[1] The Whole Family Is Insanely Eavesdropping on My Thoughts

On the eve of the Lunar New Year.

Madam Xu returned to the manor and began overseeing the festivities. Marquis Zhongyong's Manor was radiant with lanterns and decorations, every corner brimming with joy and celebration.

"To bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, I thank you all for your hard work this past year. Everyone, go to Deng Zhi to collect your red envelopes," Madam Xu announced with a generous smile. This month, she even issued double the regular allowances.

The servants, delighted, knelt in gratitude.

Su Zhi Qing personally came to claim her monthly stipend. Dressed in the marquis's favorite gown, her face glowed with a peach-like blush.

"May Madam have great fortune and health. Has the marquis not yet returned to the manor?" Su Zhi Qing asked after offering auspicious greetings, her eyes lingering on Lu Yuan Ze.

Madam Xu replied indifferently, "The marquis left the palace early."

"He's likely tied up with official matters and may return late tonight. You needn't wait for him—rest in your chambers instead. Tomorrow is the first of the month, and we must honor the ancestral rites. If the marquis hasn't returned by then, I will personally ensure your name is added to the family register. As Yue'er's savior, we would never mistreat you." Madam Xu spoke with the grace of a virtuous woman.

Su Zhi Qing's lips twitched, her gaze flashing with sharp intent.

Pei Jiao Jiao!

He must have gone to see Pei Jiao Jiao!

Biting her lip in frustration, Su Zhi Qing thanked Madam Xu before sashaying back to the Clear Peace Courtyard.

Madam Xu's lips curled ever so slightly.

But her smile never reached her eyes.

[Lu Yuan Ze, I have labored in this manor for half my life, yet you maintain another household outside these walls. Can you afford the price of serving two families?]

"Madam, the elders from the Lu family's old manor in Clear Creek have arrived," Deng Zhi reported quietly.

The Lu family hailed from Clear Creek. Back then, the Old Marquis had risen to prominence with military success and moved to the capital, leaving the elders to guard their ancestral roots in Clear Creek.

"Have them settled in the adjacent wing," Madam Xu instructed. Every year-end, the family elders would gather at the Lu Manor.

After arranging the elders' accommodations, it was already late.

"What about the Old Madam?"

Deng Zhi's expression betrayed displeasure. "She said she would pray all night and went into the Little Buddha Hall. But I suspect she's watching the New Year vigil over at that side."

These days, with Lu Jing Huai's rising influence, the Old Madam favored that precious grandson even more.

"It's alright. This way, we can enjoy a quiet New Year's dinner as a family." Madam Xu's face softened with warmth; it had been far too long since she'd truly accompanied her children.

She had lost herself over the years, living solely for Lu Yuan Ze.

She had become a woman consumed by love.

"The kitchen has already prepared the feast, and we've set up a barbecue in the courtyard, warming some green plum wine," Deng Zhi said with a grin.

The Listening Wind Courtyard buzzed with life.