"Jingtang has been away for three days now..."
That afternoon, Pei Xiangjun leaned against the porch outside the kitchen behind the new residence, slowly polishing a jade object in her hands as she spoke in utter boredom:
"Instead of being a carefree young master of a wealthy family, he went off to work at the government office. He's so busy he doesn't even have time to come home and rest... And the Imperial Court, honestly. Since Jingtang is useful, they just work him for all he's worth..."
Wearing an apron, Luo Ning bustled around the spacious kitchen as its stove was lit for the first time. Her expression was cool and aloof, like a single mother with no interest whatsoever in men. Hearing Third Madam speak like a young wife pining for love, she said unhappily:
"He couldn't ask for anything better than running around at the Female Prince's beck and call. Why would he bear to come home?... Aren't you afraid the maids will see you playing with that filthy thing in broad daylight?"
"So what if they do? It's for you anyway... Come on, what words do you want engraved on it? If you won't say, I'll carve 'Haven't you eaten?' When Jingtang sees it, he'll definitely torment you to death..."
"You!" Luo Ning truly couldn't stand this woman anymore. Frowning, she said, "If you've got nothing to do, come help. Do you really think you're the mistress and I'm the cook?"
"I'm a martial artist. I'm not good at cooking. Besides, it's not as though we don't have maids..."
"It's the first time we're lighting the stove here. We have to make the first meal ourselves. If you can't cook, come tend the fire..."
As the two chatted, footsteps suddenly came from outside.
Tap, tap, tap...