If he wanted, even if she escaped back to the courtyard, he could still drag her back.

but--

He looked at the small, white handkerchief in his hand.

After a pause, he inexplicably picked it up and brought it to his nose.

Instantly, a unique fragrance emanating from the woman wafted into my nostrils.

He was stunned for a moment.

Realizing what he was doing, a blush rose on his handsome face. He quickly removed the handkerchief, his sensual lips pressed tightly together, and he was on the verge of exploding with rage, unsure of who to be angry at.

After a long while, he looked at the handkerchief in his hand, wanting to throw it away, but then, remembering something, he clenched it tightly in his palm.

After leaving Xie Jingrun behind, Rong Qingqing ran back to Qinfang Garden and was pleasantly surprised to see that Xiao Tao had returned.

"Miss." Xiao Tao immediately came forward, looking at her happily.

"When did you get back? Is my grandmother feeling better?" Rong Qingqing was just as happy to see her, but she didn't forget to ask about the health of the old lady Rong.

"I just got back a little while ago. The old lady is almost fully recovered, and Sister Bai Shao has also returned. The old lady was worried that you would be left without anyone to help you, so she sent me back first," Xiao Tao replied.

"That's good." Rong Qingqing was relieved. She thought that after attending the banquet at the Prime Minister's residence tomorrow, she would send Xing'er and Hong'er back to their grandmother's side.

"By the way, Miss, what happened to Tao'er?" Xiao Tao asked.

"She wasn't feeling well." Rong Qingqing didn't go into details. "Have you gone to her room to check on her? Is she feeling better now?"

"Yes, I just came out of her room," Xiao Tao said, frowning. "But for some reason, Tao'er doesn't really talk to me." She felt a little strange and disappointed.

"Something happened to her, please be understanding and don't hold it against her," Rong Qingqing advised.

"I know," Tao'er nodded, but she was still a little disappointed.

Because her name was similar to Tao'er's, she and Tao'er had a good relationship when they were in the Rong family. When she learned that Tao'er had been sold off by Madam Chen, she was worried and sad. Now that they had finally met, she found that Tao'er had changed, and she couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.

But the young lady said that something had happened to Tao'er, and she should indeed be understanding towards her.

Thinking of this, she felt relieved.

Rong Qingqing thought for a moment and went to Tao'er's room. She saw Tao'er lying on the bed, looking listless, and gently advised her, "Tao'er, the weather outside is nice. You should go outside and move around a bit. Otherwise, staying cooped up in the room all the time will not be good for your condition."

When Tao'er saw her come in, she quickly stood up and said, "This servant greets Miss."

Rong Qingqing waved her hand, "No need for formalities. But listen to me, go out more during the day. Now that Xiao Tao is back, you'll have company."

Tao'er knew that she had come in specifically to persuade her, and her heart warmed. She said gratefully, "Thank you, Miss. I understand. I will go out and do chores."

Rong Qingqing smiled and said, "I'm not asking you to do any work, but some exercise is good for you. You can decide for yourself."

Tao'er smiled and said, "This servant understands."

"That's good." Rong Qingqing gave her a few more instructions before returning to her own room.

The next day.

Rong Qingqing took Xiao Tao out the door.

Unexpectedly, they ran into Xie Jingyi, who was also going out, outside the door.