Bingge was having fun in the room across the street, while the three sisters and Zheng Yuanyuan were sitting around the kang table talking.

Xu Tao said, "Ninth Sister, tomorrow is the Lantern Festival. Are you still going to the gate of the Ministry of War?"

Xu Zhi nodded and said, "Of course I'll go. My husband is locked up in prison and there's no news of him. What can a woman like me do at home? I'll be closer to my husband if I stand guard at the gate of the Ministry of War."

Xu Yao gently shook her head and said, "Everyone says that our Ninth Miss is a gentle person, but I think you are the most stubborn among us sisters."

Looking at Xu Zhi's calm expression, Xu Tao thought of her own childhood, when her third uncle and aunt had an accident, and Xu Zhi, a tiny bundle of panicked little things, was in her grandmother's room. She couldn't help but shake her head. Although a person's personality is formed at a very young age, their own experiences often have a great influence on their later personality.

Xu Zhi said nonchalantly, "I don't expect my actions to have any effect anymore. I'm just showing some people my attitude: I am Zheng Boyuan's wife, and I will follow my husband wherever he is."

Hearing Xu Zhi's words, Xu Tao's heart skipped a beat. She looked intently at Xu Zhi's carefree face and asked, "Ninth Sister, what if Ninth Sister's husband is exiled or banished?"

Xu Zhi smiled slightly and said, "Of course I will go with him. We will never be separated again. If he suffers, I will accompany him. If he endures hardship, I will accompany him."

Xu Yao looked surprised, shook her head, and said with a look of disapproval, "Ninth Sister, this concerns your entire life. You can't make such a hasty decision. I think we should go back to the Marquis's Mansion tomorrow and listen to the advice of our grandfather and father."

Xu Tao nodded in agreement. After hearing Xu Zhi's words, Zheng Yuanyuan kept her head down, her eyes red. She turned her head to secretly wipe the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief, and then gave a bright smile, saying, "Sister-in-law, it's getting late. The kitchen bought a few pounds of tender mutton this morning, and I see there are some leafy greens too. Let's have a hot pot."