Chapter 297
Chapter 297
~ THE CINNABAR OSMANTHUS ~
Mu Yunyao couldn’t help but be stunned when she saw the people who had brought back the Mid-Autumn Festival gift. The Cinnabar Osmanthus trees were blooming in full bloom as if they hadn’t lost a single bit by coming to the north.
The original scenery of Jiyue Pavilion was quite beautiful. Although the courtyard was quite spacious, these eight plants of Cinnabar Osmanthus were extremely crowded when they were placed down.
Mu Yunyao stood under the flower tree and lifted her head. She lightly pulls down a section of the flower branch, with a warm smile flashed in her eyes.
Jin Qiao’s voice on one side was exclamatory, “It was transported from Jingling City to the Capital. From such a long-distance, yet these Cinnabar Osmanthus still so beautiful. I guess they must have put in quite a bit of effort on this journey.”
Mu Yunyao looked around at the empty ground, “Let’s go and ask Eldest Aunt if it’s possible to temporarily remove some of the flowers and plants from the courtyard.”
The Eldest Madam had long since heard of the commotion. She didn’t wait for Mu Yunyao’s arrival and immediately sent someone to pass on the message that Jiyue Pavilion could be set up as she wished. There was no need for Mu Yunyao to go over there personally, and Mu Yunyao was also happy to have free time. She ordered someone to scoop up the flowers and plants that had initially been planted in Jiyue Pavilion and replace them with Cinnabar Osmanthus.
“Miss, there are three ships outside that have been delivered by the people of Jingling City. They are all food and vegetables. Do you want to bring them all in?”
Mu Yunyao’s expression was somewhat surprised, “It’s all the gift from the people of Jingling City?”
“That’s right. According to Xing Shun Boat Company’s people, the people in Jingling City miss Miss and Madam very much. They often talk about you now.”
(The Cinnabar Osmanthus)
“‘Vote me to papaya, and repay it to Qiongju.’* I really didn’t expect that the good intentions I left behind in the past would be rewarded so quickly.” Mu Yunyao’s eyes gradually became darker, as if she was somewhat emotional, but also seemed there was nothing. “Jin Lan, go down and tell them that the three ships sent by the people should not be unloaded for the time being. We’ll leave them on the boats until today’s palace banquet and then dispose of them.”
“Yes, this servant will go tell them right away.”
Mu Yunyao folded a few osmanthus flowers and placed them in a spring bottle before sending them to Su Qing. “Mother, come and take a look. It’s the osmanthus tree from Jingling City.”
Su Qing was helping Mu Yunyao to get dressed before entering the Palace. Thus, she did not go out when she heard the commotion earlier, so when Su Qing saw the bright orange osmanthus flowers, she could not help but reveal an astonished expression. “This color... Could it be Cinnabar Osmanthus?”
“That’s right. Even in Jiangnan, this color of osmanthus flowers is surprisingly rare. Steward Qin is really considerate.”
“You need to thank him again in the future when you get the chance. He has brought it here from far away. This kind of affection is surprisingly rare. Young Master Ning, really considerate.” There was a smile in Su Qing’s eyes as she sized up Mu Yunyao.
Being stared at like that by her own mother, Mu Yunyao felt a little uncomfortable. “These were sent over by Steward Qin. What does it have to do with Young Master Ning?”
Su Qing knew that Mu Yunyao wasn’t willing to talk about these things, so she said, “Alright. If you say it doesn’t matter, it doesn’t matter. Speaking of it, Mid-Autumn Festival is also here. Seeing that you and Young Master Ning are cooperating with each other to earn silver taels, should we prepare some gifts for him? I’ve been too busy all this time, and I don’t have time to ask where Young Master Ning lives? Does Yao’er know?”“When the time is right, you will know. There is no need to ask about it. Mother, are my clothes ready?”
“I’m already prepared for it. Hurry up and change. It’s getting late. I’m sure it won’t be long before your Second Aunt comes to find you.”
