Doted By The Regent King-Chapter 577 - 576: Meeting with the Visitor

Lady Du followed Madam Zhou to the Floral Hall in the backyard, and by now she had seen about half of the residence. She knew that although this house couldn’t compare with the grand mansions of the truly wealthy, it was still proper and orderly, certainly better than the Rear Government Office. For the mother and daughter, it was more than sufficient.

Along the way, all the maids and servants they saw folded their hands in salute, displaying impeccable manners.

Lady Du glanced at the maid leading the way and another by Madam Zhou’s side, her eyes flashing with curiosity. These two maids carried themselves with an exceptional air; one would wonder how they were trained. Weren’t they from a rural background?

Once in the Floral Hall, there were no overly extravagant decorations. On the antique shelves on both sides, there was a pair of plum vases, in which fresh winter plums were placed, emitting a faint, refreshing fragrance.

A row of mahogany furniture, spotlessly clean, was arranged in the hall. Lady Du was led to a seat on the left side, and her daughter Yu Shuangshuang, who had come with her, also sat down.

They had barely sat down when a maid came forward with tea, served in a happy magpie and tree branch-themed covered bowl, accompanied by a few plates of delicate pastries.

"This must be your daughter?" Madam Zhou’s gaze fell upon Yu Shuangshuang.

The young girl appeared to be only twelve or thirteen years old, with a melon seed-shaped face, large eyes, and a slightly pointed chin. Her hair was tied into two braids, adorned with two pearl tassel flowers. She wore a white jacket embroidered with blue orchids and a diamond-patterned skirt, indeed a little beauty.

"Yes, my youngest daughter—she’s been quite pampered since childhood." Holding her tea, Lady Du glanced at her daughter and said, "Quick, greet Madam properly."

Yu Shuangshuang stepped forward with delicate steps, placing her hands at her waist and bending her knees in a salutation, calling out crisply, "Shuangshuang greets Mrs. Zhou."

"Good, good child, get up now, come here and let me have a look at you," Madam Zhou beckoned.

Yu Shuangshuang was somewhat reluctant, but she moved forward nonetheless. After Madam Zhou took a good look at her, she praised, "Indeed, she’s very beautiful. You are fortunate, Lady Du!" As she spoke, she took a string of beads from the tray held by Qiu Xiang behind her and handed it to her, saying, "It’s not much, but you can wear it for fun."

It was a string of pink crystal beads, each one uniform in size, with patterns inside the crystal that were quite pretty. It was just right for a young girl to wear. These crystals were also something that Wufu had purchased from the city, worth several dozen taels of silver.

The giving of a meeting gift was a ritual itself. Considering the closeness and status, as the daughter of a county magistrate, she was an Official’s daughter, so the gift couldn’t be too modest.

Pink was a color most adored by young girls, and this string of well-rounded beads particularly appealed to Yu Shuangshuang, who immediately smiled with squinted eyes and took them, saying, "Shuangshuang thanks Madam for the gift." With that, she wrapped the beads around her wrist.

Lady Du watched with inward satisfaction; Mrs. Zhou knew her manners well and was also generous. One could tell at a glance that the string of beads was something of quality; it was no surprise her daughter liked them. She herself thought they were rather nice.

"Look at how easily you’re pleased." After her daughter returned to her side, Lady Du tapped her lightly and then said to Madam Zhou, "This little one of mine is only twelve this year. Being the youngest, she’s been spoiled by her father and me, which might amuse you."

"It’s proper for a young lady to be cherished," Madam Zhou said with a smile, complimenting, "Miss Shuangshuang is very well brought up."

Lady Du smiled delightfully, "Her elder sister is already married, and now at home, it’s just her and a young boy. A boy is always less affectionate than a daughter, so this girl is very thoughtful towards her father and me. By the way, we haven’t seen your daughter yet?"

Before Madam Zhou could reply, a maid from outside announced the arrival of her daughter. Lady Du quickly turned to look.