Wedding ceremony tomorrow

Chapter 90 The Third Madam's Garden

The backyard, the fragrant orchid garden.

The courtyard was named after the third wife, Fang Lanxiang.

Before the group even got close, a fragrance of orchids wafted on the breeze.

As Luo Qingfeng approached the courtyard gate, he suddenly stopped and asked, "Will the Duke come for a meal?"

Miss Dong said softly, "Father is busy with official business and is not at home today."

Dong Miaomiao pouted and said, "It's better if Daddy doesn't come. He always scolds us when he comes. We don't dare to say a word when Daddy is around."

Upon hearing this, Luo Qingfeng quickly cupped his hands and said, "In that case, I shall not go in."

Let alone the prestigious Ningguo Prefecture.

No man can just wander into the backyard of any mansion.

Women live here.

What kind of behavior is it for a young man to enter like this?

If the other party had other intentions, they could justifiably arrest him and beat him to death with sticks as soon as he stepped into the courtyard.

Whether he resorts to vigilante justice or reports it to the authorities, he's doomed.

Dong Miaomiao quickly grabbed his wide sleeve and said, "Sir, you're going back on your word! You clearly promised us! You said a gentleman's word is his bond!"

Before Luo Qingfeng could speak, Miss Dong, who was sitting in a wheelchair beside him, said softly with a smile, "Mr. Luo, don't worry, I've already sent someone to call my second brother. He's feeling a bit better, so he's just out for a meal and to relax."

Then she said softly, "We won't go inside; we'll have our meal in the courtyard. The maids and servants are all here."

This Miss Dong was indeed intelligent; she immediately understood his concerns.

Moreover, preparations had already been made.

If the Second Young Master Dong were to accompany them, and they were in a small courtyard with maids and servants watching over them, then there would naturally be no problem.

Luo Qingfeng had no choice but to cup his hands and say, "Then I will wait here for the Second Young Master. The Second Miss and the Third Miss may go in first."

That second young master must be the one Nightingale mentioned who suddenly fell ill and was bedridden, and who was suspected of being harmed by a demon, right?

This is a good opportunity to get to know and observe them.

This meal inevitably made him a little nervous.

After all, there are two suspects.

At the same time, another victim will appear.

The key point is that it seems he's the only one facing this, and other exorcists probably wouldn't have a reason to come in.

"Then we'll wait for Second Brother here... together..."

Miss Dong said softly.

She was ill for some unknown reason; after saying just a few words, she became breathless, as if she were about to run out of air.

Luo Qingfeng glanced at her pale face and thought to himself: If she is a demon, it is actually quite reasonable. This state has lasted from childhood to adulthood. Who can guarantee that her mind will not develop problems? If a demon takes advantage of her weakness and uses her emotions to stir up trouble, it should be easier.

Not long after.

A group of servants escorted a tall, thin, handsome young man dressed in a blue robe, who walked over from a nearby path.

The young man walked with unsteady steps, his eyes were dull and lifeless, and his face looked bloodless. He walked slowly, panting heavily, and looked extremely weak.

Upon seeing the newcomer, Miss Dong introduced him softly, "Mr. Luo, this is my second brother, Dong Yun. Please feel free to call him whatever you like, there's no need to be so formal."

Before Dong Yun even got close, he cupped his hands to Luo Qingfeng, who was dressed in a scholar's robe, and said, "This must be the Mr. Luo that my second sister mentioned? It's a pleasure to meet you."

Luo Qingfeng thought to himself: This Second Young Master Dong is quite polite and courteous.

He quickly cupped his hands and said, "Luo Qingfeng greets the Second Young Master."

Dong Yun walked up to him, took his hand, and smiled, "Mr. Luo, you're too kind. I heard that Miao Miao and the others were captivated by your teaching methods after just one lesson, and they've all become more interested in learning. With Mr. Luo at our school, we won't have to worry about those kids skipping class all the time anymore. I'll have to trouble you to take care of them in the future."

Luo Qingfeng said, "Of course."

