{"id":2940,"date":"2026-04-19T00:24:50","date_gmt":"2026-04-19T00:24:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/the-young-mistresss-little-romance-in-the-dukes-mansion-11\/"},"modified":"2026-04-19T02:00:27","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T02:00:27","slug":"the-young-mistresss-little-romance-in-the-dukes-mansion-11","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/velvetink.xyz\/ko\/chapter\/the-young-mistresss-little-romance-in-the-dukes-mansion-11\/","title":{"rendered":"The Young Mistress’s Little Romance in the Duke’s Mansion 11"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chapter 11


Gu Xiyan instructed Qiusang to distribute the rosewater to Meng Shuhui and Ye Erxun.

Not long after, Qiusang returned with word that both households were extremely delighted and had repeatedly expressed their gratitude.



This rosewater was originally a tribute from Persia and differed from the local rose dew.



Such a precious item was typically enjoyed only by the noble families, high officials, and imperial relatives.



Even within the Duke’s Mansion, it was considered a rare treasure.



Meng Shuhui, naturally reluctant to use too much, merely tasted a little before carefully storing it away, thinking it might serve another purpose in the future.



\u2014In case of utter destitution, it could always be pawned.



When one falls to such a state, they are often reluctant to indulge themselves, wanting to hoard every good thing, saving it all for a rainy day.



Upon receiving it, Ye Erxun also found it delightful and specially asked Qiu Sang to convey his gratitude.



At the mention of this, Qiu Sang pursed her lips and chuckled mischievously, saying,



“Second Master Ye is truly too polite.



Not only did he express his thanks, but he also inquired about Madam’s situation in the mansion, showing genuine concern in his words.



However, in the end, he urged me not to repeat these words to Madam, fearing that it might only add to her worries.” Gu Xiyan listened, feeling deeply touched by Ye Erxun’s kindness, yet she couldn’t help but sigh.



She understood that the five taels of silver she received each month and the rose dew she now enjoyed were essentially due to her presence here, guarding Lu Chengyuan\u2019s memory.



As long as she remained, the Duke\u2019s household could not withhold her monthly allowance, nor could they neglect the seasonal and festival provisions.



Since she had accepted this arrangement and committed to guarding Lu Chengyuan\u2019s memory, she had to fulfill her duties day by day, like a monk who rings the temple bell daily.



There could be no other thoughts in her mind.



Yet, counting back the years, she had married into the Duke\u2019s household at sixteen, widowed just six months later.



After enduring this life for a mere two years, her heart already felt dead and cold, as if she had struggled through two centuries.



Now, she was only nineteen.



When would this torment ever come to an end?



To be honest, she certainly had loved her late husband Lu Chengyuan.



If he were still alive, the two of them would have been inseparable, and he would have been the sole focus of her heart.



But he had passed away!



The affection of the past had faded over two years of hardship, leaving memories distant and hazy.



The bleakness of a future that stretched endlessly before her felt all too vivid, and she could almost see herself stepping into her own coffin.



Gu Xiyan gazed blankly out the window.



At this moment, she thought of Lu Chenglian, and remembered his words as well.



The spring breeze is bright, the kite’s colorful tail drifting between two people, he in his wide-sleeved robe, dark eyes gazing deeply at her.



He says, yet I just happen to like it.



This single sentence is enough to make her toss and turn all night, unable to sleep, enough to fill her nights with many wild fantasies!



The tedious days are too heavy and difficult, so that upon seeing a hint of bright color, one can’t help but feel restless.



She cannot withstand even a little bit of teasing!



Gu Xiyan leaned weakly against the window frame, lifted her hand, and covered her eyes.



She knew she should not take the bait, and she dared not have any fantasies about this man.



Who was he?



The emperor’s nephew, the Empress Dowager’s grandson, the only son of Princess Ruiqing, a celebrated general who had achieved illustrious military feats at a young age and gained fame across the realm\u2014he was the favored son of heaven whom everyone in the Duke’s household revered.



Now he already has two ready-made in his chamber, Yingtong and Peibai, both of top-tier looks and temperament.



As for his future marriage, Gu Xiyan had heard more than a few rumors, saying that the Empress Dowager intends to strengthen family ties by marrying the current princess to him.



But for someone like Lu Chenghai, even if he doesn\u2019t marry a princess, he could still choose among the daughters of noble families.



As for herself, what does she have?



Even if she possesses some beauty, beauty is the least valuable thing and the most easily worn away by time.



Thinking this, she couldn’t help but find herself laughable, wondering if perhaps she was just being overly sentimental, and maybe he was just taking some verbal liberties.



As for what the future holds, who knows?



While others might not give it a second thought, she found herself tossing and turning\u2014ridiculous to the extreme.



Biting her lip, she pushed the matter aside and began to think about the future.



When Meng Shuyun mentioned taking on odd jobs to help with household expenses, she thought she could also lend a hand.



Now that Yingtong was asking for embroidery patterns, she felt she could draw more.



Though Yingtong wanted bamboo patterns, she naturally didn\u2019t dare to offer those.



