On the slopes to the base of Potuo Mountain in the suburb, temples and monasteries are hidden among the greenery, numbering over a hundred in total.
Throughout the year, the incense is flourishing.
That year, Du Yunluo encountered Mu Lianxiao at Fa Yin Temple halfway up the mountain.
She accompanied her mother and brother to pray for Du Yunru, who was about to marry, but unexpectedly met Mu Lianxiao.
At that time, Du Yunluo thought it was all just a coincidence, but not until her later years did she realize that the serendipitous meeting was another scheme by the Lian Family, disguising subtle manipulations, as such things simply couldn't happen by mere chance.
She once resented that meeting, resented marrying into the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, but looking back now, Du Yunluo even felt some gratitude for the Lian Family's schemes back then. Otherwise, how would she have known that Mu Lianxiao was truly someone worth waiting a lifetime for and pursuing another?
Someone she would never want to miss even the slightest chance with.
Immersed in her thoughts, Du Yunluo didn't respond, even when Du Yunru called her several times, and with a hint of frustration, said, "Mother, look at her, she's daydreaming again."
"Nonsense!" Mrs. Zhen tapped her eldest daughter's forehead, "She must be missing Yun Di."
Du Yunru turned her eyes playfully and scoffed, "That little heartless one wouldn't miss Yun Di; she'd only think about what fun things Yun Di would bring back for her."
With that, she reached out her hands and pinched Du Yunluo's cheeks, smiling, "Isn't that right, Fifth Sister?"
Du Yunluo was suddenly brought back to reality, looking at Du Yunru's face so close and asked in bewilderment, "What did Sister say?"
"I'm asking what are you thinking about."
Du Yunluo's heart stirred, but speaking of Mu Lianxiao was out of the question, so she quickly came up with something, "Thinking of Fourth Brother, when will he be back? How long will he stay? Will he bring us something?"
Du Yunru burst into laughter, "I said so, it's that last part that's most crucial."
Not quite understanding the implication, Du Yunluo, seeing Du Yunru laughing continuously, blinked and looked at Mrs. Zhen.
Mrs. Zhen couldn't help but laugh, shook her head repeatedly, and after a good laugh, explained a few words.
Du Yunluo pouted, thought it over, and laughed too.
Getting by so easily and bringing a smile to her mother and sister, what did it matter if it was genuine or not?
"The letter says," Mrs. Zhen spread the letter on the table, pointing it out to her two daughters, "The Mountain Master will return home for Zhong Yuan Festival, there's a vacation starting in early July, and classes will resume on the 23rd, during which Yun Di, living nearby, will be able to come home."
Du Yunluo nodded.
Fifteen-year-old Du Yundi is an avid reader who excels in his studies since childhood.
Being the only son, Du Huaixi has devoted much effort to him, often guiding him after court sessions.
When he turned eight, during Du Gongfu's assessment of his studies and seeing that Du Yundi was perceptive, he was particularly delighted, kept him by his side for five years, before letting him compete outside, where Du Yundi made him proud.
Du Yundi's essay caught the eyes of Han Shanzhang, a contemporary of Du Gongfu's, who, after retirement, established the Lishan Academy, and liked it a lot. Du Gongfu, fearing that staying by his side would limit Du Yundi's horizons and that the ladies at home might spoil a future talent, sent him off to Lishan Academy.
It has been nearly two years since he enrolled.
Fortunately, Lishan Academy is not too far from the Capital, allowing him to come home for holidays and festivals, making sending things back and forth convenient.
Still, Mrs. Zhen hadn't seen her son since the New Year, counting nearly four months gone, and couldn't help but eagerly count the days: "Only two more months and he'll be back, I wonder how it's passing."
Du Yunluo, smilingly, comforted her, "It's not his first time going there; he's long used to it. Rest assured, Mother, he's definitely eating and dressing well, even growing taller."
