Lixia and the others nodded with smiles as they shared the dishes and settled around the small kitchen table for their meal. The room they used as a dining area was empty except for Qiao Xuan, who couldn't find her appetite due to thoughts of Shao Yunduan. She managed to eat a few mouthfuls of rice and drank half a bowl of mutton soup before sitting down on the kang, waiting for Songshi to come in so she could talk to him.
Songshi had been with them for a long time and was well aware of the close relationship between everyone in the house. Old Master's mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Madame ever since she had left the capital. He didn't mention it explicitly, but it was evident. Even though he was busy with Crown Prince's affairs, he made sure to return home first to greet Madame.
Madame, in turn, cared deeply for Old Master. As soon as she arrived home, she asked about him. When she couldn't find him immediately, she became anxious.
