Chapter 146 Deciding to Go to the Capital
"Mother, Madam? Sister Dongrou?"
Greenie was stunned, momentarily at a loss, "You, how come..."
Lu Zhaoruo stepped forward and handed her the bowl of longevity noodles with a chicken inside. She said gently, "Silly girl, today is your birthday. How can you sit alone in the cold wind on an empty stomach? Quickly, eat this bowl of longevity noodles for good luck."
Dongrou smiled and pushed the tray forward, saying, "Look, my wife has already prepared new clothes and shoes for you. And these snacks were just sent by Madam An today; she specially asked me to bring them all for you."
Greenie's gaze swept over the various items in front of her...
The steaming, fragrant bowl of longevity noodles, the new clothes and shoes with their fine stitches and soft fabric, the box of Beijing-style pastries that she would never normally touch... Finally, her gaze returned to Lu Zhaoruo's smiling face.
The immense, unexpected care instantly broke down her defenses.
Her nose tingled, her eyes suddenly burned, and tears welled up without warning.
Is she dreaming? There are actually people in this world who remember her birthday, cook noodles for her, and give her new clothes...
"My wife..."
She suddenly bent her knees and knelt down with a thud, kowtowing heavily to Lu Zhaoruo.
"Lü'er...Lü'er thanks you for your kindness, Madam!"
She choked back tears, her forehead pressed against the ground, her shoulders trembling, "My wife's kindness to me... I could never repay her enough, even if I were to serve her like a cow or a horse!"
Upon seeing this, Lu Zhaoruo immediately stepped forward and said, "Get up! How many times have I told you, you don't need to perform such a grand ceremony here."
Her tone was reproachful, but even more so, it conveyed heartache and helplessness.
Greenie was helped up, tears still streaming down her face.
She hurriedly took the steaming bowl of longevity noodles from Lu Zhaoruo's hands, the rising steam washing over her face, mingling with the aroma of the food and her tears.
She lowered her head and took a deep sniff, her voice choked with emotion, "It smells so good..."
Dongrou added softly from the side, "The kitchen staff have already rested. This bowl of noodles was cooked for you personally by my wife."
Upon hearing this, Greenie's tears fell like beads from a broken string.
Lu Zhaoruo took out the "Fu" character knot carefully woven with five-colored threads from her sleeve, her gaze gentle: "May you have much happiness and longevity, peace and joy from now on. Happy birthday, Lü'er."
Dongrou smiled and took out the hairpin she had kept hidden for a long time, handing it over: "Here, this is for you. Don't be so silly in the future, just burying your head in your work."
Greenie hurriedly took the bowl of noodles back to the room and placed it on the small table. Then she ran out again, took the lucky knot and hairpin, and sobbed uncontrollably, nodding repeatedly: "Thank... thank you, Madam... thank you, Sister Dongrou... Greenie, Greenie..."
"Alright, stop crying."
Lu Zhaoruo gently interrupted her, wiping away her tears, "If you keep crying, the noodles will get soggy. Eat them while they're hot."
The three of them went into the house together and sat around a small table.
The candlelight flickered, illuminating their faces.
Greenie ate the incredibly precious longevity noodles in small bites, listening to Lu Zhaoruo and Dongrou's soft laughter, occasionally breaking into a smile through her tears and chiming in with a few words.
The small room was filled with warmth and laughter, which even warmed the cool moonlight outside the window.
The next day.
After finishing his official business, Xiao Yeming went to the embroidery tower to find Lu Zhaoruo.
"The itinerary is set, and we will set off for the capital in three days."
He spoke succinctly, his brows showing a hint of fatigue, yet a sense of ease was still evident.
Upon hearing this, Lu Zhaoruo's eyes immediately lit up with uncontrollable joy.
This trip was of great significance to her: firstly, she could meet the emperor and receive his appreciation; secondly, she could bring her brother to the capital to participate in the autumn martial arts examination; thirdly, she could fulfill her promise to that young official; and fourthly, it was the perfect opportunity for her to expand her embroidery business to the capital.
Xiao Yeming was busy with many matters, and after finishing his speech, he took his leave.
