Chapter 233

After addressing the matters at hand, Li Xia went to find Lu XuanNing and his son. Lu XuanNing and Li Xi were seated in the corridor, while Lu Liucheng and Cao Dabao were frolicking in the courtyard.

Seeing Li Xia approaching, Lu XuanNing stood and helped Li Xia to take his seat.

"Xi, why aren't you playing?" Li Xia asked Li Xi, who was sitting next to him.

Yearning shone in Li Xi's eyes, yet the words he spoke were "Child's play, I have no interest." His inner thoughts revolved around his dislike for such activities and his preference for spending his time reading.

"You too are a child," Li Xia chuckled at Li Xi's mature response.

"I have a younger brother now, I'm an adult. I need to be sensible," Li Xi's reply caused Li Xia to be lost in thought. Some people could never be pleased. They enjoyed spreading gossip.

"Even with a brother, you're still a child. Go and play," Li Xia picked up Li Xi effortlessly with one hand and nudged him to join the others in the courtyard. Seeing Li Xi join, Lu Liucheng and Cao Dabao immediately included him in their fun.

Li Xia then beckoned over one of the young maids near Li Xi. "Who said something to Xi today?"

The servant was Shi Yuan, the nine-year-old son of Qing Zhu. He went on to explain that a few gossiping women had told Li Xi that his parents might neglect him now that they had his little brother.

Li Xia was speechless upon hearing these comments.

"Go tell your father about this," Li Xia ordered.

"Yes," Shi Yuan responded and went to tell Qing Zhu, who would in turn inform Li Hui. He would take care of it.

Madam Bao arrived in the courtyard with a smile, calling everyone to dinner.

Save for the few from Li Chou's family and the Chang'an Princess who was in her confinement period, the rest of the Li family gathered around one table for dinner.

Upon returning to the Orchid Courtyard for rest, Li Xia queried Lu XuanNing, "You hit Cao Fugui."

During mealtime, Li Xia noticed that, despite Cao Fugui's attempts to act normal, his hand was shaking slightly.

"We had a friendly discussion," was how Lu XuanNing phrased it, inciting laughter from Li Xia.

"I've informed my big brother, he will look for you if anything needs to be done," Li Xia told Lu XuanNing, who was thrilled that Li Xia was willing to delegate tasks to him.

The next day after breakfast on Qingyue Street, Li Xia's family of three returned to the Mansion of Marquis of Pacifying the South. Li Xia requested Qiu Ling to inquire about nail artists within the city who could paint one's nails green.

Having got to know Li Xia's fascination for the colour green, Qiu Ling did not hesitate to take on this task.

Li Xia then called Qiu Kui, "How are you and Luo Shan doing?"

"My Lady, Luo Shan is reluctant to see me," Qiu Kui was somewhat frustrated. He had tried visiting Luo Shan but never found him in.

Li Xia opened it and took one pill, "It's still so bitter."

"Good drugs are bitter." Zhou Heng's response was old without any novelty.

Zhou Heng set off to find those two medications. Li Xia stood at the city gate watching the expedition team leave.

"Don't worry, they will definitely come back safely." Lu XuanNing stood beside Li Xia, comforting her.

"Um." Li Xia responded lightly without saying anything.

"Let's go back." Lu XuanNing and Li Xia returned to the Mansion of Marquis of Pacifying the South.

On the way back, Li Xia asked Lu XuanNing how matters related to Mei Saniang were proceeding. Li Xia had been less concerned about this due to Zhou Heng’s affairs.

"The results will be out the day after tomorrow." The things Mei Saniang did in private have been almost investigated, and they were preparing.

Li Xia leaned on Lu XuanNing and didn't speak anymore. The new medicine had a good analgesic effect, but it also made Li Xia sleepier.

She woke up lying in bed. Qiu Shui was guarding by the door. Seeing Li Xia awake, she walked into the room, "Madam, you're awake".

"Um, what time is it now?"

"It's the beginning of the Monkey hour." Qiu Shui helped Li Xia get up and freshen up.

"I slept this long?" No wonder she felt a bit hungry.

Qiu Chan brought food, and Li Xia ate a little. She went for a walk in the garden. Entering November, the garden was bare. Qiu Chan accompanied Li Xia on her walk and did not stop eating.

"Did Jiang Chong buy you that?" Li Xia could smell roasted chestnuts.

"Um, Master Jiang bought them." Qiu Chan offered one to Li Xia.

Li Xia had no appetite and did not eat.

"What's your opinion of Jiang Chong?" Li Xia asked, to which Qiu Chan replied without hesitation, "Mr. Jiang, he's quite good."

"Would you like to marry him?" Li Xia's following question led Qiu Chan to pause her eating. She replied hesitantly, "He wouldn't be able to defeat me."

Qiu Chan hadn't initially understood Jiang Chong's actions. However, her sisters' reminders enlightened her. Qiu Chan had thought it over and so she told Jiang Chong, if he could defeat her, she'd marry him.

"Why does he need to defeat you?"

"I'm not sure if I want to marry him or not, so I set a condition. Yes, as a test!" Qiu Chan's answer took Li Xia by surprise.