Seeing Du Yunluo gesturing a height with her hand while speaking, Mrs. Zhen was amused, "Alright alright, Nannan is right."
The three chatted and laughed for a while, and when Du Huaixi had finished freshening up and came out, they sat together again, talking about the fun things in the Capital.
Du Huaixi had a naturally friendly appearance, and wasn't as stern with his daughters as with his son, especially with his wife seated beside him, he spoke in a particularly gentle manner, discussing topics girls loved, making for a joyous atmosphere.
The Western clock struck, and seeing that it was getting late, Mrs. Zhen urged Du Yunru and Du Yunluo to head back.
Du Yunru lived in the cross-yard, only a few steps away, not worrying anyone.
Mrs. Zhen called over Nanny Zhao, instructing, "Escort Fifth Miss back, and come back with word; it'll set our minds at ease."
Du Yunluo was not afraid of walking the night paths, having grown accustomed to the darkness during the solitary years of her previous life; yet she couldn't bear to refuse her parents' concern.
Mrs. Zhen escorted them out, repeatedly reminding, "Be careful of your footing," and "Light several more lanterns."
Feeling warmth in her heart, Du Yunluo hugged Mrs. Zhen, saying, "If Mother keeps talking, I won't bear to leave."
Feeling soft-hearted, Mrs. Zhen replied, "Well, if you're not going back, then don't, you can sleep..."
Sleep in the green gauze cabinet.
Before she could finish, Du Yunru, who'd walked a few steps ahead, stomped her foot, "Mother, I won't sleep with Yunluo. This little troublemaker has never slept well, snatching blankets one moment and kicking them off the next."
Mrs. Zhen burst into laughter, then hurriedly put on a stern face and scolded, "Who needs to sleep at your place, Nannan sleeps with me."
Du Yunluo, buried in Mrs. Zhen's arms, laughed and stuck her tongue out at Du Yunru, making a face, "Exactly, who needs to sleep at your place."
"You, you, you!" Du Yunru pointed an elegant finger at Du Yunluo, her charming appearance even more delightful under the lantern light, "Little troublemaker! Heartless! Little person with newfound smugness! I'm not talking to you anymore!"
With three parts annoyance and seven parts mirth, Du Yunru turned and left, while Du Yunluo, after having a laugh, didn't ask Mrs. Zhen to set up the green gauze cabinet, coquettishly said a few words, and returned to Anhua Courtyard.
Jin Rui made the bed, attended to Du Yunluo's hair, and carefully combed it straight.
Seeing the corner of Du Yunluo's eyes smiling in the mirror, Jin Rui said with a smile, "Miss has been happier these past few days."
Du Yunluo raised an eyebrow, looking at her through the mirror.
Jin Rui pursed her lips, deliberated, and said, "Previously, Miss seemed a bit downcast, even smiling less; this servant was worried it was something haunting from that day, not quite shaking it off, and even the old lady had asked about it. Seeing you happier day by day, this servant finally breathed a sigh of relief."
Du Yunluo understood.
Having woken up back in her chamber, despite having experienced a lifetime of storms, her emotions couldn't settle back immediately.
Guilt, joy, a mix of feelings, carrying an elderly mindset, unable to fully blend into the springtime of youth.
After over half a month, with daily routines and laughter shared with Mrs. Zhen and Du Yunru, the family's care and affection gradually grounded her, letting her ease back into reality, and unconsciously, her gestures and words regained the liveliness and playfulness appropriate for her age.
This wasn't bad at all.
Compared to the solemn old lady, Mu Lianxiao surely preferred this laughing version of herself more.
Feeling at ease, Du Yunluo said, "Yes, I have been quite happy these days."
In the dead of night, Du Yunluo turned on her bed, resting her head on her arm, pondering silently.
Du Yunnuo returned from Duke Jing Mansion, and given Princess An Ran's decisive nature, whether it will happen or not, the result should be known within days.
She only had to wait.