Chapter 461 - 460: Destiny

Chapter 461: Chapter 460: Destiny

A flash of disappointment passed through her eyes, but Lian Family still wore a smile and said, "Have you heard?"

Mu Liancheng carefully replied, "I heard they were delayed on their return journey."

Just that one sentence, nothing more in depth.

Lian Family could no longer hide her disappointment and sighed deeply, "Alright, go pay your respects to Old Madam first. I’m a bit tired and will rest for a while."

Mu Liancheng thought Lian Family was unwell, and fearing further questioning, he followed her suggestion, expressed his concern, and left.

Once he was gone, Lian Family leaned tiredly on the couch, feeling heavy-hearted.

Since both father and son chose to keep her in the dark, she might as well stay that way. If something went wrong later, they couldn’t blame her.

Nanny Zhu observed quietly, knowing it was not the time to advise, so she kept her mouth shut.

As the lunar month passed, each family busily prepared for the New Year, while Mu Lianxiao and Mu Liancheng’s families continued their journey on the official road.

Although the heavy snow hadn’t blocked their path, the roads were slippery, making their progress slow.

On New Year’s Eve, they lodged in a post house in a small town along the way.

Outside, the sound of firecrackers filled the air. Zhuang Ke, smiling, said to Du Yunluo, "So this is what New Year is like inside the pass."

Du Yunluo also laughed, "Every day before Shangyuan is lively, and it’s even more so on the day itself. The streets are filled with various kinds of lanterns; it’s extremely beautiful. Unfortunately, we can’t reach the Capital before Shangyuan. Otherwise, sister-in-law could have enjoyed the lanterns."

Seeing her excitement, Zhuang Ke leaned in and asked softly, "Did Third Uncle take you to see the lanterns?"

Du Yunluo blinked and didn’t deny it. Instead, she recounted the events of the previous Shangyuan in great detail.

They had encountered Ye Yuzhi while watching the lanterns. Following Mu Lianxiao’s suggestion, Ye Yuzhi traveled far to Shanyu Pass, and eventually, it was Ye Yuzhi who met Mu Liankang in the desert.

"My uncle’s wife said that fate is predetermined, and that’s what it means." Du Yunluo said.

It’s said that people wear new clothes for New Year, but they weren’t that particular while traveling. Brother Yan and Brother Hui were still too young to find joy in receiving New Year’s money and were frightened to tears by the deafening noise of the firecrackers.

For this reason, neither family stayed too long in the town and continued their journey towards Tong City.

The carriage entered Tong City on the twenty-second of the first lunar month.

Since Mu Liankang’s family was there, they didn’t disturb the Zhen Family and instead found lodging at a post house.

Once settled, Du Yunluo sent a note to the Zhen Family.

Mrs. Chen and Mrs. Wang welcomed them at the second gate.

In Yanxi Hall, Old Mrs. Hou eagerly awaited. Seeing Du Yunluo carrying Brother Yan in, she hurriedly said, "Good girl, come to your grandmother."

Du Yunluo stepped forward, put Brother Yan down first, and knelt to kowtow to Old Mrs. Hou.

Old Mrs. Hou was moved to tears, "Knowing you went to Lindong, my heart was always uneasy. But now it’s fine, you’ve finally returned. Your mother too, you’re back, and she didn’t even give me a heads up."

Du Yunluo shook her head and laughed, "We came from Lindong and haven’t reached the Capital yet."

Mrs. Wang chuckled, "Old Madam, see? Yunluo was thinking of you and came to see you first."

Old Mrs. Hou laughed heartily and added, "Yunluo, your grandfather went to listen to the opera. When he returns, he will surely be pleased."

Du Yunluo delightedly asked, "Grandfather can go out to listen to opera?"

"Yes," Mrs. Chen replied with a smile, "He can now ride in a sedan chair and go listen to opera. Master accompanied him, and they’ve reserved a private room in the theater on the front street with a soft bed inside. If he gets tired, he can lie down and listen."

Du Yunluo was genuinely happy.

For elderly people, especially after a serious illness, the biggest fear is losing interest in everything, which shortens their life.

Like Old Master Zhen, still remembering opera and thinking about walking birds, it surely means he’s getting better day by day.

"Grandmother," Du Yunluo saw that Mrs. Wang was playing with Brother Yan and spoke to Old Mrs. Hou about serious matters, "My husband’s eldest uncle, who was missing for nine years, was found and came back to the Capital with us from Lindong. However, he can’t remember anything from the past. I want Imperial Doctor Xing to take a look at him."

When Du Yunluo was to marry Mu Lianxiao, Old Mrs. Hou had already inquired about the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion affairs. She was astonished, "Found him? Indeed, heaven never bars one’s way. Let Imperial Doctor Xing thoroughly examine him. Why are you being formal with your grandmother?"

Currently, Imperial Doctor Xing was indeed serving the Zhen Family, but to Du Yunluo, the Zhen Family was her maternal family, as was her own. Besides, it was Mu Lianxiao who rescued this Imperial Doctor Xing.

"The princely heir’s health should also be examined," Du Yunluo knew that when Mu Lianxiao came to pay respects later, the injury on his back would surely be noticed by Old Mrs. Hou, so she didn’t hide it, "He was injured in Lindong and hasn’t fully recovered."

As they were speaking, Zhen Wenqian and Zhen Wenyuan accompanied Mu Lianxiao over.

Mu Lianxiao paid his respects to Old Mrs. Hou and shared stories of the customs and culture of the Northern Border and Lindong to entertain her.

Old Master Zhen returned, saw the lively atmosphere, and after inquiring, nodded, "Reading ten thousand books and traveling ten thousand miles, there are many customs and cultures you’ve read about, but they can’t compare to the lively descriptions by the princely heir. Perhaps even Yunluo can’t rival him. That’s because you haven’t gone out to explore."

Zhen Wenqian and Zhen Wenyuan lowered their heads and softly replied, "Yes."

Zhen Zishan wanted to speak for the children but was silenced by a stern look from Old Master Zhen, "I know you want to say ’While father and mother are alive, one must not travel far.’ You and Zimun need to attend to your mother and me; that’s filial piety. But don’t restrict these young ones. You’re still young; do you need them to serve you?"

Zhen Zishan repeatedly admitted his mistake.

A crisp laugh came from outside, and as the curtain lifted, a young woman entered.

Du Yunluo had never met her before, but listening to her calling herself "Granddaughter-in-law," she figured she must be Zhen Wenqian’s wife.

The tone was light, the laughter cheerful, yet the words sounded extremely sardonic.

Du Yunluo glanced at her and asked Old Mrs. Hou, "Grandmother, this is..."

Old Mrs. Hou also detected the unfriendly tone, but seeing Du Yunluo unconcerned, it was Mrs. Chen and Zhen Wenqian who felt awkward.

Mrs. Chen hurriedly explained, "Yunluo, this is Brother Qian’s wife, Mei."

Du Yunluo smiled and called her "Cousin-in-law," then didn’t give the Mei a second glance and brought Brother Yan over to Old Master Zhen, saying, "Grandfather, this is our Brother Yan."

Old Master Zhen put down his cane, wanting to take Brother Yan but worried his arms might not have enough strength.

Seeing this, Du Yunluo let Brother Yan sit on Old Master Zhen’s lap while she also supported him a bit with her own hands.

Not yet a great-grandfather, he first became a great-grandfather by marriage. Brother Yan, not shy with strangers, greeted everyone with a wide smile, delighting Old Master Zhen immensely.