Chapter 28: I Almost Forgot About This

A new day had come. Despite living in the past, Zhang Xiaolan still kept her modern habits—she couldn’t bring herself to rise at the crow of the rooster like the ancients, and for breakfast, she simply went to the kitchen to ask Xiaolian for something to eat.

“Xiaolian, why isn’t Haizi in the backyard chopping wood today?”

Xiaolian was preparing her meal, and Zhang Xiaolan, as usual, was unceremoniously eating right there in the kitchen. The backyard seemed unusually quiet this morning, and it was because Haizi was absent.

“He was bragging early this morning, saying he’s going hunting with the master today,” Xiaolian replied with a pout, clearly annoyed by Haizi’s smugness.

Zhang Xiaolan laughed, “He’s finally got his chance. He must have been frustrated last time when he couldn’t go. Today he’s finally getting his wish—I can just imagine how excited he must be.” She finished eating and set down her bowl and chopsticks, thinking Haizi was probably beside himself with joy.

“Haizi is always looking for ways to slack off, but he’s got a sweet tongue, so the master treats him well. Miss, when are you going to deliver those pastries to Nan?” Xiaolian, despite being Haizi’s rival, had to admit he was smooth. She remembered the pastries they’d planned to deliver yesterday and wondered when they’d actually do it.

“Oh! I nearly forgot. Since Brother Li went hunting today, let’s see if he brings back any pheasants or wild rabbits. Tomorrow morning, we can take some over to Nan and let her have a treat.”

Zhang Xiaolan had long wanted to give Nan a chicken or duck, but the manor didn’t keep them. Now that Li Rui and the others were out hunting, she hoped they’d bring back something good.

Xiaolian chuckled, “You’re too kind, miss. Just because Nan looks so thin, you’re always thinking of ways to nourish her.” There was a trace of jealousy in her tone. Perhaps seeing Zhang Xiaolan fuss over Nan these past days made Xiaolian worry her own place in Zhang Xiaolan’s heart was slipping.

“There’ll be plenty for you too! Haven’t I always treated you well?” Zhang Xiaolan noticed the hint of jealousy and teased Xiaolian to lighten the mood.

“Yes, miss, you’ve always been good to me.”

Before noon, Li Rui and Haizi returned, Haizi triumphantly carrying several pheasants in his hands, and a wild rabbit dangling, still alive, by its ears.

“Brother Li, you’re back! What a haul today!” Zhang Xiaolan was delighted to see their bounty. Now she had a perfect gift for Nan.

“Indeed. Have Xiaolian prepare them—let’s make some ginseng chicken soup for you, Lanlan. Has your dizziness improved lately?” Li Rui knew pheasant was nourishing. He’d brought back many medicinal herbs from the capital, always thinking about Zhang Xiaolan’s health, and had come to the manor especially for her.

“It’s just a minor thing, nothing to worry about. But I’d like to keep one pheasant to give to a young girl,” Zhang Xiaolan explained politely, wanting Li Rui to know where the gifts were going.

Li Rui was puzzled—when had Zhang Xiaolan befriended a young girl? He was about to ask, but Haizi blurted out, “It’s that young wife who takes care of shopping and the household.”

“Ah, I see. I’ll have Haizi deliver it,” Li Rui agreed.

“No need, no need. I’ll go with Xiaolian—we can walk there and visit her home.” Zhang Xiaolan preferred to walk with Xiaolian. It wasn’t far; the journey would take about an hour, which was nothing to her.

“Haizi, drive the carriage for Lanlan tomorrow,” Li Rui instructed, worried walking might be too tiring for the young ladies.