"Snowy really shouldn't have gone to such expense," Madam Mo sighed, though she looked touched. She turned to her son. "And you... she is a girl living on her own; why didn't you stop her?"
"Mother, this is Snowy's way of showing her affection," Mo Zhanchen replied with a smile.
Lixia looked at the high-quality silk gown—a beautiful blend of white and blue with a modern, elegant cut. "Mother, since it's Sister-in-law's heart, don't blame Brother. We are one family, after all."
"Only our Li'er knows exactly what to say," Madam Mo smiled.
"I'll prepare some gifts and visit her in a couple of days," Lixia added.
"That's a good idea. I wonder if her cold is fully cured?"
"She's recovered, Mother. Don't worry," Zhanchen assured her. Madam Mo finally relaxed and had the servants distribute the new clothes to everyone's courtyards.
Soon, Nanny Guirong brought in the iced watermelon. "Young Master, have some to cool down." As the family sat together, a guard arrived with a message: Mo Wushang had urgent business and wouldn't return for dinner, but he told them not to worry.
"If your father says it's fine, we won't wait," Madam Mo said. "Li'er, is the food ready? I'm eager to taste your black bean sauce noodles."
"It's ready. Xiqiu, bring in the noodles!"
Noodles and Night Walks
Mo Zhanchen ate quickly and left, likely to gather news about the political situation in the palace. Meanwhile, Lixia's Zhajiangmian was a massive hit. Madam Mo, usually so disciplined, actually ate two bowls. She ended up so full that Lixia had to walk her and Mochen around the garden for half an hour before she dared let her mother return to her room.
Afterward, Lixia went to Mochen's courtyard.
"Are you adjusting well to the academy, Chen'er?"
Mochen, playing with A'Mu, nodded. "It's good. Most of the students are from noble families and have excellent manners. Besides, once they hear I'm the son of General Mo, they treat me very well. However..."
"However what?"
"There are always a few arrogant ones. But I just ignore them," Mochen said sensibly.
Lixia felt a pang of pride and gently ruffled his hair. "It's wise to keep your distance from such people. But remember, if someone intentionally bullies you, you don't have to endure it. Understand?"
"I understand, Master."
"Have you been keeping up with your medical studies?"
"I brought my books with me! I study whenever I have free time."
"Learning is good, but don't overwork yourself," Lixia advised. "I don't expect you to become a high official. I just hope you can achieve greatness in medicine."
Mochen nodded firmly. Lixia reached out to pat his head again but stopped when she realized she had just mussed his neatly combed hair. She laughed softly; her little disciple was growing up.
"By the way, Master is taking you somewhere tomorrow."
"Where?"
"To your Grandmaster's pharmacy. I've never been there myself."
Before leaving, Lixia checked on Mochen's new staff. He now had a guard named Haoyang and a pageboy.
"Miss, Chuyao (Hoeing Herbs) says the Little Master gave him that name to 'match the profession'," Xiqiu whispered.
Lixia burst out laughing. She realized her modern terminology was rubbing off on the boy.
The Visit to the Shop and a New Rival
The next morning, Mo Zhanchen dropped Lixia and Mochen off at Leng Xue's shop on his way to meet friends at Julong Zhai.
"Brother, aren't you going in to see Sister-in-law?"
"Not now. I'll come when I pick you up this afternoon. Go on, get inside."
"Be careful, Brother," Mochen chirped. "Godmother said you should drink less!"
"I know, I know!" Zhanchen laughed as his carriage pulled away.
Inside the shop, the maid Xichun spotted them. "Miss Mo! Please, come in! My lady is in the backyard."
Leng Xue was in her workroom, finishing an urgent embroidery order. Hearing they had arrived, she hurried to the sitting room.
"Sister-in-law!"
"Li'er... and this must be Mochen?" Leng Xue greeted them warmly. "Sit, sit! I saw the measurements Zhanchen gave me, but I was worried the clothes wouldn't fit. They look perfect on you, Mochen."
Mochen grinned. "I love the clothes, Sister-in-law. Thank you!"
"Such a polite boy. No wonder Uncle Mo and Aunt Ye adore you. From now on, I'll handle all your clothes!" Leng Xue turned to Lixia. "What brings you here today, Li'er?"
"Mother was worried about you and sent me to check in."
"Aunt Ye is so kind. I'm much better now, thanks to your advice about the medicine," Leng Xue said, pouring them tea. Lixia noticed the faint dark circles under her eyes.
"Are you doing all the embroidery yourself, Sister-in-law?"
"No, I have seamstresses for most of it. But occasionally there are high-end orders, like wedding robes for noble families, that require a personal touch." Leng Xue sighed, a trace of worry crossing her face.
"Is something wrong?"
Xichun, the maid, chimed in. "Miss Mo, you don't know. A new clothing shop opened diagonally across from us two months ago. Their designs are novel, and their prices are very low. They even give out little trinkets and accessories every few days to lure in the noble ladies. It's hurting our business quite a bit."