Return (to repair)
Afternoon sunlight filtered through layers of sparse shadows, casting a soft halo. Gao Youyi and Lin Xu sat in the pavilion in the back garden, surrounded by the aroma of tea and the blooming plum blossoms, with pink and white petals adorning the branches, adding a touch of elegance and fragrance.
Gao Youyi smiled slightly, looking at Lin Xu with affection, her voice softening.
“Xu’er, it’s rare to have such a peaceful time since you came back this time. There are all sorts of complicated matters in the manor during the New Year, but this plum grove in the back garden is especially quiet. It’s a good place for the two of us to drink tea and chat.
Lin Xu smiled, knowing that Gao Youyi, as the matriarch of the household, had rarely had a moment of leisure since the end of the year. Now that she finally had some free time to sit with him for a while, she naturally felt at ease.
She smiled and nodded, took a sip of warm tea, and looked ahead. In the courtyard, the fragrance of plum blossoms wafted through the air, accompanied by a subtle warmth. Sitting there, she felt as if she were in another world, surrounded by tranquility.
However, the peace was short-lived, as a low murmur of conversation drifted from afar. Looking closer, it appeared to be several adult men dressed in expensive brocade robes passing by on a path in the back garden.
During the first month of the lunar calendar, officials from all walks of life continued to visit and travel around, but very few passed by the back garden. Perhaps the servant leading the way had gone the wrong way.
She glanced at the group of people moving among the shadows of the trees, but her gaze suddenly stopped on one of them.
He was impeccably dressed and had a refined and elegant appearance.
Even from a distance, one could still discern her extraordinary bearing; her green robe flowed gracefully like a willow in spring, making even the red plum blossoms behind her pale in comparison.
In a moment, the pedestrian crossed the path and walked to an open space in the garden. Without the flowers to obscure the view, she could see the face more clearly.
With clear and bright features, he wore a simple bamboo-green robe with dark patterns, exuding humility and otherworldly elegance. A plain jade pendant hung gracefully from his waist, and his every move showed composure. Compared to the others around him, he stood out even more.
She couldn't help but frown.
I vaguely felt that this person looked familiar, but I couldn't remember where I had seen him before.
However, after lingering her gaze for just a moment, the man seemed to sense her gaze and slightly turned his head. His eyes, faintly revealing a coldness, met hers through the plum grove.
She hadn't intended to meet his gaze, so she quickly looked away. But as she turned her head, she suddenly remembered—
I have indeed seen this person somewhere before.
That day, winter snow fell heavily on the stream, and the back garden of the Princess's mansion was covered in a desolate scene. It was there that he smiled and gently reminded her and Dou Zhen to watch their step.
It was clearly that young master who called himself Wuqiao.
She still remembered the shy look on Dou Zhen's face when she made eye contact with him that day. She had even secretly ordered Zhao Qi to investigate this person. She never expected to see him again in her own home today.
Even more unexpectedly, this person also had some connection with my father.
Lin Xu pursed her lips, lowered her head and took a sip of tea, concealing the fleeting emotion in her eyes.
Kao Yu-yi, however, with her bright eyes, couldn't help but ask in a low voice with a smile:
"Xu'er, why are you suddenly lowering your head and remaining silent? Did you see someone you know?"
Lin Xu smiled faintly and said softly:
“Mother, you have such keen eyes. I did see this person before at the Princess’s residence, but it was just a fleeting glance. I didn’t know his name. When I suddenly saw him again, I just felt that he looked somewhat familiar.”
Gao Youyi smiled knowingly and said softly:
"To be honest, I only heard about him from the master a few days ago. That is Young Master Jiang. Although he is young, he is quite accomplished. He once studied under Prime Minister Xun and is now an imperial censor."
It turns out that this person was Jiang Heng.
