The next morning.
The rain had eased slightly. Beneath a shroud of gray clouds, fine droplets drifted down.
A dense, rustling patter filled the air everywhere.
Now and then, beads of water fell, striking puddles and leaves with crisp drips.
Weather like this was when Xiao Die was busiest.
Before dawn, she had already attended to Xiao Wuge as he washed and dressed, then watched him leave for the Training Ground with Wang Lixing.
After that, she did not have a moment to spare.
Washing clothes, hanging them out, cleaning, and more.
It took a full hour of work before Chunhe Garden took on a fresh new look despite the gloomy rain.
Delicate and natural, like a courtyard in Jiangnan Water Town.
Looking at the spotless courtyard, Xiao Die wiped the sweat from her brow and smiled in satisfaction.
"It's time to wake Son-in-law."
But just as she set down the broom, a series of jingling bells sounded outside.
Pei Guanli came bouncing over. "Sister Xiao Die, I'm back!"
Xiao Die turned to look at her and said in surprise, "Your clothes..."
Pei Guanli was no longer wearing the distinctive attire of the Mountain Tribe.
Instead, she had changed into a long sea-blue dress, with a ring of pink floral embroidery around her waist.
The neckline dipped slightly, pressed down by silver bells, while pale, soft cleavage appeared and vanished from view.
Yet she still wore no shoes. Her tender white feet stepped across the wet bluestone slabs, leaving faint traces of water behind.
A broad grin spread over Pei Guanli's round face. She spun around twice like a flower and asked, "Pretty, right?"
Xiao Die nodded repeatedly. "Very pretty."
She could not help feeling a little envious.
Though she lacked neither food nor clothing in the Marquis's mansion, she