Instead, she could create some unique designs of her own, and later ask Meng Shuyun to take them to tailoring shops to inquire if they were interested.



If the shops were willing to accept them, she could at least earn a few extra coppers to help out.



Of course, such a thing must never be known by anyone in the Duke’s Mansion; if word got out, the people in the household would likely die of anger.



She then settled her heart and focused on sketching.



Considering that Yingtong intended to embroider the design onto fabric, and knowing that Lu Chenglian usually preferred simplicity and elegance, she didn\u2019t dare to be too extravagant.



Instead, she drew seven or eight bamboo patterns in a conventional yet tasteful style\u2014some sparse, some dense, each with its own graceful charm.



For several days in a row, she buried herself in sketching.



After finally completing them, she carefully placed the drawings in a wooden box and instructed Qiusang to deliver them to Yingtong.



In truth, she felt a bit uneasy when sending them over, fearing they might be looked down upon.



To her surprise, when Qiusang returned, she was all smiles, looking quite proud.



She hurriedly asked about it, and Qiu Sang replied,



“Yingtong was absolutely delighted.



She kept saying the painting was wonderful and asked me to tell you, ‘Thank you for your trouble, madam.



I will definitely pay a visit to express my gratitude tomorrow.'” Gu Xiyan breathed a sigh of relief; it seemed her painting truly wasn’t bad.



If this draft could catch Lu Chenglian\u2019s eye, perhaps she could really sell it.



At least it would count as a skill of hers.



Qiu Sang added,



“Yingtong also slipped me a handful of copper coins, saying it was a reward on behalf of their master.” As she spoke, she began to take it out\u2014copper coins packed inside a blue pouch used for the Zhonghe Festival, bulging and full.



Qiu Sang poured them out onto the table with a clattering jingle, many copper coins scattering.



She laughed and said,



“Quick, count them\u2014see how many there are!” Gu Xiyan looked at the brand-new copper coins, each stamped with a shiny



“Hongfu Tongbao” inscription, clearly newly minted this year specifically for rewarding the servants.



There was such a huge pile that, at a quick glance, it must have amounted to over two hundred coins.



Gu Xiyan helped stack and count them, and in the end, they tallied exactly two hundred and twenty coins.



Qiusang was overjoyed:



“So many!” Gu Xiyan was also secretly astonished.



She had become quite knowledgeable about money by now\u2014earning two hundred coins was no easy task.



For example, her sister-in-law had spent a whole morning gathering wild vegetables and selling them in the city, only to make thirty coins in the end.



Yingtong, a mere maidservant, casually rewarded with over two hundred coppers\u2014such extravagance was truly excessive.



Qiu Sang was also filled with emotion.



She had originally looked down on Yingtong, but now that she had unexpectedly received a reward, she felt both flattered and astonished, and suddenly found Yingtong more agreeable to the eye.



After all, who would turn away from money?



But then, on second thought, it all seemed absurd and laughable:



“Madam, what kind of world is this?



In the end, she’s just a maidservant, yet she flaunts such generosity.” After the initial surprise, Gu Xiyan quickly understood:



“Well, that makes sense.



The doorman of a prime minister holds a third-rank official title.



Yingtong is a maid in Third Master’s chambers.



Given Third Master’s noble status and promising future, once Yingtong is taken into his household and gives birth to a child or two, her blessings will naturally surpass those of ordinary people.” Upon hearing this, Qiusang seemed hesitant to speak further.



She glanced at Gu Xiyan and ultimately swallowed the words that had reached her lips.



In truth, some words were not for a maid like her to say.



With a sigh, she pressed the small green pouch into Gu Xiyan’s hands.



“Mistress, please take good care of this money.” She knew Ren Yingtong gave her this reward out of consideration for Gu Xiyan, and it was actually for that painting.



Gu Xiyan smiled and said, \u201cSince it\u2019s a reward for you, you should keep it for yourself.\u201d Qiu Sang muttered, \u201cForget it.



Madame is not as well-off as before now.



She always has to help her in-laws, and there are two young mouths to feed.



Over two hundred coins is a lot\u2014madame should keep them for your own use.\u201d These words made Gu Xiyan\u2019s heart ache.



She smiled and looked at Qiu Sang.



\u201cYou\u2019ve been by my side all these years, living on plain food and thin soup, never reaping any benefits.



Now that you\u2019ve finally earned this reward, if I take it from you, you\u2019d probably cry about it behind my back.



Keep it for yourself.\u201d Qiusang had grown up by Gu Xiyan’s side and was well aware of her temperament, understanding that these words were sincere.



Moved yet with a pang in her heart, she finally chuckled,



“If that’s the case, then this servant has truly gotten a great bargain!



Mistress worked so hard on the paintings, yet I get to earn the money.



If I accept this, I hope Mistress won\u2019t regret it tomorrow!” Gu Xiyan listened and couldn’t help but laugh, flicking her handkerchief at her.



“You’re just acting spoiled after getting a good deal!



Now go, get back to work!” *************** After sending Qiusang off, Yingtong picked up the seven or eight draft designs, admiring them more and more with each look.