Although she was walking hurriedly, a smile played on her lips as she turned around.
Lu Zhaoruo has decided to take Dongrou, Sun Jing and Lü'er with her.
—
In the backyard of the embroidered building, news of Lu Zhaoruo and Dongrou celebrating Lü'er's birthday and giving her gifts yesterday had already spread.
Wan Wanning intentionally stood guard under the corridor. When she saw Lü'er carrying a tea tray past, she stepped forward and blocked her way.
Today, Greenie changed into a brand-new light blue dress and cloth shoes, with a velvet flower in her hair, a colorful "Fu" knot at her waist swaying gently, and a warm smile on her lips.
Upon seeing that it was Wan Wanning, she quickly lowered her head and subconsciously took a half-step back.
Wan Wanning took in her joyful yet timid expression, and felt a strange tightness in her chest. She deliberately dragged out her words, "Lü'er, look how happy you are! It's just a couple of small things, is it really worth all this fuss?"
She paused, a hint of bitterness in her voice: "A mere maid who serves tea and water has to go to the master to personally deliver gifts and cook noodles? I've never seen such high regard before."
Upon hearing this, Lü'er lowered her head even further, her voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz: "Madam Lu and Sister Dongrou have treated me so kindly... I... I am so grateful..."
"Closeness?"
Wan Wanning chuckled lightly, but her tone was cold, "Don't forget your place. They treat you well because my elder sister is kind-hearted, but you are ultimately... just a servant. Do you really think you've grown wings and can fly to a higher branch?"
Greenie trembled in fright, causing the cups on the tea tray to clink softly.
She shook her head hurriedly, her eyes slightly red: "This servant wouldn't dare... This servant has never dared to have such a thought, Miss Wanning, please understand..."
Her voice already carried a faint sob; she was truly terrified.
Looking at her frightened appearance, Wan Wanning felt a slight sense of satisfaction, but then she immediately thought that even such a timid and foolish girl could receive such genuine care, while what about herself?
At this moment.
She saw Dongrou arrive.
She lowered her head hastily, twisting the hem of her clothes with her fingers, and said in a weak and timid voice, "I... I just see that Sister Lü'er is so lucky, and I'm just envious."
Dong Rou glanced at her indifferently, nodded slightly, and greeted her politely, "Miss Wan Ning."
He then turned to Lü'er, a genuine smile spreading across his face: "Lü'er, your wife is calling you over; it seems she has something important to tell you."
Seeing that Lü'er was still holding the tea meant for Yun Niangzi, she was about to reach out and take it when Wan Wanning stepped forward first, forcing a warm smile on her face: "Let me take this. Lü'er, hurry up and go to your older sister's side, don't keep her waiting."
Greenie was taken aback by her sudden attentiveness and looked at her with some confusion.
Wan Wanning just smiled at her and urged, "Aren't you going yet? This tea is for Manager Yun, right? I'm on my way, so I'll just deliver it to her."
The small hall was quiet and peaceful, with elegant furnishings. Several unfinished account books lay open on the table, their ink fragrance faint.
Lu Zhaoruo sat upright at the table, looking gently at the slightly flustered Lü'er, and asked softly, "Lü'er, I will be leaving for the capital in three days. I fear it will be several years before I return. Would you... be willing to come with me?"
Greenie suddenly raised her head, her eyes filled with disbelief.
My lady... she actually wants to take me with her to the capital?
She suppressed the surging joy in her heart, her hands unconsciously clenching the hem of her clothes, and asked cautiously, "Mistress, does that mean... this servant... this servant can really go to the capital with you?"
“Of course,” Lu Zhaoruo smiled, her gaze certain, “When have I ever lied to you?”
She paused, then asked gently again, "So, are you willing?"
"Yes! This servant is willing!"
Greenie's voice trembled with excitement, almost incoherent, "I've always... always wanted to go to the capital! Before my father passed away, he told me that I had a younger brother who was sold into a noble family in the capital when he was young. He should be about seven years old now, and he has an oval-shaped, dark blue birthmark below his shoulder... I... I thought I would never be able to set foot in the capital in my life, but now... now I actually have this opportunity... perhaps, perhaps I can find him..."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
