“I understand , young madam, don’t worry,” Grandma Dou calmly assured her. “I have dealt with several excellent masons in Sui’an City. I will handle this matter properly.”
“Okay, then I’ll trouble Aunt Dou with this,” Du Jingyi replied, and Grandma Dou nodded respectfully, devoid of any pretense. Their conversation continued for a short while, as a blend of formality and genuine concern.
Just before departing, Grandma Dou leaned in, her voice hushed, “Don’t worry, Young Madam. When I was still in the Gu family, I knew some tricks that could help Young Madam conceive early . Military generals often have many heirs because of these reasons. If you think it’s feasible, then I can have someone deliver the medicine to you , okay?”
Du Jingyi was taken aback by the sudden offer, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. After a moment’s thought, she gently declined. “Mama Dou also knows that the general wants to move Dongyuan and us to the general’s mansion. So there will be a lot of resistance from the family at that time . If I were pregnant at that time, I’m afraid it would give them some excuses to the yard next to us . Then there would be endless noise outside. It will also damage the reputation of the general, so…”
Grandma Dou immediately understood, her expression shifting as she squatted down. “This slave was not thinking well. Please don’t be angry , Madam.”
“Mama Dou is dedicated to the general and me, so there’s nothing wrong with you ,” Du Jingyi reassured her. Having spent three years with Grandma Dou, Du Jingyi knew the older woman’s heart was truly set on the Gu family’s lineage, striving to ensure Shang Ji had an heir,still she never forced her.
Du Jingyi’s gaze flickered to Mama Cai, understanding dawning on her. It was likely Mother Cai who had approached Grandma Dou, leading Grandma Dou to believe it was Du Jingyi’s wish. While Mama Cai’s actions were a bit impulsive, they stemmed from good intentions, and Du Jingyi held no resentment towards it .
After Grandma Dou left the room , Mama Cai stepped forward, her face etched with remorse. “Young Madam, this servant thought it would be simpler if Madam got pregnant earlier, so I went to find Aunt Dou. But I forgot about the troubles in this house. Please punish me, Young Madam.” She knelt before Du Jingyi, her sincerity palpable.
Du Jingyi immediately asked Yingtao to help Mama Cai up as a warm smile gracing her lips. “Momo, don’t think too much about it . You did all of this for my own good; I understand. Since I didn’t embarrass Aunt Dou, I won’t embarrass you. I rely on you to handle many things in this yard, right?”
Relieved that her young mistress bore no ill will, Mother Cai visibly relaxed.
After such a long conversation, Du Jingyi realized her stomach was no longer as full. To change the subject, she ordered, “Let’s take a shower first, I’m a little tired right now.”
“Yes,” Li Zhu and Ying Tao replied in unison, helping Du Jingyi to the side room where hot water awaited for her , perfectly warmed. Though the initial shedding of her inner garments brought a fleeting moment of embarrassment to her , but it quickly faded as she stepped into the soothing warmth of the bath. Her entire body ached from the moment she woke up , a testament to the night’s exertion.
As Li Zhu gently massaged Du Jingyi’s scalp, she added a touch of soothing aromatic infusion to the water. Then she called out softly, “Bring the young lady her tea-infused rinse.”
“Yes .”
The familiar rinse had been brought from the Du family estate. It was prepared with a blend of fine tea leaves and herbal oils, a recipe passed down among the household maids. When poured over the hair, it left her strands soft and silky, while a faint floral fragrance lingered in the air—delicate, fresh, and uniquely comforting. Du Jingyi had always loved this scent; it reminded her of calm spring afternoons in her maiden courtyard.
Soon, the gentle aroma spread through the bathing chamber, blending with the rising steam and turning the room into a soft, fragrant mist.
Du Jingyi soaked for a blissful half-hour before emerging from the bath . Her skin was slightly flushed from the warmth , making the lingering bruises less noticeable. She closed her eyes, feigning ignorance, as Yingtao and Li Zhu carefully applied the invigorating blood circulation and stasis-removing medicine on her brusies . Its refreshing scent and soothing touch felt heavenly on Du Jingyi’s delicate skin. The redness and swelling faded with each gentle rub, though the marks on her wrists remained more prominent.
Li Zhu murmured softly, “The general is too much.” However, Yingtao silenced her with a glance,which make Li Zhu immediately hushed.
Du Jingyi, who had harbored her own quiet complaints about Shang Ji, almost rose to his defense but found herself at a loss for words. She pretended not to hear, letting this comment pass quietly.
After a long, indulgent bath, Du Jingyi returned to the main house, everything seemingly as it was before. For a moment, she felt transported back to the days before Shang Ji’s return. But the dull ache in her body served as a stark reminder: from now on, she was inextricably linked to that man.
Accepting this new reality, Du Jingyi turned to Yingtao . “Go to the study to tidy up and get all the general’s things from there .”
“Yes, young madam,” Yingtao replied, with a hint of happiness in her voice, shared by the other maids around her . It seemed the clouds had parted; and the general’s return to the main house signified a loving future with their young lady.
Soon, Yingtao led a small team to move Shang Ji’s belongings from study to her room . It was little more than a few sets of regular clothes; his heavy armor frame was too cumbersome to relocate. Gazing at the modest collection, Du Jingyi sighed, then gave instructions. “Send one to Lu Jue and let her compare. First make four or five peices for the general to try on. In the future, prepare all the things you should have. By the way, don’t forget the shoes, socks, and underwear also .”
Du Jingyi had never been skilled in needlework or household management. Back at the Du family, her parents never pressed her on such matters, preferring to delegate her servants for it . Her philosophy had always been to utilize each person’s strengths to its fullest .
Yingtao and Li Zhu exchanged knowing glances, immediately understanding. “Yes!” they answered. They knew they would have to quickly adapt; from now on, their young lady would not be the only one they served in the main room. Yet, the thought of the general’s stern expression and imposing figure sent a shiver down Li Zhu’s spine. She silently vowed to keep her mouth shut in the future, lest she bring trouble upon herself and her young mistress.
Time flowed onward, and soon, the moon hung high in the branches. Shang Ji had informed Du Jingyi before he left that he would not be returning today.