Visiting relatives
She always went to bed early, but now, having stayed up so late, her consciousness was already blurred. In her hazy state, she felt as if she were being gently lifted up, or as if she had been separated from the warm arms she had been leaning on. In her confused state, she felt cold, and unconsciously, out of longing for that warmth, she gripped the arms even tighter.
When I finally awoke, everything was clear and bright as before. The sky was fully light.
Lin Xu rubbed his sleepy eyes and vaguely saw several beautiful figures moving around. After a while, he finally adjusted to the bright light and saw that it was Rongwei, Nongyu and several other maids wearing new peach-red jackets made for the New Year, busy decorating the entire Huiya Residence.
Zhu Ling entered the inner room carrying a colorful glass cup filled with various pastries and fruits. Seeing that she was awake, she smiled and said:
"Madam is finally awake. If she hadn't woken up, our Second Master's arm would probably have gone numb and he wouldn't be able to move it."
Seeing the doubt on her face, Rongwei smiled and said:
"Last night, Madam said she would keep watch in the courtyard. She fell into a deep sleep soon after. I wanted to carry you to bed so you could rest, but you wouldn't let go. I'm sorry to trouble you, but I sat by your bedside all night."
Looking towards the bedside, there was indeed a chair covered with a soft couch.
She put on her shoes and got out of bed, took the tea that Zhu Ling handed her to rinse her mouth, and casually asked, "Is my husband still in the manor?"
Granny Qin, who was directing the maids in the courtyard to hang colorful lanterns from a distance, turned around and said:
"Just now, the servant from the master's side came to invite the second master away, saying that on the first day of the new year, officials and old friends from all over the country should visit each other and invite each other to celebrate the New Year together. He must have already left the mansion with the master and the second master."
Lin Xu nodded, rinsed his mouth, and casually picked up a clean handkerchief to wipe the water stains from his lips.
Her gaze swept over the busy maids in the courtyard, and she breathed a soft sigh of relief. The faint warmth of last night still lingered in her heart, making her feel inexplicably at ease.
Rongwei, with her sharp eyes, noticed that she was standing by the window lost in thought, so she smiled and came closer. "Madam, would you like to go down for a walk? Today is the first day of the new year, and the courtyard is very lively. The old lady specially asked people to move all the New Year flowers and longevity vases into the courtyard, which is very festive."
Lin Xu's lips curved slightly, and he was about to nod in agreement when he suddenly stopped, as if remembering something, and asked in a low voice:
"My lord...did you say anything last night?"
Rong Wei was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said:
"The Second Master sat beside the Madam last night, but didn't say much. The Madam was sleeping soundly. However, the Second Master seemed a little lost in thought when he saw you sleeping. He stared at you for a long time. Although I don't understand, I felt that the Second Master's eyes were very tender when he looked at you."
Lin Xu's heart stirred slightly. Those emotions that he had never thought about in detail before seemed to be gently stirred by these words, but soon they were as soft and fluffy as a ball of cotton, making them hard to grasp.
She lowered her eyelashes, softly hummed in agreement, and said no more.
Laughter and cheerful voices echoed through the courtyard, creating a rare festive atmosphere throughout the entire villa.
It is the new year, and everyone seems much happier and more excited than usual.
Lin Xu followed the maids into the courtyard. Looking around, she saw Zhu Ling discussing with Granny Qin about hanging a pair of large red lanterns on the courtyard gate. In the distance, two young maids were carrying a pine tree together, and even the colorful ribbons hanging on the tree were dancing lightly in the wind, spreading with the gentle breeze.
"Madam, shall we hang a few more lamps here? It'll be a good omen for peace, longevity, and good fortune year after year, so that everything will go smoothly in the coming year," Granny Qin suggested with a smile.
Among all the servants, she was the oldest, and had served Lin Xu since she was a child. She was also the most proper and prudent in her speech and actions.
Lin Xu nodded calmly, his gaze sweeping over the peaceful scene in the courtyard. For some reason, a rare sense of peace welled up in his heart.
