Old friend (repair)
Unexpectedly, the good news that had troubled her all night turned out to be so wonderful. Lin Xu couldn't help but smile, and her heart gradually calmed down.
When Lin Xu thought of her stepmother's expression and her carefree personality, she couldn't help but purse her lips slightly. Gao Youyi was suddenly pregnant, and had even been three months along.
Father, you must be very happy too, right?
Her father had few children. He and her mother were very loving, but she was his only child because her mother passed away early.
In her previous life, although Qi entered the mansion and was made a concubine, she never conceived. When her entire family was wiped out, the Lin family line ended.
Now, she is unwilling to repeat the same mistake, so she tries every means to preserve a trace of the Lin family bloodline in this world.
In this way, even if something happens to her one day, at least someone will continue to hold onto this thought and hope.
“That’s wonderful! Such a joyous occasion should be celebrated. Zhuling, after we return to the manor, please select some nourishing tonics from the storeroom and send them to Mother. I also have two long-handled jade ruyi scepters, which are auspicious, peaceful, and protective against evil spirits. Please also prepare them for Mother.”
Zhu Ling hurriedly replied.
Zhiyuan smiled and said, "Madam had already guessed that Miss would be so happy, and even specially instructed you not to bother preparing a congratulatory gift. Madam said that this pregnancy was not easy, and it should be thanks to the folk remedy that you asked for for her a few days ago. We should thank you properly. Madam is waiting for a day when the weather is fine to go to Guangfo Temple to offer incense and fulfill her vow."
"My mother and I are mother and daughter, so there's no need for thanks; it would seem too formal. Is everything else at home alright?"
"Everything is as usual. Except for the fact that the master was extremely anxious about the young master's case a few days ago, and even went to ask Lord Niu, who was in charge of the case, for help. Fortunately, Lord Niu was a brilliant judge and cleared the young master's name. Otherwise, there is nothing serious. By the way, although Madam Qi was already on her last breath, she has strangely survived until now. Yilan Garden is now dilapidated and desolate, and no one in the mansion sets foot there anymore."
Lin Xu nodded. She squeezed Zhi Yuan's warm hand.
"It's already difficult for you to travel between your home and this flower shop. I will have Zhou Qi and Zhou Quan send you some more money and manpower. If there are any vacancies, just let me know."
As expected, Zhiyuan declined her offer.
"It is my duty to risk my life for you, Miss. I am also fortunate to have your appreciation and be able to manage this business. I dare not ask you for anything more. Now you have Zhuling by your side, as well as Qingmo, Rongwei and others. These are all people who were capable in the manor before. Your good health and smooth sailing are my greatest wishes."
His words were so sincere and earnest that they brought tears to the eyes of both Lin Xu and Zhu Ling.
Looking at the two people in front of her, Zhiyuan was clever and Zhuling was intelligent. Having them by her side was indeed a blessing in disguise. How could she easily doubt the loyalty of the people around her?
So they sat and chatted for a while, reminiscing about the interesting things that had happened recently at the flower and plant shop. Seeing that it had been a long time since she left the manor, Lin Xu was about to leave when Zhi Yuan hurriedly had several pots of blooming spring crabapple trees brought to her carriage.
As soon as I stepped out of the shop, a cool breeze mixed with drizzle swept over me. The weather, which had been sunny and clear when I arrived, had suddenly become drizzly.
As she was about to get into the sedan chair with Zhu Ling's help, she inexplicably caught a whiff of a very familiar fragrance amidst the oncoming wind and rain.
The aroma was as fresh as bamboo shoots after rain, with a hint of very faint tea flavor. It was strangely familiar, and it made her heart flutter.
Just now in the flower shop, she was so overjoyed that she overlooked the tea leaves and unique aroma in the cup. It was clearly the Zisun tea that she hadn't tasted in a long time, a tea whose refreshing and lingering fragrance filled her mouth with just a light sip—
It's that time of year again when new leaves ripen, and the finest purple bamboo shoots are rare and precious, with only the place in my memory possessing a unique and unparalleled fragrance.
She had already stepped one foot into the sedan chair, but was so surprised that she lost her balance and began to sway in the chair.
"lady.....?"
Zhu Ling was puzzled and looked at her with concern.
"Ask Zhiyuan where the tea leaves came from..."
