"Brother-in-law, Guanli, good morning."
Xiao Wan'er lifted the hem of her cloak and stepped over the threshold into the hall.
She wore a moon-white satin cloak that opened down the front, its high-standing collar setting off her long, mutton-fat-jade neck. Beneath it was a dark blue mamian skirt; with every step, another layer of gold-woven trailing lotuses rippled into view.
Her figure was as graceful as ever.
Yet an indissoluble trace of sorrow seemed to linger on her face. Her brows were slightly knitted, her eyes somewhat conflicted, making her a most pitiable sight.
Chen Yi glanced at her and more or less guessed what was on her mind.
After such a commotion in the Rear Residence last night, never mind outsiders—even with Elder Master Xiao having spoken, people in every courtyard of the Xiao Family were suspiciously speculating about whether Xiao Fengchun really was alive.
How much more so for Xiao Wan'er?
Chen Yi set down his bowl and chopsticks, wiped the corner of his mouth, and said with a smile, "Eldest Sister, it's still early to leave for the academy. Why don't we have some tea in the study first?"
Xiao Wan'er hesitated briefly, swallowed the words on the tip of her tongue, and nodded her agreement.
She then instructed Xie Tingyun and Shen Huatang to prepare the carriage, and sent Juan'er and Cui'er to notify Xiao Shen.
Then she followed Chen Yi into the study and sat silently in a chair.
Chen Yi did not speak immediately either. Unhurriedly, he boiled water and brewed tea, its fragrance filling the entire study.
He poured a cup and pushed it before Xiao Wan'er. "This is some fine dark tea Wang Ji sent over a few days ago. Try it."
Xiao Wan'er murmured assent, lifted the cup with both hands,