Xiao Yunying went to the kitchen, took out two black-boned chickens, chopped them into small pieces, and stewed them in an earthenware pot.
Meng Chun and Meng Xia came to fetch water, and Xiao Yunying filled the pot with water: "After Madam Luo finishes washing, you can go and wash too. A bath will help you relax, and you can eat right after you're done."
Meng Chun said, "How can we let Madam do all this alone? Let us help Madam cook."
"No need, no need, you all go about your business, I can do it myself."
"Thank you very much, Madam."
Xiao Yunying was preparing the vegetables and cutting meat when Zheng Yunwan came over, rolled up her sleeves and put on an apron: "Sister Yunying, let me help you."
"Oh... okay, help me wash that green pepper and peel two onions."
Xiao Yunying glanced at her expression and tentatively asked, "Yunwan, just now..."
Zheng Yunwan stopped what she was doing and smiled at her: "I'm fine, Sister Yunying, as long as you haven't misunderstood me..."
"No, no, I don't believe a word that old woman says. She's just talking nonsense to upset me. Don't take it to heart."
"But it's true that I've been living in your house all along..."
Xiao Yunying put down the kitchen knife: "What do you mean 'your home' and 'my home'? This is our home. What, do you think I give you too much pocket money so you can buy your own house?"
Zheng Yunwan lowered her head and picked up green peppers from the porcelain basin: "I just..."
"But what do you mean, 'but'?" Xiao Yunying smacked the garlic loudly, interrupting her. "Stay here in our house. I'm counting on you to help me with some chores so I can have some free time. I've been pretty good to you, haven't I? I've given you a lot of money. You can't just take all the benefits and run away."
"Let's not talk about that anymore, hurry up and wash the vegetables, it's almost noon and I need them urgently."
Zheng Yunwan knew that Xiao Yunying was trying to distract her by changing the subject again, so she gave her a grateful look, responded, and went to wash the vegetables.
Xiao Yunying secretly glanced at Zheng Yunwan's back and let out a soft sigh of relief.
That matter is now in the past.
I can't let just anyone stay at my house anymore, especially those who seem difficult to get along with; they always cause trouble.
That said, Yun Wan is not young anymore; shouldn't we start thinking about her marriage?
It's not that a woman has to get married, it's just that people are usually busy with this and that, and there are always times when they can't take care of her.
She cared for Zheng Yunwan just as much as the children. When she was busy, she would sometimes neglect anyone in the family. She never showed favoritism, but Zheng Yunwan's status was different, which was an undeniable fact.
This girl is actually quite sensitive, but she's also used to keeping quiet about it.
To be honest, Xiao Yunying couldn't figure out her true thoughts.
She didn't want Zheng Yunwan to be unhappy in this family, always feeling like "an outsider."
Everyone is the same; only in their own territory, in their own home, can they truly relax and feel at ease.
But Xiao Yunying didn't want the girl to live alone. She was afraid that Zheng Yunwan would think that she didn't like her living there and that's why she kicked her out. She was also worried about her living alone.
Forget it, let's not think about it too much for now. After what she went through, she probably won't be thinking about getting married anytime soon.
We'll see how it goes. If she's happy like this, I might as well support her for the rest of my life.
Xiao Yunying cleared her mind of all the random thoughts and focused all her attention on cooking.
At lunchtime, the children were still watching Xiao Yunying's expression, trying to figure out how to persuade her not to be angry.
She was serving the dishes with a happy expression, but her little head was filled with some confusion.
You were so angry not long ago, but you're fine now?
Luo Chen looked up at Xiao Yunying, who was serving him soup, hesitated for a moment, and then asked, "Mother, do you like that set of water-permeable soup?"
Xiao Yunying placed the soup bowl in front of him, her tone light and cheerful: "I like it very much. Thank you, boy, for thinking of your mother even when you are meeting the Emperor. It shows that I have not spoiled you in vain."
Luo Chen heard that she was genuinely happy, and her cheeks flushed slightly. She lowered her head to avoid her gaze and said, "As long as Mother is happy."
Xiao Yunying returned to her seat after serving soup to the children. Luo Sheng sat next to her with an empty bowl, waiting for her to serve soup, but saw her sit down and start serving food to the little girl Luo Xin. Her expression stiffened for a moment.
Why serve soup to the children but not to yourself?!
He doesn't necessarily expect his wife to serve him, but isn't this differential treatment a bit unfair?
But he dared not complain, and could only silently get up and serve himself a bowl of black chicken soup.
Xiao Yunying didn't notice the man next to her making small movements, and scooped a few spoonfuls of pine nuts and corn into Luo Xin's plate.
She thought of something and asked, "Luo Sheng said that the Emperor asked you what compensation you wanted. Luo Chen asked for Tou Shui Qing, what did you two ask for?"
Luo Li swallowed the food in her mouth: "I asked Mother for a thousand taels of gold and had Father move it into Mother's room. Didn't Mother see it?"
"I haven't had a chance to look at those things yet." Xiao Yunying was both amused and exasperated. "You just bluntly said you wanted gold?"
Luo Li nodded heavily: "I told His Majesty that we have had a hard time these past few years, that we are not getting enough to eat or wear, and that we want a lot of money to live a good life. His Majesty gave me a thousand taels of gold with a wave of his hand. Mother, I did a good job, didn't I?"
Xiao Yunying smiled helplessly: "Our family is not short of money right now, why do you still want gold and silver?"
Luo Li said, "Who would complain about having too much gold and silver? Of course, the more the better."
Xiao Yunying deliberately asked, "Why are you giving it to me? Why don't you keep it for yourself?"
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