She sat at a roadside tea stall with a storyteller until the lanterns were lit.
As summer’s heat dissipated, the streets grew livelier than in the afternoon.
An Jiu spotted Li Ting in the bustling crowd. Unlike the morning, he wasn’t in a sedan chair but walking among the people, followed by a fourth-rank martial artist leading two horses.
Li Ting approached a candy figurine vendor, who greeted him familiarly. He bought two candy figurines, carefully wrapped them after passing through the crowd, then mounted his horse and left.
Galloping was forbidden within the city. Li Ting’s pace wasn’t fast; An Jiu could easily keep up on foot. This method was much quicker than a sedan chair. Eager to return home, he even took a shortcut through a small alley.
An Jiu followed him into his residence, quietly perching in a tall ginkgo tree in the courtyard.
Madam Li was already waiting at the second gate. Seeing Li Ting enter, she stepped forward to greet him, and they walked together towards the dining hall. Like in the morning, they didn’t speak much, but the atmosphere was warm and natural.
As they neared the dining hall, two small figures darted out like joyful birds. The older child called out “Father” in a clear voice, hugging Li Ting’s leg. The younger one, still unsteady on his feet, toddled over, calling “Grandfather” in a baby voice.
“What kind of aunt are you? You don’t know how to take care of your nephew. You have no ladylike manners at all!” Li Ting scolded with a stern face, though his eyes betrayed his amusement.
The little toddler also wobbled over to hug his other leg.
The children weren’t afraid of his mock scolding. Their big eyes blinked at him expectantly, and he pulled out the candy figurines from his sleeve, giving one to each child.
The children cheered as they took the candies and ran back inside.
Madam Li lightly chided, “You bought these trifles again. Eating them at night will ruin their teeth!”
Li Ting smiled and deflected, “I won’t buy them next time.”
“You say that every time,” Madam Li grumbled. “Shu’er will be of marriageable age in a few years. It’s bad enough that you’ve spoiled her character, but if she has rotten teeth, who would want her…”
Li Ting quietly took her hand and squeezed it, laughing it off. “I’ll change next time. Let’s eat first.”
Madam Li blushed and withdrew her hand, softly scolding, “Shameless old man.”
A group of maids and servants stifled their laughter.
The eldest son and daughter-in-law came out to greet them, and the family entered the dining hall together.
An Jiu stared blankly at this scene until only maids carrying dishes remained in the courtyard.
Laughter and chatter drifted from inside.
An Jiu sneaked into the study. As expected, Li Ting came here after dinner to review the official documents he had brought back from the yamen. He returned to his room to wash up and sleep only when it was close to midnight.
As the lights went out, An Jiu sensed a familiar presence nearby. She silently left the Li residence.
After climbing over the wall, she looked towards the shadows and saw Chu Dingjiang leaning against the wall with folded arms, watching her.
“Envious watching others eat as a family?” Chu Dingjiang smiled, pulling out a paper package from his chest and tossing it to her.
An Jiu caught it. Inside was something warm and soft. She opened it to find four plump steamed buns.
She crouched down beside him in the shadows and began eating voraciously.
After finishing, she wiped her mouth and stood up, declaring haughtily, “Don’t think you can buy me four buns.”
“Would eight be enough?” Chu Dingjiang teased.
“Don’t measure my worth by your standards!” An Jiu crumpled the oily paper into a ball and stuffed it into his arms.