Chapter 80: The Return Date Is Gradually Approaching
The exhilarating news of Gu Yangui's impending return on the Mid-Autumn Festival night was like the fiercest spring breeze, instantly dispelling the last vestiges of gloom that had hung over the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion and causing the entire estate to accelerate its pace. The next day was not the day of Gu Yangui's triumphant return, but rather the final and most tense countdown to welcoming the hero back.
Su Wanrou barely slept a wink all night, not from anxiety, but from a state of heightened alertness born of intense excitement and anticipation. Before dawn, she rose and summoned Yunbin and several capable head maids, clearly outlining the welcoming ceremony she had rehearsed countless times in her mind the previous night.
"The final cleaning of the entire mansion must be completed by noon today, leaving no corner untouched. All lanterns, colorful curtains, and banners must be replaced with brand new ones."
"In the kitchen, according to the established menu for the welcome banquet, we will begin preparing the ingredients that can be processed in advance today, to ensure that they are fresh and delicious for the banquet the day after tomorrow."
"The guards have been redeployed. Tomorrow, the order of the streets in front of the mansion and the parking of carriages and horses must be properly arranged so as to show the majesty of our Duke's mansion without disturbing the people."
"Also, the underfloor heating in the Duke's courtyard should be turned on today and slowly dried to remove the dampness. All the bedding should be sun-dried, and hot, fragrant bathwater should be prepared..."
She spoke steadily and clearly, her almond-shaped eyes slightly red from lack of sleep, but the light in them shone brighter than ever before. The people below obeyed her commands with unwavering solemnity, their footsteps scattering in all directions. The entire Duke's mansion, like a sophisticated machine, operated efficiently around the core objective of "welcoming the head of the family."
After having breakfast, Su Wanrou went to Songhe Hall to pay her respects to the Old Madam. The Old Madam was clearly in high spirits because of the good news, and was being helped by her maid to try on a newly made crimson brocade jacket with a pattern of five blessings and longevity.
"Rou'er is here. Quickly help me take a look. Is this color and pattern appropriate for me to wear tomorrow?" The old lady smiled and waved, the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes smoothing out.
Su Wanrou stepped forward and looked at it carefully. She smiled gently and said, "Grandmother looks most noble and dignified in this color. Paired with that pearl headdress, it's the perfect match. When my husband sees it, he will surely praise Grandmother for being even more elegant than before."
The old lady was overjoyed by her flattery and patted her hand, saying, "You have such a sweet tongue. I'm just in high spirits because of this happy occasion! But you, your eyes are all a bit swollen, you must not have slept well last night. There are always things to do, but you also need to take care of yourself. Otherwise, when Yan-ge comes back and sees that you've lost weight, he'll feel sorry for you and blame this old woman for not knowing how to take care of people."
“Grandmother, what are you saying?” Su Wanrou blushed slightly. “I’m young, it’s nothing. It’s just that I’m worried about my husband coming back tomorrow, and I can’t calm down.”
The grandmother and grandson chatted and laughed for a while, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere. Mingxuan also arrived early, and the little guy was so excited that he couldn't sit still, running around the house and asking repeatedly, "Will Father arrive tomorrow morning or afternoon? Will he bring me the little bow from the Northern Barbarians? Can I go to the city gate to meet Father?"
Su Wanrou pulled him close, straightened his clothes, and said softly, "Father will arrive around noon. As the young master, you should be in the main hall of the manor with your grandmother and mother to properly welcome Father's triumphant return. That's the proper way. As for the gift," she smiled and tapped her son's nose, "Father's safe return is the best gift for us."
After arranging the household affairs and comforting the elderly and children, Su Wanrou finally had a moment of free time and returned to her and Gu Yangui's main courtyard, "Guipu Courtyard." In the courtyard, the servants were arranging the last few pots of autumn chrysanthemums in full bloom neatly and sweeping them spotless, just as she had instructed.
She walked alone into the inner room. Everything here remained exactly as Gu Yangui had left it, yet traces of her life were everywhere. His military books were neatly arranged on the bookshelf, while her favorite poetry collection and embroidered basket sat on the couch by the window; his black casual clothes hung beside the clothes rack, next to her softly colored dresses. Two completely different atmospheres strangely blended together in this space.
Su Wanrou walked to the bedside and gently stroked the neatly laid-out brocade quilt. There seemed to be a faint trace of his usual cool pine scent on it, very faint, yet it made her heart beat faster for no reason. She thought of the awkwardness during their honeymoon, of their gradually harmonious relationship, and of the occasional tenderness he showed that didn't match his cold exterior... Her cheeks couldn't help but feel slightly hot.
Tomorrow, he will return here, back to this bed. They will no longer be a couple communicating through letters, but will truly begin living together day and night again. Thinking of this, Su Wanrou's heart is filled with sweet anticipation, mixed with an indescribable nervousness and the shyness of a new bride.
She took a deep breath, walked to the dressing table, and opened the bottom of a jewelry box. Inside lay quietly letters sent by Gu Yangui. She arranged them in order and gently tied them with a red ribbon. These letters were her most precious emotional support during these years of solitude. Perhaps, when he returned, she could find an opportunity to let him see them… This thought made her ears burn even hotter.
In the afternoon, Su Wanrou summoned the seamstress to double-check that the new autumn and winter robes she had made for Gu Yangui were all in place. Only after confirming that even the smallest stitches were flawless did she feel completely relieved.
After finishing these tasks, she went to the main kitchen to personally check the key ingredients for tomorrow's welcome banquet, especially the roasted mutton and slow-cooked soup that Gu Yangui preferred, repeatedly instructing him on the cooking time and seasoning. Her meticulousness and attention to detail put everyone in the kitchen on high alert.
As the sun set, everything in the mansion was ready, decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, exuding a festive atmosphere. Su Wanrou stood under the eaves of Guipu Courtyard, watching the last rays of sunset paint the sky red, her heart filled with a sense of peace and warm hope.
The return date is now set, no longer a vague "within the month," but a definite "tomorrow." This hopeful wait is completely different from the aimless longing of the past. Every passing hour means that the moment of reunion is one step closer.
As night fell, the mansion was brightly lit, yet filled with a quiet anticipation than usual. After bathing and changing, Su Wanrou did not immediately rest. Instead, she sat under the lamp and wrote a short letter to Gu Yangui. The letter made no mention of any household affairs, only briefly expressing her joy at learning of his impending return on Mid-Autumn Festival, Mingxuan's anticipation, and the fact that everything in the mansion was ready. Finally, she wrote only a subtle sentence: "My grandmother, Mingxuan, and I await your return."
She sealed the letter with wax, not intending to mail it, but simply wanting to record her overflowing feelings in this way. Perhaps, when he returns, this letter can become a small memento between them, one that only they understand.
She blew out the light and lay down on the bed. The moonlight outside the window was like water, not as full as on Mid-Autumn Festival night, but still clear and bright. Su Wanrou closed her eyes and could clearly hear her own heartbeat, which was a little rapid. This time, it wasn't anxiety, but rather a feeling of boundless anticipation for tomorrow and the future.
The return is drawing near, and the longing will eventually end. All the waiting and perseverance will be rewarded perfectly tomorrow. Lost in her daydreams of their reunion, a sweet smile graced her lips as she drifted off to sleep. This time, her dream held no sorrow of parting, only the warmth of an impending embrace.
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