"Go on, go on. You're such a big man—what are you doing standing in the doorway? If you've really got nothing better to do, climb onto the roof and sweep the snow for me!"
"?"
Before he could react, Nan Di stuffed a broom into Liang Qu's hands.
When he came back to himself—
The cold wind howled bleakly.
He was already standing on the roof.
"Ah..."
With a long sigh, he swept away the white powdery snow with the bamboo bristles, revealing blue-gray iron tiles beneath.
Liang Qu held the broom and worked listlessly.
He had brought E Ying to pay respects to her in-laws and collect a new bride's red envelope—so how had he somehow become a thorn in their eyes and flesh? After sending Liang Qu away, Xu Shi took Long E Ying into the guest room. The two sat by the bed and spoke at length of private matters.
They spoke of customs, of managing a household, then of the two of them living together.
"How is your marital life?"
"Ah?" The question was so direct that Long E Ying wondered if she had misheard.
"Silly girl, what are you ah-ing for?" Xu Shi lightly patted E Ying's hand and held it tightly. "We're both women. What is there to be embarrassed about? You've already taken care of the serious business these past few days; you're not some little girl who knows nothing at all. Don't worry, it won't reach a third person's ears.
"Godmother is telling you this: if marital life is no good, it may be bearable for the first few months after marriage, but the price of bearing it is wearing down patience and affection. Once enough time passes, even the most deeply loving couple will eventually go their separate ways, sharing a