Chapter 1670: Chapter 1608: Message Delivered
With the instructions from Purple Jade and Nanny Cheng, everything in Madam Zhouās room, from the curtains to the floral arrangements, was replaced entirely. As for the old items, they were naturally stored in the warehouse, and whether they would see the light of day again was uncertain.
Regarding why Madam Zhouās room suddenly changed all the furnishings, it was said to be for the New Year celebration, to bring some festivity. However, Madam Lu heard the true reason from a maidās lips, which was due to suspicions that premature birth made the room unclean, prompting the need to replace those items.
Madam Lu and her daughter were both astonished to hear this, and they became even more determined to stay here, to stay by Madam Zhouās side, as it would be the path to a better life.
Simultaneously, they couldnāt shake the discomfort, wondering if their trip to the temple that day, bringing back so many incense scents, was blamed for causing the premature birth.
Though their thoughts were complicated, they could only whisper among themselves, as Madam Lu and Zhou Xiuer dared not talk nonsense, especially upon learning that Wufu was on the way back.
Meanwhile, Wufu, whom they were concerned about, received Purple Jadeās message, and her face changed immensely. Without another word, she decided to mount her steed and hasten the return.
"Purple Jade said the doctor mentioned my mother shows signs of premature birth. Iām worried, I must head back immediately," Wufu said to Ah Jiu, "You havenāt fully recovered, take the carriage back."
Ah Jiu replied, "To talk about not recovering, youāre worse off than I am. Your face is pale. No need for further discussion, weāll go back together."
Wufu hesitated slightly.
"Stop thinking about it. Just like how we arrived, if things arenāt well, let them lead us." Ah Jiu held her hand and said, "Weāre already discussing marriage, your mother is my mother."
Only then did Wufu nod and mounted the horse.
The group sped towards Changan City without pause.
...
At that time, Purple Jade had already received the news from Huaan. Holding the message slip, she frowned lightly.
It turned out that Madamās predictions were correct; Zhou Xuennian had indeed passed away, and Zhou Dajun had disappeared en route to exile. How should this be conveyed?
If it was only told to Madam Lu and her daughter, those women would inevitably inform Madam Zhou. Even if they tried to withhold it, once heās gone, could Madam Zhou not inquire?
After much thought, Purple Jade decided to first tell Madam Lu. If they departed, Madam Zhou would likely have an inkling as well.
Having decided this, Purple Jade changed into a plain outfit and went to the small courtyard where Madam Lu and her daughters were settled.
"Itās Sister Zi Yu," Zhou Xiuer greeted Purple Jade with excessive enthusiasm. She understood clearly that Purple Jade was Wufuās first confidant and highly trusted; otherwise, the household affairs wouldnāt be handed to her while Wufu was away.
Pleasing Purple Jade, having her speak kindly to Wufu on their behalf, what worry would remain?
Purple Jade looked at her with a touch of sympathy, but it was just for a fleeting moment.
"Shall I brew some tea for Sister Zi Yu?" Zhou Xiuer offered with a flattering smile.
"No need for tea. But Miss Zhou, you should go inside and change into something more subdued," Purple Jade replied.
Zhou Xiuerās smile faltered. What did she mean by this?
She glanced at Purple Jade, noting that today she wore only plain green, whereas previously she always wore purple-hued garments matching her name.
Zhou Xiuer then looked at the paper in Purple Jadeās hand, and her heart skipped a beat, sensing an ominous foreboding.
Purple Jade did not disappoint her, speaking calmly, "There is news from the person sent to Huaan."
Zhou Xiuer unconsciously tightened her grip on the handkerchief, watching Purple Jadeās mouth open and close, her mind buzzing...