When Jiang Yao's letter arrived, Xiao Taohong went to the kitchen to urge them to prepare the meal.

Pei Lingyu reclined alone on the chaise lounge, watching the snow scene.

The two courtyards he rented for Xiao Taohong were not even as good as a small courtyard in the Earl's mansion.

The two small vermilion doors, with the patina on the door knockers, tell a story of the vicissitudes of time.

The screen wall inside the courtyard was originally carved with exquisite auspicious patterns, but over time it has become blurred and indistinct.

Passing the screen wall, the front yard is not spacious either. The ground is paved with bluestone. The yard used to be overgrown with weeds, but after Xiao Taohong tidied it up and planted flowers and plants, it is quite charming in autumn.

However, it's winter now, and the flowers and plants have withered and died.

The courtyard was in a state of decay, unlike the Earl's mansion, where even in winter there were a few green plants to admire.

Not to mention the buildings themselves, and the furnishings inside, all of which he found unappealing.

However, he understood, since he hadn't given Xiao Taohong too much money.

It's impossible to furnish the small courtyard to be exactly like the Earl's mansion.

So, just make do with it; he's not going to back down anyway.

—This was Pei Lingyu's initial idea.

He had never been to this courtyard before. When he first arrived, he thought it was rough and simple, but fortunately, Xiao Taohong kept it clean.

In winter, you can enjoy the snow scenery, there's enough charcoal, and the accommodations are quite comfortable.

However, as time went on, he felt increasingly uncomfortable living there.

The bronze horse on the shelf seemed tacky, and the tables and chairs were not made of pear wood and didn't smell nice.

The maids serving were not as clever and obedient as those at the Earl's mansion, and even the snow scene was not as grand as that at the Earl's mansion. The Earl's mansion had a spacious courtyard, and the snow piled up beautifully, while this small courtyard was stingy even in terms of the snow scene.

Pei Lingyu's gaze fell on the courtyard.

The courtyard was narrow, and snowflakes fell sparsely, thinly covering the old roof tiles, barely adding a touch of white.

Besides the withered grass, there was a thin plum tree in the courtyard, with a few snowflakes sparsely dotting its branches, far less majestic than the plum tree in the Earl's mansion.

The snow on the ground wasn't very thick, and he found it uninteresting after a couple of glances.

When I turned around to drink tea, I saw that the teacup wasn't the fine white porcelain I was used to, and I lost all interest in drinking tea.

He sat listlessly on the couch, feeling utterly bored and devoid of any zest for life.

"Sir, this is a letter from the young mistress."

Upon hearing his personal servant's words, Pei Lingyu immediately perked up.

"Quickly, let me see it."

Upon opening the letter, one finds Jiang Yao's handwriting in a scrawled mess.

Like Jiang Shuwan, Jiang Yao couldn't bear the hardship of practicing calligraphy, but like Pei Yanzhi, he never complained.

He had no idea what Pei Yanzhi was thinking.

Anyway, he always took pride in Jiang Yao's ability to compose poetry; whether her calligraphy was good or not was secondary.

After all, throughout history, few women have made a name for themselves through their calligraphy, but female poets and lyricists have always been admired.

Why did Jiang Yao suddenly write him a letter?

Could it be another new poem?

With this guess in mind, he hurriedly opened the letter. Upon seeing its contents, his mind was jolted as if struck by a bell, and his whole body trembled violently.

"Yulang, come back with me. Your wife misses you so much she's gone sick. I know I was wrong before, I pushed you too hard. I'll change, okay? I promise I'll change..."

I'll never pressure you again. Shall we go back to reciting poetry under the moon and dancing to music, just like before?

Pei Lingyu was stunned on the spot.

Jiang Yao had never spoken to herself in such a humble manner before; she possessed her pride and stubbornness.

Unexpectedly, for him and for their family, Jiang Yao was able to soften her stance and say these words.

"As expected, I was too hurtful with my words before."

Looking at the words in the letter, Pei Lingyu was filled with remorse. It felt as if her chest had been hit hard by a hammer, leaving her feeling suffocated.

"What wrong has Yao'er done?"

"She was not a calculating person before."

“It must be my mother who corrupted Yao’er, turning her into a snobbish person who only cares about economics and career advancement.”

"In fact, deep down, she is still the extraordinary talented woman who made a name for herself at the poetry gathering, whose poetic talent was amazing, and who understood me the most."

He lowered his head in self-reproach, his eyes softening with tenderness and longing as he spoke.

Across the vast expanse of time and space, he seemed to see again the proud and talented young woman who had captured his heart at first sight at the poetry gathering years ago.

"Spring slumber is so sweet that one is unaware of the dawn, for everywhere one hears birds singing."

"The sound of wind and rain last night, how many flowers have fallen?"

“How could a girl with such poetic talent be a vulgar person who is eager for fame and fortune?”

"No, I have to go back to her. I can't let her be sad alone."

Clutching the letter tightly, Pei Lingyu rushed out without a word, her eagerness making her seem as if she wanted to take flight.

However, just as she arrived at the door, she met Xiao Taohong carrying a pot of soup.

"Miss, you're pregnant, how can you serve soup? What if you burn the baby?" Xiao Taohong's maidservant anxiously advised from the side.

"It's alright, I'll be careful. Besides, serving you is my own free will. As long as you're well, I'm fine."

Xiao Taohong spoke shyly, looking up at Pei Lingyu who was walking out. She looked surprised, as if she had just noticed him.

"What are you doing here, my lord? It's windy outside, be careful not to catch a cold. Come inside, this is chicken soup I made myself. You must be feeling uncomfortable staying here, my lord, let me help you recover."

"..."

Pei Lingyu immediately pulled her foot back after taking a step forward.

His mind cleared up again after what Xiao Taohong said.

Yes.

How can he leave?

What will happen to Xiao Taohong now that he's gone?

He couldn't stand staying here for more than a few days, but Xiao Taohong stayed for three months, not to mention she was pregnant with his child.

He cannot be a person who breaks his word.

A true man keeps his word.

If they say they want to welcome Xiao Taohong into the mansion, then they must let her in.

He couldn't change his mind just because of Jiang Yao's sweet words.

Thinking of this, Pei Lingyu quickly and considerately took the ceramic pot from Xiao Taohong's hands.

"This pot is hot, let me do it, you rest well."

"I'm a grown man, it's my job to take care of you. You've had a hard time getting pregnant."

As he spoke, he actually ladled soup for Xiao Taohong.

Xiao Taohong smiled sweetly and said, "Thank you, my lord." But when she glanced at the letter Pei Lingyu had placed aside, a ruthless glint flashed in her eyes.

Trying to mess with me? You're too green!