Although she was ignorant of politics in her previous life, she had heard some of this person's deeds. He became famous throughout the country after passing the imperial examination, and then his political career flourished. He became the youngest censor in Dayu, wielding the heavy power to investigate all officials and uphold the law and discipline of the court. He was swift and decisive, and handled countless cases.
Unexpectedly, Imperial Censor Jiang was such a handsome and refined man.
She remembered that although Jiang Heng was not from Mujing, his father was Jiang Gong, who was known in Beiyuan for his brilliant case-solving skills, so he came from a family of case-solving experts. She heard that after Jiang Heng became the second-highest scorer in the imperial examination last year, he gradually gained a foothold in the court and was promoted one after another, so he could be considered a newly promoted famous minister in the court.
But what exactly is the relationship between him and Dou Zhen? Are they mutually interested, or is it just that King Xiang is interested while the goddess is indifferent?
She pursed her lips and lowered her head to take a sip of tea. In the distance, plum blossoms were in full bloom, their delicate fragrance wafting over, subtly concealing her earlier thoughts.
.
A thin mist shrouded the courtyard. Lin Xu had risen early, dressed in an extremely simple, moon-white, double-breasted blouse, paired with a pale purple skirt inlaid with pearls and hibiscus patterns, and draped with a white shawl with green plum blossoms. She stood calmly in front of the main hall. Several days passed in a flash, and the time for parting again was fast approaching.
Gao Youyi stood to the side, her eyes already brimming with tears, struggling to control her emotions. But just as Lin Xu was about to step forward to pay his respects, she finally couldn't help but grasp her hand and sighed softly:
“Xu’er, although you are now married into the Dou family, you must remember that this will always be your home, and you are always welcome to come back. Your father was right the other day. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, just come back without any worries.”
After saying that, she wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes and took out a thick stack of silver notes that she had prepared beforehand from her sleeve, stuffing them all into the wide sleeves of Lin Xu's robe.
"Keep these silver notes. Be extra careful when you get back. I don't know how else I can help you right now, but with this money on your side, they probably won't dare to underestimate you. Don't have to suffer any hardship."
Seeing this, Lin Xu felt a warmth in his heart. As expected, it was still the familiar, generous Gao Youyi.
"Thank you for your concern, Mother. I will remember your words and will be more careful in the future, so as not to disappoint you."
Lan Yue stepped forward, her eyes smiling, yet glistening with tears. She placed a neatly folded light blue garment in Zhu Ling's hands, and said gently:
"Lan Yue is uncouth and doesn't know much about refined matters. After thinking it over, I still felt I had to express my feelings for Miss. So I took some time these past few days to embroider this cloak. I hope Miss won't find it offensive."
Hua Mei, who was always quick-witted, immediately chimed in:
“Miss, you don’t know, this cloak was embroidered by our mistress herself, stitch by stitch. Mistress Lan even went to Lingluo Manor to buy the most fashionable fabric in the capital at the moment, and stayed up for several nights to finish embroidering it. She just hopes that when you return there, it will bring you some warmth in the winter.”
Lin Xu lowered his head and gently stroked the intricate embroidery on the cloak, whispering:
"Then thank you very much, Aunt Lan. Aunt Lan is gentle and considerate. Rong-ge is still young and inevitably works hard every day. Please take good care of yourself and don't overwork yourself."
Before she could finish speaking, she heard her father, Lin Fu, walking down the corridor.
Lin Fu rushed over as soon as he finished dealing with his official business. Although he remained calm as always, Lin Xu only needed to glance at him to see the deep reluctance in his father's eyes.
He walked up to Lin Xu, his eyes filled with affection and an unreadable sorrow. He opened his mouth several times, but finally sighed and said gently:
"You don't know when we'll meet again, so please take good care of yourself."
Lin Fu's gaze swept over Zhu Lingrongwei and the others, becoming sharper: "You few are going with Xu'er to get married, so you must make sure to protect the young lady. Be careful and cautious in everything you do outside, and absolutely do not cause any trouble."