Dong Miaomiao said impatiently, "Alright, Second Brother, we've been waiting for you here for ages. If you don't come, the Master won't dare to go in. Let's go in quickly."

Dong Yun smiled and said, "Sir, you are a man of good manners, but there's no need to be so reserved here. My third aunt is hospitable and invited you to dinner to express her gratitude, which my father also approves of."

The group entered the courtyard together.

In the center of the courtyard, tables and chairs had already been set up, and the coffee table next to them was filled with fruits, desserts, and snacks.

Dong Miaomiao ran to get two candied red plums, ate one herself, and handed one to Luo Qingfeng, saying, "Please try one, sir."

Luo Qingfeng accepted it and said, "Thank you."

Dong Yun laughed from the side, "I've never seen you so attentive to anyone else. When Second Brother came, I didn't even see you get him anything to eat."

Dong Miaomiao smiled and said, "Second Brother, you can take it yourself. It's the first time the gentleman has come, and he's probably too shy to take it even if he wants to eat, so I took it for him."

Upon hearing this, the maids nearby covered their mouths and laughed.

Dong Yun also laughed and said, "You are very considerate to your husband, but I have never seen you be so sensible and considerate to your father and mother."

At this moment, a young woman in a purple dress came out of the house and said with a smile, "Yun'er is right. This is the first time I've seen this girl so eager to please someone. She's never been this nice to her father and mother."

Dong Yun bowed her head and said, "Greetings, Third Aunt."

Luo Qingfeng quickly bowed and said, "Qingfeng greets Third Madam."

Fang Lanxiang smiled and said, "Mr. Luo, please make yourself at home. Let Yun'er and Xiangxue keep you company for a while. I need to go help out in the kitchen."

Miss Dong smiled and said, "Third Aunt is cooking herself, we're in for a treat at noon."

Fang Lanxiang smiled and went to the kitchen.

The group sat down at the table, and a maid came over to pour tea.

Dong Miaomiao snatched the teapot and poured tea for Luo Qingfeng herself, giggling, "Sir, could you tell us the story of the stone monkey again?"

At this moment, Dong Xiaopang hurriedly came over and said, "Sir, you told us this secretly. We won't tell anyone."

Luo Qingfeng said, "That won't do. I said I'd talk about it in the next class, so I'll talk about it in the next class."

Dong Miaomiao had no choice but to ask again, "Then could you tell us in advance how the stone monkey finally escaped from under the Five Fingers Mountain? Did he learn powerful magic, or was he rescued by someone else? Or perhaps, did Buddha release him on his own initiative?"

Luo Qingfeng shook his head and said, "I can't say, I can't say."

Dong Miaomiao immediately pouted and tugged at his sleeve, trying to pester him again, but the second Miss Dong laughed and said, "Alright, Miaomiao, the master hasn't eaten yet, don't scare him away."

Dong Miaomiao had no choice but to let go, pouting, "Sir, you're stingy."

Then she suddenly leaned close to Luo Qingfeng's ear and whispered, "If you're not stingy, sir, I'll let you sneak a peek at my feet later, okay?"

Luo Qingfeng's lips twitched, and he quickly coughed, turning his head away, saying, "Third Miss, men and women should not touch each other. You shouldn't get so close."

Dong Miaomiao snorted and said, "You're such a cheapskate!"

After saying that, she turned and left, ignoring him completely.

Dong Yun, who was standing to the side, smiled and said, "Mr. Luo, you don't need to worry about it. Miao Miao has always had this temper since she was little. She's still a child, so she's a bit willful and willful. Her father has always spoiled her. She'll be fine when she grows up a bit."

Dong Miaomiao, who was skipping and kicking a shuttlecock nearby, turned her head and said, "I'm not little anymore, I'm only a year younger than that Dong Yaozu guy."

Upon hearing this, Dong Yun's smile froze instantly.

Miss Dong, who was standing to the side, also frowned slightly.

The atmosphere in the room seemed to freeze for a moment.

