The woman tugged faintly at the corner of her mouth but did not respond to the middle-aged woman. Qiu Cheng, however, rose with a smile and went to meet her, taking the food box from her hands. "A little drink is good for the mood. You know that, Madam. I have no other hobbies—I just enjoy this. If I don't drink a little while discussing serious matters, my whole body feels terribly uncomfortable. She's tried to persuade me before, but I wouldn't listen."
The middle-aged woman broke into a smile and pretended to pout. "Oh? Then what about my words, my lord? Do you listen to them or not?"
Qiu Cheng hurriedly said, "I listen, I listen, I definitely will today."
The middle-aged woman raised a hand and pushed against his chest, saying shyly, "Your younger sister is still here, yet you're saying such shameless things, my lord. All right, all right, I know you can't give up drinking. But drinking on an empty stomach harms the organs, so I specially prepared some things to nourish your stomach today."
Qiu Cheng exaggeratedly looked forward to the meal, caught off guard.
"Madam's culinary skills are peerless beneath heaven. I'm truly blessed today."
He beckoned the woman over to taste the food with them.
The woman agreed in a flat tone.
The middle-aged woman smiled. "Why are you still so courteous, little sister? We're all family. You labor for my lord's cause, while your elder sister doesn't have your abilities and can only do these little things within her power." As she spoke, she also filled their bowls and served them food.
Seeing this, Qiu Cheng was moved.
The middle-aged woman was Qiu Cheng's first wife. The two had been husband and wife since their youth and had come this far together.