While Ye Qingwan and Nanny Guirong were deep in discussion about which fabric patterns would suit a new gown, Mo Lixia slipped away to the back courtyard.
"Miss!" Her maids, Xiqiu and Hongshang, moved to follow her, but Lixia raised a hand to stop them. "Stay here. If Mother asks, tell her I went to fetch Sister-in-law."
"Yes, Miss."
Lixia crept toward the sitting room. The door was slightly ajar. She caught a glimpse of her brother and Leng Xue talking softly—more specifically, her brother's hand was gently cupping Leng Xue's face.
Lixia's eyes widened in surprise. So, ancient people aren't as conservative as the history books say! She watched for a beat too long until Leng Xue noticed her.
"Cough... Sister Li'er? Why are you there?"
"Ah... um... I, uh..." Lixia stuttered, trying to laugh it off.
"You little rascal," Mo Zhanchen shook his head helplessly, his voice full of doting affection.
As they bid farewell to Leng Xue, Lixia took a lingering look at the pharmacy next door. Its name, "Kirin Pharmacy," flashed in her mind. There was something about it that piqued her curiosity.
On the way home, Ye Qingwan noticed her daughter looking out of the carriage window at the bustling streets. She mistook Lixia's curiosity for longing. "Li'er, if you see something you like, I'll take you down to look. There's a jewelry shop ahead."
Lixia shook her head with a soft smile. "Another day, Mother. It's getting late." She didn't want her mother to overexert herself; Ye Qingwan's health still required careful nurturing.
"Very well," the Madam patted her hand, then called out to the front. "Zhanchen, stop by Julong Zhai and buy some pastries for your sister. She loved them when she was small."
"Yes, Mother!"
The Gathering at Julong Zhai
While the Mo family carriage passed by, a group of elegantly dressed young men sat in a private room on the second floor of Julong Zhai.
Tang Chuwu, the son of Minister Tang, swirled a cup of wine and looked at the man by the window. "I heard the General's lost daughter has returned. Mo Wushang is reportedly doting on her quite excessively."
The man by the window, Prince Su (Yi Lingfeng), didn't turn around immediately. When he did, his features revealed a sharp, aristocratic pride. His eyebrows were like swords, and his gaze was cold, save for a fleeting tenderness when he looked at the woman in white sitting beside him.
The woman was Beiye Yinman, the daughter of the Prime Minister and the "First Talented Woman" of the Capital. She smiled gracefully, showing neither pride nor bashfulness at the Prince's attention. Beside her sat her brother, Beiye影, who knew his sister was as ambitious as she was beautiful.
"Brother Chuwu," Prince Su said, his voice dripping with disdain. "The rumors in the streets are quite clear. That girl grew up as a savage in the mountains... how good can she be?"
Prince Su's heart was full of bitterness. He was still frustrated that his previous plot had failed—the "useless person" (the Emperor) had somehow returned alive despite such a grievous wound.
"I agree," Beiye影 sneered. "A girl like that will only bring shame to the General. No noble in the Capital would dare marry a mountain savage. It's better this way."
"I heard," Prince Su added, his eyes narrowing, "that she brought a child back with her?"
"My Lord, I understand," a shadow guard whispered from the corner before vanishing into thin air. The group shared a cold, knowing smile.
The Heart of the Home
Back at the manor, a heavy iron stove was delivered to Lixia's courtyard.
"Did Father have this made?" Lixia looked at the stove, which was an exact replica of the one her Master had used in the mountains.
"Miss, the General had the military blacksmiths forge this. The craftsmanship is superior. See if anything needs changing," Steward Mo explained.
"It's perfect!" Lixia was delighted.
Feeling a surge of inspiration, she had Xiqiu fetch ingredients from the main kitchen. She wanted to cook a real meal. Soon, the aroma of Soy-Braised Beef with Baby Potatoes, Mushroom and Pork Belly with Radishes, and Spicy Peppercorn Chicken filled the air.
"Miss, it smells incredible!" the maids exclaimed.
"Take it to Mother's courtyard," Lixia said, untying her apron. "They haven't tasted my cooking yet."
Mo Wushang returned home early that day. His face was grim from court politics, but as soon as he reached the gates of the inner courtyard, the heavenly scent of spices hit him. His somber expression melted into a wide grin.
"Hahaha! It seems my daughter is treating us today!"