In the east courtyard of Hongli's backyard, Xueying and A'luo were doing needlework together. The two sat at a lacquered table and chairs in the east courtyard, where a gentle breeze would occasionally blow by, bringing a moment of coolness.

"Master, you should go inside. It's windy outside. Your health hasn't been very good since you came from the Northwest. It wouldn't be good if you caught a cold outside." A'Luo threaded her needle, glanced up at Xueying who was concentrating on her embroidery, and gritted her teeth as the wind picked up again, offering her suggestion.

Xueying shook her head: "What's this little breeze? The wind in the Northwest is much stronger than this." Her tone was very calm, like a piece of calligraphy slowly drawn on rice paper, with a hint of reluctance.

A Luo knew that her master missed the days in the Northwest very much.

That's why A'luo insisted, "Master, I can do these chores myself. How can I let you suffer?" She stopped and looked at Xueying, a hint of grievance flashing in her eyes.

Xueying shook her head again. She looked at A'luo and smiled slightly, saying, "Making it yourself is still different. The main wife is pregnant now." She paused here, glanced at her own belly, and continued, "Her belly is so big. She must be about to give birth. I'll make some baby bibs and clothes and send them over to show my appreciation."

Enough, she continued embroidering on her own, oblivious to the hurt in A'Luo's eyes.

A'Luo pondered this over and over. Her mistress was so kind, even personally doing needlework for the mistress in the main courtyard, but what was the Prince doing? Since returning from the Northwest, he had completely ignored his mistress! The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. A'Luo slammed her things on the table and said sullenly, "Since returning, the Prince hasn't come to see the mistress. Mistress, aren't you worried at all?"

Upon hearing this, Xueying's eyes flashed, and her hand swerved. The needle, which should have been obedient, malfunctioned and pierced her finger. She groaned softly in pain, clutching her finger, looking somewhat helpless.

A'Luo hurriedly grabbed Xueying's hand to check her injuries, tears welling up in her eyes. As she looked, she apologized to Xueying, "Master, it's all A'Luo's fault. A'Luo shouldn't have said those things to you." As she spoke, she was about to slap herself.

At first, Xueying was still in a daze. When A'luo mentioned the person she held dear and respected, she recalled the rare and beautiful memories between them, memories that gave her redemption in her pain.

When she heard the "smack," she snapped out of her daze. What came into view was A'Luo's swollen cheek and her hand raised high as if to fall again. Xueying's heart softened, and she reached out and grabbed A'Luo's hand, gently shaking her head at her.

"Master," A'Luo slumped into her seat, and Xueying softly comforted her, "I'm fine."

"It's nothing, it doesn't look like nothing at all! Master, please go inside. Even if you need to make clothes for her, there's no rush. She's still three months away from giving birth!" A'Luo stopped Xueying from picking up her needle and thread again.

Xueying thought for a moment. Her hand was injured, and it might ruin one of the drawings. She decided to wait until her hand healed before finishing the rest. So she agreed to A'luo's suggestion, asking A'luo to help her pack up, and went inside to rest.