“I’ve already instructed the dining room to send food over to Mother once they’ve finished cooking. If you find it boring, please let Si Qin and the others accompany…” Mu Yunyao didn’t think much of it at first. But now, seeing that she was about to enter the Palace and leave her mother alone in the Su Family, she couldn’t help but feel uneasy. It was as if something would happen to her mother if she couldn’t see her. He couldn’t help but call over Si Qin and the others, “After I leave, all of you stay with my mother. Do you understand?”
Si Qin and the others quickly replied, “Please be at ease, Miss. We will definitely stay close to Madam and accompany her.”
“Right.” Mu Yunyao was still frowning as she nervously held Su Qing’s hand. Her palms were sweating, “Mother, if there’s anything that you can’t handle, you’ll stay at Jiyue Pavilion and wait for me to come back to deal with it. With Si Qin and the others’ protection, and Liu Liang in the dark, which will make you safe.”
Su Qing couldn’t hold back her laughter, “This place isn’t filled with wolves and tigers, so how could something so easily happen? Don’t worry. Mother will be waiting for you at Jiyue Pavilion.”
Mu Yunyao nodded her head and then took out a few medicine bottles and passed them to Si Qin and the rest, “You have to be extremely careful in everything you do.”
“Yes, Miss.”
A report came from the door that Second Madam had arrived. Mu Yunyao got up to tidy up her dress before she took a deep breath and walked towards the door.
The Second Madam was not very interested in today’s Palace Banquet. After all, her most beloved daughter, Su You, could not go, but at least she had the intention of watching the show. With Mu Yunyao accompanying her, she was in a good mood.
Seeing Mu Yunyao walk out slowly, Second Madam Mu opened her eyes slightly as a sense of awe flashed through her heart. “Yao’er’s dress is strikingly gorgeous today.”
Mu Yunyao was wearing a long dress of haze silver gauze, with a slightly darker butterfly Narcissus dress. The sleeves and neckline are outlined with exquisite orchid patterns with silver thread. Just looking at it made her feel unbearably beautiful. When she started walking, the golden butterflies embroidered on it seem to be dancing along with the dress’s swaying, which makes people amazed.
“Thank you, Second Aunt, for your praise. I run Ni Yun Fang myself, so naturally, I have more ideas than others. In two days, Ni Yun Fang will open, and if Second Aunt likes it, you can take a look around. Maybe you can choose something that will fit your eyes.”
“Then I won’t be polite. I’ve heard that the clothes in Ni Yun Fang are all quite expensive. If I can’t afford the silver, you must sell them to me at a lower price.”
“Second Aunt, you can take whatever clothes you like. I’m sure no one will dare to say no.” Mu Yunyao smiled as she replied.
“Hehe, that’s great. At that time, I will definitely not be polite.”
When they arrived at the entrance, the Eldest Madam and Su Yuyi’s carriage had just lifted and pulled down the curtain when they heard the faint sound of horse hooves on the stone floor as they slowly walked forward.
Su Ya Xian, Su Ya Jing, and Su Ya Ling were standing at the door. When they saw the Second Madam, they hurriedly went forward to greet her. “Greetings, Second Aunt.”
“There’s no need to be so courteous. It’s getting late. Let’s get on the carriage and quickly enter the Palace.”
“Yes.”
Mu Yunyao slightly bent her knees. “Greetings, three female cousins.”
Su Yaxin stepped forward to support Mu Yunyao’s arm, “Sister is too courteous. Hurry up and get on the carriage.”
Su Yaxian and the others knew that the Second Madam did not have many feelings for them. The reason they were able to bring them into the Palace today was all because of what the Old Madam had said, so they seemed extraordinarily well-behaved and quiet along the way.
On the other hand, Mu Yunyao was a bit more at ease. From time to time, she would converse with the Second Madam, causing the atmosphere not to appear awkward in the carriage.
The entrance of the Imperial Palace was bustling with noise and excitement. The imperial guards guarded the Palace’s entrance while attendants escorted the officials and their families off the carriage. Although there were many of them, they appeared to be in an orderly manner.
Mu Yunyao had just gotten out of the carriage when she saw a young eunuch walking over with quick steps, “Xiao Gui greets Miss Mu.”
*Poetry Weifeng Papaya: “Vote me to papaya, and repay it to Qiongju.”