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CHAPTER 5 - SHALLOW INTERACTION
Du Jingyi got up on her own, draped a coat over herself, and sat down on the bed. Clearing her throat, she spoke.
"Who is making noise outside?"
Hearing movement inside the room, the commotion outside suddenly quieted down. Then came the sound of the door being pushed open, followed by a group of people filing in.
Leading the group were Cherry and Li Zhu. Both of them had somewhat unpleasant expressions, but they concealed it.
Following them was a sharp-faced matron dressed in green silk and satin—Madam Jiao. She was the trusted matron by Lady Wei, the current consort of the Duke.
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In the vast mansion of the Duke, she held a distinguished position. Having managed the inner kitchen for many years under Lady Wei's administration, Madam Jiao had perfected the art of speaking differently to different people.
Without waiting for Cherry to speak, she took a couple of steps forward, stood in front of Du Jingyi, and spoke as if respectfully.
"Madam, I apologize for disturbing your early morning rest. It's the negligence of this old servant. Today is the first day General returns home, and everyone in the house is waiting at Yunjin Courtyard to meet him. We came early to pay our respects to the General, and I hope Madam can forgive us."
Du Jingyi glanced at her but didn't immediately respond. Instead, she checked the time outside and saw that it was already mid-morning. Usually, the appropriate time for morning greetings would be much earlier.
It seemed she had overslept, which explained why the Yunjin Courtyard staff intentionally mentioned disturbing her dreams. Du Jingyi, realizing her tardiness, decided not to scold them.
She gracefully smiled and addressed Madam Jiao, "Yesterday, the General returned late and had a few drinks. It took some time to assist him with his morning routine. I apologize for delaying the morning greetings to my father and mother-in-law. It's my oversight."
Madam Jiao replied, "Madam, you're too kind. Lady Wei has always been amiable. We didn't mean to disturb the General and Madam. It's just that there are many people waiting in the front yard, so we sent this old servant to inquire."
"Inquire?" Du Jingyi thought, if it was just an inquiry, it wouldn't have caused such a disturbance to wake her up. Madam Jiao perfectly embodied the art of speaking differently to different people.
Not wanting to linger, Du Jingyi spoke, "Please tell Lady Wei not to worry. After the General and I finish preparing, we'll promptly go to Yunjin Courtyard."
"Yes, this old servant will go back and wait."
As she left, Madam Jiao deliberately glanced at the bed. Though there were signs of sleep, she couldn't discern any traces of a bridal night.
It seemed that after three years in the Duke's mansion, the young Madam was still untouched.
There was a hint of disdain in her heart, but she maintained a respectful demeanor. Once out of the Xitang Courtyard's gate, Madam Jiao sneered and returned to Yunjin Courtyard.
With this disruption, Du Jingyi's good mood for the day evaporated. "Where is the General? Is he still resting in the study?" Du Jingyi wasn't foolish. These people aggressively stormed in not for her; they were clearly here to see her husband, the esteemed General. Whether she attended or not was inconsequential, but the General had to come.
Lí Zhū brought warm water forward, trying to soothe Du Jingyi's impatience, and said, "The General got up early and went to the training ground in the back. He's probably practicing some martial arts to clear the effects of the alcohol."
Up early? Considering his drunken state yesterday, Du Jingyi thought he might still be sleeping like her. Surprisingly, he was quite diligent, making her, the supposedly "idle" young Madam, seem even lazier.
"In that case, send someone to inform the General..." Before Du Jingyi could finish her sentence, footsteps were heard from outside, followed by a somewhat deep yet crisp voice asking.
"What do you want someone to tell me?" The voice rang out, and in walked Shang Ji with confident strides.
He wore a dark blue embroidered brocade robe that accentuated his slender and handsome figure. Seemingly having washed up, the stubble on his lips was smooth, but with a faint hint of blue.
His deep eyes gazed at Du Jingyi, expressing a sense of curiosity. Du Jingyi, who had just risen, appeared natural and unadorned but exuded a clear and untarnished beauty. However, compared to the night before, there seemed to be a bit more fatigue, indicating a lack of sufficient rest.
Du Jingyi didn't hesitate upon Shang Ji's entrance. She descended from the bed and greeted, "Madam Wei's attendant, Madam Jiao, sent a message saying everyone at home is waiting to pay respects to the General. Shall we go?"
Upon hearing this, Shang Ji's expression remained calm, showing no significant ripples. However, Du Jingyi noticed a deepening of the ink color in his eyes when Madam Wei was mentioned.
After a brief silence, Shang Ji spoke, "Since they've come to invite, let's go have a look. You should freshen up first."
He glanced around, seemingly searching for a place to sit. After a night of drinking, he had comfortably sprawled wherever he pleased. Now, sober, he realized something—this main residence where he had lived since childhood felt somewhat unfamiliar.
Three years had passed.
Everything here has undergone a tremendous transformation.
The once stone-blue curtains have been replaced with autumn-colored moonlight silk.
The small table made of yellow pear wood that used to sit by the kang has also been replaced with an intricate and luxurious design featuring sandalwood inlaid with magnolia flowers.
Especially noteworthy is the dividing screen. Shang Ji remembered it being a simple fabric curtain, but now it had turned into a silk embroidery screen. Delicately embroidered on it were the blossoming patterns of spring magnolia flowers. It looked quite valuable.
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Indeed, she is the daughter of a merchant! It seemed the Du family had prepared quite a few good things for her.
Turning to look at Du Jingyi with a calm expression, Shang Ji then asked, "Do you really like magnolia flowers?"
Du Jingyi was slightly surprised.
Truly, he was a great general who could reclaim thirteen cities. Despite his rough appearance, he was as meticulous as a hair, carefully observing and noticing her preferences within such a short time of entering the room.
Impressive.
Du Jingyi didn't feel the need to conceal this matter, so she nodded.
Subsequently, silence fell between them.
The atmosphere became somewhat chilly, reminiscent of the autumn rain that fell the day before, bringing a penetrating coldness.
Coughing twice, it was Shang Ji who broke the deadlock.
Du Jingyi thought the general would expound on something grand, but unexpectedly, his next words were different.
"I'll go to the study to check the military reports for a while. When you're ready, have someone call me."
"I understand."
After Shang Ji left, Du Jingyi let out a gentle sigh.
One couldn't deny that the imposing aura of her husband was truly compelling. Having been a commanding general, he carried an air of authority that even when speaking gently, it sounded like a military order, compelling people to obey.
"Prepare water for me to freshen up."
"Yes, Young Madam."
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