Most of April had passed, and the rain was becoming more frequent.
Perhaps it was due to her age, but Du Yunluo did not like such weather; the dampness made her feel uncomfortable all over.
Yet, despite this discomfort, she was no longer the old lady who once sought seclusion in a small shrine; she was a young lady of the Du Family and needed to pay her respects to the elders.
With an oil-paper umbrella in hand, she reached Lianfu Garden. Despite being careful along the way, her sleeves and the tips of her shoes were slightly wet.
Old Mrs. Xia noticed and promptly instructed, "Quickly tidy up, don't let it harm your health."
Du Yunluo responded, and Du Yunnuo with a playful smile said, "I'll help you."
The two of them went to the central room to freshen up.
Du Yunluo noticed that Du Yunnuo was wearing a water-colored ruqun that she had never seen before, with a lotus-colored jacket over it, and her hair was adorned with a coral hairpin, which added radiance to her appearance. She couldn't help but smile and said, "Fourth Sister, you'd better not get your hands dirty; you still have to visit Duke Jing Mansion later. How awful it would be if you stained your new clothes."
Hearing this, Du Yunnuo turned around in place, with the hem of her skirt twirling slightly, "How do you find this outfit?"
"It's nice," Du Yunluo agreed with her, "not too eye-catching to the point of overshadowing the guests, yet not so subdued that it's inappropriate, it's just right."
These words hit the right spot in Du Yunnuo's heart. She lifted her chin and nodded with satisfaction, "That's good then."
With that said, they stopped the conversation there.
Du Yunluo knew that whatever happened in Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, Du Yunnuo would report it to Princess An Ran, possibly even with embellishments, so she just needed to wait for further developments.
And Du Yunnuo also had her own little schemes; she was eager to see what kind of drama would unfold in Lianfu Garden once Princess An Ran started making a fuss.
The Liao Family had prepared a carriage and sent someone to call Du Yunnuo.
Du Yunnuo went in to inform Old Mrs. Xia, received some words of advice, and then stepped out to prepare to leave.
Du Yunluo hurriedly called after her, "Fourth Sister, there's something else…"
"What is it?" Du Yunnuo was eager to leave for Duke Jing Mansion.
"It's only a few days until Third Sister's coming-of-age ceremony. She told me she wanted me to be her praiser. I've heard from the nannies about the rules and order, but I'm still confused. I'm afraid I'll mess up and embarrass Third Sister," Du Yunluo quietly pleaded, "Fourth Sister, please help me observe how the praiser by Princess An Ran's side does it and teach me when you return."
Du Yunnuo was taken aback.
She naturally remembered Du Yunying's birthday. With the Miao Family managing the household affairs, it had been mentioned in front of Old Mrs. Xia regarding the coming-of-age ceremony.
It concerned the reputation of the Du Family's young lady, and Old Mrs. Xia was quite attentive.
The officials and praiser were indispensable, and the praiser was usually a sister from the family.
Du Yunnuo had secretly speculated that the second house wanted to win favor with the elder master and mistress, so they would likely choose Du Yunluo. Despite being mentally prepared, upon hearing that Du Yunying had already spoken to Du Yunluo, she couldn't help but feel a pang of resentment and frustration.
This kind of matter, Du Yunying didn't even bother to give her a heads-up…
And the most crucial reason, Du Yunnuo was acutely aware of.
The distinction between legitimate and illegitimate births.
Although the three of them spent time playing and talking together and their interactions with each other and in front of the elders showed no significant difference due to their birth status, receiving similar allowances and upbringing, when it came to significant matters like these, the hierarchy became immediately apparent.
Even if she was favored by her legitimate mother, Mrs. Liao, and adored by her father and brothers, she was still an illegitimate daughter.
This recognition sparked a flicker of embarrassment and anger in Du Yunnuo's eyes. She tried to conceal it, but Du Yunluo saw it clearly. Turning slightly, she awkwardly said, "You're talking nonsense! Didn't you serve as a praiser at Big Sister's coming-of-age ceremony?"
