Upon hearing this, Du Yunluo stood facing her grandparents without rushing to speak, and instead smiled faintly.
Old Mrs. Xia's sharp gaze fell on the sleeve of Du Yunluo that had been held, causing Yunuo to quickly let go and lower her head anxiously.
"Grandfather, Grandmother," Du Yunluo said with a bright smile, "I heard that Mrs. Shi came yesterday?"
Seeing Du Yunluo actually mention Mrs. Shi, a trace of joy and pride flashed in Yunuo's eyes. She couldn't help but look at Du Yunying, trying to see if she could glean something from her face, yet Du Yunying maintained an innocent facade as if she was an outsider, making Yunuo bite her lip in frustration.
They were all in the same boat, all waiting to watch the show. Now, with Du Yunying standing aside, it seemed to make Yunuo appear scheming.
With this thought, Yunuo snorted softly.
Old Mrs. Xia and Du Gongfu exchanged a glance.
Mrs. Shi visited the mansion yesterday, and no one tried to hide it. After all, the visit was under the guise of checking on Mrs. Zhen.
As families with reputations, the Du Family and Mu Family never had deep ties before, how could they so casually have a matchmaker propose marriage? Making a big fuss, if the marriage doesn't happen, regardless of the reason, it would be of no benefit to both families.
Therefore, by conventional customs, they let familiar madams probe the interest first. If agreeable, further discussions could be made. If not, it was as if nothing had been mentioned, saving everyone's face.
When Du Gongfu served as the examiner during the spring examinations when Vice Minister Shi took office, even after he retired, Vice Minister Shi still treated him with the respect due to a mentor, and Mrs. Shi would visit often as well. Moreover, Mrs. Shi's family had some ties with the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, which made her a suitable intermediary.
The matter of seeking to marry Du Yunluo was only mentioned by Mrs. Shi in front of Old Mrs. Xia and Mrs. Zhen, unbeknownst to others.
Old Mrs. Xia examined Du Yunluo, thinking: Perhaps Mrs. Zhen let it slip, letting this girl know?
Du Gongfu knew that Du Yunluo was stubborn. Over the years, due to the widows in the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, there were many rumors circulating in the Capital, advising girls not to marry into the Mu Family. If Du Yunluo had heard any, once she learned of Mrs. Shi's purpose, she would certainly cause a scene.
As elders, they were not afraid of Du Yunluo making a fuss.
Matters of marriage are concerns of parental orders and matchmaker's words; where would it be Du Yunluo's place to have a say, whether he, as the grandfather, nods or shakes his head?
However, as he aged, he no longer liked noisy matters, so he said, "Indeed, she came to visit your mother. Huaili is Lord Shi's subordinate. Mrs. Shi heard that your mother was unwell and came specifically to visit. As for being superiors, Lord Shi and his wife are very attentive."
Du Yunluo blinked. This was indeed Du Gongfu's way of avoiding the main point.
However, she wasn't here today to demand an explanation. If it wasn't improper for a young lady to be too straightforward, she would certainly speak openly, asking her grandfather to agree to the marriage.
Du Yunluo secretly took a breath and said, "Only Mrs. Shi came? What about Sister A Yu?"
A Yu referred to Shi Qinyu, Mrs. Shi's cherished daughter, who was quite close with Du Yunru.
Du Gongfu and Old Mrs. Xia exchanged a quick look; could it be that Du Yunluo didn't hear about it?
Du Yunying also hadn't expected Du Yunluo to do something unexpected, her eyebrows slightly knit.
Du Yunluo said, "The last time Sister A Yu came, she mentioned that she liked the floral patterns painted by Jin Rui. I promised her that I'd give it to her the next time she visited, but I've held on to it without ever sending it out."
So that's what it was.
Old Mrs. Xia couldn't help but laugh, beckoning Du Yunluo to come over, tapping her on the forehead, saying, "You're a silly one. Since you've got it ready, if that A Yu girl doesn't come, you should send someone to deliver it. Could the Vice Minister Mansion stop you?"
Du Yunluo pursed her lips. She knew what she should do and say at that moment, to put on a pitiful and charming demeanor, and this matter would be smoothly brushed over. However, earlier she was an elderly woman, and now to suddenly act like a daughter was indeed a bit straining.
