During the time that Xiao Lingchen was away from the mansion, Tongsu had some free time.

Because Xiao Qingwan was afraid of being exposed, under normal circumstances, only one of them could go out, except when she needed to prepare meals for Xiao Lingchen.

The weather was freezing cold, and the wind was biting. Xiao Qingwan was even more reluctant to move. She just wanted to snuggle up on the daybed with the heater and take a nap. Tong Su said she was going to the kitchen to think about what to eat, so she waved her hand and let her go.

Of course, she also had to disguise herself as her own appearance.

Tong Su didn't mind.

It's November now, almost the time of Minor Snow, but this year it's unusually cold early, and snowflakes have already started to fall. As she walked around the Xiao residence, she noticed that the guards on duty outside had faces red from the cold.

"Butler, what is this little bit of money for the charcoal brazier? My brother asked us to save money to help with the snow disaster relief. It's not a big deal. It would be more worrying for my brother if everyone got sick from the cold!"

Hearing her scolding, the steward laughed heartily and said repeatedly, "Yes, Miss, you should scold them! That's what I told everyone, but they insisted that they were martial arts experts, not afraid of the cold, and that the Grand Tutor should be respected—alas, they're all barbarians, I can't argue with them!"

“How much is the money for the charcoal brazier? It’s less than the monthly allowance for my sister and me! Just take it from my account and use it to warm everyone up. You don’t need to tell my brother when he comes back; he’s busy. I can still make decisions about the small matters in the manor.”

Tong Su gave a series of instructions: "Also, buy more mutton. It's cold in winter, and mutton soup will warm you up. Hurry up and prepare it. I'll cook it myself."

"This—how could I trouble you, young lady?"

"Stop talking nonsense and get ready!"

Exhausted from finishing his business in the palace, Xiao Lingchen was walking back to his residence with Xiao Shisan.

Xiao Shisan asked, "My lord, what do you think Prince Helian is here for?"

"What else could it be? He's worried about the reduction of the power of the princes and wants to find help. It would be best if they could form an alliance. It's either me or his maternal relatives. It depends on which camp he chooses."

Xiao Lingchen closed his eyes to rest, and spoke softly upon hearing the sound.

"The winter hunt is in half a month. If he wants to, he will ask me to go with him."

If Prince Helian were here, he would surely be greatly alarmed. Xiao Lingchen had guessed most of his thoughts in just two short sentences—however, there was one thing Xiao Lingchen hadn't guessed:

For Prince Helian, who has a penchant for beautiful women, marriage is the best option for forming alliances.

If the marriage partner is a beauty, that would be even better!

"Sir, what do you think of our arrangements..."

As they were talking, the carriage quietly entered the Xiao residence. Before they even got out of the carriage, they could smell a strong, spicy aroma wafting over.

The cold wind chilled me to the bone, but the spicy and savory aroma warmed my body as it entered my stomach.

Xiao Shisan's stomach suddenly growled loudly. His dark face flushed red with embarrassment, and he called out, trying to cover it up, "Who's cooking mutton soup? It smells so good!"

Xiao Lingchen's heart stirred, and he lifted the carriage curtain to look outside.

Just then, someone slowly approached from a distance, carefully directing several people carrying large pots behind them.

"Be careful with your hands, don't spill it—come quick, everyone, the mutton soup is ready! There's still a lot left in the pot, so if you've finished, you can go and scoop out a few more bowls. Add whatever you like: pepper, Sichuan peppercorn powder, salt, sugar, chopped green onions, chopped coriander."

The surrounding noise was deafening, but Xiao Lingchen could hear nothing. Steam rose from the soup pot, and her slender figure was faintly visible as she stirred the soup intently.

Although it had only been half a month, he felt as if he hadn't seen her for a long time, filled with anticipation, joy, and delight.

And, seeing her smilingly ladling soup for others.

That lingering feeling in my heart, so dark and indescribable.

envy.