She smiled at Peibai and said,



“In the past, the Sixth Madam seemed rather dull and quiet, never speaking up.



Who would have thought she has such skill?



Her drawings are truly excellent.



If we follow these patterns for embroidery and stitch them onto pouches or the hems of robes, wouldn’t that add a touch of elegance?” Peibai:



“Just make sure no outsiders find out; otherwise, if word gets out, it wouldn\u2019t be good.” Yingtong smiled gently:



“Of course.



We\u2019ll just say they are ready-made patterns bought from outside.” Satisfied, she examined the patterns in her hand and instructed,



“Later, go through the chests and pick out a few decent items to send to the Sixth Madam.



At the very least, we should return her favor.” Peibai suddenly recalled something, lowering her voice to say,



“I vaguely heard the other day that Sixth Madam’s sister-in-law from her maiden family dresses very shabbily.



The mother and her three children are renting a small courtyard outside to live in, their days quite difficult, relying entirely on Sixth Madam’s private support.



Since we intend to thank her, we might as well be practical\u2014select some items that could truly help in a pinch to send her.



That would be more considerate.” Yingtong nodded,



“Exactly.



I also met that sister-in-law from her maiden family a while ago, and she indeed seemed to come from a modest family.



Her words and actions were somewhat reserved, as if she often did rough work.” Peibai thought for a moment,



“Earlier in the twelfth lunar month, there were items bestowed by the palace, still stored in the east side chamber.



I vaguely remember there were ambergris pieces, white wax, some pepper, and rare things like mercury.



Since we won’t be using them for the time being anyway, why not select one or two to give to Sixth Madam?



We can just say they’ve been sitting idle, and it would also fulfill the favor.” Yingtong pondered briefly,



“In my opinion, white wax would be most appropriate.



She could either keep it for personal use or sell it to exchange for some silver to supplement the household expenses.



It would be convenient for both sides.” Having agreed on the matter, Pei Bai took a young maid with her and went to the side room to pack up those belongings, while Ying Tong toyed with the few paintings, pondering how she should embroider and use them.



So engrossed was she in her thoughts that she didn\u2019t even notice Lu Chenglian entering the room.



When she sensed something, she looked up and saw Lu Chenglian entering the room, placing his outer robe on the screen rack.



Yingtong quickly stood up, bowed respectfully, and said softly with a gentle smile,



“You’ve returned quite early today, Third Master.” Lu Chenglian replied,



“When I went to pay my respects to Mother the other day, I heard her cough a few times.



I’ll go check on her again later.” Yingtong smiled gently and said,



“I naturally keep in mind whatever you order, Master.



I\u2019ve already had the kitchen prepare rock sugar and snow fungus stewed with loquat paste.



It\u2019s still warm now, and I\u2019ll send it to Her Highness shortly.” She was originally from Princess Ruiqing’s chamber, personally trained by the princess herself, and naturally took more care and consideration in attending to the princess’s meals and daily needs than ordinary maids.



Hearing this, Lu Chenglian gave a slight nod, then his gaze inadvertently fell on the side, where several paintings were placed.



He said calmly,



“These paintings have a certain charm.



Where did they come from?” Just at that moment, Peibai rushed in excitedly, holding a package of white wax, and suddenly saw Lu Chenglian also in the room.



She hurriedly stopped in her tracks, and upon hearing these words, she couldn’t help but feel a bit uneasy.



Yingtong remained all smiles, answering unhurriedly, \u201cLast time, master praised that pouch, so I kept it in mind.



After some inquiries, I learned the pattern originally came from an outside shop, so I simply had someone find a few similar designs.



Looking at these sketches, I found they share the same charm as that pouch.



So I thought, if we use this rain-cleared sky blue Hangzhou satin to tailor a new robe for master, and embroider a touch of ink bamboo at the hem, wouldn\u2019t it be elegant and distinctive?\u201d Lu Chenglian glanced at Yingtong.



She was wearing a gauze skirt today, clearly made from fabric she had just received, the same batch as the one sent to the pawnshop, only in a different color.



He remarked lightly, \u201cThis skirt looks nice.\u201d Hearing this, Yingtong\u2019s face flushed slightly as she smiled and said, \u201cThis is from the same fabric as last time.



Master said he didn\u2019t like it and gave it to us, so I simply made this pleated skirt.\u201d Lu Chenglian nodded slightly and instructed,



“In the evening, I’ll pay my respects to Mother and accompany her for dinner, so there’s no need to prepare a meal for me.” With that, he headed out on his own.



Yingtong and Peibai exchanged glances, both unable to help feeling puzzled.



Peibai remarked,



“I have a feeling Third Master is acting a bit odd today.” Yingtong was also puzzled; she looked down at her own dress and said,



“He himself said he didn’t like it, but later praised it as beautiful.



It’s strange.” Peibai replied,



“If he had said so earlier, this fabric would surely have been kept for him to use.” Yingtong furrowed her brows and shook her head.



“I think it’s not just because of this fabric.” Her young master\u2014how could he make a face over a piece of fabric?



Whatever could make him wear his emotions so openly must surely be a matter of great significance.
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