Chapter 1159: Chapter 1158: Plum Blossoms
Since the Old Madam ca out to participate in the sacrificial rites on New Year’s Eve, received everyone’s gifts, made an appearance on the first day of the New Year, and briefly appeared on the fourth day at the midday banquet before retreating early to rest.
On ordinary days, the Old Madam remains reclusive, as if she is not part of the residence at all.
If Song Hong were not her biological son, it would be understandable, but Song Hong is her only son, and their mother-son relationship is good. Yet, she handed over the household managent early on, saying she wanted to eat vegetarian als and chant Buddha, staying in the rear courtyard all year round without seeing anyone.
Although Wang Yongzhu had only seen the Old Madam a few tis and not spoken much, he could tell that she was still agile and her mind quite clear.
Generally, noblewon like her, when their husband passes away and their sons inherit the title, live as the Old Marquise of the household, enjoying life to its fullest. Such a phenonon where the Old Duchess hid away was rare in the Capital City.
No one knew why the Old Duchess chose this path of self-punishnt.
Wang Yongzhu thought that there were many mysteries surrounding the Old Madam.
After so thought, Wang Yongzhu decided it was necessary to et the Old Madam in person to chat.
After all, he had received so many things from the Old Madam; despite other gifts, he feared the Old Madam wouldn’t care. Wang Yongzhu felt it fitting to send so hogrown small Chinese cabbages.
A simple gift would convey profound sentint!
The gift to Song Hong’s side was naturally sent by Da Zhuang, with instructions that if anyone in Song Hong’s household asked, he should say it was personally grown in her room and this was the first batch, sent to the Duke to taste.
To Lady Gao’s side, it was sent by Old Granny Wu, without needing instructions, Old Granny Wu would know what to say.
Only then did she change clothes and prepare to visit the Old Madam in person.
Since Wang Yongzhu entered the Duke’s Mansion, apart from visiting Lady Gao occasionally, she hadn’t been anywhere else in the mansion.
Since Bai Lu ntioned that the Old Madam’s courtyard was just across a flower garden from theirs, it seed appropriate to go through the garden.
Wang Yongzhu wished to see the Duke’s Mansion’s garden, too, so she agreed.
With Wang Yongzhu’s agreent, a servant had already gone to the side gate leading to the garden next to Wang Yongzhu’s residence to send the word.
When Wang Yongzhu ca out, the side gate leading to the garden was open, and several servants stood respectfully at the entrance. When they saw Wang Yongzhu, they hurried forward to greet her.
Seeing their respectful attitude, Wang Yongzhu nodded, “Today, you ladies have worked hard; in such cold weather, you’re still standing guard. Here are a few hundred coins for you to have a pot of wine to warm yourselves.”
Bai Lu had already given each a purse.
The servants thanked Wang Yongzhu joyfully, saying, “This garden is swept clean every morning, the snow is all shoveled, so Eldest Young Lady needn’t worry about wetting her shoes. Although there’s not much scenery in this cold weather, in the northeast corner, there’s a plum orchard with the late-blooming winter plums in full bloom. If Eldest Young Lady is interested, you may take a look.”
Those guarding the side gate of the garden are either simple or those with no status in the household, thus being given such a ager task.
The side gate barely opens twice a year, let alone receiving tips, so once they receive a gratuity, they are eager to hold Wang Yongzhu in high esteem, hoping to gain her favor and receive more rewards.
As soon as Wang Yongzhu entered the garden, she faintly slled the subtle scent of plum blossoms. Listening to the servant’s introduction piqued her interest. She thanked the servant and walked slowly with her maids toward it.
Before she went far, she heard the servant marvel, “They say this Eldest Young Lady is from the countryside, but she doesn’t seem like it at all. I think she’s grander than our mansion’s ladies and the Second Young Lady. Her deanor is dignified yet affable. Such a mistress, who knows if she offended any stewards, causing such rumors to spread.”
“Eldest Young Lady is quite generous; I counted, and there are about two hundred coins in this purse! It’s almost like half a month’s wages for us!” one servant exclaid in delight.
“Really?” The servants all lowered their heads to count the coins in their purses, and they all cheered.
After hearing what the servant said, Wang Yongzhu specifically went to the northeast corner. Indeed, the closer she got, the more she slled the enticing fragrance of the wintersweet.
Rounding a rockery, she saw nothing but golden yellow – trees upon trees of wintersweet, each like little golden bells hanging, with the flower mouths facing down and a hint of white flower cores visible.
Next to her, Bai Lu introduced, “The plum blossoms in our mansion are quite famous in the Capital City. It’s said that back then, the Old Duke’s most favored concubine, the biological aunt of our mansion’s Second Master, loved plum blossoms. The Old Duke spent much effort planting this grove of plum blossoms, known as Plain-hearted Winter Plum, also called Golden Zhong i.”
“It’s said that when the Old Duke was still alive, he often entertained guests in this plum grove. After the Old Duke passed, the grove gradually beca neglected. Later, as the Second Master was stationed elsewhere, followed by the old concubine, the grove beca even quieter.”
Upon saying this, Bai Lu looked around before speaking softly, “I heard from people in the mansion that it’s because the Old Madam didn’t like the old concubine and consequently didn’t like this plum grove. So, no one cos here anymore. Only when the Second Master returns to the mansion each year does the Second Madam occasionally stroll in this plum grove.”
“Those gatekeeping servants don’t know the reasons, yet they let the Eldest Young Lady walk this way. Let’s hurry; otherwise, if we sll of plum blossoms when we reach the Old Madam, she might not be pleased.”
Listening to these words, Wang Yongzhu glanced at Bai Lu, noting how tense her little face was.
Wang Yongzhu smiled instead of leaving; she walked into the plum grove, selecting and breaking two branches herself. Only then did she calmly signal Bai Lu to lead the way.
Even though Bai Lu hadn’t served Wang Yongzhu for long, she understood how determined her mistress could be. She concealed her anxiety and obediently led the way.
The courtyard where the Old Madam lived was surrounded by bamboo, incredibly serene.
Not many servants attended her; only two maids stood at the entrance. Seeing Wang Yongzhu, they were initially startled, likely having not seen her before. Bai Lu stepped forward, saying, “Ladies, this is the Eldest Young Lady here to visit the Old Madam.”
Only then did the two maids co to their senses, hurriedly inviting Wang Yongzhu inside the courtyard.
Upon entering the courtyard, soone ca out to greet them from inside. It was Sister Fang, the most trusted servant by the Old Madam. Seeing the wintersweet in Wang Yongzhu’s hands, her eyelids twitched involuntarily, unable to hide her shock, “Eldest Young Lady has arrived? Is this…”
She looked suspiciously at Wang Yongzhu and her branch of wintersweet.
Though she knew Wang Yongzhu was new to the mansion and unaware of the wintersweet taboo, the sight of it reminded her of that old wanton concubine. Sister Fang, as the Old Madam’s confidante, naturally disdained it, making her tone less than pleasant.
Wang Yongzhu, with a beaming smile, waved the plum blossoms, “My mother and I grew so small cabbage in the room. Today is the first batch, which I specially bring over for the Old Madam to taste a fresh, small token of our filial piety.”
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