After Cao Luo set out, Verdant Green Maiden remained in Jiankang. She watched as the temples along the Qinhuai River Bank gradually took shape, yet Wang Xizhi still hadn't sent over the calligraphy she'd asked for.
"Could that brat have forgotten?"
As Verdant Green Maiden pondered this, someone below reported that Cao Luo's wife had brought their Youngest Son to pay her a visit.
Hearing this, Verdant Green Maiden muttered, "Cao Luo's only just left. Surely something hasn't happened to the Cao Family already? Go invite them in."
"Yes."
The young servant nodded and went off.
Before long, he led the mother and son into the garden.
On one side of the covered walkway, a young woman in brocade, with an air of elegance, led a little boy toward her and bowed in greeting.
"This concubine is Cao Qin Shi. I've brought my Youngest Son to pay my respects to Fu Niangzi. This is the son of my husband and me, Cao Xuan, whose childhood name is A Wu."
"A Wu, come pay your respects to Goddess Mi Fei."
The little fellow clung to Cao Qin Shi's hand and peered timidly at Verdant Green Maiden.
Verdant Green Maiden crouched down and beckoned Cao Xuan over, smiling broadly. "Come here, little one. Don't be scared. Big Sister doesn't eat people!"
"Mother—"
Cao Xuan jumped at her words and looked pitifully up at Cao Qin Shi.
"Don't be afraid. Goddess Mi Fei is only joking with you, A Wu."
Cao Qin Shi soothed Cao Xuan.
Verdant Green Maiden took out the Dragon Pearl and rummaged through it, pulling out a little trinket. It was a scarecrow, shoddily made from poor materials, but she still held it up and gave it a shake. "Look at this. Would you like it?"
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