The four women slowly came to. Li Xiangjun covered her cheeks with both hands, crimson showing through her fingers. "How am I supposed to face anyone after this...?"
Chenxiang lowered her eyes and straightened her collar, a trace of barely perceptible disappointment flashing through them.
Hu Yunniang lightly bit her rosy lip and suddenly sighed faintly. "Young Master truly is... a gentleman of perfect restraint."
You rubbed your brow, dismissed the four women, and agreed to paint again. After discussing it, Hu Yunniang and the others decided they first needed the Moonlight Pavilion owner's consent before paying another visit.
Zhou Yun'er lagged behind at the end and said softly, "Not much of a gentleman!"
You coughed and pretended not to hear her.
When Parasol Tree returned that afternoon, she brought back quite a few gifts.
"Young Master, Dew Bud said the Sima Clan is truly wonderful. They have a Main Estate, and they can make all their own decisions there."
"Young Master, when will we have an estate of our own?" Parasol Tree looked at you expectantly.
You raised your head toward the drifting clouds in the sky and said softly, "The world is in turmoil. I fear there may soon be nowhere left to settle down and make a living."
Parasol Tree smiled. "With Young Master here, I'm not afraid."
"Young Master, just don't abandon me."
You patted her head. "If one day I am no longer here, Parasol Tree, go beyond this little courtyard and see the world outside for yourself. There is more to this world than the Xie Clan, the Sima Clan, and Bianjing. The vast realm beyond is far more wondrous than you imagine."
"Parasol Tree wants to stay with Young Master."
In the blink of an eye, half a month had passed. The blazing