Afterglow

Just past noon.

Madam Wang had the leftover dishes cleared away, then went into the inner room herself to fetch several Embroidery Samples, intending to compare them with Aunt Xue.

But when she stepped outside, she found Aunt Xue still sitting dazedly before the Round Table, leaving the two young maids clearing the remains uncertain whether they ought to remove the dining table.

"Take it away."

Madam Wang lifted her chin slightly, then stepped forward and gave Aunt Xue a shove, chiding, "What's gotten into you today? You've been absent-minded since morning."

As she spoke, she carefully examined Aunt Xue a few times. Seeing that her complexion was rosy and she showed no sign of illness, Madam Wang's thoughts could not help wandering in the wrong direction.

While the maids carried away the table, she lowered her voice and asked, "Could it be that you're worrying over those two little enemies again?"

Those two little enemies naturally referred to Jia Baoyu and Baochai.

Aunt Xue was startled by this. She wanted to shake her head in denial, but feared her elder sister would press for details, so in the end she simply gave an ambiguous "Mm," by way of reply.

Madam Wang assumed she had guessed correctly. She immediately sighed deeply and drew Aunt Xue to the Arhat Bed by the west wall, where they sat facing each other across the low table.

Casually piling the Embroidery Samples onto the table, Madam Wang said sternly, "What can't we sisters say to one another? If you're willing to give me some time, I'll surely persuade that wretch to turn over a new leaf!"

At this, she paused to study Aunt Xue's expression before testing the waters again. "If you truly can't wait, then whichever young talent catches your eye, I'll send