The two chatted and laughed as they reached the door, where someone was already waiting with a lantern. It was Xiao Juzi.
Upon seeing Zhang Xiaohua, Xiao Juzi smiled. "Young master-in-law, are you going back to rest?"
Zhang Xiaohua said, "Xiao Juzi, we have not seen each other for only half a day. Why are you being so glib? Better to call me Brother Ren."
Xiao Juzi refused to yield and argued, "Master instructed us not to let the cat out of the bag. Before people and behind people, I still have to call you young master-in-law."
Zhang Xiaohua pointed at the pitch-black darkness outside. "Where are there any people here?"
Nie Qianyu also said, "Xiao Juzi, do not make things difficult for Brother Ren. When you call him that, I also... feel embarrassed. It is only a show, after all."
Xiao Juzi laughed. "Miss, do not be embarrassed. If you are embarrassed, someone will only grow more pleased with himself."
Zhang Xiaohua rubbed his nose and said no more.
Nie Qianyu smilingly scolded, "Xiao Juzi, hurry and lead the way. You have been tired all day too. Let us settle Brother Ren in quickly, then each get some rest."
Only then did Xiao Juzi stop joking. Carrying the lantern, she led the way and brought them to a small building.
It was a two-story pavilion, surrounded by a low wall with a small gate.
The gate stood open, with lamplight spilling from within.
When Zhang Xiaohua and the others reached the entrance, two maids hurried out from the small courtyard. They bowed together, took the books from their hands, and entered the small building.
Nie Qianyu pointed at the two women and said, "Brother Ren, these are Mo Mei and Mo Ju, whom Father left behind to attend to