She was not stupid. She could see Qi’er’s nervous concern, but she truly did not need it.
“Master, you’re back. The family head’s courtyard just sent someone to request—”
“I know.”
Interrupting Qi’er’s joyful words, Xu Wanzhi entered the room, removed her outer garment, let down her hair, and directly lay on the cool couch.
Qi’er wanted to speak again, but Xu Wanzhi pointed to the green bean soup on the table: “Please pass me this soup.”
Hearing the word “please”, Qi’er hurriedly brought the soup, no longer speaking, silently waiting for her to finish drinking, then took the bowl out.
The cool couch was by the window, from where one could see the tall jujube tree outside, swaying and creating patches of light. Xu Wanzhi had nothing to do and was unusually unable to sleep. Hearing footsteps, she commanded: “Qi’er, bring a stool and sit. Let’s talk.”
“Yes.”
Qi’er sat awkwardly on a low stool by the bed. Xu Wanzhi turned and propped herself up, first asking: “What does your master – me – usually like to do?”
Thinking for a moment, Qi’er replied: “The young master usually reads books, tends flowers, or cuts clothes for the family head and young master. Sometimes plays the zither, paints, visits the young master’s courtyard, and previously would visit the old master’s courtyard to pay respects and learn etiquette…”
“You also often remember the family head, making soup and sending it over.”
Xu Wanzhi fell back on the couch, sighing: “I’m quite diverse! Go fetch me a book to look at.”
“Yes.”
The previous master Xu Wan also loved books.
Lotus Flower Collection??
Puzzled by the title, Xu Wanzhi opened it and immediately felt overwhelmed.
Not to mention the unfamiliar characters, after deciphering them, she realized they were introspective poems. After reading two poems, she was cross-eyed. Giving up on learning ancient culture, she propped herself up and told Qi’er: “Go rest. Don’t mind me. I haven’t slept enough, and don’t wake me.”
Qi’er was interrupted again, with a cold female voice emerging from the shadowy doorway: “So, what kind of life does my husband want?”
