Sisters

Fragrant Herbs Garden.

The sky was only just beginning to lighten when Ying Er carried a bowl of nourishing medicinal cuisine out of the Small Kitchen. She passed several clusters of evergreen exotic flowers and plants in the center of the courtyard, then entered the main hall.

She had meant to carry it straight into the inner room, but Xue Baochai stopped her from the side.

"Leave it to me. Go ask at the Front Yard when we'll be setting off."

Madam Wang and Aunt Xue had arranged to visit a temple today to burn incense and worship the Buddha, which was why Baochai gave those instructions.

"Miss, be careful. The Small Earthen Pot is hot."

Ying Er cautiously handed the medicinal cuisine to Xue Baochai. Only then did she rub her earlobes and leave Fragrant Herbs Garden, hurrying straight to Madam Wang in the Front Yard.

Xue Baochai carried the medicinal cuisine into the inner room and set it firmly on the marble Round Table in the middle.

Turning around, she saw that Aunt Xue was still dressed in only thin, simple clothes as she painted her face at the dressing table. Baochai could not help chiding her, "Mother knows to have medicinal cuisine stewed to nourish your body, yet you aren't afraid of catching a chill?"

Aunt Xue was frowning as she examined the fine lines at the corners of her eyes. Hearing her daughter say this, she smiled. "As the old saying goes, keep warm in spring and endure the cold in autumn. Besides, your room is so warm. How could I possibly catch a chill?"

Then a trace of unease appeared on her face. She turned her plump, fair body toward Baochai and solemnly warned, "You must never tell anyone what we mother and daughter discussed