The carriage came to a steady stop in front of the Duke's mansion, and the two returned to Shousong Hall together.

A row of evergreen pines stood in the courtyard, their snow falling softly to the ground. Suddenly, a loud "bang" was heard from inside.

The two women's expressions instantly turned serious. Li Shiyue lifted her skirt and walked to the corridor. Xu Yunci was about to go in when they heard a maid whisper from the corridor, "Fourth Master was here just now."

As if remembering something, Li Shiyue hurriedly stepped inside. Passing the screen, she walked to the east room, where she saw Granny Chang helping Old Madam Xu sit on the heated couch, Old Madam Xu's chest rising and falling.

Granny Chang gently stroked Old Madam Xu's chest with one hand. Old Madam Xu's eyes closed slightly, and she breathed out slowly.

The broken teacup on the carpet, the splattered tea leaves and water stains, and that particular patch of carpet was unusually dark in color.

Li Shiyue walked in and rushed forward, asking worriedly, "Grandmother?"

Xu Yunci followed closely behind, observing everything. With a deep gaze, he looked at Granny Chang, only to see Granny Chang shake her head almost imperceptibly.

Grandma Xu opened her eyes, her eyes reddening, and called out, "Jiaojiao, my Jiaojiao." Li Shiyue quickly reached out and pressed Grandma Xu's hand against her face: "Grandmother, I'm here."

"I'm back. I've seen Yuan Niang."

Seeing that Madam Xu didn't bring it up, Li Shiyue followed up by saying, "I saw her. My cousin was very kind and gave me a lot of things, saying that I should keep them for myself to play with."

"However, I also met the Emperor, who bestowed upon me the name 'Yan Yan'. The Emperor also wanted to adopt me as his goddaughter and confer upon me the title of princess."

"If my cousins ​​hadn't been there, I would have been terrified. I've never seen anything like this before."

As Li Shiyue spoke, she clung to Madam Xu's arm in a coquettish manner, seeking comfort in Madam Xu's embrace like a child.

Madam Xu remained expressionless, and finally raised her hand to stroke Li Shiyue's forehead with a smile.

"It's because my maternal grandmother's daughter, Jiaojiao, is so beautiful that even the emperor likes her."

Li Shiyue shook her head: "Jiaojiao doesn't want to be a princess, she just wants to stay by her grandmother's side and not go anywhere else."

Madam Xu reached out and hugged her: "Okay, you won't go anywhere. Just stay by your grandmother's side."

After finally appeasing Madam Xu, Li Shiyue went to the Bisha Pavilion to change her clothes.

Xu Yunci stepped forward and squatted down in front of Old Madam Xu. His phoenix eyes were calm as he called out, "Grandmother, Fourth Brother has come."

Madam Xu nodded, closed her eyes, and began to fiddle with the prayer beads in her hand.

"Do you know why Si Lang came to find me?"

"Given Shiro's character, it's not hard to guess that what could make his grandmother so angry is related to his cousin."

As soon as she finished speaking, Madam Xu opened her eyes, looked at Xu Yunci, and said, word by word, "Fourth Brother told me that he wants to marry Jiaojiao as his wife."

This answer was not unexpected; in fact, Xu Yunci had already guessed it.

The green gauze curtains were separated from the east room only by the desk placed in the west room and the alcove. Old Madam Xu's voice was faint and not very clear, but Li Shiyue still heard everything.

Madam Xu sighed and said, "Years ago, Madam Li was also worried that Jiaojiao would be bullied in the Earl's Mansion, so she discussed with me the idea of ​​arranging a marriage between Jiaojiao and a young man from the Xu family, but she did not specify which one."

"Firstly, I am worried that among the young men in the Xu family, there is one with the same character as Si Lang, who is not a good choice. Secondly, I am even more worried that Jiao Jiao will only have normal feelings for her brothers and sisters in the future, so I made these plans."

"I just didn't expect that after Jiaojiao had only been in the manor for one night, Silang would be so eager to come to me."

Upon hearing this, Xu Yunci understood why Old Madam Xu was so angry. Li Shiyue had only been in the mansion for one night, yet Xu Yunbo was already impatiently asking to marry her, without considering her character, preferences, or even her feelings. It was clear that he was lustful at first sight.

Even though he is the elder brother, he cannot discipline his younger brother's affairs in his room.

"Grandmother refused?"

Madam Xu snorted coldly: "Of course, he is not a good match for Jiaojiao."

She sighed softly and said, "Jiaojiao is so sensitive and cautious. Look at how badly the Liu mother and daughter went last night. She stood there alone, stubbornly refusing to shed a tear. It's as if I can see her being bullied like this when she was in the Yunyang Marquis's mansion."

"When I think about it, my heart feels heavy. Now that she's come to the Xu family, even if I feel sorry for her, how many more years can I have? If she passes away like her grandmother, how many people in the Xu family will truly care for her?"

Li Shiyue stood silently behind the niche, her eyes lowered. The cold wind blew the curtain, and a tear fell from her eye.

Chunling, standing behind her, took out a handkerchief and gently wiped Li Shiyue's cheeks. The little girl's eyes were also red, showing her concern for her young mistress.

"Si Lang, you should not wander around in the future. As the eldest brother, you should arrange more things for him."

"yes."

The sounds outside stopped, and Li Shiyue asked softly, "Can you tell?"

Chunling shook her head, and Li Shiyue straightened her clothes before leading Chunling out.

Now is not the time to ask. Li Shiyue came out with a smile, stretched out her hand and turned it around: "Is this a newly made dress? Aunt is so quick. I only mentioned it this morning when I paid my respects, and you already had it delivered."

She revealed her young daughter-like demeanor, wearing a brand-new light-colored brocade jacket with a plain design, which was the most suitable for her to wear during her current period of mourning.

"Your eldest aunt also sent over many patterned clothes, which will be just right to wear next month. After the mourning period ends before the New Year, you must dress nicely for New Year's Eve. Sixth Aunt wants to take you to set off fireworks."

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