Chapter 31: Spring is Perfect for Gatherings!

The moment Song Wei received the invitation, she promptly replied on behalf of the Wen household. In recent years, the Wen family’s matriarch had rarely ventured out, leaving most external affairs to the second madam.

After hearing about the events at Hui Shan Temple from her husband in great detail, Song Wei understood that both the Wen matriarch and the second madam likely intended to visit Mu Rong Shu. However, proper etiquette dictated they could not bypass her, the lady of the house.

Song Wei sent word to her daughter, Mu Rong Shu, informing her of the Wen ladies’ visit the next day. She wasn’t asking for her daughter’s help but was merely concerned that she might have other commitments.

When Mu Rong Shu learned of this, she immediately tidied up and headed to Song Wei’s courtyard with her maid, Xiao Tao.

Seeing her daughter come over so quickly, Song Wei was slightly surprised, especially since they had just had lunch together not long ago.

“Shu Er, do you have plans tomorrow? If you’re busy, I can handle everything on my own,” Song Wei reassured her, not wanting her daughter to feel burdened.

“It’s not that, Mother. I came to ask if we could also invite Aunt Ming, Ru Yan, Auntie, and Yan ran to our house tomorrow,” Mu Rong Shu explained, worried her mother might misunderstand her intentions.

“Do you have something else in mind?” Song Wei was intrigued by her daughter’s suggestion.

“They’ve all been so kind to me since I returned to the capital. Now that the weather is lovely, I thought it’d be nice to invite them over for a meal and a chat. Plus, I’d like to prepare some new dishes for everyone to try,” Mu Song Shu said with a smile.

“Of course, you can! This is your home, you’re free to host as you wish. I’ll write the invitations immediately and let them know they’re in for some fresh delicacies made by you,” Song Wei said warmly.

Seeing her daughter eager to form connections and enjoy herself, Song Wei was wholly supportive. “If you need anything, just ask the steward. I’ll handle the hosting, and the new dishes are all up to you.”

“Don’t worry, Mother. Oh, and could you also ask Auntie to bring my cousins if they’re free? I’ll invite Cousin Wen and Uncle Yun Nan too. Uncle Yun Nan’s follow-up consultation is due soon anyway, so it’s a good opportunity to include him,” Mu Rong Shu added, thinking that a larger gathering would make the occasion even more festive.

“Good idea. Why don’t you also speak with your Second Aunt and invite Lady Rong? I’ll make sure your grandmother comes as well. It’ll be nice for her to have some company her age to chat with,” Song Wei suggested.

“Mother, you’re so thoughtful, I completely overlooked that. Grandmother doesn’t get out as much as we do, so having someone to talk to will surely make her happy. I’ll go find Second Aunt now while you write the invitations.”

Murong Shu left as quickly as she had arrived, her cheerful demeanor leaving Song Wei in a good mood.

Watching her mistress, the elderly maid beside her couldn’t help but smile. “Madam, the young lady seems so full of life now. Her health has truly improved tremendously.”

“Yes,” Song Wei sighed, her voice tinged with emotion. “Back when Daoist Shan Gu took her away, I was so afraid I’d never see her again. But my Shu Er came back to me, and as long as she’s healthy and happy, I’ll support her in anything she wishes to do.”

“Don’t be sad, Madam. It’s all in the past now, and the young lady is healthier than ever. To be honest, she’s even stronger than some of the young masters,” the maid joked, eliciting laughter from Song Wei.

“Let’s keep that between us. If her brothers hear it, they’ll be heartbroken!”

“Don’t worry, Madam. My lips are sealed!”

Both women chuckled, recalling how competitive the household’s men often were. They could have their contests, so long as Shu Er wasn’t dragged into them.

Meanwhile, Mu Rong Shu made her way to her Second Aunt Rong Qing’s courtyard. The servants at the entrance, seeing their Fifth Miss approach, immediately ushered her inside after all, the lady of the house had instructed that Mu Rong Shu could come in at any time.

“Second Aunt, I’m here!” Mu Rong Shu called out cheerfully as soon as she entered.

Rong Qing thought she was hearing things at first, but when Mu Rong Shu called out again, she quickly went out to greet her niece.

“Shu Er, why don’t you rest for a bit? You must be tired from yesterday’s trip to the mountain. If you need something, you could have just sent a message,” Rong Qing said, noting the weariness in Mu Rong Shu’s eyes. Little did she know that her niece had been unable to sleep, too preoccupied with the memory of a certain pleasant voice.

“I came because it’s something important, Second Aunt. Don’t tell me you’re not happy to see me,” Mu Rong Shu teased, clutching her aunt’s arm and pouting playfully.

“You mischievous girl! How could I not be happy to see you? I’m just worried about you. If your uncle overhears this, he’ll definitely come looking for me to cause a fuss,” Rong Qing said with a gentle tap on her niece’s forehead.

“Uncle would never dare cause a fuss with you. If you keep saying that, I’ll report you to him!” Mu Rong Shu retorted, her voice teasing.

“You’re so much like your uncle, it’s no wonder he dotes on you the most,” Rong Qing replied, laughing.

“Well, who wouldn’t love someone as adorable as me? I’m not changing, no matter what!” Mu Rong Shu said, her confidence making her aunt laugh even harder.

“Second Aunt, can we invite Uncle Yun Nan and Grandmother Rong for lunch tomorrow? It’ll be nice to have everyone together.”

“Shu Er, is something wrong?” Rong Qing asked worriedly, sensing the seriousness in Mu Rong Shu’s tone.

“Not at all! It’s just that I’ve invited some friends over tomorrow, and since Uncle Yun Nan’s follow-up visit happens to be due, I thought I’d invite him as well to join us for lunch and take the opportunity for a check-up,” Mu Rong Shu explained with a smile.

“Alright, I’ll send someone home today to inform your grandmother and Yun Nan. We’ll make sure to come on time tomorrow.” Rong Qing let out a deep breath of relief upon hearing it wasn’t anything urgent.

“Second Aunt, please ask Uncle Yun Nan to come early. I need his help with something. Oh, and could I trouble him to bring a small amount of the herbs listed on this sheet when he comes?”

As she spoke, Mu Rong Shu pulled a small piece of paper from her sleeve and handed it to her aunt, her expression pleading.

“Don’t worry. I’ll send this to the shop today, and I promise you’ll have it by tomorrow. It won’t delay you.”

“Thank you so much, Second Aunt! I’ll also need your help tomorrow,” Mu Rong Shu said gratefully.

“Consider it done. Your First Aunt and I will arrange everything perfectly,” Rong Qing assured her.

“Thanks for all the trouble, Second Aunt. I’ll head back now to prepare. Oh, by the way, is Uncle off duty tomorrow?” Mu Rong Shu suddenly recalled that it might be a rest day.

“How considerate of you to remember. Not only is your uncle off tomorrow, but all your brothers will be home too,” Rong Qing replied, her mood brightening at the thought of her children.

“That’s wonderful! More people to help me tomorrow. Second Aunt, please remind them to come find me early,” Mu Rong Shu said cheerfully as she prepared to leave, not forgetting to give instructions.

Rong Qing couldn’t help but chuckle, thinking, “If not for worrying about disturbing your rest, your uncle and brothers would probably be camping outside your courtyard. I don’t even dare mention this to your uncle tonight, he might show up at midnight if he knew.”