Dinner
Lin Xu was surprised by Dou Yanxun's words, and his outstretched arms toward Mianxue froze in mid-air.
"But Doctor Dou is very busy with official duties, and if this causes any delay..."
Just then, several servants who had been waiting quietly at the hanging flower gate walked out to the entrance of the flower hall. She had forgotten that he was now surrounded by a large entourage, and naturally, he was accompanied by many servants and young men.
The head servant whispered outside the door, "My lord, Lord Jiang has been waiting for you at the mansion for quite some time."
He has risen through the ranks and already owns his own residence, located on the outer street of Yong'an Ward, a place teeming with powerful and wealthy people in Mujing. Dou Yanxun let Mianxue grip his collar tightly, lowered his eyes and smiled faintly, "It's alright. Those matters are not as important as Jichu's. We can talk to Jiang Heng about it another day."
The servant responded in a low voice and quickly withdrew, not daring to disturb them again.
Zhu Ling and Rong Wei looked helplessly at Lin Xu, unsure of what to do. It was already late afternoon, and according to custom, it was time to serve dinner. Judging from the Second Master's words, did he mean they would stay for dinner? As the two women exchanged glances, Lin Xu said, "Since Doctor Dou has condescended to serve you dinner, please stay. The food at my residence is simple, please don't take offense, sir."
She thought that since their past was over, they should maintain a semblance of peace and truly let go. She didn't want Mianxue to grow up and remember her father with only a few brief embraces.
"Then, this servant will go and report to the First Madam." Since moving back to the Lin residence, Gao Youyi has insisted that everyone eat together every day, as it's best to have a lively gathering. Just as Zhu Ling was about to leave, Lin Xu stopped her.
"My mother usually takes care of everything, so there's no need to trouble her tonight."
Her marriage to Dou Yanxun fell through, and both Gao Youyi and Lin Fu were deeply dissatisfied with the Dou family. Lin Xu didn't want the group to look awkward and uncomfortable. Besides, she knew that given Gao Youyi's outspoken nature, she certainly wouldn't be very polite to Dou Yanxun.
It's best to have a simple meal tonight; there's no need to gather together.
Just then, a servant announced from outside that Father had returned from his shift.
Lin Xu hesitated, but then saw the person beside him remain calm and speak gently:
"As a guest, how can I avoid seeing Minister Lin? To avoid being impolite, let's keep things as they are."
While doing so, he gently rocked Mianxue in his arms.
Lin Xu couldn't discern Dou Yanxun's emotions at first glance, but inwardly he couldn't help but think that this man was acting strangely today. It was bad enough that he came without a reason, but now he not only refused to leave, but also wanted to see his father again.
She sighed inwardly, but then thought that her father was gentle and probably wouldn't make things too difficult for him. Besides, the two of them were now working in the court, and it was always necessary to maintain a semblance of peace.
After hesitating for a moment, Lin Xu had no choice but to agree.
Since it was dinner time, the group sat for a while before moving on to the Yuexue Hall.
After returning from her Buddhist pilgrimage, Gao Youyi heard that a distinguished guest had come to visit her home. She also heard that this person was none other than Dou Yanxun, whom she usually cursed in secret. She was eager to meet him in person today and was full of curiosity. She waited for him in Yuexue Hall early in the morning.
Lan Yue, along with Rong Ge'er, Qing Ge'er, and a group of wet nurses and nannies, arrived early as well. Seeing Lin Xu and the others approach, she carefully observed Lin Xu's expression, fearing that seeing her ex-husband today would upset her again.
Before they could even exchange pleasantries, Lin Fu, having quickly changed his clothes, strode in. Lin Xu, remembering that this was the first time Dou Yanxun and her father had met since their divorce, couldn't help but feel a little worried. Her father, having worked tirelessly for days, had temples that were whiter than usual. He glanced at Dou Yanxun, then his gaze lingered on the little one in Dou Yanxun's arms for a moment before he subtly looked away.
Gao Youyi naturally saw this, and her head maid Xintan hurriedly said, "Lord Dou, it is a rare privilege for you to come today. Mianxue is always lively and adorable, and it would be inconvenient for you to carry her. It would be better to leave her with the nanny to take good care of her."