However, before she could finish speaking, she looked at the shop next to Yuancaoju and understood.
It was a shop decorated in an exceptionally elegant and simple style, with a few sparse green bamboos planted on both sides of the entrance, and a plaque hanging high on the carved wooden door as a signboard.
Compared to the neighboring Yuancao Residence, which is adorned with blooming flowers, and the bustling crowds of various shops along the entire North Street, this shop is noticeably quiet and inconspicuous.
But the large characters on the plaque instantly chilled Lin Xu to the bone.
Zhou's Tea House.
She watched as the wooden door was slowly pushed open, and a tall figure stepped out, completely blocking out the light and shadow in front of her.
Lin Xu stood in mid-air, unsure whether to step up or down with her other foot. She could only stand awkwardly in the air, watching the man raise his head and look at her across the rain.
The delicate aroma of tea in the air became even stronger.
"What a coincidence, Miss Lin."
The man knew she was married, but he did not address her as "Madam Dou." His gentle eyes looked straight at her without the slightest surprise, and his every move exuded a refined and elegant air.
Zhou Weikan was dressed in a moon-white long robe, which was quickly stained dark by the fine rain.
Even with raindrops clinging to their eyes, they remained clear and bright, radiating a gentle yet pure light.
Perhaps her posture in mid-air was too "unique," he smiled and nodded, extending his hand to her.
"Be careful."
Her carefully maintained composure crumbled in an instant, leaving her bewildered and helpless, only able to stare blankly at him—
She looked at herself as she uncontrollably draped her arm over his, and then her feet landed on the ground.
With his help, she stepped down from the sedan chair and stood in front of Zhou Weikan.
Looking at his face, which was exactly as I remembered, it was like snow covering a spring mountain.
She was as graceful as ever, standing tall and elegant in the wind, with no change even in the slightest smile on her face.
The rain in front of her had stopped falling at some point. Zhou Weikan casually opened the bone fan he was holding, completely blocking out the coldness between her brows.
"The rain is pouring down. Would Miss Lin like to come to my shop for some tea and to take shelter from the rain and rest for a while?"
The previously drizzling rain suddenly turned into a downpour, as if the heavens were on Zhou Weikan's side, hindering her journey home.
Lin Xu turned around and glanced at the sedan chair stopped at the crossroads. In just one glance, the hand that was holding her tightly seemed to be afraid of losing her, and instead gripped her hand even tighter.
North Street is the most bustling and prosperous area in the inner city of Mujing, with a constant stream of people passing by. Today, she was only going to visit Zhiyuan, so she did not dress up in full. She wore a light-colored dress, applied a light layer of powder, and even her hair was simply tied in a half-bun, hanging loosely behind her head.
At first glance, she didn't look like a married woman at all. Instead, she and Zhou Weikan looked like a perfect couple, standing silently in the rain.
Standing here any longer might cause problems—
Lin Xu hesitated for a moment, feeling her head spinning. It seemed that she wasn't given a chance to think things through, but her body moved on its own. By the time she realized what was happening, she had already stepped into Zhou's Tea House.
"lady......"
Zhu Ling tried to dissuade him, but couldn't help but secretly glance at the man in front of her.
The man's appearance was naturally excellent, with a refined and gentle demeanor, as if he were otherworldly.
Zhu Ling had never been to school. When she was young, she lived with several older sisters and learned some characters intermittently, and also read some storybooks in a haphazard way.
The man before her possessed an aura that was so compelling it defied description, making it impossible to look away. He smiled gently and warmly, yet his presence exuded an irresistible power that left no room for argument.
Madam... that must be why you find it difficult to leave.
Zhu Ling glanced at Lin Xu, who was already sitting upright at the tea table, facing the man, and then stood guard at the door according to etiquette.
The shop was filled with the delicate aroma of tea, along with a very faint scent of herbs and wood, which was elegant and refined, and smelled better than any other scent she had ever smelled before.
She glanced down at the man again, and suddenly it dawned on her—
The man's face looked so familiar! She had seen him before! He was the elegantly dressed guest who had attended the young lady's coming-of-age ceremony at the mansion!
Finally realizing what was happening, Zhu Ling looked at Zhou Weikan, then at Lin Xu, and her heart began to pound wildly! This young master, why does he look so much like... he has ulterior motives towards the lady!
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