Tong Minzhi's once chubby face had slimmed down considerably, yet her eyes, bearing some resemblance to Xiqiu's, remained bright and shimmering with intelligence. "I came secretly; no one noticed," she said, embracing Xiqiu. "Sister, don't worry. There are guests at the front, and Lady is busy talking. The maid guarding the second gate slipped away somewhere to be lazy, so I seized the opportunity to sneak in."
Xiqiu pulled her to sit on the rosewood chair and took the tea from Chunyan to hand to Tong Minzhi. "Is your health better? Did the teacher punish you for missing lessons?"
Tong Minzhi chuckled, lively and spirited. "Doesn't Sister know my studies well? Missing three to five days wouldn't be difficult, let alone half a year without attending. Thanks to Sister for my early education; the foundation is solid."
