"The back courtyard is cleaned occasionally, but rarely does anyone stay here," Mo Yan explained, pointing to the kitchen adjacent to the main building.
"Have the workers tidy up everything this time," Mo Lixia instructed, surveying the area. The space was well-equipped: a small rockery by the pavilion, a kitchen, a private bath, a study, and bedrooms. It was the perfect secluded retreat within the city.
Entering the first floor, the faint scent of sandalwood mingled with the smell of old dust. Sunlight filtered through the intricate lattice windows, casting dappled shadows on the floor. Lixia looked around but found no trace of her Master's presence here. Sigh... he really did leave everything behind.
The Warmth of a Family Waiting
By the time Lixia returned to the General's Manor, she found her parents, her brother, and Mochen all waiting for her at the dining table. They hadn't touched their food. A wave of guilt washed over her.
"Mother," Lixia murmured, stepping forward and taking Madam Mo's hand with a slight, apologetic pout.
"It's good that you're back. You must be hungry," Madam Mo said gently, smoothing Lixia's stray hairs.
Mo Wushang finally allowed a smile to break his stern expression. "Serve the meal."
The dinner began with a quiet, slightly tense atmosphere. Lixia ate with her head down, occasionally peeking at her brother or Mochen, both of whom were focused on their bowls.
"Mother, have some of this," Lixia said, trying to curry favor by placing a choice morsel in her mother's bowl.
"Mmm... Li'er should eat more too," Madam Mo smiled.
"I heard from Mochen that you went to... your Master's pharmacy today?" Mo Wushang asked, his concern evident.
Lixia nodded. "Master told me about it before. I only realized which one it was when I went to visit Sister-in-law's shop the other day."
"The Kirin Pharmacy?" The family looked at her in shock. "Wasn't that the pharmacy of the Eccentric Doctor Qianchuan?"
"Yes, Father."
"Then... that estate on the mountain where you lived... was that Doctor Qianchuan's seclusion spot?"
"It was."
"Qingwan, this is fate," Mo Wushang said to his wife. "Years ago, Doctor Qianchuan did me a great favor. I never expected that in the end, he would be the one to rescue our Li'er!"
"Indeed... it is a blessing from the heavens."
"Father, Mother... I promised my Master that I would practice medicine diligently," Lixia said softly.
Mo Wushang exchanged a look with his wife. "You may go, but take more people with you so your mother doesn't worry." He looked at Madam Mo. "What do you think, my dear?"
Madam Mo put down her chopsticks. "You can go, but I have rules. You must return before dark, you must tell me where you are going, and Hongshang must be by your side at all times. Can you do that?"
"Mother..." Lixia looked up and nodded. "Li'er understands."
"I'm just afraid," Madam Mo whispered, cupping Lixia's cheek. "I'm terrified that I might lose you again one day. I couldn't survive it a second time."
"You won't lose me, Mother. I'll stay with you every day." Lixia leaned into her mother's embrace, acting like a spoiled child.
"Silly girl. You're at the age where you'll marry soon. You can't stay with Mother forever."
"Then I won't marry! That way, I can stay with you every day."
"Nonsense! Every girl must marry. Though I've just found you and don't want you to leave so soon. Your father and I agreed to keep you home for a couple more years. But if we find a good match, we should arrange it first." Madam Mo then gave her husband a sharp look. "But not someone like your father—his snoring is far too loud at night!"
Mo Wushang let out a series of dry, innocent coughs, while Zhanchen and Mochen buried their faces in their bowls to hide their laughter.
The Cartoon Revolution
Over the next few days, the men were busy with school and work, leaving Lixia to spend her days with Madam Mo, practicing needlework and calligraphy. As the pharmacy was under renovation, Hongshang acted as her messenger.
One morning, Lixia felt particularly lazy and didn't want to get out of bed. Xiqiu, knowing her mistress's temperament, didn't rush her. She simply brought in some ice to cool the room and sat nearby doing her embroidery.
"Xiqiu?" Lixia poked her head out from behind the gauze curtains. "Bring me some ink and brushes."
"Yes, Miss. I'll have Hongshang fetch them. Would you like some porridge first?"
"No, I want some iced mung bean soup."
While waiting, Lixia sat on the bed and began to draw. She was thinking of how to help her future sister-in-law's shop. After some trial and error, she managed to sketch a cartoon version of A'Mu. It was simple, round, and undeniably cute—similar to characters from an animation.
"Miss, this drawing is so beautiful!" Hongshang praised as she ground the ink.
Lixia followed up with a cartoon rabbit. She had realized that while she couldn't paint traditional landscapes well, these modern, stylized animals were within her reach. These designs could be used for pillows, hand warmers, handkerchiefs, and more. It would be a guaranteed hit in a market saturated with traditional floral patterns.
"Xiqiu, do you think this A'Mu can be embroidered?" Lixia asked.
Xiqiu inspected the drawing. "It's very simple, Miss. It should be easy."
"Really? Then help me embroider a pillow with this A'Mu on it!" Lixia jumped out of bed in excitement, her mind already racing with the business possibilities.