Holding the floral note, Wei Shuyao couldn't contain her joy. "Could it really be that all the suffering is over and the good times are finally here?"
Since Caizhu was her confidante, she didn't need to hide her true nature like she did in front of others. Caizhu was genuinely happy for her and flattered her, saying, "Yes, yes, it must be that your suffering has finally come to an end! You saved that young master Du Shao in a time of emergency, and he said that he would personally visit to express his gratitude once he recovered. This means that you should visit each other often."
Wei Shuyao was very pleased with these words, her heart was filled with joy, and her face was as radiant as a spring peach.
Caizhu continued to sigh, "You were so enamored with Young Master Du Xun before, but alas, the goddess's heart was unfulfilled, and the king's dream was not. But now, perhaps this Young Master Du Shao is sent by heaven to make amends to you!"
Wei Shuyao's mind flashed back to those eyes that bore an uncanny resemblance to Du Xun's, eyes that seemed to hold a glimmer of frost-like light, drawing one in irresistibly. Yes, Du Shao was indeed a kind of compensation from heaven for her; she could see Du Xun's shadow in him. Even if she couldn't have the real person, having a shadow was a tremendous surprise, especially since the other party also came from a prestigious family.
Thinking of this, the light in Wei Shuyao's eyes suddenly faltered for a moment, then gradually faded, revealing a hint of helplessness.
Caizhu quickly noticed and hurriedly asked, "Miss, what's wrong?"
"He said he wanted to visit in person to express his gratitude, but he wanted to visit the second wife's door..."
Caizhu didn't see anything wrong with it and suggested, "Miss, all you need to do is write a letter back to Young Master Du Shao, stating the new address of the residence!"
“But…” Wei Shuyao frowned and lowered her head.
The reason she gave the address of the second branch of the family that day was because she didn't want people to know that her eldest branch was homeless and looked down upon. Now that she knew the other party was from such a high-ranking family, she was even more determined not to let people know how destitute her family was.
The inn is absolutely out of the question. As for the new mansion, it's just a place to stay these past few days after the renovations. But if anyone comes to visit, the whole secret will be exposed.
“If a high-class family like the Du family knew that we were a poor family from Wu County, they would probably stop associating with us after sending their thanks.” Wei Shuyao, who had been full of energy just moments before, was now listless.
She sat on the embroidered stool, her hand supporting her chin as she sighed.
Caizhu, always quick-witted, thought for a moment and then said, "Miss, how about this? You should first write a letter to Young Master Du Shao, telling him to take good care of his injuries and not to rush to thank you. Just say that you went to Luoyun Temple to offer incense without telling your family, and ask him not to publicize it. This will keep him calm and also allow you to stay in touch while Young Master Du is recovering. Over time, your friendship will deepen."
Wei Shuyao slowly lowered her hand that was supporting her chin, her eyes regaining their light. She thought this method was excellent; it was both a delaying tactic and wouldn't sever their friendship.
After thinking for a moment, he turned and asked, "And then?"
"Then, when Young Master Du's injuries have healed a bit, even if it's inconvenient for him to come and express his gratitude, he will definitely be eager to see you. At that time, he might go boating on the lake or go to see a play, and they can slowly visit each other. When the time is right and he wants to propose marriage, the new mansion will be almost ready. Just find a reason to say that you have separated from the second branch of the family. He won't be picky about you because of this change."
Wei Shuyao felt that if things continued to develop along this line of thought, their eldest branch of the family would indeed be able to hold their heads high. Although they couldn't compare to Wei Shuwan marrying the Prince of Xiaoqiaochuan and becoming his crown princess, they would still be a noble family in the future, and would certainly not be trampled on by the second branch.
But she also had concerns: "What you're saying is too idealistic. We don't even know if this young master Du Shao is married or engaged yet, let alone anything else."
"Miss, I don't know if Young Master Du is engaged, but he is definitely not married!"
Why?
Caizhu pointed to the words on the letter paper and showed them to Wei Shuyao. "Miss, look here. Young Master Du said that he would personally visit to express his gratitude after he recovers from his injuries. If he already has a wife at home, he would definitely say that he has brought his wife and family to visit."
Staring at those words for a moment, Wei Shuyao smiled. Yes, she was still an unmarried young woman; if the other party had a wife, he would surely avoid suspicion and make it clear that he would bring his wife with him when he visited.
"But what if he's already engaged?"
“That’s easy. Anyway, the servants of the Vice Minister’s residence will definitely come out to shop every day. I’ll go to the door early tomorrow morning to keep an eye on things. When I see people coming out, I’ll just spend some money to ask them what’s going on! It’s not really a private matter anyway.”
“Okay, then you can go first thing tomorrow morning!” Wei Shuyao said happily.
The next day at dawn, Caizhu indeed went to wait in front of the Vice Minister's mansion early in the morning. After the purchasing servants came out, she successfully exchanged silver for the news. Thank God, Young Master Du Shao was indeed neither married nor engaged to any young lady.
Caizhu handed Wei Shuyao's reply to the purchasing servant, asking her to pass it on to her young master.
Back at the inn, Caizhu told Wei Shuyao the good news, and Wei Shuyao blushed. Suddenly, she remembered something else, "Oh right, you still need to go to Gongchen Street to ask Sister Caidie for a favor."
She could have Caizhu deliver the letter directly to the Vice Minister's residence, but Du Shao's reply had to be relayed through the Second Branch of the Household. Since the Second Branch of the Household couldn't be relied upon, she could only place her hopes on Caidie.
Two days later, Wei Shuyao received a second letter from Du Shao. Cai Die delivered the letter to the inn, and Wei Shuyao, unlike her previous coldness, this time personally poured tea and greeted her warmly with a smile.
Cai Die smiled and took a sip of tea, but quickly spat it back into the cup, seemingly disgusted by the coarse tea leaves in the inn.
Just as Wei Shuyao was feeling embarrassed, Cai Die suddenly grabbed her right wrist, her eyes greedily fixed on the blood jade bracelet: "Oh, when did Fourth Sister get such a beautiful bracelet? It's truly enviable!"
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