"What happened? Why were you suddenly sent out?"

Xiao Sheng looked at Nan Tianyi standing in his study, beckoned him to sit down, and then put down his calligraphy brush and looked at him with a puzzled expression.

"I don't know the specifics, I only know it was a suggestion from the Empress's maternal family."

Upon hearing Nan Tianyi's words, Xiao Sheng frowned.

"Is something wrong?"

"I just hope it's not what I think," Xiao Sheng said with a worried expression.

"Be extra careful on this trip to check on the heavy snow in the north. The Crown Prince is now over ten years old. Be careful that the Empress doesn't do anything to harm you in order to consolidate the Crown Prince's position."

"Uncle Xiao, rest assured, I will definitely pay close attention."

Xiao Sheng nodded, then started talking to Nan Tianyi about other things.

By the time Nan Tianyi emerged from the study, it was quite late. He didn't go looking for Xiao Liyan again, but instead headed straight for the Xiao residence.

When Nan Tianyi reached the main gate of the Xiao residence, he heard a voice saying, "Wait a minute."

Nan Tian knew who it was as soon as he heard the voice. He slowly turned around and saw Xiao Shida holding an umbrella for Xiao Liyan, and the two of them walking towards him together.

"It's so cold and dark outside, why are you out? What if you catch a cold?" Nan Tian saw the genuine joy on the face of the newcomer, but considering the time of day, he couldn't help but keep a straight face and say...

"It's alright, Manman is with me, and I'm here to bring you something," Xiao Liyan said, handing the things in her hand to Nan Tianyi.

"How did you get this?" Nan Tian asked, looking at the object in his hand with surprise.

"Manman and I went to the temple to pray for this a few days ago. I was worried it might be given away, but since you're going on a long trip, Brother Nan, I'm giving it to you so this amulet can protect you."

"Okay, I will definitely carry it with me at all times, don't worry."

Xiao Shida still found the hand on Xiao Liyan's head very offensive. "Brother Nan, could you please stop touching my sister's head or pinching her cheek all the time?"

"Okay, then I'll pinch your cheeks."

As Nan Tianyi spoke, he reached out to pinch Xiao Shida's face, but Xiao Shida quickly stepped back, and Nan Tianyi missed.

Nan Tianyi reluctantly withdrew his hand. "Alright, Ayan, Manman, you two should go back now."

"Okay, be careful when you set off tomorrow morning."

"Don't worry," Nan Tianyi patted Xiao Liyan's head again.

Watching Xiao Liyan and Xiao Shida walk into the mansion, Nan Tian smiled slightly. Once they were out of sight, he put the amulet to his chest and left the Xiao residence.

"Little Sister"

Xiao Liyan, who was warming herself by the charcoal fire inside the house, immediately got up and walked towards the door upon hearing the address "elder sister." A smile instantly spread across her face when she saw who it was.

"Sister Rou, it's so cold, why did you come to see me? Come in quickly!"

Upon seeing the newcomer, Xiao Liyan immediately took Feng Rou's hand and led her into the house.

"Sit here, Sister Rou, this is the warmest spot. Warm your hands up so they don't get cold."

"good"

After Feng Rou'er's maid took the cloak from her, Feng Rou'er sat down in the place Xiao Liyan had indicated.

After a maid poured a cup of tea, Xiao Liyan took it and handed it to Feng Rou'er.

"Sister Rou, quickly drink some water to warm yourself up."

"Thank you, little sister."

Xiao Liyan said with a smile, "Why are you and I, sisters, being so polite? Could it be that Sister Rou is looking down on me and wants to distance herself from me?"

"What nonsense are you talking about? I wish we could do everything together every day."

Feng Rou'er reached out and poked Xiao Liyan's forehead, feigning slight displeasure.

"Hehe, I knew Sister Rou was the best!"

"You're my little sister, if I'm not good to you, who will I be good to?"

Hearing Feng Rou'er's words, Xiao Liyan became even happier and leaned her head on Feng Rou'er's shoulder. Smiling, Xiao Liyan seemed to remember something, and looked up at her maid.

"Quickly go and get the finger grapes that Brother Nan gave us, so that Sister Rou can have a taste."

"Yes, Miss."

The maidservant left after hearing the order. Feng Rou'er, upon hearing this, looked at Xiao Liyan and asked, "Finger grapes?"

"Yes, Sister Rou, it tastes pretty good. Try it in a bit, and if you like it, take some back with you."

"Brother Nan even found such a rare fruit as finger grapes for you?" Feng Rou'er looked completely incredulous.

Haha, I guess so.

Upon hearing this, a look of jealousy flashed across Feng Rou'er's face, but she quickly concealed it.

A moment later, a maid brought up a bowl of washed grapes, and Xiao Liyan immediately took one and fed it to Feng Rou'er.

"Is it delicious, Sister Rou?"

"Delicious! Brother Nan really spoils you," Feng Rou'er said with a smile, eating a grape. However, if one listened carefully, one could sense a certain unease in her words.

Where?

"Ask anyone in the manor who doesn't know how good Brother Nan has been to you?"

Xiao Liyan covered half of her face shyly, "Sister Rou, please don't tease me."

"Alright then," Feng Rou'er said, her whole body contorted in a way that was unseen by anyone.

When Feng Rou'er left, Xiao Liyan was very reluctant to let her go, and even had someone bring Feng Rou'er a lot of finger grapes with her when she left.

After returning to her residence, Feng Rou'er slammed her things down on the table with a "humph."

"You keep calling me 'Brother Nan,' so what if you were born into a better family? You got a good marriage, didn't you?"

"What's there to be arrogant about?"

As Feng Rou'er spoke, she seemed to remember something and gave a sinister smile. "In a few days, you won't have the same glory as the young lady anymore."

"Go wash these finger grapes, I want to eat them."

The maid who was called on walked downstairs with the grapes in her hand.