When she replied, she slightly tilted her head, causing the trembling pear blossom petals in her hair to sway gently as if brushed by a breeze. This complemented the Chaotic Clouds Entangling Pear Blossom Pattern on her crossed-collar garment, paired with a willow-green short jacket and yellow long skirt, making it seem as though spring was bursting forth from her very being.
Ming Zhaohuan glanced over and noticed her serious expression. He recalled how he had addressed her as “Miss Shi” yesterday and understood why her current form of address maintained a certain distance. He couldn’t help but smile wryly to himself.
She was indeed a very meticulous girl.
Before Ming Zhaohuan could ask her to change how she addressed him, he called for the waiter to come in and take orders for his younger siblings.
Meeting her clear, penetrating gaze, Ming Zhouqing chuckled softly and didn’t press further about the form of address.
He understood why his pear cousin was so sensitive about such matters.
Taking the illustrated menu from the waiter, he selected dishes while asking, “Elder brother, since your return, you haven’t mentioned what position the Emperor has appointed you to. I heard Tian Feng and Tian Yu now address you as ‘My Lord’ – which ministry are you serving in?”
“Central Army Commanding Great General.”
“How impressive!” Ming Zhouqing exclaimed with admiration, “A third-rank military official, the same rank as Brother Ji.”
“Yes, after this war, the southwestern border should remain stable for at least thirty years. Both father and I can be stationed in the capital long-term.” Ming Zhaohuan’s eyelashes lowered slightly, and when he raised his eyes, they held their usual gentle warmth reserved for family and friends. “Grandmother is getting older too, so we can fulfill our filial duties by her side.”
“Indeed, grandmother has been missing you and father terribly.”
With Ming Zhouhe present during outings, Shi Jianli never needed to worry about anything.
Listening to their conversation, she drifted slightly into thought, her fingertips tracing the Spring Swallow Carrying Pear Girdle Pendant resting against her skirt. The smooth jade slipped into her palm, its texture exquisite.
When the menu reached Ming Zhouhe’s hands, Ming Zhouqing noticed that three out of the five dishes he ordered were fish-based and asked, “Third brother, have you developed a liking for fish recently?”
Flipping through the pages without looking up, Ming Zhouhe replied, “Cousin likes it.”
Noticing the conversation involved her, Shi Jianli looked up and nodded, “Fish is delicious.”
But it had to be sliced jade-white and crystal-clear with a fresh, sweet taste for her to enjoy it – she didn’t care for small fish with too many bones.
Ming Zhouqing deliberately sighed before teasing with a laugh, “Ah, before Pear Cousin arrived, third brother would talk daily about what games to play. After Pear Cousin came, third brother’s daily topic became what cousin likes.”
The jade in her palm accidentally clinked, producing a clear sound. Shi Jianli turned her hand to press it against her knee, sitting upright again.
Her eyes curved into a smiling expression, softening her usual cool demeanor as she came to his defense: “Cousin is the best brother in the world.”
Ever since she arrived at Anguo Gong Manor, he had protected her diligently and even entertained the idea of marrying her. But after learning about Zhao Aniu’s family situation, he resolved to find her a husband who would genuinely cherish and respect her.
He had taken caring for her as his responsibility.
Ming Zhouhe tossed the menu to the waiter, raised his chin toward Ming Zhouqing, and asked with a curved smile, “Does your cousin praise you as the best brother in the world too?”
Ming Zhouqing paused, “How childish, Ming Zhouhe.”
“Ah, you’re just jealous.”
“Qingqing would praise me as the best brother too.” Ming Zhouqing couldn’t stand his smug expression.
Ming Yuelin blinked and interjected, “I wouldn’t praise you! If I said you were the best, what would we do if big brother got jealous?”
The second and third brothers were only half a month apart in age. Since childhood, they had competed over everything and fought constantly. She had long grown accustomed to them bickering whenever they spoke.
“I’m not jealous, go ahead and praise each other,” Ming Zhaohuan said helplessly, turning to chat with Ji Rangzhou instead.
