Chapter 26: Indulging her desire for pleasure time and time again.

Li Yue'er was very upset. Putting aside the feelings she had developed over the years, from the current perspective, falling out with the mistress would do her no good at all.

It was getting colder and colder, so much so that even at midday when the sun was at its warmest, Li Yue'er already missed her mistress's body temperature. She wondered when she would be able to warm up the bed if she slept alone in the future.

Although the mistress was fastidious and picky, she allowed her to hold her after she had just bathed while she was wearing her outer clothes, and indulged her desires again and again.

The mistress even styled her hair herself this morning.

She didn't have to do that; she could have just given her the hairpin and told her to do it, and she would have obeyed. But the mistress still washed her hands and styled her hair.

Needless to say, things like tacitly allowing her to sleep in her bed until she naturally wakes up are also included.

Li Yue'er thought about setting aside emotions, but when she really thought about it, every single thing in her mind was devoid of self-interest.

She couldn't help but bend over, hug her knees, and squat on the ground to calm down.

Meng Xiaoxiao ran over immediately, "Sister Yue'er."

Aunt Qiu was so worried about Li Yue'er that she went and then returned.

When the two saw Li Yue'er squat down, they assumed she was injured and in pain, so they quickly came over to ask her what was wrong.

Li Yue'er's voice was muffled, "I'm heartbroken... about the hairpin that Xu Xinmei smashed."

She couldn't explain her relationship with the mistress to anyone, and even she herself couldn't figure out what her feelings for the mistress were. Now, all she could talk about was money and financial interests.

By using the pretense of feeling sorry for these mundane things, she can openly shed tears and vent her sadness.

At this moment, Li Yue'er seemed to understand the mistress who only wanted to talk to her about gold, silver, and worldly things.

Aunt Qiu gently stroked Li Yue'er's head with her palm, comforting her, "That jade hairpin doesn't look very good in color. It's fine if it's broken. Just consider it a peaceful break."

Meng Xiaoxiao squatted down, her forehead pressed against Li Yue'er's arm, and apologized while shedding tears, "It's all my fault, I shouldn't have bumped into her. If I hadn't bumped into her, the hairpin wouldn't have broken."

Li Yue'er wiped away her tears with the back of her hand, then tugged at her sleeve to wipe Meng Xiaoxiao's tears, "I know you did it to protect me, afraid that she would bully me."

Li Yue'er reached out and pinched Meng Xiaoxiao's cheek, forcing a smile first, "What is a hairpin compared to you? Don't cry anymore, or your face will crack."

The two of them couldn't even afford a box of face cream, so they had to keep their faces dry in winter.

Seeing Li Yue'er's lips curl into a smile, Meng Xiaoxiao's large, lake-like eyes finally lit up with laughter. She took out an egg from her bosom and handed it to her, saying, "I found this for you in the kitchen."

It was still warm.

Li Yue'er squatted down and ate the egg.

She felt much better once she had something in her stomach.

Aunt Qiu and Meng Xiaoxiao, fearing she might get hurt, looked her up and down again.

Li Yue'er felt a warmth in her heart and said with a smile, "It's really nothing, how could I really risk my life?"

Aunt Qiu breathed a sigh of relief and deliberately brought up some lighthearted good news, "It's good that she's alright. Now that she's gone, it'll be more comfortable for the two of you to live in the courtyard."

Li Yue'er didn't say anything after hearing this, but just smiled and silently agreed.

Actually, she and Meng Xiaoxiao should be able to move into the mistress's Songlan Hall tomorrow, if the mistress doesn't hold it against her.

But Li Yue'er couldn't be sure about this, so she didn't want to tell Aunt Qiu about the possible changes.

When it was time to eat, Li Yue'er went directly to the kitchen with Aunt Qiu and Meng Xiaoxiao to eat.

After finishing her meal, she didn't dare to delay her rest and quickly tidied herself up before going to Songxin Courtyard to find Su Rou.

Regardless of whether Su Rou is still waiting for her at Songxin Courtyard, she has to go and see for herself, and then apologize to Su Rou properly when she sees her.

