Du Mansion, Lianfu Garden.
Mrs. Shen Changgen stood under the big banyan tree in the courtyard, exchanging pleasantries with Nanny Xu while directing a group of maids to arrange pots of chrysanthemums with Lanzhi.
Nanny Xu was full of smiles; Du Yunluo's foot had healed, and Du Yunying's fingers were no longer a problem. The bandage was removed, revealing her delicate and tender fingers. The old madam was delighted, playing leaf card games with the ladies inside, constantly laughing, so Nanny Xu had the time to chat with Mrs. Shen Changgen.
Mrs. Shen Changgen pointed at the pot of golden chrysanthemums under the veranda, saying, "They just bloomed last night, so radiant. Madam saw them this morning and said to bring them to the old madam. It's been too hot this year. Normally, we'd have some autumn breeze by now, but this year it's just like July."
