Arc 2: Part 21
During the time when Xiao Lingchen was away from the mansion, Tong Su found herself with some free time.
Given Xiao Qingwan's fear of exposure, under normal circumstances, between the two of them, only one could leave the house, except when preparing meals for Xiao Lingchen.
Now, with the freezing cold and biting wind, Xiao Qingwan was even more reluctant to move. She preferred to cuddle up to the warm stove and catch a few winks on the couch. When Tong Su mentioned she wanted to go to the kitchen to prepare something to eat, she waved her off.
Of course, she had to disguise herself as Xiao Qingwan.
Tong Su didn't mind.
Now, it was November, close to the beginning of winter. The year seemed particularly cold and early snowflakes were already falling. As she moved around the Xiao mansion, she noticed the guards outside had red faces from the freezing temperatures.
"Butler, this little money for charcoal heaters isn't a problem. Even if my brother asks us to save money to help with the snow disaster, this isn't much. If everyone got sick from the cold, that would really worry him!"
The butler listened to her admonishment but laughed heartily, saying again and again. "Exactly, young miss, please lecture them! I've said the same thing, but they insist they're trained soldiers who are not afraid of the cold, and that they should prioritize the Taifu — well, they're all stubborn men, so I can't win the argument!"
"What's the cost of charcoal heaters compared to the allowance my sister and I receive each month? Deduct it from my account, let everyone warm up first. We don't have to tell my brother when he comes back. He's busy. For such minor matters in the mansion, I can make a decision."
Tong Su gave a series of instructions, "Also, purchase more lamb. In winter, drinking lamb soup is warming. Get ready quickly; I'll cook it myself."
"This... How can we trouble you, young miss?"
"Enough talking, just prepare!"
After a busy day in the palace, Xiao Lingchen was walking back to the mansion with Little Thirteen, both feeling mentally and physically exhausted.
Xiao Thirteen queried, "Sir, what do you think Prince He Lian is after, coming here?"
"What else could it be? He's concerned about losing power, and is looking for some support. Ideally, he wants to form an alliance. It's either with me or with a member of the extended family. It depends on which camp he chooses."
With closed eyes, Xiao Lingchen made his point in a soft voice.
"If he is keen, he would invite me to the winter hunting event which is in half a month."
If Prince He Lian were here, he'd surely be shocked. Xiao Lingchen had guessed most of his thoughts in just two sentences. However, Xiao Lingchen did miss one point:
For Prince He Lian, who favors beautiful women, a marital alliance would be the perfect choice.
And if the person he marries is beautiful, that would be even better!
"Sir, how should we proceed with our arrangements..."
As they were talking, the carriage quietly entered the Xiao mansion. Before they even got out, they smelled the strong and spicy fragrance wafting in the air.
The cold wind chilled their bones, but the spicy and delicious aroma seemed to warm up their bodies.
Little Thirteen's stomach suddenly growled loudly. His face turned an awkward red as he pretended to cover it up, exclaiming, "Who's cooking lamb soup? It smells so good!"
Xiao Lingchen had an idea and lifted the carriage curtain to take a look.
At that moment, someone was slowly approaching, carefully directing several people carrying a large pot behind her.
"Be careful when carrying it. Don't spill it — everyone, come quickly! The lamb soup is ready! There's still a lot in the pot. You can have a few more bowls after finishing, adding pepper, Sichuan pepper, salt, sugar, green onions, and cilantro according to your preferences."
Amidst the noisy surroundings, Xiao Lingchen couldn't hear anything else. The white steam in the soup pot enveloped her slender figure, while she stirred the soup with a serious expression on her face.
Although it had only been half a month since they had last seen each other, he felt as if it had been a long time. He felt a mixture of anticipation, happiness, and delight.
And, when he saw her scooping the soup for others with a warm smile—
There was an indescribable, dark feeling deep within his heart.
Jealousy.
No comments:
Post a Comment