Chapter 72: The Snowy Pine Painting

Chapter 72: The Snowy Pine Painting

Lu Lingyun had made a new friend.

She spent a considerable amount of time at Duke Xu's Mansion and enjoyed a sumptuous lunch with Lady Qin.

The standard of the meal at the mansion opened her eyes, second only to the imperial banquets she had experienced in her previous life.

Dishes like steamed lamb with milk, bear paw, mutton soup, venison ham slices, wine-brewed steamed duck, sour bamboo shoot chicken skin soup, and stir-fried seasonal vegetables were served. Even the side dishes—dumplings with tofu skin, sugar-filled rose buns, Laba porridge, and chicken oil rolls—were exquisite.

A household of Duke Xu's status would not serve out-of-season dishes. For instance, now that winter had arrived, there were no crabs or fresh fish. It wasn't that they couldn't get them; it was simply that they preferred to eat what was fresh and in season.

They ate the best when it was at its peak.

Outside, snowflakes were gently falling, while Lu Lingyun and the ladies of Duke Xu's Mansion enjoyed their meal in a warm room.

The maids and elderly servants attended to every detail meticulously, ensuring no discomfort.

Lu Lingyun, having been through grand occasions and trained in palace etiquette, showed no signs of awkwardness or impropriety during the feast, behaving just as gracefully as the other noblewomen.

Lady Cui, who observed her several times, looked pleased and surprised.

Initially, Li Niyue had sat next to Lu Lingyun, intending to assist her if needed, but soon realized it was unnecessary.

After the meal, the family chatted for a while longer. Under the reluctant farewells of Lady Qin and Lady Cui, Lu Lingyun finally left the mansion with Lady Qin.

As they were leaving, Lady Cui held onto Lady Qin. "Dear sister, do visit me more often."

"Of course," Lady Qin smiled.

Lady Cui then turned to Lu Lingyun, extending her hand. Lu Lingyun, understanding the gesture, reached out. Lady Cui laughed heartily. "Your daughter-in-law comes from a scholarly family and is graceful and poised. She truly is delightful."

"It's all thanks to your kindness, Auntie."

Lady Cui clasped Lu Lingyun's hand and signaled to Nurse Jiang. "Since this is your first visit, I must give you a gift. I recently acquired a painting by the great artist Ning Song from the previous dynasty. We are all uncultured folk and can't appreciate it properly, so it's better suited for someone like you to keep."

Ning Song, the painter from the previous dynasty?

Lu Lingyun's eyes lit up. "Is it the Snowy Pine Painting?"

"Look at that! As expected of someone from a scholarly family. You knew right away. This painting should indeed be in the hands of someone like Lingyun!" Lady Cui laughed.

Everyone else in the room also chuckled.

Lu Lingyun's heart raced.

She knew too well about Ning Song's Snowy Pine Painting. In her previous life, she had missed an opportunity to bring Li Wenxun back to the capital because of it.

At that time, Grand Tutor Zhao Jue had a nomination for a position in the capital. If he recommended someone to the emperor, they would almost certainly be selected.

Zhao Jue loved Ning Song's paintings, especially the Snowy Pine Painting. After learning about the opportunity, Lu Lingyun had tried hard to find it but failed. Other artworks she sent were returned, causing Li Wenxun to miss his chance to return early.

He had to spend years accumulating merit in Jiangnan before finally returning.

Never did she imagine that the treasure she had sought in vain in her previous life would be found at Duke Xu's Mansion.

And it was being given to her!

Nurse Jiang brought out the Snowy Pine Painting, and Lu Lingyun received it with great joy, repeatedly thanking Lady Cui.

Lady Cui laughed heartily. "If you enjoy these things, come visit often. I have many such treasures here for you to admire."

"Lingyun will definitely come often."

Lu Lingyun glanced at Lady Qin and Li Niyue, holding the painting tightly as she spoke.

Lady Cui and Lady Li saw Lady Qin and Lu Lingyun off, bidding them farewell with reluctance. Lady Qin noticed Lu Lingyun still clutching the painting in the carriage. "So you like these things."

"I love the jewelry and silk robes Mother gave me as well," Lu Lingyun smiled.

Lady Qin tapped her forehead. "How did I not realize you're a money-grubber?"

Lu Lingyun smiled without a word.

Indeed, she was a money-grubber.

What could compare to wealth and glory in this world?

In the fleeting decades of life, Lu Lingyun wanted nothing more than to live each day in increasing prosperity and splendor.

After death, everything is empty; living each day to the fullest is what matters.

Back at the marquisate, life continued comfortably.

Old Lord Qin did not impose any pressure on Lu Lingyun within the household.

Every evening, Cheng Yunshuo would join her and Old Lord Qin for dinner.

After dinner, Cheng Yunshuo would retire to Autumn Fragrance Courtyard or Yaoguang Pavilion.

During the day, Lu Lingyun would chat with Lady Qin, discuss household matters, and review ledgers, which strengthened their relationship.

By December, preparations for the New Year were in full swing, and Xing Dairong's confinement was lifted.

Lu Lingyun was aware of Xing Dairong's recent situation.

After imposing the confinement, Cheng Yunshuo visited once, and according to Lady Autumn, Xing Dairong cried half the night but settled down the next day, eating her meals properly thereafter.

Lu Lingyun had never been harsh to Xing Dairong in private. When she heard that Dairong had become honest, she even sighed with emotion.

After all, she was a simple young girl, whose eyes only saw love, devoid of any other complexities. When this love faced setbacks, it felt like the end of the world. Hopefully, she would grow up a little.

While Lu Lingyun was chatting and embroidering with Lady Qin, Nanny Wen spoke up.

"Madam, Young Madam, Aunt Xing is here."

"Aunt Xing? Which Aunt Xing from our household?" Lady Qin couldn't recall at first.

Indeed, everyone usually avoided mentioning Xing Dairong, finding her unworthy of discussion. After she was confined, she became even more inconspicuous. This sudden visit from Xing Dairong left Lady Qin bewildered.

"The one who used to be in the Prince's chambers."

"Oh, her." Lady Qin put down her embroidery, which she had been using to pass the time, and her face turned stern. "What does she want?"

"She came to pay respects to Madam and Young Madam."

Lady Qin's expression darkened further, her disdain evident. Yet, remembering that Xing Dairong was pregnant with the family's heir and now elevated to the position of aunt, she coldly said, "Let her in."

"Yes."

Soon, Xing Dairong entered Lady Qin's room with Qiukui.

In just a month, Xing Dairong had gained a bit of weight, and her three-month belly showed a slight curve. Seeing her belly, Lady Qin's expression softened somewhat.

"Dairong greets Mother and Young Madam."

Xing Dairong behaved more obediently than usual.

"Don't call me Mother," Lady Qin interrupted coldly. "Don't you know your own status?"