Luo Qingfeng keenly noticed this change and thought to himself: Dong Yaozu is the fourth madam's lame son. It is said that he injured his leg while playing with this second young master when they were young. The fourth young master has not come to class these past two days. I guess because of his lameness, he is not very sociable and does not get along well with these people.

But why would Dong Miaomiao suddenly bring up that fourth young master?

Was it intentional? Or unintentional?

Furthermore, the expressions of the Second Young Master Dong and the Second Miss Dong seemed to change after hearing these words.

At this moment, Luo Qingfeng had many questions in his mind.

But it was inappropriate to ask in front of so many people.

He secretly wondered: Should he find an opportunity to talk to this girl alone and ask her about the specific situation?

But in the captain's eyes, this little girl was also one of the suspects.

Moreover, the small footprints under the window that night did indeed look somewhat similar.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but glance again at the small feet beneath Miss Dong's skirt, thinking to himself: If it really was her that night, what was her purpose? Why would she go there in the middle of the night? It couldn't be to hear a story, could it?

Just as she was pondering this, Dong Miaomiao suddenly said, "By the way, I heard that Dong Yaozu got his face scratched by a maid a few days ago. Hehe, serves him right!"

Upon hearing this, Luo Qingfeng was startled once again.

Dong Yun quickly said, "Miao Miao, you can't say such things. It's all just the servants talking nonsense. There's no such thing. What maid would have the guts to arrest him?"

Dong Miaomiao stood on one leg, stopping the flying shuttlecock on one of her small feet. She turned her head and sneered, "He took liberties with that little maid. When she didn't comply, she naturally scratched his face. Humph, I heard that the little maid was beaten so badly by Fourth Aunt that her skin was torn open and she was almost beaten to death. Then she was kicked out of the manor."

Miss Dong frowned slightly and remained silent.

Dong Yun's face darkened as he said, "Miao Miao, stop talking. Father has already instructed us not to discuss this matter further. It's just servants gossiping; don't take it seriously."

Dong Miaomiao scoffed and continued kicking the shuttlecock, saying crisply, "You're just afraid of airing your dirty laundry in public and don't want the teacher to know. I'm not afraid. Facts are facts, yes or no, I dare to tell anyone."

Fearing he might say something inappropriate again, Dong Yun quickly said, "Go to the kitchen and help your mother with some things."

Dong Miaomiao lightly jumped up, put away the shuttlecock, and laughed, "I'm not going. My hands are so pretty, they're not for doing rough work. Why won't you let me go, Second Brother?"

Dong Yun rolled her eyes at her and said, "Nonsense! Can your second sister actually do any work?"

Dong Miaomiao smiled and said, "Second brother still cares about second sister. He has always cared for her since she was little, and he always does everything for her in advance."

Dong Yun said irritably, "If you were in a wheelchair, your second brother would also feel sorry for you."

Dong Miaomiao immediately put her hands on her hips and said, "Second brother, are you cursing me?"

Dong Yun said, "I wouldn't dare. Second Brother wouldn't dare to beat anyone, especially since he wouldn't be able to win anyway."

Dong Miaomiao chuckled and said, "When it comes to beating people up, Second Brother certainly can't beat me. I'm invincible in the entire manor!"

As the two siblings were talking, Luo Qingfeng pretended to be drinking tea and looking at the flowers and scenery in the corner of the courtyard, but in reality, he was taking it all in. Occasionally, he would also observe Miss Dong Er beside him.

These conversations seemed like casual chats, but he felt there was a lot of useful information in them.

Although Dong Miaomiao is young and seems unreliable, she seems to know a lot, even about the Fourth Madam's affairs. It seems that we really need to find a way to talk to her alone and get some information out of her.

Regardless of whether she is a suspect or not, some of the things she said at least have some basis in fact and don't seem to be false.

Just as he was thinking this, Miss Dong asked softly, "Where is Mr. Luo from?"

This second young lady probably didn't want to neglect him, so she deliberately tried to find topics to talk about with him.

Luo Qingfeng said, "This is my hometown, Wangxing County. I originally lived in a small mountain village outside the city."

