Ten in the morning. The Earl's Mansion on Emerald Mountain, Main Hall.
When Lin Mo pushed open the door and entered, the hall was warm and lively.
Lin's mother sat upright in the middle of the long sofa, chatting happily with Zhou Ruoyun beside her, her voice light and cheerful.
Chu Yao curled up in a single-person sofa to the side, holding a soft plush cushion in her arms. Every so often, she chimed in with a few idle remarks, her brows and eyes filled with ease.
A popular palace-intrigue drama was playing on the television. The thrilling plot mingled with the women's laughter, creating a perfectly harmonious atmosphere.
Su Wanqing sat beside Lin's mother, a fruit platter resting on her lap. She nibbled on fruit while following the drama, looking relaxed.
"Son, you're back!" Lin's mother was the first to see him. She hurriedly waved. "You must be tired, right? Come sit down!"
Lin Mo walked over and swept his gaze around, but he did not see his father.
"Where's Dad?"
"Gone fishing." Lin's mother did not even turn her head, her eyes fixed on the screen:
"You had barely left when he dragged Old Chen out the door. Zhao Hu went with them, and they even brought the Xi Ge Guards.
"They said there were plenty of fish in the lake at the Foot of the Mountain."
The corners of Lin Mo's lips curved slightly. The old man certainly knew how to enjoy his free time.
He sat down in the single-person sofa on the other side, lazily leaning against the backrest as he stared blankly at the ceiling.
The Imperial Consort on television was crying her heart out. Lin's mother watched with great interest, occasionally turning to whisper a few comments to Zhou Ruoyun, clearly enjoying herself.