The Lin family was sparsely populated. Apart from her and her father, before Liang Zhengyuan had moved in, the only other person in the house was Qi Shuang'er, who was always secretly making things difficult for her.
At that time, my father held great power in appointing and promoting officials, but he never sought fame or fortune, and even turned away several officials who came to curry favor with him. Therefore, even during festivals, the Lin family mansion was often deserted and rarely had such a warm, bustling atmosphere with people gathered together and flowers in full bloom.
Several months passed in the blink of an eye, and she seemed to have actually adapted to life in the Dou family mansion.
To suppress this terrible thought, she clenched her hands. No matter how lively or prosperous the scene, it was ultimately just an illusion, and since that was the case, it would eventually wither and decay—she let a chill creep into her heart.
.
Every day of the first month of the lunar calendar was bustling and lively, and time flew by. Lin Xu was busy paying New Year's visits and receiving guests every day without a break. On the morning of the fifth day of the new year, she could no longer contain her joy and finished washing up before dawn.
Early morning light streamed into the room through the window lattice, casting a soft glow all around.
The courtyard was still filled with the chill of winter, and snow-white, glistening frost flowers shimmered on the windowsill.
She put on a heavy cloak, underneath which was a long, flowing pomegranate-red dress embroidered with white plum blossoms that she had just changed into that morning. She then let Granny Qin style her hair into a rather exquisite and elegant high bun, with several gold hairpins inlaid with pearls and featuring deer and crane motifs.
She always dressed elegantly and refinedly, and hadn't appeared in full makeup for a long time, which made Granny Qin stare at the person in the mirror in a daze.
"With such a beautiful face, only this head full of pearls and jade can match your appearance... and you look more and more like the late Madam."
Lin Xu applied rouge to her lips as she gently stood up.
Having served her mother in the past and now being by her side, Granny Qin inevitably felt nostalgic sometimes. She gently patted Granny Qin's hand and solemnly said:
"Having my nanny by my side is something that brings me joy and comfort. She is experienced in handling affairs and always treats me like family. She also often reminds me of the years when my mother was still alive."
Upon hearing this, Granny Qin couldn't help but wipe away her tears with a handkerchief.
Dou Yanxun had a small gathering with several colleagues from the yamen last night. They hadn't seen each other for a long time and drank to their hearts' content. He didn't return until late at night and rested in his study.
Seeing that it was still early, she specifically instructed Nongyu not to wake him.
Zhu Ling smiled and said:
"Madam is dressed so festively today, your husband and wife will surely be even happier to see you."
As she spoke, she placed a pair of simple, warm boots on the ground.
Lin Xu changed into warm boots, and a groom was already waiting outside the mansion. She walked quickly, with Zhu Ling and the others behind her carrying large and small packages. The wind was damp and cool, but also had a faint freshness of early spring. It didn't hurt when it blew on her face.
As the bleak winter fades away and spring arrives once again, all things begin to slowly revive.
Because it was still early, the streets had not yet fully awakened, and a few wisps of smoke occasionally rose from the chimneys in the distance, their smoke mingling with the snow-covered eaves in the light mist.
Red lanterns still hung along the street, their warm glow filtering through the snow. Shops were still adorned with bright red lanterns and colorful ribbons, and children could be seen playing and chasing each other in the alleys, their little faces red from the cold.
Along the way, several wintersweet trees bloom proudly, their branches still covered with a few remnants of snow, white with a hint of red, emitting a faint fragrance in the breeze.
She peeked at the street scene from behind the curtain, and soon the carriage finally stopped in front of the Lin residence.
Since their last parting, she felt as if a lifetime had passed. Looking at the Lin family's front courtyard, which remained as tranquil as ever, she couldn't help but be momentarily stunned.
Several maids who had grown up in the Lin family had heard of her return and were waiting at the gate early in the morning. When she alighted from her sedan chair, they all stepped forward to greet her and said with smiles:
"Miss, you're back! Happy New Year! Master and Madam are already waiting for you in the hall."
