Chapter 113 Differences Between Men and Women
"The Prime Minister instructed that my sister's room be kept untouched, and I have also instructed the maids to tidy it up every day, just hoping for my sister's return." Holding a steamed bun in one hand, Madam Ding welcomed me into the mansion, speaking softly all the way.
I could only nod in agreement, while stealing glances at a certain naive little dumpling who was brazenly burrowing into Madam Ding's arms.
That steamed bun, clearly unrestrained, was just like its father—a little lecher…
I started grinding my teeth.
"And who is this?" Madam Ding asked in surprise, noticing Zhao'er who had been following behind me.
“This is my younger brother, Sima Zhao,” I introduced with a smile, taking Zhao’er’s hand as I said, “Quickly call him Madam Ding.”
"Madam Ding," Zhao'er nodded obediently.
"Isn't my sister surnamed Pei?" Madam Ding asked in surprise.
"Well, it's a long story."
"Hmm," Madam Ding nodded with a smile, then turned around and gave the order, "Arrange a room for Young Master Sima."
"Yes," someone replied from the side.
"Young Master Sima, you should go with him," Madam Ding said with a smile.
Zhao'er frowned slightly, looked at me with some concern.
He stayed by my side almost the entire way. Especially after he overheard Xiaoying's words, he became even more wary and cautious, protecting me at every turn and daring not to leave me easily.
"It's alright, it's right here in the manor," I sighed inwardly and said with a smile.
Zhao'er then followed the maid away, turning back every few steps.
"Sister," Madam Ding's voice suddenly rang in my ears.
"Hmm?" Watching Zhao'er walk away, I turned to look at Madam Ding.
“Since ancient times, men and women have been different. Even biological fathers and sons, or siblings, must avoid suspicion. Moreover, Young Master Sima is not your biological brother. You must be careful when you get along with him in the future, so as not to give others cause for gossip,” Madam Ding said softly, looking at me.
I paused for a moment, and thinking of Zhao'er's appearance, I felt a little uncomfortable. I wanted to argue, "Zhao'er is still a child."
"The distinction between men and women has existed since ancient times. Since you are the Prime Minister's woman, you should naturally be mindful of it," said Madam Ding, her brows slightly furrowed.
Seeing her like this, I couldn't be bothered to argue with her.
Back in the room, Madam Ding sat down with a smile. After chatting for a while, she stood up and said with a smile, "Sister, please settle in comfortably. If you have any inconveniences, just let me know." Then she turned to Xiangwu and said, "Xiangwu, you will stay here and serve me personally from now on."
I looked at the maid named Xiangwu standing behind Madam Ding; she was very pretty and charming.
"This girl was originally intended for my younger sister. Now that she's back, let her serve her," Madam Ding said with a smile.
Then I remembered that Madam Ding had mentioned her before, saying that she was a girl from a wealthy family who had fallen on hard times and had become a maid.
"Madam Ding, where did Tuanzi go?" I couldn't help but ask, thinking of that clever little girl.
"Tuanzi?" Madam Ding frowned, then suddenly realized, "That girl was taken away by the strategist; she wasn't originally a maid in the manor."
I nodded, remembering that Guo Jia had promised to let Tuanzi follow him when he saw me off.
After finally seeing Madam Ding off, I returned to my room with the steamed buns in my arms and looked around carefully. Sure enough, everything was exactly the same as when I left.
I placed the steamed buns on the bed and turned around to notice a figure standing in the doorway, looking rather thin and frail.
I sighed. Zhao'er must be worried about me again.
Just as I was about to get up and open the door, Xiangwu had already stepped forward. She lowered her head and opened the door, then stepped aside, looking very obedient and submissive, a stark contrast to Tuanzi. But for some reason, subconsciously, I still preferred Tuanzi.
When I saw who was standing at the door, I was slightly taken aback.
Standing at the door was a charming young man, dressed in a magnificent brocade robe, his black hair combed high, his eyes full of charm, and his fair skin with a slight rosy glow, as if he had applied powder.
What banquet is this?
He looked like he was about to leave when he suddenly saw the door open, and he fell silent for a moment.