Dou Yanxun raised his eyes but said nothing. He carefully handed Mianxue back to the nanny and then stood up to give Lin Fu a respectful bow.
"Thank you very much for your hospitality today, Mr. and Mrs. Lin. I am deeply grateful."
Lin Xu was familiar with his father's temperament and could see the hidden anger in his eyes, so he couldn't help but become cautious again.
Just then, the maids came in one after another carrying food, and the aroma filled the air. Rong-ge'er and Qing-ge'er had been playing all day and were starving. Now, they stared longingly at the delicious food on the table, but dared not be impolite in front of the adults, which made the others chuckle.
Gao Youyi couldn't help but give a light scolding, "Don't be in such a hurry." After she finished speaking, a maidservant beside her began to serve the two young masters dishes, including a lot of steamed chicken with pine nuts, which Rong-ge'er usually loved.
Lin Fu changed into a light blue long gown with pine-patterned trim and slowly put down his teacup. He glanced at Dou Yanxun, who sat upright to the side:
"I was unaware of your arrival, so I didn't have time to prepare anything today. It's just a simple home-cooked meal. I wonder if it suits Dr. Dou's taste?"
"Prime Minister Lin is too modest. I have long heard that the food at Prime Minister Lin's residence is the most comforting and delicious, and today I have indeed had my wish fulfilled."
Gao Youyi loved cooking, and although her culinary skills were not very good at it in the past, she had made some progress over the years and was quite proud of them. Upon hearing this, she immediately perked up: "Oh, so there is such a rumor?" She hadn't expected that her cooking skills had already reached the point of being famous throughout Mujing.
Dou Yanxun took a bite of the steaming pine nut and silver fish soup, his expression becoming even more sincere.
"Indeed. Xuxu used to mention it often."
Lin Xu had just picked up a piece of crispy duck with snow sauce when she heard this, her hand trembled, and the large piece of duck meat accidentally fell onto the plate. Before she could look up to meet the gazes coming from all directions, she saw Dou Yanxun, who was sitting diagonally opposite her, put down his spoon and take out a clean handkerchief from his pocket and hand it to her.
Facing her father's deep gaze, Lin Xu suddenly felt her cheeks burning, truly unsure whether to accept the invitation or not.
Dou Yanxun then looked at Gao Youyi and said seriously, "Xuxu often mentioned that Madam Lin was kind-hearted, not only with superb cooking skills, but also with great care for her. Seeing her today, it is indeed true."
Even though Gao Youyi could tell that the atmosphere was unusual, she couldn't help but laugh when she heard Dou Yanxun say that. "Doctor Dou, what are you saying? Please stop teasing me."
Lin Xu noticed out of the corner of his eye that although his father appeared normal, his complexion had clearly darkened, and he couldn't help but curse Dou Yanxun inwardly.
This guy is so unpredictable! She really didn't want to waste her time with him anymore.
However, Lin Fu and Dou Yanxun were both officials in the same court, and even though they were not on good terms in private, they could still talk about the current situation in the court. Dou Yanxun was intelligent and had traveled to many places, so he had his own insights on many things. Lin Fu initially only casually inquired about current affairs, but later he couldn't help but listen more and more seriously.
Lin Xu was quite resentful of Dou Yanxun, and simply ate her meal, not wanting to look at that familiar face again. The children had also finished eating, and Lan Yue, being very good at reading people's expressions, instructed the wet nurses to take the children away, and ordered someone to brew the newly delivered Baihao Yinzhen tea to the side hall.
Since the two were discussing politics, it was naturally inappropriate for others to linger. Taking advantage of the moment when Lin Xu walked to the corridor, Gao Youyi couldn't help but follow him and whispered:
“Xu’er, you’re with Dou Yanxun now…”
There has been no further contact.
On the day of the palace coup, even though she was extremely worried about his safety, he never showed up. Later, when Liang Si was injured while saving her, she was in excruciating pain and recuperated, but he didn't send her any news. She thought he had long since stopped caring.
It was she who initially made the decision to separate, and it was she who resolutely pushed him away time and time again. At that time, they were separated by a deep-seated hatred, and separation was the best choice. Even now, she still cares about him, and even though her heart is full of resentment towards his disappearance, she has no reason to blame him.
