Resplendent – Chapter 416

Chapter 416 — Mingzhu Pavilion

Shadows of swaying bamboo danced across the half-drawn window. Beneath it, a delicate pot of orchid had already bloomed, its pure jade-like petals glowing softly under the scattered rays of sunlight. On the multi-treasure shelf leaning against the wall, aside from a few painted plates featuring orchids, every other spot was occupied by blooming orchids as well.

Gu Ye withdrew her gaze, quietly sighing in her heart: Mother truly loves orchids! 

She rose and walked to the window, circling the jade-orchid plant, examining it from every angle, her eyes filled with the joy of cherishing something precious.

The Duchess, who had been watching her daughter with unblinking attention, curled her lips into a smile and said softly, “Bao’er, do you like jade-orchids too?”

“I do! Jade-orchids are elegant and dignified; they are graceful, yet never gaudy or vulgar. I like their pure and noble temperament. However, jade-orchids are so rare. They can only be encountered by chance. Growing up, I’ve only ever caught a glimpse of one at someone else’s home. I never imagined Mother would have a pot here.” Gu Ye gently stroked the leaves of the jade-orchid, her bright eyes reluctant to part from the flower.

Chu Mushan leaned over with a cheerful grin. “Sister, you truly are Mother’s daughter. Your tastes are exactly the same. Mother loves orchids, but jade-orchids are her favorite!”

The Duchess smiled softly. “If Bao’er likes it, I’ll have someone move it to Mingzhu Pavilion for you.”

“Mingzhu Pavilion is the courtyard closest to here. Every plant, every tree, and even every decorative item inside was personally chosen by Mother for you. The name Mingzhu Pavilion comes from the phrase ‘pearl in the palm’. Sister, you are the pearl our whole family holds dearly in our hands,” Chu Mushan whispered into Gu Ye’s ear. 

“All right, stop whispering secrets to your sister. Take her to Mingzhu Pavilion to rest for a while. When your third, fourth, and fifth brothers return, our whole family will sit down for a reunion meal. Xiao Liu, remember to bring the jade-orchid.” 

With her daughter finally back, the frail Lady Jun looked far more spirited than usual. But the emotional highs and lows of the day made her even more prone to exhaustion. 

When Chu Bufan returned after seeing Chief Physician Zhang out, he noticed his wife’s obvious fatigue. Yet she continued forcing herself to chat with their daughter. He quickly coaxed her gently to rest. She needed to recover well to accompany their daughter properly. If she fell ill again, how worried their child would be!

Everyone whom the Duke had ‘shooed out’ made their way toward Mingzhu Pavilion. Gu Ye pressed her lips into a smile. “Father is really good to Mother.”

“Of course! The six of us sons all have to step aside!” Chu Xiaoliu said cheerfully. “But now that you are back, Father has one more person to fuss over!” 

Mingzhu Pavilion was separated from the main residence by little more than a single wall. Stepping through a vase-shaped gate half veiled by blooming crape myrtles, a secluded little path appeared before them. Even though autumn had already arrived, bright flowers still bloomed on both sides of the path in vivid abundance.

A delicate covered walkway ran through the entire courtyard. On one side, lush but orderly flowers and trees formed carefully arranged scenes. On the other side, a pool of clear water encircled the walkway, rippling faintly in the autumn breeze. 

Jagged ornamental rocks stood along the shore; crabapples budded, autumn chrysanthemums were in full bloom, and sweet osmanthus perfumed the air. A jade bridge arched over the water, its reflection shimmering, leading toward an elegant pavilion in the middle of the pond…

Every plant in the courtyard, every painted panel along the walkway, every scene by the water, every building in the garden—each carried a mother’s deep and tender love for her daughter. 

Gu Ye walked slowly down the path, her eyes growing warm and misty.

Behind the group, Jun Miao was nearly shredding her handkerchief to pieces. She had been in the Zhenguo Manor for almost three years, yet she had never once stepped through the doors of Mingzhu Pavilion. Every time she walked up to it, the gatekeeping maids would politely turn her back. She had tried ingratiating herself with her aunt and had even hinted, ever so tactfully, that she wished to live a little closer to her. 

Her aunt, however, pretended not to understand and never once mentioned anything about Mingzhu Pavilion. Even that vulgar thing Ding Fang—just to reassure her cousins—was only allowed to stay in the Bisha Courtyard.

When her aunt was in good health, she often lingered in Mingzhu Pavilion alone, never allowing them to accompany her. In her aunt’s heart, only her real daughter was worthy of living in this Mingzhu Pavilion! 

Even if her cousin were never found for the rest of her life, her aunt still would not let anyone else take her place, would she? All the bowing and scraping she did before her aunt, all the careful serving—what a joke it all was!

Jun Miao ground her teeth in hatred. She glanced at the jade-orchid in Chu Xiaoliu’s hands, a trace of unease rising in her heart. 

Could it be… that this cousin, who was so well-versed in pharmacology, had discovered something? 

This girl didn’t look like someone who could be easily fooled. She would have to be more cautious around her in the future!

Gu Ye and the others had just sat down in the small flower hall of the courtyard when Chu Bufan, who had settled his wife, hurried over. 

Seeing the servants present the finest tea in the manor and the exquisite pastries he had specifically ordered from the small kitchen, the Duke felt deeply satisfied. His wife truly had good judgment. These maids and matrons she had chosen were all sharp and attentive!

It was the first time Mingzhu Pavilion had welcomed its rightful mistress. Anyone with even a bit of sense wouldn’t dare slack off. Besides, everyone in the manor knew how the Duke and Duchess had waited day after day, year after year, finally bringing their daughter home. 

Serving the young lady was an immense honor—an opportunity others wouldn’t even dare dream of. Now that it had fallen into their hands, how could they show even the slightest negligence?

“Daughter, take a look around. If anything displeases you, say it freely. From now on, this will be your boudoir. Your comfort is what matters most!” The Duke stared at his daughter without blinking. His daughter, Chu Bufan’s daughter, was of course extraordinary. 

Do you see how delicate and beautiful her features were? 

Do you see how generous and composed her bearing was? 

Do you see…

“Dad, do you want to eat this rose cake?” 

The pastry chef at the Zhenguo Manor had once worked in the palace; his rose cakes were unmatched. Gu Ye was munching happily on one when she noticed the Duke staring at her without blinking. Quickly, she broke the half-eaten pastry in her hand and offered him a portion.

The Duke felt his whole body melt at that single word—’Dad.’

It was like drinking a cup of iced tea in the heat of midsummer. Overjoyed to the point of not knowing what to do with himself, he rubbed his hands together and chuckled, “My daughter is truly considerate. But I don’t like sweets. You eat it! Eat slowly—there’s more in the kitchen!”

“Then… I’ll pour you some tea!” Still holding the half piece of rose cake between her teeth, Gu Ye poured fragrant tea from the pot and handed it to the Duke.

This action was so unrefined and improper in Jun Miao’s eyes, but in the Duke’s eyes, it was irresistibly sincere and adorable. To him his daughter was perfect in every way.

Holding the cup, he didn’t even mind the heat; he lifted it and took a big sip. This was tea poured for him by his own daughter. It was the first time in his life she’d ever done it! A deep sense of fulfillment filled the empty space that had long existed in his heart. His daughter had come home. Everything was complete again!

“Dad,” Gu Ye said after finishing her rose cake. Resting her elbow on the table and propping up her chin, she looked at the Duke and unceremoniously made a request, “I want to partition the east wing rooms in the courtyard and turn them into a pharmaceutical workshop and warehouse.”