Miss Dong was somewhat surprised and asked, "Then where did Mr. Luo learn all his talents?"

Luo Qingfeng humbly replied, "I wouldn't call myself exceptionally talented; I'm just somewhat cultured. It comes from reading a lot and thinking a lot."

Miss Dong laughed and said, "That's not necessarily true. Many people spend their whole lives reading books, just like those teachers of the past, but their actual skills are worlds apart from those of the teachers."

Luo Qingfeng said, "Second Miss, you flatter me."

Miss Dong then asked, "Sir, you are so young and yet so talented. You must pass the imperial examination next year with flying colors. Although there are many talented people in Wangxing City, there are probably not many like you. You will surely make a name for yourself when the time comes."

Luo Qingfeng cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your kind words, Miss. If I do pass the imperial examination, I will definitely come to thank you."

Miss Dong smiled and said, "There's no need for thanks. I would be very grateful if you would not look down on our Ningguo Mansion or ignore us back then."

At this moment, Dong Miaomiao hurriedly came over and asked, "Teacher, you won't leave here, will you? If the school doesn't have a teacher, we won't study anymore."

Just as Luo Qingfeng was wondering how to answer, Dong Yun suddenly asked, "Mr. Luo, are you married?"

Luo Qingfeng paused for a moment, then said, "Not yet."

Dong Yun and Miss Dong Er exchanged a glance and smiled, "Perfect timing! I have a younger sister who's reached marriageable age but is still unmarried. Coincidentally, she also loves reading, she..."

Dong Miaomiao blushed immediately, stamping her feet in embarrassment and said, "Second brother, I don't like studying! I... I'm not old enough yet."

Everyone paused, turning to look at her.

Miss Dong couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh.

Dong Yun said with a strange look, "Miao Miao, who's talking about you? Second Brother is talking about your cousin Tian Tian. You wouldn't..."

"Ah! Mother is calling me from the kitchen!"

Dong Miaomiao gasped in surprise, covered her blushing face, and turned to flee in panic.

The maids and servants standing nearby covered their mouths and chuckled.

Dong Yun cupped his hands and said, "Mr. Luo, if you have time this afternoon, I'd like to take you to meet my cousin so you can have a chat."

Luo Qingfeng lowered his head slightly and said, "Thank you, Second Young Master, but I already have a girl I like."

Upon hearing this, Dong Yun still smiled broadly: "It's alright, you two can meet first, chat, and get to know each other. It's normal for men to have multiple wives and concubines."

He then gave a wry smile and said, "It's good enough if I can carry on the family line."

Miss Dong lowered her head slightly and said nothing more.

Not long after.

Third Madam Fang Lanxiang, accompanied by her maids, emerged from the round gate carrying a sumptuous feast.

Dong Miaomiao blushed, lowered her head, and hid at the very back.

The table was quickly filled with dishes.

All kinds of fish, shrimp, meat, and vegetables are available.

The maids and servants standing around all swallowed hard.

Luo Qingfeng's stomach rumbled as he smelled the enticing aroma.

Upon hearing this, Fang Lanxiang immediately laughed and said, "Alright, eat up, everyone, don't be shy, there's no one else here."

Then she turned her head and asked curiously, "Miaomiao, what are you doing hiding behind the maid? Weren't you just saying you were hungry? Come and eat."

Dong Xiaopang, who had already sat down, burst into laughter and said, "Mother, Second Brother just said he wanted to introduce a younger sister to the teacher. Sister thought... ah—"

Before he could finish speaking, the stool he was sitting on suddenly flew off.

He fell hard to the ground, wincing in pain and howling in agony.

Dong Miaomiao stood behind him, her pretty face slightly cold, but full of blush, even her two little ears were bright red.

"If you dare say another word, I'll kick your ass raw! Humph!"

Luo Qingfeng felt a slight chill.

That little girl's kick was so fast, he didn't even have time to react.

Moreover, she was clearly standing several meters away at the beginning.

(End of this chapter)