Chapter 1402 - 761: Candy Shared by Three Women (Bonus 3-in-1)

However, giving candy remains important. Qin Yue thought of this and quickly retrieved a piece of candy from her palm, raising it high:

"Daddy, Daddy wants Yue'er to give the Prince... a candy gift.

A candy… just one piece."

Qin Qingluo lowered his gaze and took the candy, glanced at it, and said, "Received."

Qin Yue nodded but did not leave. She looked at the Prince, hesitated for a moment, and continued: "Prince, please don't be angry with Dad."

Qin Qingluo was momentarily taken aback, then unexpectedly laughed softly.

How clumsy he was...

"Hmm, go back now. Thank Daddy for me… as the Prince."

Hearing this, Qin Yue nodded, turned around to walk out of the studio, and waved goodbye to Qin Qingluo.

Watching his daughter's small figure skip away, disappearing into the sunlight outside the door, Qin Qingluo slowly opened his palm.

The small candy quietly lay in his palm.

In the sunlight falling through the window lattice, Qin Qingluo carefully examined the candy wrapped in oil paper. The candy paper reflected a faint yet warm glow,

"Only sending just one candy, so stingy?"

A gentle breeze lifted the half-opened silk drapery. On the desk lay an unfinished painting, outlining the figures of the two people.

............…

The serene and elegant small courtyard, compared to the joyous clamor of the main courtyard, appeared more tranquil here.

A few stalks of wax plums in the garden bloomed just right, their subtle cold fragrance gently wafting, refreshing the heart.

Xiuhe was standing behind Lin Wanxiao, holding an exquisite rhinoceros horn comb, carefully combing her cloud-like dark hair, the copper mirror reflecting Lin Wanxiao's slightly pale face, with the gentle sorrow unique to women of Jiangnan in her eyebrows, yet her complexion was slightly better than when she first arrived at the Prince Mansion.

"Madam, how about this hairstyle? Today is New Year's Eve, we should style it into a celebratory Ruyi bun, and then pin it with this Ruby hairpin, fitting for the occasion." Xiuhe's voice was gentle, but her hands moved with great steadiness.

Lin Wanxiao looked in the mirror and nodded slightly, "Do as you see fit, I don't quite understand these things."

These days, Chen Yi's thoughts were mostly revolving around mediating between Qin Qingluo and Zhu E, with the New Year approaching and preparations for the westward journey, he was busy.

Lin Wanxiao understood in her heart, and there was no resentment. On the contrary, she found this Prince Mansion extremely pleasant, quiet, and undisturbed.

Her constitution had always been weak. The previous journey from the Capital City to the Southern Border had taken a toll on her vitality, especially in recent days, she felt particularly exhausted. Now, being able to live peacefully here, to read books and admire flowers every day, was much more comforting and carefree than in the grand Cui Mansion, where she had to constantly face those "relatives" with eyes of envy, pity, or veiled ridicule.

Xiuhe was skillful, and it wasn't long before she finished styling the bun. The figure in the mirror suddenly added a bit of vibrancy, though still appearing fragile, it carried the spirit of the festival.

"All done, madam, take a look."

Lin Wanxiao looked left and right in the mirror, "Thank you, Xiuhe."

"Madam, don't mention it."

She said as she deftly peeled a piece of candy and brought it to Lin Wanxiao's lips,

"Madam, have a candy to sweeten your mouth, you've been quite fond of them lately."

Lin Wanxiao's face turned slightly red, but she didn't refuse, taking the candy from Xiuhe's hand into her mouth.

The sweet fragrance of malt mixed with a hint of osmanthus dissolved on her tongue, truly making her feel a bit better; she didn't know why, recently, her mouth always tasted bland, making her crave something sweet now and then.

Xiuhe also peeled one for herself, and the master and servant quietly shared the candy, the harsh rustle of candy wrappers occasionally breaking the silence in the room.

After finishing the candy, Lin Wanxiao licked her lips, her eyes inadvertently glancing toward the small dish that held the candy.

The dish was empty.

She actually... wanted to have another one, but as soon as the thought arose, she felt a bit embarrassed. How old was she, and not a child anymore, why was she so fond of sweets?

Xiuhe, however, with her sharp eyes and careful mind, leaned closer and whispered, "Madam, do you... want more? I can be a bit cheeky and get some more for you? It's New Year's Eve, the mansion is stocked with many candies and pastries."

Hearing this, Lin Wanxiao couldn't help but lightly scold with a chuckle, "What nonsense are you talking about, such a big person, still so fond of candies, what would it look like if word got out."

The tone, however, held no blame, carrying instead a touch of embarrassment at having her thoughts seen through.

Xiuhe, seeing her shy, purposely hung her head in feigned grievance, "I was just thinking madam likes it... what harm in having a bit of candy during the New Year."

Looking at Xiuhe's lowered head, Lin Wanxiao hesitated for a moment, her voice softened further,

"Candies... are a bit sticky on the teeth, maybe... let's have them bring a bowl of sour plum soup from the kitchen, it should be kept on hand to cleanse the palate, after all… it's sweet too."

Sour plum soup, sour with a hint of sweet, refreshing and thirst-quenching, sounded more considerate than asking for candies.

"Ah! I'll go right away, and have them make the sour plum soup with well-chilled well water and add a small spoon of osmanthus honey, madam is sure to like it!" Xiuhe said and quickly made her way out with light steps, "Madam, just hold on a moment, it won't take long!"

Watching Xiuhe's cheerful departure, Lin Wanxiao gently shook her head and turned back to look at herself in the mirror.

The woman in the mirror wore a gentle expression, her cheeks rare flushed due to earlier embarrassment and the warmth of the room. She reached out and lightly touched the Ruby hairpin on her bun, feeling its cool touch.

The Prince Mansion is indeed wonderful, truly serene.

She thought.

With Xiuhe by her side, this stable world around her, she could even look forward to a bowl of sweet and sour soup... such days, to her, were an invaluable comfort.

As for that person... he had his own concerns and busyness.

She understood and was content with her quietness.

Only occasionally, perhaps in this warm pavilion at the year's end, when alone facing the mirror, a faint wistfulness would sweep through her heart.

Outside the window, the fragrance of the wax plums seemed even stronger, gently drifting in, blending with the lingering sweetness of candy in her mouth.

"When will the sour plum soup arrive?"

She didn't know why, once she thought of it, she couldn't stop wanting it; perhaps she had been craving sweet and sour things lately.