After all, she took half a day off on the first day of teaching. If she were the teacher and Su Rou were the student, she would also be a little unhappy, feeling that the other party did not value the class or herself.

It's the mistress's business to inform her, but she should still show the proper attitude.

When Li Yue'er rushed to the main hall of Songxin Courtyard, she was surprised not to see Shi Yi guarding the entrance.

Li Yue'er began to feel uneasy, fearing that Su Rou might not come in the afternoon after waiting all morning.

She bit her lip, lifted her dress, and cautiously peeked into the hall.

Su Rou sat at the round table, resting her head on one hand and closing her eyes as if she were taking a nap.

Li Yue'er's eyes lit up instantly, but her movements became even lighter.

She found a chair far away, gently rested her bottom on the seat, and even her breathing and heartbeat were very quiet, so as not to disturb Sister Su's afternoon nap.

Li Yue'er wasn't afraid of waiting; she was only afraid that Su Rou wouldn't be willing to teach her.

About half an incense stick's time later, Li Yue'er, who was idly fidgeting with her fingers, heard Su Rou speak, "You're here?"

Li Yue'er quickly sat up straight and looked at Su Rou, only to find that the other woman's eyes were not open and her hand supporting her forehead was still in the same position.

Li Yue'er paused for a moment, then nodded in response and stood up, "Coming."

She stepped forward and bowed to Su Roufu, softly explaining what had happened that morning, "I..."

She had barely begun to speak when Su Rou opened her eyes and gently interrupted her, "I'm not interested in these things, and you don't need to explain them to me in detail. Get ready and get ready for class."

Su Rou ignored Li Yue'er and shut her mouth.

The class was held in the main hall, and the desk was the large round table in front of Su Rou.

Li Yue'er sat next to Su Rou and watched Su Rou take out the abacus and then arrange the writing brush, ink, paper and inkstone one by one.

Li Yue'er then noticed a long, square bamboo box on the round stool next to Su Rou, containing the things Su Rou needed.

Su Rou didn't say a word of idle chatter; once the items were arranged, she prepared to begin her lesson.

She was teaching housekeepers how to do accounts, not how to behave like a young lady. All they had to do was sit down. To this end, she even unfolded a soft-looking blanket and gently draped it over her legs.

Li Yue'er had never seen such a thing before, and she looked at it with a mixture of curiosity and doubt.

The mistress was fastidious and picky, but she didn't pay too much attention to these things, which is why Li Yue'er glanced at Su Rou a few more times.

When she noticed that Su Rou's gaze was fixed on her knees, Su Rou's face remained expressionless and she didn't say anything, but her eyes were slightly averted and her expression seemed a little unnatural.

Li Yue'er harbored suspicions.

Su Rou was once the legitimate daughter of the Minister's family and enjoyed excellent treatment. It's perfectly normal for her to just put a blanket on her knees today. What's so unnatural about her?

In the blink of an eye, Su Rou's expression returned to normal. "Let's start class."

Li Yue'er immediately focused on her studies.

Su Rou is a good teacher, very patient. When Li Yue'er doesn't understand something, she gently guides her to understand it, rather than directly stuffing the content into her brain.

Li Yue'er was also a good student, studying with focus and diligence. When Su Rou announced the end of get out of class, she looked up and realized that it was already getting dark outside.

Su Rou put the items away one by one.

Seeing that the bamboo box looked quite large and must be heavy, Li Yue'er thoughtfully offered, "I'll carry it and see you out."

Su Rou refused without even looking up, saying, "No need, someone is waiting for me."

Li Yue'er, "Huh?"

Li Yue'er subconsciously looked outside and, sure enough, spotted a figure shimmering in the light of the lantern under the eaves by the door.

When she and Su Rou walked outside, they saw that Shi Yi had arrived at some point.

Shi Yi stood with his back against a pillar, one leg on the ground and the other slightly bent, the toes of his shoes touching the ground and the soles lightly against the pillar. He stood quietly and patiently, his arms crossed and eyes lowered, bathed in the light of the lanterns overhead.

