The back courtyard of Xiao Manor.
In the little courtyard, Third Madam Zhou Ruoxi was reading a book.
The maid Cuicui sat beside Zhou Ruoxi, making tea and serving pastries to her mistress.
Just as Cuicui lifted her head, she saw the young master and the princess approaching.
"Madam, the young master and the princess are here," Cuicui called out excitedly.
Hearing Cuicui's voice, Zhou Ruoxi looked up toward the entrance to the courtyard.
"Mo'er is back." Seeing her son return, Zhou Ruoxi stood and smiled. Then she bowed to Qin Siyao. "This humble wife greets Your Highness, the princess."
"Aunt Zhou, there's no one else here. You really don't have to be so polite to me." Qin Siyao hurriedly helped Zhou Ruoxi up, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
Zhou Ruoxi glanced at the princess beside her. She looked a little shy, and even seemed somewhat nervous.
For some reason, Zhou Ruoxi felt as though the princess were a new bride meeting her sweetheart's elders for the first time.
And every so often, the princess's gaze stole toward her son.
Zhou Ruoxi looked at her son and the princess, and felt that something might have happened between them.
"Mother, an imperial edict arrived at the palace yesterday. I have to set out for the Northern Wastelands tomorrow morning."
Xiao Mo spoke to his mother.
As he said those words, guilt welled up in Xiao Mo's heart.
After joining the Iron Tiger Army, he had gone seven years without seeing his mother.
And after spending just over a month with her, he had to leave again.
"I see." A trace of disappointment flashed through Zhou Ruoxi's eyes, but she quickly suppressed her feelings so her son wouldn't notice.
"Mother, I'm sorry I can't stay with you again," Xiao Mo said