Lin Xu even felt that this was the best outcome. Since their fate had run its course, they should both find peace and leave each other alone. She wouldn't deprive Mianxue of her right to have a father, but that was all.
Seeing Lin Xu remain silent, Gao Youyi understood and reassuringly took Lin Xu's arm, no longer asking questions. The night was dark, with only a dim yellow light shining from the corner of the corridor. After Gao Youyi returned to the house, Lin Xu stood quietly in the wind for a while before turning back and walking towards the backyard.
A cold wind slipped in through her sleeves and collar, the lights in the distant flower hall gradually went out, and all was quiet. The unmelted snow reflected a faint glow in the moonlight, and not far away, Dou Yanxun, who had come through the snow surrounded by several servants, also stopped in his tracks.
He stood with his back to the light, his tall figure almost completely blending into the night. Only a glimmer of light remained between his brows and eyes, like a star that had not yet melted in the night snow.
"It's late and the dew is heavy, sir, you should go back early."
She gave a graceful bow, and as she did so, her face disappeared into the darkness, making her features impossible to discern. Only a touch of cold elegance, as pure as snow, remained in the gloom.
Dou Yanxun remained silent for a moment, watching her slowly get up and prepare to turn and leave, before finally speaking.
“Our daughter is so lovely. When I look at her, I think to myself, were you like this when you were little?”
Lin Xu's voice floated lightly in the air and was quickly dispersed by the wind.
"Lord Dou is too kind."
Since they were now strangers, there would be no more interaction between them. She finally took a step forward, and the man behind her stirred, his voice piercing the inky night:
"You don't need to worry about Dou Tonghan's matter; I have my own arrangements."
"But if Consort Miao really has to go to the Ye Dynasty for a political marriage..."
Dou Yanxun's eyes gleamed slightly in the night, but his voice grew even lower. "No. The Ye Dynasty's purpose is not here."
Lin Xu didn't understand.
The man seemed to sigh softly, his gaze turning to her with a deep intensity. "Do you know that the Ye Dynasty is not seeking a marriage alliance with the current Emperor Xiao Zhuo, but rather with his fifth son, who is currently in his prime?"
Seeing that Lin Xu remained silent, Dou Yanxun continued, "Do you know that they had already chosen a candidate in advance, and this person is not He Miaoyi, the only daughter of the He family, as widely rumored?"
Lin Xu was not familiar with the Ye Dynasty, and these words left her completely bewildered. Seeing her like this, Dou Yanxun remained silent for a long time, seemingly struggling to hold back some words, and finally said in a calm voice, "Don't worry. It's getting late, you should go back and rest."
.
I slept soundly through the night again.
When Lin Xu woke up the next morning, she found the sky clear and bright, a rare sunny day. As she was practicing calligraphy, Zhu Ling approached her with delight, "Madam, do you know what happened?"
Although Dou Yanxun had mentioned it to her last night, Lin Xu hadn't expected him to act so quickly. It turned out that early this morning, a courtesan from Bihua Tower went to the authorities to report that she was pregnant with Dou Tonghan's child and had borrowed three hundred taels of silver from him, but couldn't find him anymore. The courtesan didn't want to make a scene, but upon hearing that Dou Tonghan had sent someone to the He family to propose marriage, she became furious. She heard that within a few hours, the gates of the Mujing Mansion were completely surrounded.
Therefore, no matter how anxious the He family was, they would naturally not allow their eldest daughter to marry into such a family. Dou Tonghan's matter was thus resolved.
But in that case, wouldn't Miaoyi still face the fate of being sent to a political marriage?
Before Lin Xu could sort out her thoughts, she suddenly heard a commotion outside the courtyard. Puzzled, she stepped out of her room and saw Gao Youyi also hurrying over.
She looked at Lin Xu with a face full of astonishment.
"Xu'er...a lot of people have arrived at the gate..."
Perhaps because the memory of his family being suddenly wiped out in his previous life was too painful, Lin Xu's heart sank.
Before she could recover, she heard Gao Youyi say with a complicated expression:
"These people seem to have come to our house specifically to propose marriage to you..."
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