Capture the Jade (Attacking the Jade) - Chapter 23-Part 6
Chapter 23-Part 6
The room was filled with flickering glances; this excuse was plainly unconvincing.
With his grandmother celebrating her birthday, Young General Duan, even if on the verge of collapse, should have forced himself to pay his respects—otherwise, he could hardly avoid the reputation of being “unfilial.”
Besides, Duan Ningyuan had always been healthy; how could he suddenly fall ill?
Madam Duan, feeling the judgmental gazes from all around, frowned and scolded a servant in a low voice, “Quickly, go and bring the young master here.”
Unable to sit still, Duan Wenyin herself hurried through the main hall to personally inquire outside.
At that moment, Ah Zhi led a group of noble girls back inside; all were the daughters of esteemed families, around ten years old, who often played together.
Today was no exception—they had just been having a lively time competing in poetry and games in the garden, and only came back to the hall when they felt tired.
As they entered, the room filled with a fresh fragrance and cheerful chatter.
Ah Zhi, beaming with excitement, went to sit at the head of the eastern side, while Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi trailed behind her, sensing the hall’s unusual tension and glancing curiously at Teng Yuyi.
Madam Du’s gaze kept drifting to the doorway.
Seeing that Duan Ningyuan still hadn’t appeared, she sighed in disappointment, “That day at Ziyun Pavillion, Young General Duan reprimanded me and Ah Yu without reason. I was so angry that I scolded him. Could it be that he still hasn’t gotten over it and doesn’t want to see me as his elder?”
Her remark caused a subtle shift in the crowd’s expressions.
Madam Duan smiled, “Madam, you mustn’t take it to heart. What happened that day was simply a misunderstanding, and the matter was settled at the time. Ningyuan appreciates his elders’ teachings. Knowing that you and Ah Yu are here today, he would be thrilled; he certainly wouldn’t avoid you.”
Madam Du sighed with a faint smile, “You’re right; it’s my fault for overthinking. Young General Duan has a sterling reputation, so surely he wouldn’t be so foolish.”
Yet, as she spoke, her eyes glanced again toward the door.
Since he wasn’t foolish, why would he delay paying his respects when his elders were here?
The noble guests in the hall, who initially planned to watch from the sidelines, were now increasingly uncomfortable.
His grandmother was present, as were the ladies of the Teng and Du families.
For Duan Ningyuan to stay hidden like this was exceptionally rude—could it be that he disapproved of this marriage and was deliberately trying to show the Teng family his displeasure?
Among the assembled ladies were those who had been at Ziyun Pavillion that day and knew of Duan Ningyuan’s indiscretions with that woman, Miss Dong.
Now, seeing Teng Yuyi’s flushed cheeks as though she was struggling to hold back her grievances, they felt a rising sense of anger.
For Duan Ningyuan to treat Ah Yu this way before marriage—what would he be like after?
The wife of a marquis, whose husband was a close comrade of Teng Shao’s, was the first to raise her voice, her anger barely contained, “Young General Duan claimed he’d been muddled by drink that day at Ziyun Pavillion. But the wine has only just been served today; could he already be drunk again? Madam Du is unwell, Miss Du has just recovered from a severe illness, and Ah Yu has endured the exhaustion of travel to celebrate with the Duan family. If Young General Duan doesn’t come to pay his respects, this is hardly excusable!”
With this remark, the other ladies, who had long harbored dissatisfaction, eagerly echoed her sentiment, filling the room with murmurings.
Old Madam Duan, finding it hard to sit still, said shakily, “The young master is not this kind of person. Something must have held him back. Quickly, inform the master to send someone to find him.”
The servants rushed off and soon returned, shaking their heads to indicate they had found nothing.
The main hall grew silent.
Could it be that Duan Ningyuan wasn’t even in the residence?
If the young heir wasn’t at home on his grandmother’s birthday, it would be a staggering display of disrespect.
And if he were home, his neglect toward his betrothed was something no family would tolerate.
Teng Yuyi, feeling the sympathetic gazes around her, offered her apologies to Madam Duan and Old Madam, and then returned listlessly to her aunt’s side, deliberately sitting between her aunt and cousin.
The three of them exchanged knowing glances, some shedding silent tears, others barely containing their anger.
The ladies looked on, saddened.
What more could the Teng family possibly do?
Madam Duan and Duan Wenyin searched for something to say to ease the tension, but it was clear that everyone’s thoughts were in turmoil.
Just as the situation grew unbearably awkward, a commotion was heard from outside, and a servant exclaimed with joy, “The young master has arrived!”
Even before the words had fully left his mouth, Duan Ningyuan strode into the hall.
Clad in luxurious attire, his figure tall and handsome, he knelt on one knee as soon as he entered, “Grandson apologizes for being late.”
Madam Duan and Lady Duan let out sighs of relief, laughing as they scolded him, “Arriving so late! You had us all worried! Where on earth were you? We looked everywhere and couldn’t find you. We’ll have to save this scolding for tomorrow and have your father see that you’re properly punished!”
Duan Ningyuan knocked his head to the floor three times, the sound resonating, and replied, “Your grandson deserves punishment. In preparation for today, I specially prepared a birthday gift for Grandmother. But the servants mishandled it and dirtied the embroidered wrapping, so I had them replace it. I feared your disapproval, so I wrapped it myself before presenting it. I hope Grandmother finds it pleasing and will spare me a few strokes of the rod.”
As he spoke, he appeared to tremble ever so slightly.
