Good Ending: She Swears She Will Not Let Him Die!

Mrs. Lian’s words were quite reasonable, being that far away, just taking a glance, how can one clearly see Mu Lianxiao’s demeanor and manner?

Moreover, it does not violate any propriety, even their own relatives may not be so attentive.

Even though Du Yunluo excelled at observing people’s expressions, she shouldn’t have...

Could it be that the two of them had met in private?

Madam Wu looked at Mrs. Zhou, who slowly shook her head. She hadn’t heard Mu Lianxiao mention it, and Mu Lianxiao’s servant hadn’t gone back and forth either.

This matter should be asked about when appropriate.

Although Mrs. Zhou privately believed that since the two were engaged, as long as nothing inappropriate happened, speaking privately wasn’t a big deal.

Madam Wu wasn’t concerned with those pedantic rules, but rather that things should be clear and straightforward. As elders, she hoped to be well-informed without meddling excessively; she had no interest in such matters at her age.

To really discuss the rules...

Madam Wu gave Mrs. Zhou a deep look. Mrs. Zhou and Mu Yuance were truly childhood friends, and even after the engagement, the families didn’t really avoid suspicion. Their relationship was far closer than Mu Liancheng and Jiang Yunuan’s. If she were to adhere to such standards, how could she allow Mrs. Zhou to enter and manage the household?

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were clear about it in their hearts, and they did not delve too deeply into the matter with words. They carefully inspected the flower melon and asked someone to send it to Mu Lianxiao.

Mu Lianxiao had just finished practicing.

The Dingyuan Marquis Mansion was a military family. When the Old Marquis was around, he imposed high demands on the descendants. In this July midsummer, Mu Lianxiao did not intentionally avoid the sun, and after practicing for more than an hour, his body was already soaked with sweat, and his originally loosely-tied pants legs stuck to his body.

He was bare-chested, casually picked up a bucket in the yard, went to the water tank, and splashed several buckets of water.

The muscular contours of a martial artist were very defined, and when he put down the bucket, the bulging muscles relaxed, and the lines of his back became slender and well-proportioned again.

Mu Lianxiao shook his head, water droplets slid down his chiseled face, he raised his hand and casually wiped it, hearing footsteps behind him, he turned around sharply.

"Young Master," the person coming was his servant, holding a brocade box in his hands, smiling, "The Old Madam from the inner courtyard sent this over, saying it’s a flower melon sent from the Du Family."

Flower melon?

Mu Lianxiao paused, and when he thought of today being Qixi Festival, his face warmed unknowingly. Thankfully, he wasn’t a pale, delicate scholar, and after being under the sun for a while, no outsiders noticed anything unusual.

He turned his head and cleared his throat, disguising his embarrassment, and said, "Put it in the study, I’ll change my clothes first."

After tidying up and entering the study room, Mu Lianxiao immediately noticed the brocade box.

Sending a flower melon on Qixi Festival is a tradition, but he was curious about what kind of flower melon the Fifth Miss from the Du Family would send.

Upon opening the box and seeing the dragon boat design, Mu Lianxiao was stunned. Clearly...

Only after a long time did he put down the lid and take out the dragon boat to scrutinize the flower melon.

The dragon boat, simple yet magnificent, and the top layer with the large drum and the drummer was so distinctly clear. As Mu Lianxiao leaned in to look, the drummer had the hem of his robe tucked up and sleeves rolled—brightly and unmistakably portraying himself.

How could she have carved a flower melon like this if she hadn’t seen him during Duanwu Festival?

Thinking that Du Yunluo had already seen him, while he didn’t even know her height or build, Mu Lianxiao felt a bit regretful.

Had he known someone was on the shore then, even if he couldn’t approach, he would’ve asked his servants to take a look from afar.

His calloused fingertip caressed the dragon boat as Mu Lianxiao let out a long sigh.

When both families started discussing the engagement, he was unaware of it; if not for Princess An Ran’s remarks, he would’ve been completely oblivious to his family arranging his marriage.

Rumors spread in the capital, and inwardly Mu Lianxiao felt somewhat guilty towards the unjustly troubled Du Yunluo. Only when Mrs. Shi conveyed the Du Family’s intentions did he lend a word.

Parents’ orders, matchmakers’ words—as the elders chose Du Yunluo, and since he had already implicated her, he couldn’t truly let her suffer.

Without knowing if he was satisfied or dissatisfied, he just didn’t want to let her feel wronged.

But now, looking at the dragon boat, a thought emerged—he wanted to know who this vividly depicted Du Yunluo was.

He wondered who the wife he was to marry was.

Flower melons don’t keep well and will spoil in a few days; if they were made of jade or wood, they could be displayed for a long time.

Mu Lianxiao felt regret, but he knew that carving a flower melon differs from sculpting jade or wood. For a young lady, the strength difference might be too great. Yet if others were asked to carve based on this dragon boat, he felt it would be meaningless.

After all, only if it’s carved personally does it carry meaning.

With this thought, he held onto an idea—to carve something for Du Yunluo’s birthday; only he didn’t know her appearance and what to gift that complements her.

If only he knew...

A girl who is this talented and clever must have a sweet smile.

The moon rose above the willow tips.

Du Yun Ying’s skillfully fried delicacies were also sent to Lianfu Garden.

The two jade rabbits for moon worship were lively and adorable, but the most favored by Old Mrs. Xia was a lotus flower basket, not only was the basket fried, but the various flowers inside were also delicacies.

Lanzhi simply counted and laughed, "Old Mrs., look, there are eleven or twelve types of flowers here, each one different, the Third Miss is truly intelligent and resourceful."

Old Mrs. Xia loved flowers and plants; she had Lanzhi bring them over to examine one by one: "This is a peach blossom, this is a peony, this is a peony, and also an iris..."

The Miao Family sat beside sipping tea, beaming with joy.

Having one’s own daughter shine brings greater pride than anything.

After Old Mrs. Xia finished counting, she praised a few more times and then let the girls depart.

The four sisters ventured to the garden together, maids and old women with lanterns in hand both preceded and followed, ensuring ample light.

Tea, wine, and fruits were prepared in the pavilion, along with an incense burner, the group bowed to the star Vega before sitting down.

Du Yunru joked around for a bit before gradually falling silent.

Du Yunluo watched her closely, reached out, and held her sister’s hand: "What’s wrong?"

"I was just thinking," Du Yunru’s voice was somber, "this is my last Qixi here in the mansion..."

Upon hearing this, both Du Yunying and Du Yunnuo fell silent.

Du Yunru was to marry in just over a month.

Even those ordinarily tangled with petty thoughts found no such notions now, as they comforted Du Yunru with a few words.

Du Yunru was merely momentarily sentimental, and quickly composed herself, finding interesting topics that allowed the girls to chat and laugh until nightfall, before finally parting.

Qixi was for the girls, though for Mrs. Miao, the most important event each July was Mid-Autumn Festival.

During instruction the following day, Mrs. Miao repeatedly emphasized key points, ensuring everything was organized well before she could relax.