Striving quietly, she could only lower her shoulders and head, not letting anyone see her expression, holding her voice steady, Du Yunluo said, "Grandmother knows me, I usually dislike going out and neither do the maids and old women around me go out that much. They wouldn't even know where to find the gates of the Vice Minister Mansion, let alone deliver something."
"Listen to her!" Old Mrs. Xia chuckled, "Is she asking this old lady to fetch a runner? Alright, alright, I'll have Mrs. Xu visit the Vice Minister Mansion to deliver the patterns."
"Then I thank grandmother."
Old Mrs. Xia acknowledged and then asked, "What kind of patterns are they? Let me see first. If they're nice, have Jin Rui make more."
Checking the patterns wouldn't be a quick matter.
Yunuo initially intended for Du Yunluo to lose face before the elders but ended up letting her play coy again, becoming indignant and reluctant to stay in Lianfu Garden, and thus stood to take her leave.
Du Yunying also got up, and as she lifted the curtain to leave, she turned to gaze deeply at Du Yunluo; today's Du Yunluo was indeed strange.
In Anhua Courtyard, the patterns were already prepared. Following instructions, Jin Rui organized them and swiftly proceeded to Lianfu Garden to present them.
Du Gongfu had no interest in women's items, occupying himself with the pet thrush bird on the couch by the window.
Old Mrs. Xia flipped through each sheet, nodding repeatedly, "No wonder people always praise Jin Rui's ingenuity in front of me. These patterns are really wonderful. This peony, just looking at it feels regal and auspicious. And this one, with a deep lotus pool, would be perfect on a sleeve cuff."
As she praised, the maids and matrons in the room naturally flattered, claiming the patterns were unparalleled, amusing the elderly woman to her heart's delight.
Jin Rui modestly said, "If Old Mrs. Xia continues to praise like this, I won't dare stand here any longer."
Old Mrs. Xia laughed, "The drawings are exquisite, but how's the embroidery?"
Jin Rui's smile faltered for a moment but soon beamed again, "My embroidery skills really aren't presentable, which is why I've taken a different path to focus on designing patterns."
"What a pity." Old Mrs. Xia thought for a moment, then added, "Yunluo, I remember that maid Jin Ling's embroidery skills are quite remarkable?"
Du Yunluo replied, "Jin Ling takes after her mother."
With that thought, Old Mrs. Xia recalled.
Jin Ling's mother had been a renowned embroideress in the Capital. However, to provide for her ailing son, she had strained her eyes beyond repair and could no longer embroider.
Mrs. Zhen, out of kindness, brought them into the household to make a living, and Jin Ling became attached to Du Yunluo.
"Jin Ling is sensible, with modest habits and outstanding looks that win unreserved affection wherever she goes," Old Mrs. Xia sighed.
Jin Rui lowered her head, biting her lip lightly.
Old Mrs. Xia ceased discussing the maids, and inquired, "Were all these meant for that A Yu girl?"
"These are," Du Yunluo said and then sorted out a few sheets.
Twinned lotuses, children playing with water.
Old Mrs. Xia pondered; these were celebratory designs customarily used for weddings. Why then…
Du Yunluo flipped through them for a while and added, "Sister A Yu mentioned that they were to be embroidered and given to the elder sister. Every young lady must leave the home; no one can delay it. Grandmother, I'm the youngest of the sisters, and once all the elder sisters are married off, I would be so idle on my own."
Old Mrs. Xia gently tapped Du Yunluo, "And you know they all have to be married off? Then why mention being all alone? Yunuo is only half a year older than you; how long do you plan to cling around our house? We'd have to chase you out sooner or later!"
Du Yunluo handed the patterns to Mrs. Xu, "Please help me deliver these, Mrs. Xu. I should be heading back now, lest grandmother also chases me away."
Old Mrs. Xia chuckled and watched Du Yunluo leave. Once she was out of sight, the smile fell from her face, and she turned to look at Du Gongfu, whispering, "Do you think Yunluo knows about it or not? Why did her words sound like they bore some hidden meaning?"