Chapter 232: Chapter 232, Losing Face
Chu Yu took the Colorful String, "Let’s forget about the zongzi fragrance pouch!"
Yun Jinnian didn’t mind and put away the fragrance pouch.
Chu Yu invited Yun Jinnian to sit down, peeled the zongzi, placed it on a plate, and handed it to Yun Jinnian, "Try it and see how it tastes?"
Yun Jinnian picked up the chopsticks that Chu Yu had prepared, took a bite, and said, "The appearance of this zongzi isn’t very impressive, but the taste is still quite good!"
Chu Yu snorted coldly and said nothing.
He also wouldn’t tell Yun Jinnian that this was his first time making zongzi, to say they were ugly was kind—just being able to wrap them was an achievement in itself.
"But you’re better than I am; I don’t even know how to make zongzi!"
Chu Yu smiled, had Yun Jinnian take a sip of realgar wine, ate a couple of zongzi with him, cleaned up the bowls and dishes, and then took his leave.
Yun Jinnian watched Chu Yu’s retreating figure and smiled faintly.
The Dragon Boat Festival
Early on, every household had hung mugwort and calamus on their doors, and prepared realgar wine; Niannian Garden also had a cup, and Yun Jinnian had everyone take a small sip.
Lady He of the Yun Family had been bustling about non-stop, sending out zongzi and also receiving several baskets of them in return. They all came from officials of lower rank than Yun Chen, and although they were given with care, and the taste was not bad, Mrs. He still felt suffocated because no family of higher rank than Yun Chen had sent zongzi. This was simply...
"Sigh!"
With the situation at home like this, the grandmother still could not see clearly; not to mention the marriage of Yun Muyou, even Yun Zhen seeking to marry a high-born legitimate daughter was difficult!
"Madam, Madam, someone from the Princess Residence is here!"
On hearing this, Mrs. He asked, "Which Princess Residence?"
There are over a dozen Princess Residences in the Capital City!
"It is from the residence of the Commandery Princess of Zhenguo. The Princess’s own Mammy Song has personally come, bringing many items and two baskets of zongzi!"
Mrs. He was overjoyed, "Come, quickly follow me to the hall!"
Giving zongzi from the Commandery Princess of Zhenguo was truly a great grace.
Mammy Song sat in the hall, sipping tea.
On the ground of the hall were five large chests and two bamboo baskets. The baskets contained delicately made small zongzi.
When Mrs. He arrived, Mammy Song stood up, and Mrs. He promptly bowed in salute, "Mammy Song gracing us with your presence truly brings honor to our humble home!"
Mammy Song accepted Mrs. He’s courtesy and returned a half salute before speaking, "Madam Yun, do not speak so. It truly causes me shame. I am here today to bring gifts for the fourth young miss of the Yun Family!"
The smile suddenly froze on her face, Mrs. He somewhat incredulously asked, "Gifts for the fourth young miss? For Jinnian?"
"Yes. When in Huaixi County, the Princess herself was very fond of the fourth young miss. On this Dragon Boat Festival, she specially instructed me to bring zongzi to the fourth young miss. As for these chests of items, they are rewards for the fourth young miss!" Mammy Song said, paused for a moment, and then continued, "Madam Yun, could you please summon the fourth young miss?"
Could she refuse?
Mrs. He thought the Commandery Princess of Zhenguo was bestowing rewards on the Yun Family, but who knew they were specifically for Yun Jinnian.
"Good, good!" She immediately signaled Tianmi to fetch Yun Jinnian.
She continued entertaining Mammy Song with tea.
When Yun Jinnian learned that Mammy Song had arrived, she was a bit astonished but still went to the hall immediately.
"Mammy Song!"
Yun Jinnian bowed politely.
Mammy Song approached with a smile and helped Yun Jinnian up, "Fourth young miss need not be so courteous. Today I am here to bring you gifts, and now that they are personally delivered to you, I will return to report to the Princess."
"Mammy Song, please take your time. Allow me to see you out!"
"Alright!"
Yun Jinnian warmly saw Mammy Song out, waited until she got into the carriage, and then returned to the hall.
Mrs. He looked at Yun Jinnian, "Sister Nian..."
"Does my aunt have any instructions?"