The delicious aroma of mutton soup wafted over, but he paid no attention to the rumbling in his stomach, focusing only on her.
When exactly did it begin that he started thinking about her, not because of the food she cooked, but because he missed her as a person?
A young guard, his face flushed, stepped forward nervously yet excitedly: "Miss, please rest, let me do it!"
He snatched the large soup ladle from the girl's hand. The girl was clearly surprised, shook her head, smiled, and said something. The young guard blushed even more, but firmly stood in front of her.
"You've already prepared mutton soup for us and are quite tired. How could we let you do such a small thing as distributing it?"
Xiao Shisan summoned the butler to inquire.
The steward's rosy, plump face beamed with joy as he repeatedly said, "Sir, you don't know how wonderful the young lady is! She was worried we were cold, so she personally prepared mutton soup, and it was delicious!"
As he spoke, the butler's smile grew even wider.
He was an old man from when Xiao's father was still alive. Back then, when Madam Ji brought her two children into the mansion, the father and son had no objections, but the people below looked down on the two young ladies.
Later, the eldest daughter became arrogant, while the second daughter became gentle. Gradually, everyone's opinion changed. At first, everything was fine, but a few years ago, the eldest daughter seemed to become shrewd overnight, while the second daughter gradually became timid.
The old men in the manor have either left or scattered, and they have been busy helping their master establish himself in the capital, neglecting the two young ladies in the manor. Many people are only seeing the young ladies for the first time today.
"That's great! We're all from the Xiao family now. If the people below trust and respect you, it will be easier for you to manage the household affairs. It's all good!"
The steward pondered intently, "The two young ladies are almost of marriageable age. Since there are no elders in the household, their marriages will depend on you, sir! However, both young ladies are intelligent and virtuous; they will surely be welcomed wherever they marry!"
"Coming of age? Getting married?"
Xiao Lingchen's expression was unreadable, but he slowly clenched his fists.
He suddenly felt a sense of dissatisfaction, as if his own treasure had been discovered by someone else.
Very dissatisfied.
Xiao Shisan looked at Xiao Lingchen expectantly and muttered, "My lord, it's quite cold today..." hoping that the lord would give in and let him go and grab a bowl of mutton soup.
The eldest daughter had always cooked only for the adults; he was extremely envious but dared not covet it.
But now, the young lady has personally cooked the mutton soup and shared it with everyone. He can even grab a bowl. How wonderful!
Perhaps the steward had talked too much, for the chattering guards surrounding Tongsu finally noticed them, turned around, and hurriedly put down their bowls, stood up straight, and bowed: "My lady!"
"Brother? You're back?"
Tongsu looked up, her eyes sparkling with delight, her face beaming with genuine joy: "That's wonderful! Brother, have you been eating well in the palace? I've specially prepared a lighter mutton soup for you, would you like to try some?"
The mutton soup she cooked for everyone was mainly for the purpose of dispelling cold. After cooking the soup and meat, she added a lot of Sichuan peppercorns and black pepper, making the flavor too strong and unsuitable for Xiao Lingchen's slightly weak body.
Was it specially prepared for him?
Like a spring breeze dispelling the chill and a gentle rain wetting the parched land, Xiao Lingchen's indifference and dislike vanished in an instant.
He couldn't see the smile rising in his own eyes, nor did he know how cheerful his voice sounded at that moment.
"Okay, I'll wait for you in the yard."
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