The morning light streaming into the room became strong , gently rousing Du Jingyi from her deep slumber. She instinctively knew it was nearly noon from the glaring heat resulting in escaping a sigh from her lips as she self-mockingly whispered, “My bones are too weak to bear this hurricane of a husband.” Her gaze then fell upon the crumpled bed sheets which are the testament to the previous night’s events, making her sigh once again.
Still With a graceful stretch, Du Jingyi rose and reached for her inner shirt to slip it on her ragged body before calling out, “Yingtao.” Just then, Yingtao, returning with stasis medicine, pushed open the door and entered, her voice filled with concern, “Young madam, are you awake?”
What time is it , is it past noon?” Du Jingyi inquired.
“Yes ,” Yingtao replied curtily .
Hearing this answer Du Jingyi became genuinely shocked as this is the first time after her marriage that she had slept so late, and a fresh wave of anger and shame washed over her as she thought about the “culprit.” who’s behinde all of this . Though still clothed and somewhat spared from immediate embarrassment, the prospect of bathing and changing by the help of her maids still loomed over her head. Meanwhile, Yingtao efficiently collected the white brocade handkercheif from the bed, placing it carefully into a box, as Mother Cai had repeatedly instructed. Du Jingyi, feigning ignorance, deliberately looked away, avoiding further mortification.
As Yingtao busied herself making the bed, Li Zhu entered, her face was also etched with worry at the sight of her young mistress, who seemed to have had all her energy drained in a single night. She rushed forward and said , “Madam, the hot water is ready. Do you want to eat something first or take a shower and freshen up first?”
Du Jingyi’s stomach rumbled at this very moment as a stark reminder of the previous night’s ordeal. A bath at that moment would surely lead to collapse. “Let’s eat first, I’m famished,” she told Li Zhu.
“Yes, this slave will go and bring it now. Danruo has already prepared your food and placed it on the small stove to keep it warm,” Li Zhu replied, bowing before she left.
Soon after Yingtao finished making the bed, Li Zhu and Dan Ruo returned to the main room, each carrying a lacquered food box. Dan Ruo’s face was lit with delight, the kind of quiet satisfaction that came with a rise in status. Now that the young lady and the general had consummated their marriage, even the dowry maids were treated with a touch more respect in the Duke’s household.
She stepped forward, bowed with practiced grace, and said warmly,
“Young Madam, please have a sip of soup first to soothe your throat. This is double-boiled squab with bird’s nest and red dates—specially ordered by the general before he left this morning. It was slow-stewed over a gentle flame for hours to preserve the delicate sweetness. The bird’s nest nourishes the lungs and skin, the squab restores vitality, and the red dates replenish the blood. It’s the finest tonic for a new bride, both nourishing and gentle.”
Du Jingyi’s face flushed with a mixture of anger and shame as she listned to the soup’s explanation Yet, seeing the familiar faces of her three loyal maids, who had been with her for years, her anger quickly subsided. The gnawing hunger in her stomach also won out, and with a soft “hmm,” she opened the lid of the white porcelain soup bowl. Danruo’s culinary skill was undeniable, and coupled with Du Jingyi’s ravenous appetite, the bowl became empty in moments. She devoured the side dishes with equal gusto.
Feeling revitalized after the satisfying meal, Du Jingyi considered bathing but decided to rest first, leaning against the warm kang under the bright window with a soft pillow propped behind her back. Though several books lay on the table, her mind was elsewhere ,so she called for Yingtao .
“Have you put away the box I brought back yesterday?” Du Jingyi inquired.
“Young madam , don’t worry. This servant has put away that box safely .It is now in the camphor wood box. This servant also specially added a lock, so it will be more guarded ,” Yingtao assured her with solemnity.
Du Jingyi felt a flicker of relief hearing this , yet a deeper concern lingered within her . The Duke’s Mansion wasn’t the most secure place for that box; a better location was needed for it as soon as possible . She began to ponder for various possibilities when her thoughts were interrupted by approaching footsteps.
As Mama Cai entered, her face beaming with happiness, followed by Grandma Dou, whose smile was just as broad as Mama Cai . Grandma Dou, having already heard of the consummation of the general’s and young lady’s marriage, greeted Du Jingyi with beaming eyes. “This slave congratulates the young lady. I think it won’t be long that , a child will be born in the General’s Mansion. This is a great event that everyone in this family has been looking forward to for a long time. If Madam Gu was alive , she will definitely be overjoyed by this happy turn of events .”
Tears welled in Grandma Dou’s eyes when she mention the Shang Ji’s mother , a sentiment understandable to all present. Indeed, Shang Ji, a military commander of his age, remained childless till this age , was a significant point of concern for everyone who cared for him . However, Grandma Dou’s words inadvertently placed a subtle pressure on Du Jingyi. It felt far too early to be discussing the birth of a child right now .
With a polite smile, Du Jingyi replied, “In two days, I will go and offer incense to my mother-in-law in the ancestral hall.”
“Good,good the young madam is the most filial one . If Madam Gu was still here, she will definitely like you more and more !” Grandma Dou exclaimed, a rare warmth in her typically stern demeanor, which surprised the maids who were accustomed to her formal bearing as the manager of Dongyuan ,so they exchanged amused glances with each other .
Still Grandma Dou’s visit was not solely for congratulations. She had other matters to discuss too. “The general told me a few days ago to choose a few famous Taoist priests to select auspicious days to move out . Now I have selected a few dates. I want to asked the young lady to take a look at it to see which days from these will be good to move out ?” She then handed over a list detailing the auspicious dates to Du Jingyi.
Du Jingyi examined the list infront of her . The earliest date on this was the 26th of next month, and the farthest was February 18th of next year, with other dates falling in between. Moving by the 26th of next month, just a month away, would be ideal if the General’s Mansion required minimal renovations. However, significant structural work would undoubtedly push the move to February of next year.
After a brief moment of thought, Du Jingyi said,
“I couldn’t decide for a while. Why don’t we wait until the key to the general’s mansion is delivered, and then go have a look around before making any plans? I also mentioned to the general a few days ago that I must arrange a beautiful courtyard for my sister-in-law. Ping’er’s and Little Sister’s courtyards should be properly tidied up as well.”
Granny Dou nodded approvingly.
“The young madam is truly thoughtful. We will proceed as your arrangements”
Du Jingyi continued, “It’s the matter of masons that I think Mother Dou has to worry about. I didn’t have much contact with them when I was at my parents’ house, so I really don’t know much about them.”