From buying furniture to choosing a day to move, getting the new residence at Skywater Bridge ready would take several days. Running back and forth was inconvenient for the three of them, so they were still staying at Third Madam's house.
After finishing the arrangements at their new home that day, Luo Ning went back to Dyeing Street with Ye Jingtang to fetch some cosmetics and changes of clothes.
In Twin Osmanthus Alley, Luo Ning walked toward the courtyard gate beneath a small parasol, saying along the way:
"The four courtyards in the rear residence are all meant for wives and concubines. Each has a main room and east and west wings-enough for twelve altogether. I don't know what Third Madam is thinking..."
Dressed in black, a long saber at his waist, Ye Jingtang led the horse behind her and said with a smile:
"Better to have extra rooms sitting empty than not have enough. When we have children someday..."
"The sons have the eastern residence, the daughters have their own tower, and the maids have the side rooms and rear quarters. Those four courtyards are for concubines. You think I can't see how it works?"
Luo Ning turned to look at the strikingly poised little rogue beside her.
"Third Madam has everything prepared. Wouldn't you be letting all her thoughtfulness go to waste if you didn't fill those rooms?"
Ye Jingtang slipped an arm around Luo Ning's shoulders and entered the courtyard with her.
"You must be joking. I'm not a donkey in human form. Bring twelve women home, and I'd be wrung into medicinal dregs before I reached thirty."
Luo Ning gave her fragrant shoulder a slight twist. "Then how many are you planning to marry?"
Ye Jingtang considered it seriously.
"All a man seeks in life is