Shi Jianli picked up a cup of hot tea, gently swirled it in her hands, took a small sip, then another, her expression gradually relaxing with pleasure.
Ming Yuelin propped her chin in her hand and watched her. “Sister Li, how can drinking tea make you so happy? What are you thinking about?”
Hearing this, the two who had been bickering turned to look at Shi Jianli, and Ming Zhaohuan also shifted his gaze.
Ji Rangzhou glanced at the smiling Ming Yuelin.
Under everyone’s scrutiny, Shi Jianli turned to Ming Yuelin with a faint smile. “This Mingqian Longjing is exceptionally sweet and fragrant.”
“Is that all? Sister Li, you’re so easily satisfied!”
“Mhm.” She nodded. “Next time I’m quietly enjoying something, don’t point it out.”
Being watched by unfamiliar people inevitably made her feel restrained.
“Besides,” Shi Jianli deftly redirected the conversation, “you’re much more easily satisfied than I am. When something pleases you, your whole face lights up. Just yesterday, you were delighted over a plate of new pastries, and you’re still happy about it today.”
“That’s true,” Ming Zhouhe chimed in. “She was still talking about it this morning, saying she’d have Qi Yu fetch more from the kitchen when we return.”
“They’re really delicious!” Ming Yuelin turned to Qi Yu. “Qi Yu, remember—go to the kitchen for them as soon as we’re back.”
“Of course, Miss. I won’t forget.”
After lunch, Shi Jianli took Ming Yuelin to Hua Si Meng across the street. She sketched while Ming Yuelin watched, chin in hand.
When the drawing was complete, Shi Jianli carefully applied colors before looking up at her captivated audience. “Do you like it?”
Spring was best suited for pink and green—the striking contrast of willow green against peach red, with brilliant peach blossoms blooming across the wide sleeves and skirt, and the Oriole Carrying Willow Pattern adorning the collar, vividly capturing the vibrant essence of spring.
“Is this for me?” Ming Yuelin blinked, asking in delighted surprise.
“Yes, it should look lovely on you.”
“Sister Li, you’re the best!” She happily wrapped her arms around Shi Jianli’s waist.
Mmm… Sister Li’s waist was so slender and soft!
Shi Jianli looked down at the trembling pearls and jade in the girl’s hair, a slight smile touching her lips.
“Shall we head back? The sun is about to set.”
She felt rather bad for keeping such an energetic girl quietly by her side for so long.
“Yes, let’s go!” Ming Yuelin took her hand and eagerly led her downstairs.
Shi Jianli handed the design to Lanxing, then glanced down to see the Jinbu swaying at her waist, its spring swallow pecking at pear blossoms.
When she looked up, a graceful figure stood not far away, seemingly waiting.
“Eldest Brother, are you waiting for us?” Ming Yuelin asked cheerfully, pulling Shi Jianli forward.
“Yes. Second and Third Brother said they had matters to attend to, so they asked me to escort you back to the manor.”
“Alright.” Ming Yuelin tugged Shi Jianli toward the carriage, then wondered aloud, “What business could Second and Third Brother possibly have?”
Ming Zhaohuan shook his head, watching them board the carriage before heading to the one behind.
Once seated, Shi Jianli turned slightly. “I know.”
“Know what?”
“Your brothers went to beat someone up. Today, he only kicked Qiao Jingchuan once—that probably wasn’t enough to vent his anger.” If her cousin said he would beat someone, he meant it. He wouldn’t let it go so lightly.
“Oh, right. Third Brother always keeps his word.”
The carriage slowly made its way toward Anguo Gong Manor. In a distant alley, Qiao Jingchuan was walking when suddenly his vision went dark. Someone kicked him in the rear, sending him sprawling face-first onto the ground in a dog-paddle-like posture.
“Who’s there?!” he snarled.
Ming Zhouhe snorted inwardly, striking Qiao Jingchuan’s back with a stick in his hand. The impact sounded dull.
“Ah!!”