The boy pointed to a spot: "My mom's selling lanterns over there." He looked at her pitifully, "Sister, can you not tell my mom? She'll beat me!"
Shen Tangning opened her eyes wide with curiosity: "How do you draw it?"
The girl pouted: "Use a feather duster to whip it."
Chi Yan clicked his tongue from the side: "Just like my mother."
The boy's eyes lit up, and he looked up at him: "Brother, are you still going to get whipped with a feather duster by your mother even though you're so old?"
His expression stiffened, and his eyes immediately drooped: "Go away, go away, why are you asking so many questions, you little kid?"
Shen Tangning subtly covered her lips.
The two women handed the two children to their mother, and after exchanging a glance, they both felt somewhat embarrassed.
Shen Tangning cleared her throat and said softly, "It's getting late, let's head back."
Chi Yan nodded awkwardly: "Okay."
She hesitated for a moment, then said, "Thank you for earlier."
He pursed his lips, glanced at her, and deliberately put on a stern face: "Are you being too polite again?"
Shen Tangning chuckled: "I misspoke."
The two enjoyed themselves under the cover of night and returned home.
She thought to herself that this must be the most unique year she had ever had.
——
As we enter the first month of the lunar calendar, the joy of the New Year has not yet faded.
The first day of the Lunar New Year is a day for visiting relatives and friends. Although they have separated from the Marquis's mansion, social interactions are still essential. Moreover, there is an old lady above them, so they cannot avoid visiting her.
Early in the morning, Madam Chi prepared gifts, and the whole family was ready to pay their respects.
In any case, one must maintain appearances and avoid giving others cause for gossip.
Shen Tangning and Chi Yan boarded the carriage.
She smiled slightly, looking thoughtful.
The Marquis's mansion has been plagued by misfortune lately. Chi Jingyu is embroiled in trouble, and the Marquis's wife has fallen ill. It is said that Aunt Qiu is still in charge of the household, so she must not have had a pleasant New Year either.
In her memory, Aunt Qiu was cautious and prudent, and a very honest person.
However, that was because the Lady Hou held absolute power over her, and her life and fortune were in the hands of the mistress of the house, so Aunt Qiu naturally dared not show the slightest disrespect.
But people are always greedy. Having tasted the power, would she be willing to give it up easily?
The carriage stopped, and Chi Yan helped Chen Tangning down: "Watch your step."
Upon receiving the news, only Aunt Qiu came out to greet him at the entrance of the Marquis's residence, smiling broadly: "I heard that the Second Master was coming back, and the Old Madam has been talking about it since early this morning."
Mr. Chi knew perfectly well that it probably wasn't anything nice, but he happily agreed.
Since Chi's mother and Aunt Qiu could exchange a few words, they took the initiative to ask, "How is your health, sister-in-law?"
Aunt Qiu's face fell, and she lowered her voice, "Look, it's still the same. She's taken the medicine, but for some reason, she's not getting better. It's snowed these past few days, and it seems to be getting even worse."
"How could this be?" Mother Chi exclaimed in astonishment, her face filled with disbelief.
She and Lady Hou had been sisters-in-law for so many years, and she had never seen Lady Hou get sick more than a few times. She was a perfectly healthy person, but she would suddenly fall ill!
Shen Tangning lowered her eyes, her expression intriguing.
It seems that Lady Hou has really pushed her second sister to the limit.
As the group stepped inside, the old lady was already sitting in the main seat, waiting. Chi Jingyu and Shen Xiwei also looked up at them.
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