on our way to pay respects. No one can find fault with that. If we specifically go back to change clothes, it would appear deliberate and distant.”
Gu Xiyan had no choice but to comply and followed the Fifth Young Mistress to Taihe Hall.
The Jingguo Duke’s mansion had been standing for many years. It had originally belonged to a prince from the previous dynasty. The courtyard was too large, and the cost of maintenance was high. Furthermore, people felt it was unlucky because the prince had met a disastrous end, so it had been abandoned. However, due to the old Duke’s distinguished military achievements, the Emperor allocated funds for its renovation and bestowed the property upon him.
The Duke’s family was large and prosperous. The mansion underwent minor renovations every year. After so many years, it now featured long corridors, dense pavilions, winding paths, and bright verandas. Each branch and courtyard had its own unique scenery.
Taihe Hall was a courtyard specially built when the Duke’s family married a princess. It was a separate compound with grand regulations. Gu Xiyan had only visited once before with the Third Madam. At that time, she had been secretly amazed by its ingenious layout. Today, visiting again, she still felt that the atmosphere here was different from other parts of the mansion, displaying even more grace and majesty.
Upon entering the courtyard, they saw a large plaque hanging above the threshold. Mounted on superior tribute Xuan paper, the calligraphy flowed like swimming dragons, exuding great momentum. Looking at the signature below, they realized it was written by the Emperor’s own hand.
More than ten maids and servant women stood in attendance at the foot of the steps. They were dressed in bright, fresh clothes, with dignified postures and an extraordinary air.
The two women dared not breathe loudly. They carefully announced their arrival. A matron went in to report, while they waited obediently at the foot of the steps. Looking at each other, they both secretly rejoiced that they were not alone. Having a companion made them feel somewhat more at ease.
Finally, the matron returned and said the Princess invited them in. They hurriedly entered to pay their respects.
As soon as they stepped inside, they smelled the faint scent of agarwood and a warm fragrance. The floor was covered with猩猩红 (bright red) felt rugs, which felt soft and silent underfoot. Princess Ruiqing was reclining on a rosewood couch carved with chi-dragon patterns. Several maids were massaging her feet and legs.
The Fifth Young Mistress quickly stepped forward with a smile, respectfully paid her respects, and expressed her concern for her aunt-in-law’s health. She apologized for any disturbance, asking the eldest aunt-in-law not to take offense.
Her words were gentle and her demeanor sincere. Princess Ruiqing felt pleased and nodded. “It is thoughtful of you.”
Gu Xiyan stood quietly to the side, feeling like mere decoration.
Although they had come together to pay respects, the Fifth Young Mistress had taken over the conversation. Gu Xiyan could not interject. Seeing that Princess Ruiqing appreciated the Fifth Young Mistress, she realized that stepping forward to join in would seem abrupt. So, she lowered her head and stood silently to the side.
At this moment, maids served tea. Both the utensils and the tea were exquisite. Only at this moment did one understand what it meant to be a princess of the imperial family. Her daily elegance and style were far beyond what ordinary daughters-in-law of the Duke’s mansion could compare to.
The Fifth Young Mistress and Gu Xiyan thanked her for the reward and then drank tea while half-standing. The Fifth Young Mistress praised the tea extensively.
By now, Gu Xiyan understood. Although both the Fourth and Fifth Young Mistresses served under the Second Madam, the Fifth Young Mistress could not compare to the Fourth in terms of family background or personality. Therefore, she had chosen a different path, seeking to gain the favor of Princess Ruiqing.
In that case, Gu Xiyan did not want to interfere. She played dumb, acting like a wooden post. Occasionally, when Princess Ruiqing spoke, she would echo her words, merely making up the numbers.
Who would have known that while she was slowly sipping her tea, a question came from above: “Wife of Yuanliu, have you tasted the merits of this tea?”
Gu Xiyan was surprised. She paused for a moment before replying, “The tea at Aunt-in-law’s place is naturally extraordinary. It is clear and mellow upon entry. However, this niece-in-law has shallow knowledge and cannot identify which famous variety it is.”
Princess Ruiqing asked with a smile, “Tell me, what do you feel is different about it?”
Gu Xiyan had not expected to be suddenly singled out for questioning. After pondering briefly, she said, “The tea flavor is meaningful and clear. After the sweet aftertaste in the throat, there is a faint hint of the fresh air of the mountains and fields.”
Princess Ruiqing looked quite satisfied. “You are indeed intelligent.”
She then explained that this tea was brewed using charcoal made from premium lychee wood, a bronze pot with gold and silver bird-seal patterns, and Ding ware white porcelain cups.