Upon seeing the two of them come out, Shi Yi stood up straight and looked at Su Rou first. As she reached out and took the bamboo box from Su Rou's palm, she also nodded slightly to Li Yue'er in greeting.

Li Yue'er was completely stunned.

Yesterday, Shi Yi treated her like air, ignoring her and leaving directly. Because of this, Dan Sha frowned and expressed her dissatisfaction, saying that he was arrogant and rude to her.

When we met again today, he actually nodded at me?!

Li Yue'er pursed her lips, her heart churning with indescribable emotions.

Su Rou's attitude towards her today was no different from yesterday, so naturally she wouldn't expect Shi Yi to treat her with the same courtesy just because they were very close.

The only thing that can make the timekeeping instrument change is—

Mistress.

It must be that the mistress, because she felt she wasn't valued, had someone specifically say something to Shiyi.

Li Yue'er stood blankly on the steps at the door, watching Su Rou and Shi Yi leave one after the other and then side by side, disappearing into the courtyard.

It was already dark, and she should have gone back to the courtyard by now. Putting aside where she would sleep that night, she should have gone back for dinner as well.

But Li Yue'er's feet seemed to be glued to the ground, and she couldn't lift them at all.

She bit her lip, took a deep breath, made up her mind, and turned around without hesitation to walk towards Songlan Hall behind her.

When she arrived, Dansha was waiting at the door. When she saw her coming, Dansha glanced at her and then lowered her gaze.

As Li Yue'er's initial impulse subsided, she regained her composure, her cheeks becoming slightly flushed.

She looked toward the room, which was closed but already lit, her gaze fixed on the closed door, but she was too embarrassed to move her feet any further.

Facing Dansha, who was quiet and reserved, Li Yue'er was more than happy to see Tenghuang, who was talkative and loved to tease her and the mistress, than Dansha.

If Fujiwara were standing here, she wouldn't even need to open her mouth. Fujiwara could tell her everything that happened to the mistress today, and explain in detail the mistress's current attitude and mood. This way, she would be mentally prepared and know how to deal with it when she goes in.

She glanced at Dansha several times, but Dansha only returned a small smile, showing no intention of starting a casual conversation.

Li Yue'er, "..."

She reasonably suspected that cinnabar was retaliating against her!

That was how she responded to Dansha that day, and today she returned the favor in kind.

Li Yue'er bit her lip, and just as she was about to steel herself and speak to Dan Sha, she saw the tightly closed door in front of her being opened from the inside, letting in light.

It's gamboge.

Li Yue'er was so moved that tears almost fell from her eyes.

Good heavens, it's Fujiki! Fujiki is here too!

Teng Huang was also very excited to see Li Yue'er!

She used to hold the tray with both hands, but now she uses one hand, deliberately leaving one hand free to slightly close the door.

Li Yue'er looked at her with confusion, but thinking of helping her, she took the initiative to step forward and take the tray from her hands.

Before she could even ask in a low voice, Teng Huang started shouting, "Oh dear, the mistress hasn't eaten all day and says she wants to eat peach gum and longan soup! Unfortunately, my stomach hurts so much that I can't bring it in. I wonder if anyone is willing to help me."

Li Yue'er stared wide-eyed at her performance, her face blank.

And wasn't this soup something she just took out from inside?

Gamboge, "Cinnabar, where's the cinnabar?"

Li Yue'er looked at Dansha, whose mouth had been covered by Teng Huang's tiptoe, and said, "..."

cinnabar,"……"

She didn't intend to call out either.

Teng Huang winked and gestured to Li Yue'er, indicating that she should go inside. "Ah, it's Miss Yue'er. Since you're here, could you please take this soup to the mistress for me?"

Li Yue'er, "..."

No wonder they closed the door earlier.

Before Li Yue'er could react, Teng Huang shoved her inside and closed the door behind her.

Li Yue'er, "..."

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Moon: This family will fall apart without you. [melted]

There should be another update tomorrow at 6 PM [shy]