Chapter 109: Chapter 108: Private Belongings

Xu Mansion was holding a celebration, and Mrs. Gu Sr. insisted on attending.

Since the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the women of the household had not left the premises, so the celebration at Xu Mansion was considered the first outing of the year.

Sister Yue was a playful personality, and after being scolded by Mrs. Gu Sr. on the fifteenth, she dared not make a fuss again. Living quietly for several days, she felt alive once more.

While picking out items to wear to the Xu Mansion in her room, she heard the servants greeting Madam in the courtyard but did not get up.

When Mrs. Kong entered and saw her daughter arranging jewelry boxes on the couch, she shook her head, “Haven’t decided yet? You’re young; just pick something clean and simple.”

“I would like to, but I don’t have things like grandmother picks out for me,” Sister Yue replied without looking up.

Mrs. Kong was secretly relieved she had dismissed the servants, and whispered to her, “I’ve told you many times not to speak like this in the future. She is just an orphan; without your grandmother, who else would buy for her?”

Sister Yue pouted unhappily but said no more.

Mrs. Kong noticed a set of green warm jade was nice, pointing it out, “Alright, let’s go with this set. It was a gift from your grandmother when I was a young lady and I never wore it. Now I’m giving it to you, and no one will think it’s pre-used when you wear it out.”

Sister Yue had seen this set but couldn’t decide. With her mother’s approval, she made her choice.

She then sat beside her mother, saying, “Mother, please make me some more clothes.”

“You already have plenty. It’s not that we lack money, but all eyes in the house are watching. If you change too often, someone will report to your grandmother, who will surely say you’re breaking the rules,” Mrs. Kong remained unmoved by her daughter’s plea.

No matter how many times Sister Yue begged, it was of no use.

By the time they made their way to Xu Mansion the next day, Sister Yue was still pouting, looking displeased.

Luckily, for this trip to Xu Mansion, each courtyard shared their own carriage. Mrs. Kong and her daughter sat inside without worrying about being seen. Before dismounting, she admonished her daughter a few more times, and only then did Sister Yue dare not show her anger once off the carriage.

Though Mrs. Gu Sr. did not show it on her face, throughout the journey, only Sister Hui was brought along, leaving Sister Yue behind, which silently conveyed her displeasure.

Seeing her usual place taken by Sister Hui, Sister Yue’s eyes turned red, but she dared not cry.

Mrs. Kong felt a pang in her heart, gently patting her daughter’s hand and whispering comfort while blaming the old lady for showing her discontent with Sister Yue so outwardly.

This made the ladies of the house laugh at the scene.

Mrs. Dong, however, remained seemingly oblivious, engaging Sister An in conversation, “Aren’t we family? Today is a joyful day for the mansion; you should be helping your grandmother instead of welcoming us.”

“How could I not come when Auntie is here?” Xu Ya’an smiled gracefully, “I can’t do much at the front, with my father busy, nor in the back where my grandmother can’t manage much. It’s all entrusted to the maids. She instructed me to lead you to grandmother’s Warm Pavilion when you arrived.”

“Such a clever child at your young age. If your Sister Hui is as sensible, I can be at ease.”

Lin Youning, walking ahead supporting Mrs. Gu Sr., heard Mrs. Dong’s words in surprise, not knowing it was the first time she saw Mrs. Dong praise someone so warmly.

This clearly showed Mrs. Dong’s genuine fondness for Sister Yue.

Accompanied by Xu Ya’an, the group arrived at Mrs. Xu Sr.’s Warm Pavilion, where she awaited them.

Once everyone greeted one another and took their seats, Mrs. Xu Sr. remarked, “There are many ladies in the front, let the maids from your household accompany Sister An for hosting. Our two families are not strangers.”

“Entrusting them is their fortune.” Mrs. Gu Sr. didn’t say much to that, only reminding to care for Lin Youning.

Originally Lin Youning wanted to idle here, but hearing Aunt’s words, she realized she couldn’t avoid it and had to follow the others out towards the flower hall.

“Sister Hui, you take Sister Yue to the flower hall first, I’ll check the front yard for any instructions from father,” Xu Ya’an said, looking at Lin Youning, seeming to remember what to assign her, “Aunt, why don’t you look over the new room? There are maids there receiving gifts; see if there’s anything else needing attention.”

Lin Youning was untrained, it was normal for Xu Ya’an to struggle finding her tasks.

A smile flickered in Sister Yue’s eyes, “Yes Aunt, just look over there.”

Sister Hui appeared slightly embarrassed.

Lin Youning did not mind, “Alright, I’ll go take a look.”

The mansion was bustling with staff today, she believed nothing would go awry.

Before parting, Xu Ya’an even had a maid lead the way, with Shanmoi also following, the three headed to the new room.

Just past the covered walkway, they met Xu Yuxian, who was supposed to be out greeting guests, dressed in full red robes, coming their way.

Lin Youning paused slightly, though unfazed; today was Xu Mansion’s great celebration, Xu Yuxian adored her, but accepting the marriage arranged by his family meant he considered the bigger picture.

After all, he was a young heart.

Was there something he wanted to say?

Did Xu Ya’an bring her here for this reason?

Although Lin Youning wasn’t angry, it didn’t mean she would stay for a secret meeting with Xu Yuxian.

Upon seeing Xu Yuxian, she already turned back.

Xu Yuxian followed with long strides, calling out, “Wait a moment.”

Shanmoi was infuriated, glaring at the maid who led them, quickly moving forward, but the maid held her back.

“Sister, the young master will soon proceed with the procession, he’s just a few words for Miss Lin, please wait a moment.”

Shanmoi angrily pushed her hand away, “Unruly one, seeing the master’s misconduct and not dissuading, instead aiding, is this how you learned the rules?”

Shanmoi, normally gentle, suddenly scolded sharply, frightening the maid into releasing her hold on Shanmoi.

Meanwhile, Xu Yuxian already stopped Lin Youning, “Sister Lin, I just have something I wish to give you.”

He spoke while pulling something from his wide festive robe.

A jade hairpin in white.

Lin Youning flushed with anger, “Young Master must be confused. By seniority, you should address me as Aunt. You are a son of a noble family, how could you disrupt propriety like this?”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep