Chapter 267: A Precious Item
Seeing their awkward and subtle expressions, Wu Jingyun couldn’t help but smile faintly, a sense of relief washing over her.
During the years her disciple had been wandering outside, she had finally made a good friend.
Although their relationship would become somewhat complicated in a few days, it would be a wonderful thing if they could get along harmoniously in the future.
At least she quite liked Cheng Yishi’s character, and her conduct was commendable. As an elder, she had no objections.
“However—”
Wu Jingyun looked at the graceful figure slowly descending the stairs and asked curiously: “I wonder what this young lady’s identity is?”
Ren Yinshan quickly curtsied: “My name is Ren Yinshan, Senior can call me Yinshan. I came to Changling to congratulate Mr. Lin and the two young ladies on their upcoming wedding.”
“I see.”
Wu Jingyun nodded thoughtfully, quickly revealing a friendly and gentle smile: “Seeing how well you get along with Ruoyu and the others, I suppose you have a good relationship?”
“Miss Cheng and Miss Mao are both gentle and kind women. I’m naturally happy to be acquainted with them.”
“Thank you, Miss Yinshan, for coming specifically to attend.”
Wu Jingyun’s eyes flickered, and she quietly stepped forward and took Ren Yinshan’s right hand: “Since we’re preparing for the wedding these next few days, I’ll take care of you. Perhaps we can have a chat.”
Ren Yinshan was about to speak, but she quickly felt a cool yet gentle energy flowing from Wu Jingyun’s palm, quickly permeating her entire body.
After a moment of stunned silence, she couldn’t help but show a grateful expression, nodding: “Thank you for your concern and courtesy, Senior.”
Wu Jingyun smiled faintly, pondering inwardly.
This young lady’s demeanor was quite gentle, her speech and mannerisms refined and reserved, somewhat similar to Ruoyu.
And looking closely at her eyes, there was a hint of imperceptible maturity and composure. She was indeed a rare and wonderful person.
However, judging from her words and actions, she seemed to be more acquainted with Tianlu’s side. The relationship between them was truly intriguing.
“Ninth Elder, long time no see.”
A cold and calm voice pulled Wu Jingyun’s thoughts back.
Her heart stirred, and she quickly looked towards the window of the store. Yun Yue was slowly walking towards them. After seeing her current strange state, she couldn’t help but ask in surprise: “Miss Yun, why are you—”
“It’s due to my cultivation. I can recover with gradual practice.”
“This strange state… How about letting First Elder and me examine you tonight?” Wu Jingyun frowned and mused: “Perhaps the two of us can help you recover sooner.”
“Mm.” Yun Yue nodded expressionlessly.
“Alright!”
Cheng Yishi subtly released Mao Ruoyu’s hand, giving the beautiful woman, who had regained her gentle smile, a playful glare. She spoke first: “Since Martial Aunt has arrived in Changling today, let’s go back to the Lin Mansion. Let Tianlu and Martial Aunt discuss things properly.”
“Yes, Tianlu hasn’t seen Master for a long time, he must be missing her dearly. It’s good for the family to reunite sooner. I must prepare a delicious dinner for everyone tonight~”
Mao Ruoyu clasped her hands in front of her chest, her face filled with joy.
To her, the present days were as peaceful and happy as a dream. There were no demons, ghosts, or bandits causing trouble, no villains plotting in the shadows. She only needed to live a simple and ordinary life, going to town with her family every day to choose some jewelry she liked.
Moreover, her master, whom she respected like a mother, had come from afar to attend her wedding, making her incredibly happy.
Seeing the warm and harmonious atmosphere between the three of them, Ren Yinshan lowered her eyes and smiled faintly, curtseying quietly: “Since Madam Mao has reunited with her master, I won’t disturb you any longer. If you need anything, just come and find me.”
Mao Ruoyu quickly returned the courtesy: “Miss Ren, thank you for your company today.”
Ren Yinshan simply smiled and nodded, quickly transforming into a wisp of green smoke and disappearing.
“…”
Wu Jingyun looked in the direction she had left and mused: “This young lady has a gentle nature and is indeed a friend worth knowing. Remember to treat her sincerely, and she will surely reciprocate with sincerity and loyalty.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
Mao Ruoyu exchanged a glance with Cheng Yishi, a faint smile appearing on their faces.
Recalling their first encounter just ten days ago, there had been some misunderstandings and conflicts. But after spending some time together, they had come to understand how gentle and considerate Miss Ren was. She was also experienced, mature, and refined, occasionally offering insightful life advice, quite like an older sister.
As they interacted, their relationship had become increasingly harmonious.
…
When they returned home, Lin Tianlu had just opened the door and immediately saw the familiar figure beside Mao Ruoyu.
He quickly stepped forward and took the many items they were carrying: “Martial Aunt, you must be tired after such a long journey, please come in quickly.”
Wu Jingyun smiled faintly, raising her wrist and gently touching Lin Tianlu’s face: “This short journey wasn’t tiring. You look well these past two weeks, it seems Ruoyu has taken good care of you.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled: “Letting Ruoyu take care of me all the time makes me feel guilty.”
Mao Ruoyu, who had entered the courtyard with them, brushed her hair lightly and said softly: “Tianlu has been learning how to make medicinal dishes recently, wanting to nourish us, it’s not just pampering and care.”
Hearing this, Wu Jingyun smiled with relief: “It’s wonderful that your relationship is so harmonious.”
As she spoke, her gaze towards Lin Tianlu became even gentler.
To be willing to humble himself and care for his future wives was truly commendable. After all, in the conventional wisdom of this world, men were superior to women. To be able to care for women so attentively made him a flawless son-in-law.
“Tianlu, Miss Cheng, please accompany Master in the main hall for a while. I’ll go to the kitchen to prepare. I must treat everyone to a good meal tonight~”
As soon as Mao Ruoyu spoke, Cheng Yishi suddenly said: “I’ll go with you.”
“But… Miss Cheng, you don’t know how to cook…?”
“It doesn’t matter! There are quite a few dishes to prepare for such a large family, I can help.”
“A-Alright.”
Mao Ruoyu chuckled softly, her thoughts stirring, and didn’t refuse any further.
If this young lady really wanted to take this opportunity to learn some cooking skills, it wouldn’t be a bad thing.
“…”
Watching them walk towards the kitchen side by side, a bright smile appeared on Wu Jingyun’s lips: “That Cheng girl seems a bit afraid of me?”
“Perhaps Yishi doesn’t know how to face you, Martial Aunt.”
Lin Tianlu scratched his cheek: “After all, you’re both Ruoyu’s master and adoptive mother, practically her real mother. And her own position is a bit delicate. It would indeed be a bit awkward to sit down and chat.”
“That’s true. It seems I’ll have to be more approachable towards that Cheng girl in the future, so she won’t feel uneasy or apprehensive.”
“Cough… Actually, it’s my fault.” Lin Tianlu picked up the new bedding and fabrics they had bought, an embarrassed look on his face.
Wu Jingyun gave him a reproachful look and flicked his forehead lightly with her finger: “Don’t say that in the future. If the two of them hear it, they might overthink things. Since you’re ready to marry two wives, you should hold your head high and accept it openly.”
“Hiss—You’re right, Martial Aunt.”
Lin Tianlu walked into the bedroom and put down the packages.
Wu Jingyun entered the room with him and glanced around, murmuring: “This bridal chamber really needs some decoration, it looks a bit simple now.”
“These things we just bought can…”
“Let me help.” Wu Jingyun smiled: “As Ruoyu’s master, I should help you with this important matter. You two just enjoy your time together these next two days and leave these trivial matters to us. It wouldn’t be proper to let you two busy yourselves with everything.”
“However…”
She looked back at the quiet courtyard outside and couldn’t help but praise: “Although your house is simple and small, it has a unique charm and atmosphere. The environment is clean and tidy. I’m very relieved that you’ll be living here in the future.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled softly, feeling a bit touched.
Although his house wasn’t dilapidated, it clearly wasn’t related to any kind of “charm” or “atmosphere”. Martial Aunt had said those words because she didn’t want him to worry or be troubled by his living conditions.
“Where is First Elder now?”
“After choosing her bedroom, she went for a stroll elsewhere in Changling, perhaps to see the local scenery.” Lin Tianlu shrugged: “After all, First Elder has been staying in Lunar Valley all year round, it must be a bit boring. Moreover, there was an incident a while ago, so it’s good for her to go out and relax.”
“That makes sense.”
Wu Jingyun’s furrowed brows quickly relaxed.
“Martial Aunt, before nightfall, do you want to go out together…”
“I’ll pass.”
She smiled and waved her hand: “Being able to spend time and chat with you all is more than enough. The local customs and practices aren’t important to me.
However, did First Elder leave the wedding gifts before she went out?”
“They’re all in the pavilion, and I have this hairpin with me.” Lin Tianlu took the jade hairpin out of his embrace.
“Hm?!”
But the moment Wu Jingyun saw the hairpin, her pupils constricted abruptly, and she exclaimed in surprise: “She even gave this to you?!”
Lin Tianlu asked, puzzled: “Is it really that valuable?”
“More than just valuable.”
Wu Jingyun stepped forward and solemnly took the jade hairpin from his hand, gently placing it back inside his clothes.
“This is practically First Elder’s life soul, containing half of her soul. To give this to you… she has practically entrusted her life to you. You must keep it safe.”