"I was in a daze back then and got scolded by Big Sister afterward. This time, I must do well and not repeat what happened before. The first time can be chalked up to inexperience, but being clumsy the second time will certainly make people laugh at me," Du Yunluo explained softly.
It's perfect if they laugh!
Du Yunnuo thought internally, but outwardly she said, "I'll teach you whatever I learn."
"Thank you, Fourth Sister. Father came back yesterday and brought some Suyun Workshop pastries. I'll bring some to you later," Du Yunluo said with a smile.
Suyun Workshop's pastries were famous in the capital, with daily quotas. Whether you're a noble or a merchant, you must follow their rules. With the support of the Imperial Family behind Suyun Workshop, no one dared to cause trouble.
Du Yunnuo lightly bit her lower lip with her teeth.
After Du Huaili left his post, he wouldn't be able to buy anything from an empty kitchen at Suyun Workshop. He must have sent a servant early in the morning to queue up for the purchase. Du Huaili was a filial man; Anhua Courtyard would have some, and certainly, Lianfu Garden wouldn't be lacking either, avoiding any gossip.
This morning, since Old Mrs. Xia hadn't taken out the pastries, it appeared that Du Yunluo, the apple of her eye, would ultimately benefit from them.
Considering this, Du Yunnuo grew even angrier. Initially thinking to decline outright, she reconsidered, not wanting Du Yunluo to take advantage for nothing, "Alright, when I return, we'll eat the pastries and talk about the rules."
Du Yunluo nodded obediently, and Du Yunnuo no longer looking at her, turned and left.
Du Yunluo stood still, watching Du Yunnuo's figure disappear beyond the courtyard, with the smile on her face gradually fading.
She was too well aware of Du Yunnuo's temperament.
The relationship between Du Yunnuo and Princess An Ran wasn't so intimate that they shared everything without reservations.
Today, Duke Jing Mansion was filled with esteemed guests, with noble ladies from the capital enough to fill a hall. If Princess An Ran were surrounded by people, given Du Yunnuo's nature, even if she burned with internal rage, she might not be able to force herself in to whisper with Princess An Ran.
If she couldn't find a suitable opportunity, the chance might be missed.
But this "provocative display" by Du Yunluo could set Du Yunnuo's fury ablaze, prompting her to speak up regardless of the opportunity.
The time for Du Yunluo was running short; she needed to coax Du Yunnuo into acting today itself, as she couldn't wait until the next solo meeting between Du Yunnuo and Princess An Ran.
Du Yunluo returned to the East Wing.
Inside, Summer Mrs. Xia was delighted with humor, inviting her to sit by her side, "Yunnuo has left?"
Du Yunluo nodded, "Princess An Ran is coming of age, and surely Duke Jing Mansion will have quite the gathering. Fourth Sister said if she were late, the roads might even be blocked, so it's best to leave early."
"That's sensible, being late would be impolite," Summer Mrs. Xia nodded repeatedly and asked Miao Family, "How are the preparations for Yun Ying's coming-of-age ceremony?"
Miao Family, speaking of her daughter's important event, proudly said, "The guest list has already been prepared, and once approved by the elder lady, invitations can be sent out."
"I'll be waiting for you to send it over," Summer Mrs. Xia continued, "What about the officials and praiser?"
"The praiser is Yunluo, and the official is the fourth young lady of the elder branch from my family's side," Miao Family replied.
Summer Mrs. Xia pursed her lips in recollection, "Is she called Cai'er?"
"Her nickname is Cai'er; her formal name is Ruoshan. She came to pay respects last year during the New Year," Miao Family explained.
"I do have some impression. She is outstanding in both appearance and manners—a good child," Summer Mrs. Xia remarked with satisfaction, "The most important is the principal guest."
Miao Family wore a slightly awkward smile, "As for the principal guest, it hasn't been decided yet."