"Little beauty?" I laughed, remembering the day he came to my door and gave me a good beating.
Upon hearing this, he blushed slightly, looking slightly uncomfortable, and glared at me, but his eyes were alluring and had no intimidating power whatsoever.
"Brother Yan, Brother Yan, wait for Xiang'er..." A chubby little girl came running up, panting.
I curiously peered at the little girl, who was tugging at He Yan's sleeve, smiling at him in her childish voice, "Brother Yan, Brother Yan, wait for Xiang'er!"
He Yan frowned, pulled his sleeve away from those chubby little hands, and looked like he didn't want to talk to them.
"Brother Yan, look how pretty Xiang'er's new dress is!" The little girl twirled around like a butterfly, then stumbled and almost fell.
Seeing her in such a precarious state, I quickly went over and supported her chubby little body.
The little girl then noticed me, tilting her head up with a curious look on her face. "Who are you?"
"Huh?" I was taken aback.
"Ah, you're a fairy living in Tongmeng Pavilion!" Before I could even speak, the little girl said knowingly, nodding seriously. Then she tilted her head and looked at me with a puzzled expression. "But fairies are supposed to be very pretty, right? You're not pretty at all... not even as pretty as Xiang'er's mother!"
A bunch of black lines on my forehead... a flock of crows flying past my eyes...
But... Tongmeng Pavilion?
I subconsciously glanced back at the plaque above the door. The three characters, bold and vigorous, carried a sense of ancient mystery… (Someone scoffed: What mystery? It's just that you don't recognize the characters… Mystery, indeed…)
The three characters “Tongmengge” seemed to touch a chord deep within my heart.
I share the same dream with you.
"Are you a fairy?" Xiang'er asked curiously from the side.
I snapped back to reality, still exasperated. "Who told you I was a fairy?"
"That's what all the concubines say," Xiang'er tilted her head and said.
That's when I remembered Cao's large group of wives.
"The aunts say that a vixen lives in Tongmeng Pavilion and has bewitched Father," Xiang'er continued, never one to mince words.
He Yan grabbed Xiang'er and covered her chattering little mouth before I could turn on her.
"Mmm..." Xiang'er twisted her chubby little body in dissatisfaction.
"Xiang'er, what are you doing here?" A cold voice suddenly rang out.
Xiang'er immediately froze, as if she was terrified of the voice.
I looked curiously toward the source of the voice. Two boys were standing at the courtyard gate. The one who had just spoken was the slightly taller boy. His handsome face and thin lips were strikingly similar to Cao Cao's. His blue robe accentuated his cool and jade-like appearance. Behind him stood a slightly shorter boy, whose features were even more handsome than the boy in the blue robe. His eyes were also gentler, and he exuded a scholarly air.
He Yan released his hand expressionlessly and stood aside.
Xiang'er lowered her head, not daring to be presumptuous, "Xiang'er greets Brother Ziheng, Brother Zijian..."
Spray, Ziheng, Zijian...
Cao Pi and Cao Zhi? Cao Cao's two famous sons?
"So you are Pei Xiao?" The blue-robed youth stepped forward and looked at me.
I nodded subconsciously.
With a slightly disdainful snort, the blue-robed youth turned and left.
I was dumbfounded. Seriously, is this some kind of unique style...?
"Madam Pei, Zijian has been rude." The scholarly-looking young man behind him stepped forward, clasped his hands in apology, smiled apologetically, and then pulled Xiang'er away.
Xiao Xiang'er glanced at He Yan with reluctance before being pulled away by Cao Zhi.
I pressed my forehead, still a little dazed. I already knew that Cao Cao had many sons, and I hadn't had much contact with them when I lived in the Prime Minister's residence before. But why are they all coming to visit me this time... Could it be that the appearance of Baozi has made them uneasy?
"Woman, didn't you run away? Why are you back?" He Yan suddenly spoke from behind.
Then I remembered that there was someone standing behind me.
Turning around, I smiled helplessly, "I was wondering about that too."
He Yan stared at me with her beautiful eyes for a long time, then left with a sour face.
I was completely baffled.
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