After speaking, he paused, lowered his voice, and whispered earnestly in her ear:
“Xu’er, the Dou family has strict rules, so you must not be stubborn. I know you are strong-willed, but once you are in your husband’s family, you must not be too obstinate. Your own safety is the most important thing.”
Lin Xu's eyes welled up with tears, and he nodded, saying, "Father, please rest assured, Xu'er will keep your teachings in mind and live up to your good intentions."
Lin Fu was reluctant to part with her, so he gently patted her shoulder and whispered, "If you encounter any difficulties, remember to send a message back. The Lin family will always be your support."
She smiled slightly, taking in all the words of advice and concern from the people around her. She then bowed deeply to Lin Fu and Gao Youyi one last time before slowly turning around and disappearing into the morning mist.
.
As dusk settled, the last rays of the setting sun bathed the carriage on its return journey, making her solitary figure appear even more forlorn. She tightened the cloak she clutched in her hands, and tears welled up in the corners of her eyes without her noticing.
The deep twilight enveloped the Dou family mansion, which had not been seen for several days, making the already enormous mansion appear even more solemn.
The numerous luggage items she brought back had been neatly unloaded by the waiting servants. They were all things that Gao Youyi and Lin Fu had carefully prepared for her, almost filling the entire caravan. The servants bustled about, carrying the boxes and trunks.
Lin Xu got off the carriage, peeked at the Dou family mansion, and finally took a deep breath before walking straight ahead.
Now that they were back, they naturally couldn't forget to pay their respects to Bai Shi and Dou Huaisheng.
Madam Bai had already learned of her return today and was waiting in the hall early on, now seated in the main seat. Beside her, Dou Huaisheng, rarely having any free time, also sat in the hall with a dignified expression.
Seeing Lin Xu return travel-worn, Madam Bai lowered her head and put down her teacup. A barely perceptible glint flashed in her eyes, but her face still wore a gentle smile.
Lin Xu bowed respectfully and said softly:
"Father and Mother, Zhuoyan has returned. He came to pay his respects to you both as soon as he got off the carriage. He wishes you both peace and good health."
Bai nodded slightly, her eyes holding a hint of scrutiny, and slowly said:
"Now that you're back in the manor, relax and settle down. It seems the Lin family really cares about you and has treated you well. I heard that the things you brought back have already filled the front hall. Your father must have put a lot of thought into preparing everything so thoroughly."
Having clashed with Bai twice, she was already used to her personality and underhanded tricks, and remained calm and gentle, replying:
"On this trip back, I haven't seen my father for a long time, and I can't help but feel sentimental. My father is especially grateful for the care that my parents have always given me, so he specially instructed me to bring many gifts from home as a token of his appreciation. Please accept them all."
Dou Huaisheng nodded slightly, took a leisurely sip of tea, and instructed:
"It's good that you're back. Prime Minister Lin is so kind, it makes me feel ashamed. Now that you are a member of the Dou family, you are just as close to us. In the future, listen to your mother's teachings, be careful and meticulous in everything you do, and learn patiently. If there is anything you don't understand, you can ask your mother-in-law, the elders in the mansion, or even me. There's no need to hold back."
Lin Xu obediently replied, "Yes, Xu'er will remember Father's teachings."
A hint of satisfaction appeared on Bai's face as he calmly said:
"If you need anything in the Dou family in the future, you may instruct the servants to do it. The Lin family has treated you well, and you should repay their kindness. Do not have any other thoughts."
Lin Xu lowered her eyes slightly, as Fu Lian had already arranged a seat for her. She picked up the teacup in her hand, watching the green leaves in the cup rise and fall with the ripples of water.
Having just returned home, and with Gao Youyi and Lan Yue's kindness and care every day, it was hard not to feel uncomfortable hearing Bai's pointed words.
Lin Xu sneered inwardly, his thoughts already wandering elsewhere.
She couldn't help but recall the day a few days ago when she was chatting with her father in the study.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
