Assemble

Chu Li did not follow them in. Instead, he picked up his book once again and sat by the stone table, quietly reading beneath the plum tree.

The smell of herbs lingered around the house as Xiao Shi leaned against a raised pillow semi-seated, sizing up the Song Liuying mother and daughter combo who were entering the house.

Song Liuying curtseyed and smiled. "Sister Xiao."

Leng Qing curtseyed and did not say a word. She curiously checked Xiao Shi out, wanting to know how beautiful could the Ji Dynasty's first beauty be.

Xiao Shi revealed a gentle smile. "Sister Song, come in and sit."

She had never seen Song Liuying before but spoke as if they were longtime friends. Xiao Shi sighed. "I should've visited Sister Song first but now I need to trouble you to personally come over."