194 Something’s Wrong
Looking at the ferocious and surging black aura, Gu Yanfei’s eyes twitched.
Gu Yanfei took another step forward. The tip of her nose twitched, and she vaguely smelled an indistinct, rancid smell.
The air was thick with the scent of incense and charcoal, forcing down the rancid smell and mixing it into another nauseating smell.
Gu Yanfei frowned. The Second Madam of the Murong family quickly stepped forward and blocked the bed. The handkerchief in her hand trembled, and a rich cinnamon fragrance wafted over.
Second Madam Murong suggested with a warm smile, “Eldest Lady Gu, Second Lady Gu, why don’t you two young ladies go out for a walk? The smell here isn’t good. It’s too stuffy and hot.”
“Hui’er, bring the two ladies to the garden to play. You’ll be family in the future, so you should get closer.”
Madam Murong hurriedly waved her hand and called Murong Yong’s sister, Murong Hui, over.
Murong Hui was a 15 years old girl with an oval face and cherry lips. She was dressed in a simple lotus-colored robe and had her hair combed into a double bun. She was only wearing a lotus-colored silk flower headband and was dressed plainly.
She bowed elegantly to the sisters and smiled faintly.
Gu Yunzhen subconsciously looked at Gu Yanfei. Seeing her gently touch her sleeve, she immediately understood and smiled appropriately.
Hence, the sisters followed Murong Hui out of the inner room.
Murong Yong was waiting outside. Seeing them come out, he stood up from his chair and said with a smile, “I’ll go with you.”
One of Madam Murong’s housekeepers followed with a few maidservants and old women.
The few of them strolled out of the lifeless courtyard. It was very cold outside, and the wind blowing in their faces carried a bone-chilling chill. However, the air was fresh, making the oppressive dullness dissipate a lot.
They walked down another winding path and were silent for a long while.
“After passing through this bamboo forest, we’ll reach the small garden.” Murong Yong was the first to break the silence.
He raised his hand and pointed at the bamboo forest ahead. The green bamboo leaves and yellow-green bamboo poles swayed in the cold wind, making rustling sounds. It was quiet and elegant.
Murong Yong stopped for a moment and glanced at Murong Hui with his deep gaze.
Murong Hui bit her lower lip and rubbed her handkerchief with both hands before saying unwillingly, “My father specially transplanted this piece of golden jade bamboo from Jiangnan 10 years ago. Back then, Second Brother and I also helped plant a few.”
“My mother loves those flowers and plants. The peonies, hibiscus, and chrysanthemums in the garden… My father looked for them everywhere for her. Unfortunately, hundreds of flowers are withering at this time.”
“There’s a tricolor plum blossom on the west side of the garden. I’ll show you.”
“…”
Murong Hui spoke as she walked. Her manners were generous and proper, and her words were gentle and tactful, but there was a hint of alienation.
After entering the garden, they walked for a while more before the three-colored plum blossom that Murong Hui had mentioned appeared in front of them.
A small patch of plum trees was planted along the lake. Red, white, and winter plums interlaced perfectly in the forest. The plums were reflected on the lake, and the water was colorful.
The plum blossoms, the rockery, the water pavilion, and the small lake formed a picturesque scene.
A stone bridge, barely big enough for two people to walk side by side, was built on the lake, leading straight to the plum blossoms on the other side.
Gu Yanfei and Murong Hui walked in front while Murong Yong and Gu Yunzhen followed behind.
Before they got onto the bridge, Murong Yong cautiously reminded her, “Be careful.”
He held Gu Yunzhen’s forearm lightly and did not touch her, displaying a gentlemanly aura.
Gu Yunzhen smiled gratefully.
Seeing that he was being polite and that his words were appropriate, Gu Yunzhen’s uneasy heart calmed down a little, and her eyes were calm.
Since yesterday, she had been thinking about this marriage, Murong Yong, and her future life. In the dead of night, she tossed and turned, unable to sleep.
She told herself time and again that a woman had to get married eventually. As long as the other party’s character was okay, she would do her duty as a wife. It was fine as long as the other party could give her the respect that a legitimate wife deserved.
She would definitely be able to lead a good life!
Murong Hui, who was walking in front, also heard the voices behind her. She turned around and glanced at the two of them, twisting the handkerchief in her hand.
On the lake, the cold wind blew.
By the lake, the plum branches swayed and rustled. Ripples appeared on the surface of the lake with the wind. The faint fragrance of plum blossoms entered their mouths and noses, making them feel refreshed.