Xie Lingqin nodded slightly, finally relieved, and actually started eating vegetables with Ning Yi and the other children.
Ning Xiucai felt his mind was in complete disarray.
After preparing the vegetables and returning to the courtyard, Ning Xiucai started a fire to cook. Ning Yi assisted, while the other children helped out, all looking happy and cheerful.
“Sister, this is the first time we’ve had guests in our courtyard. Tomorrow is the Mid-Autumn Festival, this must be a good omen.” A little girl, about five years old, tugged at Xie Lingqin’s sleeve, looking incredibly cute.
Xie Lingqin glanced at her.
The girl's face was fair and delicate, and her eyes were clean and clear, like an untouched spring.
They are all innocent and lovely children.
No wonder Scholar Ning protected her so much.
"Xie...Lingqin, are you really going to eat here?"
After a long while, Ning Xiucai poked his head out from the kitchen, still seemingly somewhat unconvinced.
Xie Lingqin nodded, absolutely certain, "Yes, I'll eat whatever you eat."
“…Alright.” Ning Xiucai seemed somewhat helpless.
About half an hour later, the rice and dishes were served.
They really do eat whatever is available.
Two plates of green vegetables dug out of the ground earlier, and several bowls of rice mixed with other grains.
Incidentally, throughout Beirong, whether in the local areas or the capital city where power is concentrated, rice is the staple food. Those who can mix other types of rice with their rice are considered to be exceptionally poor.
However, Xie Lingqin found that the dishes cooked over a wood fire had a unique flavor compared to those braised in the small kitchens of high-ranking mansions.
Especially sitting in this dilapidated courtyard, surrounded by a group of children, with the setting sun casting its last rays into the courtyard, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Peaceful and serene times, nothing could be more beautiful than this.
"Sister, you must be even prettier than Brother Ning's fiancée." Ning Yi took a bite of rice with his chopsticks and then glanced at Xie Lingqin.
"Fiancée?" Xie Lingqin turned her head to look at Ning Xiucai, who was sitting upright and stiffly.
Ning Xiucai looked embarrassed. "This happened a long time ago. Now, my family has fallen on hard times, so let's not talk about it."
Xie Lingqin is not interested in other people's private affairs.
This meal, however, was exceptionally pleasant.
It was arguably the most reassuring meal she had ever had since she transmigrated to this day.
An unprecedented tranquility, the children's smiling faces, seemed to suddenly calm her previously restless heart.
This calm brought a clear mind.
Putting everything together, I realized how ridiculous I had been. As the Crown Prince was saying, what did a kiss matter? How could she let herself be so emotionally unstable over something so trivial?
At this moment, Ning Yi was washing dishes. The child, who was only ten years old, was focused and every movement was like that of a work of art.
"Miss Xie, it's getting dark. Would you like me to take you home?" Ning Xiucai asked, rolling up his sleeves as he walked over.
Xie Lingqin smiled and looked at him, "You haven't told me about the ten taels of silver yet."
“Well…” Ning Xiucai hesitated for a moment before saying, “I snatched Ning Yi from someone else, and they have to pay me back money every month. I just paid back the money you gave me before, so…”
Who is it?
"It's just some shady dealings in the capital, but don't worry, it's all settled now, they won't bother us anymore."
Xie Lingqin looked at Ning Xiucai for a long while before looking away. "Alright, I believe you. These children are very happy. However, have you investigated Ning Yi's background?"
Ning Xiucai shook his head, "No, his martial arts skills were probably forced to him by those people. You know this child has some mental issues, so I don't want to provoke his resentment."
"Understood. It's getting late. Thank you for the invitation. Farewell."
Xie Lingqin turned around and left the mansion with a hint of reluctance.
Ning Xiucai had originally thought of going out to see her off, since she was a woman and it was getting dark, but then he felt that there might be bad people around, and he was the one who needed to be protected. So, he silently went forward and closed the door.
As dusk fell, the faint outline of a full moon on the horizon was hidden behind the clouds, shrouded in a gray haze.
"Ahhh, little girl, you're here! Do you know how long I've been looking for you?" A loud voice suddenly rang out beside me.
Xie Lingqin glanced at her sideways, her interest barely showing, "Young Master Yi, don't worry, I'm perfectly fine."
"I know it was the Crown Prince who helped you. By the way, did the Crown Prince bully you?"
"How could he bully me? Do you think I'm that easy to bully?" Xie Lingqin said, her mood low. "Yu Qingyi, from now on, don't talk about the Crown Prince in front of me. We can still be good friends."
"Okay, you don't have to mention it, as long as you don't belittle me anymore."
Xie Lingqin gave him a cold sneer and said, "I said, Prince Yi, have you dealt with Princess Qing?"
"Hey Xie Lingqin, can you please stop bringing up things that are hard to talk about?"
"Okay, let's change the subject. Will you be attending the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet at the General's Mansion tomorrow?"
"No." Yu Qing replied crisply and directly, noticing Xie Lingqin's relaxed expression, she smiled and immediately added, "That's what I was thinking, but now I think it wouldn't hurt to go."
"Oh." Xie Lingqin remained noncommittal, but skillfully concealed the calculating glint in her eyes.
Yu Qingyi...
Xie Lingqin's calm expression was different from what he had expected.
What a disappointment.
“Speaking of which, this Mid-Autumn Festival banquet was originally planned by your mother, the General’s wife. It was so lively, almost comparable to the Spring Festival banquet in the palace. However, fewer and fewer people go to the General’s Mansion to attend each year.” Yu Qingyi sighed.
This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
