Qiao Dongzi returned during dinner that evening.

When Qiao Dongzi learned that Mu Run had come to the Fu residence, he made a special trip over to greet her, saying, "Welcome back to the residence, Madam."

"Madam?" Mu Run smiled and said, "Why don't you call me sister-in-law anymore?"

"In the mountain stronghold, we call her Sister-in-law, but once she enters the Fu family mansion, she becomes the matriarch of the Fu family, so naturally we should call her Madam. Otherwise, if others hear us calling her Sister-in-law, they might think I'm the eldest brother's brother."

"Isn't that right?" Mu Run had always regarded him as Fu Yunchen's brother, and he was also the head of the Punishment Hall in Bianyun Village.

Qiao Dongzi said, "We are brothers, but this is the capital. The eldest brother is an official of the imperial court, and I am his personal attendant. These are all nominal identities. We are just putting on an act. We understand the true relationship in our hearts, and we will not become estranged because of a title."

"Fine, I don't really care what you call me. The food's ready, I'll go call your boss," Mu Run said nonchalantly.

Qiao Dongzi corrected, "You should call him 'Master' or 'Lord'."

Mu Run: "...Alright, alright, it's really awkward to call you adults."

Mo Xiaowan returned carrying a basket of berries. Upon seeing Qiao Dongzi, she called out sweetly, "Third Brother Qiao, you're back."

"Yes. Xiao Wan, for now you will be Madam's maid. You must call her 'Sister-in-law Madam.' Be mindful of etiquette and manners in public. When you should refer to yourself as 'this servant,' then do so. This is the capital, not the mountains," Qiao Dongzi instructed.

Mo Xiaowan's smile visibly froze for a moment, then she obediently replied, "Yes, Third Brother Qiao, I understand."

"Um?"

"...This servant understands."

"That's right. Learn to cook properly from your sister-in-law, instead of playing around all day."

"I wasn't playing around. I just went to buy some fruit for my sister-in-law."

"Okay, that's very thoughtful." Qiao Dongzi didn't point out that it was her own favorite food.

After saying goodbye to Mu Run, Qiao Dongzi went to find Fu Yunchen.

Not long after, the two left the mansion, without even having time to eat.

Fu Yunchen was gone for two days without returning home. During that time, only Qiao Dongzi came back to get a few changes of clothes for Fu Yunchen and told Mu Run that the palace was busy with affairs and that she should not worry.

Mu Run was naturally worried; they were all bandits, and if they were exposed, they would face certain death. However, given Fu Yunchen's abilities, he shouldn't be exposed so easily, but she still couldn't help but worry.

...

Night fell, the moon hung high in the sky, casting a bright silver glow.

Mu Run sat under the lamp, holding a homemade charcoal pencil, drawing the interior design plans for the teahouse. One of her college roommates was an architecture major who often saw her drawing in the dormitory, and through this exposure, she had picked up some skills as well.

Mo Xiaowan brought in a bowl of soup. "Madam, the bird's nest soup is ready."

"No need, I don't like this kind of stuff. You drink it yourself," Mu Run said without looking up.

Mo Xiaowan placed the bowl on the table, her voice tinged with a pleading tone, "Madam, I've been simmering this for over an hour, please just have a taste."

"..." Mu Run had no choice but to put down his pen, pinch the corner of his eye, then walk to the table, pick up the bird's nest bowl, and drink it all in one gulp. Apart from a fishy smell, he couldn't taste any deliciousness at all.

"Mmm, it tastes great, but don't make it again next time."

Mo Xiaowan took the empty bowl away and said with concern, "I'm thinking about Brother Chen's offspring. You're too thin; you won't be able to have a son."

"Oh? Well, don't worry about that." Mu Run chuckled awkwardly. "Go back and rest."

Mo Xiaowan took the empty bowl back to the kitchen, carefully washed the bird's nest bowl that Mu Run had used, and then left the kitchen to return to her own room, locking the door behind her.

After confirming that no one would come in, Mo Xiaowan took out a paper package from her pocket, her expression becoming unusually strange.