Lin Xu nodded slightly. The familiar scenery before her made her feel slightly dazed. As she moved from one scene to another, she had to suppress her trembling breath. Seeing that everything at home was as good as before, she couldn't help but tear up.
A few sparse plum trees still stand tall in the backyard, their branches laden with red plum blossoms after the snow, creating a charming contrast with the bright red lanterns, as if she had returned to the carefree days of her youth when she often lingered there.
In the very center of the courtyard stands the crooked willow tree that Liang Shuangyu planted with her back then. Even with snow covering all its branches, its towering presence remains undiminished.
The bluestone slabs in the courtyard were already covered with a light layer of snow, and walking on them felt slightly cool.
She walked through the snow to the willow tree, now bare and gnarled, its leaves all gone. She carefully touched the rough trunk, holding back her tears.
Not far away, Gao Youyi, hearing the commotion, came out with a beaming smile. She waved to Lin Xu in the courtyard and said warmly:
"Good Xu'er, what are you doing standing alone in the courtyard? You've finally come back, why don't you come inside and warm up!"
Gao Youyi's attire was also very festive, a light apricot-colored brocade dress embroidered with intertwined branches, the cuffs and collar embroidered with elegant orchids, making her look dignified and graceful, yet beautiful. Her black hair was styled in a high bun, adorned with a shimmering jade hairpin, exuding elegance and sophistication.
However, after only a few days, she appeared even more well-maintained and radiantly beautiful.
Lin Xu stepped forward quickly, about to bow in greeting, when Gao Youyi stopped her. She frowned and said softly:
"No need for formalities, come in quickly. Your father has been waiting at home since early this morning."
After saying that, Gao Youyi pulled her into her arms, looked Lin Xu up and down with satisfaction, and then led Lin Xu into the house.
Sure enough, a very familiar figure was already sitting in the main seat of the hall. Lin Xu only glanced at him briefly before feeling his eyes warm up.
Seeing his daughter return, a look of relief appeared in Lin Fu's slightly weathered eyes.
He stood up, looked at Lin Xu, and for a moment felt a little awkward. He could only put his hands behind his back and point to a seat for Lin Xu, indicating that she should sit down. Perhaps it had been too long since they last met, and he had so much to say to her, but he was overwhelmed with joy and sorrow at the same time and didn't know what to do.
Lin Xu held back her tears, bowed respectfully, and said, "Your daughter, Zhuoyan, greets Father and Mother. It has been several months since we last met, and I have been thinking of you both. I have come to wish you a Happy New Year. As the new year begins, I only wish you both a peaceful and prosperous New Year, and that you enjoy lasting happiness and good health."
A brazier sat in the middle of the room, filled with a very subtle sandalwood fragrance. Gao Youyi quickly asked her to sit down, and then maids came in one after another, hurriedly serving her hot tea and exquisite snacks: pine nut pastries, osmanthus cakes, red bean cakes, various sweet and sour plum cakes and dried fruits, all of which were her favorite snacks when she was a child.
As soon as they sat down, they heard light footsteps coming from the outer hall.
Looking up, one could see Lan Yue walking in, dressed in a light blue satin dress embroidered with silver plum blossoms, her attire extremely simple and elegant.
Today, her jet-black hair was styled in a loose bun, adorned with a delicate white jade hairpin, giving her a fresh yet casual look. Beside her, her personal maid, Huamei, held an infant in her arms, presumably the child born to Lady Qi.
When Lan Yue saw Lin Xu, she smiled gently and said, "Miss is back."
Lin Xu hadn't seen Rong Ge'er for a long time. The baby who hadn't even opened his eyes and was crying loudly back then was now almost three months old, dressed in thick clothes and looking adorable, with a face as white and tender as snow.
His bright, dark eyes gazed at her curiously. She couldn't help but gently stroke his head, making the little guy giggle.
Lin Fu sighed softly, his gaze falling on his daughter, his eyes filled with worry, and asked:
"You've been married into the Dou family for some time now. How are things going over there? How has Dou Yanxun treated you? Have you suffered any grievances?"
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