Listening to this, Gu Xiyan was greatly impressed. This was truly meticulous from start to finish.
Feeling moved, she asked, “Aunt-in-law, the water for this tea tastes excellent as well. Is there some special requirement for it?”
Asking this clearly increased Princess Ruiqing’s appreciation. She smiled and said, “The water for brewing tea cannot be treated uniformly. For example, pre-Qingming tea must be boiled with mountain water, specifically taking slow-flowing living water from stone pools.”
Gu Xiyan quickly said she had learned something new. The Fifth Young Mistress also joined in with praise, repeatedly complimenting the Princess’s elegance.
Thus, everyone enjoyed a pleasant conversation. When they left, the Fifth Young Mistress glanced at Gu Xiyan. “I did not expect you to understand the art of tea tasting.”
Gu Xiyan replied, “The elders in my family loved tea. I only learned a little bit of the basics.”
The Fifth Young Mistress smiled. “In the future, let us often visit our eldest aunt-in-law. There will surely be benefits. If I come alone, it will be awkward. Having you as a companion is best.”
Gu Xiyan lowered her eyes. “I have no opinion of my own. I will follow Sister-in-law’s arrangement.”
As they spoke, they walked down the steps. Suddenly, a matron from Princess Ruiqing’s quarters hurried over, saying she had matters to consult with the Fifth Young Mistress. Seeing that it was a favored person from the Princess, the Fifth Young Mistress readily agreed and told Gu Xiyan to return on her own.
Seeing this, Gu Xiyan walked outward along the covered corridor. However, when she reached a rockery, she saw a tall figure standing at the turn of the corridor. It was Lu Chenglian.
Suddenly seeing this person, Gu Xiyan was startled and quickly stopped.
Lu Chenglian raised his eyebrows lightly. “Can I eat you?”
Gu Xiyan took a deep breath to calm herself down, then bowed. “Greetings, Third Master.”
She actually wanted to ask him about the case and also inquire about news from the naval defense station. Her brother had disappeared when the ship sank. What did this count as? Was there any compensation protocol?
She was mentally preparing her next words, thinking about how to ask without appearing to rush him, yet still obtaining information.
Before she could decide how to ask, Lu Chenglian spoke first. “The Emperor asked about it these past few days. The Ministry of Revenue is already reviewing the case, and a conclusion will be reached soon. Minister Chen also mentioned that the detained ships cannot be delayed indefinitely. Merchants can claim their goods with proper contracts and certificates.”
Hearing this, Gu Xiyan was surprised. “They can claim them with certificates? Does this mean the detained goods can be returned?”
She knew that her sister-in-law’s brother had stumbled here. He had borrowed money and owed interest. With so much cargo detained, a large sum of his capital was lost, and the interest accumulated daily. He was nearly desperate.
If this batch of goods could be returned, even if sold at a discount, it would at least plug a major financial hole!
Lu Chenglian said, “Naturally. Otherwise, why would I mention this to you?”
Gu Xiyan was overjoyed and said gratefully, “This is certainly good news. Third Master—”
Lu Chenglian saw that she was so happy her face turned rosy. He found it amusing. “Hmm?”
Gu Xiyan pursed her lips and smiled, feeling somewhat embarrassed. She whispered, “This matter is thanks to Third Master. You have helped greatly. When I tell my sister-in-law, she will be endlessly grateful.”
Hearing this, Lu Chenglian did not respond. His gaze simply fell lightly on Gu Xiyan’s face.
Gu Xiyan bit her lip, wanting to turn her face away to avoid his look, but she could not escape.
His gaze was too direct, and its meaning was obvious. She could not deceive herself, nor could she pretend nothing was happening.
The spring breeze blew coolly. She could clearly feel her face heating up.
Just then, she heard Lu Chenglian say casually, “By the way, I suddenly remembered something. Let me ask you.”
Gu Xiyan quickly said, “Please speak, Third Master.”
Lu Chenglian said, “I heard that someone has been inquiring about the progress of this case in the past few days.”
Gu Xiyan was confused. “Really? Who is inquiring?”
Lu Chenglian’s gaze remained fixed on her face. “I heard it was a scholar who came to the capital for the examinations. He asked through a distant relative via indirect connections. It happened just in the last two days.”
He paused slightly, looking at her bewildered blinking eyes, and said in a low voice, “Was it someone you entrusted?”
Gu Xiyan was shocked, her eyes widening instantly.
A scholar coming to the capital for examinations?
Ye Erxun?
He was helping her inquire about the case, and Lu Chenglian had encountered him??