The atmosphere in the room suddenly became strange.
“If it weren’t for mother’s sake, even a hundred words from me wouldn’t matter.” Qi Yue laughed, using her chopsticks to pick up a piece of vegetarian fried golden sparrow to change the subject. “Mother, try this dish.”
Madam Xie didn’t accept it, neither warmly nor coldly.
“I don’t like eating this.” She said.
Qi Yue’s hand, halfway through serving the dish, stopped awkwardly.
Ridiculous—if she didn’t like it, why would the kitchen make it?
“Yes, I didn’t know.” Qi Yue smiled and put it back. “Then what does mother like to eat?”
Madam Xie didn’t even lift her eyelids.
“You don’t even know what I like to eat. Your efforts are quite insufficient.” She said indifferently.
Well then…
“Yes, I’ll try harder. Will mother give me a chance?” Qi Yue smiled.
Madam Xie put down her chopsticks and looked up at her.
“Then let me tell you the first thing.” She said, “I love quiet and can’t stand noise, especially you always laughing like that—it irritates me just watching.”
Qi Yue wanted to roll her eyes. You’re not irritated by my laughter; you’re irritated by the sight of me…
“Yes.” Qi Yue suppressed her smile. “Thank you for the instruction, mother.”
Madam Xie looked at her.
“Now you look all wronged, as if I’ve mistreated you.” She frowned.
Qi Yue switched to a slight smile.
“Mother, why don’t we eat first? After the meal, mother can teach me more? Since I’m slow to understand, it wouldn’t be good to delay mother’s meal.” She said with a smile.
“Seeing you like this, I have no appetite.” Madam Xie sighed.
The maids around stood with lowered heads, trying to make themselves invisible.
“Here’s what we’ll do.” Madam Xie said, “Since you have good intentions, I can’t refuse to give you face. Nanny Su.”
She called out.
Nanny Su came in from outside.
“She once served as an etiquette instructress in the palace and is thoroughly familiar with deportment and such. Why don’t you go learn from her?” Madam Xie said to Qi Yue, “Of course, don’t feel troubled by this.”
“Not troubled at all.” Qi Yue said with a smile, walking to Nanny Su. “Then I’ll have to trouble Nanny Su.”
Nanny Su smiled and said she wouldn’t dare, gesturing for Qi Yue to follow as she led her out.
Only then did Madam Xie pick up her chopsticks, with a satisfied smile.
Since you want to pretend, I’ll help you succeed. You delivered yourself to my door.
“Give me that fried golden sparrow.” She said.
A maid quickly served it to her.
When Qi Yue returned to her room, it was already very late.
She collapsed onto the bed face-first.
“What’s wrong?” Chang Yuncheng hurried over to ask, sitting down beside her.
Seeing him sit down, A’Ru quickly led the maids out.
“My face is tired…” Qi Yue said in a muffled voice.
Chang Yuncheng reached out to pull her up.
“Come, let me massage it for you.” He said.
Qi Yue didn’t move.
“Mother is willing to instruct you now—this is her kindness…” Chang Yuncheng said hesitantly.
Qi Yue laughed, turning over to sit up and lean against him.
Chang Yuncheng happily arranged her properly in his arms.
“Don’t worry, I understand. I won’t carelessly show mother a sour face.” Qi Yue said, lifting her head to kiss his stubbled chin. “You know me, I know you—so neither of us feels wronged.”
Chang Yuncheng lowered his head to kiss her lips.
This time there was no storm—just gentle rain and soft wind. It was a long time before Qi Yue suddenly broke away.
Chang Yuncheng, who had been enjoying himself, was displeased at being interrupted and reached out to pull the woman back.
“I forgot to mention—I plan to perform surgery on Yan’er tomorrow. I need to tell her to fast in the morning.” Qi Yue quickly stood up.
“That kind of thing can be handled by a maid.” Chang Yuncheng pulled her back with force, making her fall onto his lap.
Qi Yue pressed against his shoulders.
“No good. This kind of thing would scare everyone, big and small, so they couldn’t sleep. I need to explain it properly to them, otherwise the patient will have too much psychological pressure.” She said.