“Chun Lan, has the Young Master’s new clothes, shoes, and socks been prepared? Zhao Momo is waiting to use them.”
“Hui Lan-jiejie1, it’s all prepared. We already sorted them out last night.”
“Is this the outfit the Mistress wanted? Make sure not to take the wrong one.”
“This time, the Sixth’s consort has been wronged; don’t keep anger in your heart. The Sixth has carried out this task well. Zhen originally intended for the Imperial Noble Consort to keep some people for him, but that rascal declined. He said that He Lian’shi’s matter has just passed, and if he hastily brought in new people to the household, she would overthink and wouldn’t be able to maintain her dignity in front of outsiders.”
“These subjects greet Your Highness,” the two Sirs Administrative Assistants of the Imperial Academy of Medicine arrived as planned. Upon entering, they were taken aback to find the Sixth Highness standing with hands behind his back, his back turned to them, admiring the blooming hibiscus in the vase.
“No need for formalities. Sirs, please have a seat.” Zong Zheng Lin told them to rise, but he didn’t turn around. Instead, he bent down and picked up the scissors, trimming the overly irregular and soft branches and leaves into a much neater and defined form. Upon a second glance, this hibiscus had taken on a new, refreshed appearance.
On the surface, Zong Zheng Lin and Mu Xi Yao appeared to have reached an agreement, but in reality, their standards of conduct differed. In the future, the Sixth Highness’s moral compass would gradually collapse, consumed by Mu Xi Yao’s ‘numerous misdeeds’.
“Your Highness.” With the matter settled Mu Xi Yao engaged in a serious conversation with Zong Zheng Lin about the gift for the little bun Cheng Qing’s first birthday, which had been ‘carried’ into the garden.
“If Jiao Jiao doesn’t understand, let Bendian explain it to you. After this episode, Jiao Jiao needs to remember it well, or else you will be punished.” Zong Zheng Lin’s face was expressionless as he caressed her cheek with his fingers. After a moment, he planted a soft kiss on it and then moved to her neck, sucking on her fair earlobe.
There was a hint of embarrassment in Mu Xi Yao’s expression. This man just couldn’t speak properly and had to flirt around.
“Mistress, the food in the kitchen is already prepared and ready. Shall we begin serving the meal now?” Gui Momo carried Cheng Qing into the room and relayed a message from a maid she had encountered on the way.
“Daddy!” Cheng Qing was overjoyed when he saw Zong Zheng Lin. He stretched out his little hands, wanting to be picked up.
Mu Xi Yao didn’t hear the little one calling for her. Her beautiful eyes narrowed. She immediately walked over, and took Zong Zheng Lin’s arm, secretly preventing him from picking up Cheng Qing.
With an expression of despair on his face, Tian Fu Shan held the guest list and passed through the second gate, only to unexpectedly run into the Sixth Highness, who had the authority to make decisions, coming from the opposite direction.
“What’s the matter?” Did Mu Xi Yao wrap up the discussion so quickly?
Hearing the Master’s matter-of-course order, Ye Kai couldn’t help but inwardly complain. Last time, he had made fun of Wei Zhen, and now he has received the retribution. It was his turn to offend these high-born noble ladies.
Bracing himself, Ye Kai pushed through the crowd and approached the Fourth Princess. He courteously paid his respects and truthfully conveyed the task assigned by His Highness.
Having obtained the rural estate that she had long coveted, Mu Xi Yao returned to Danruo Courtyard with a smug expression on her face. After making sure that she was properly attended to, Zong Zheng Lin turned and made his way to Chanruo Courtyard.
“If you’re ready, we’ll depart from the residence.” He Lian Min Min was dressed like a young lady of a common family. Though lacking the grandeur of a princess consort, she now exuded a more refined kind of beauty. Seeing her appropriately attired, Zong Zheng Lin summoned Tian Fu Shan to prepare the carriage.