A night of wind and snow painted everything outside in silver white.
Song Ci stood under the eaves, glanced at the snow, and then looked away.
She dared not look for too long, as even a short glance felt like it might give her cataracts, blurring everything in sight.
"My dear, please come inside! There’s a draft blowing through here, aren’t you cold?" Nanny couldn’t help but try to add another cloak to her.
Some people, as they age, become more willful, much to the worry of their servants!
Song Ci spread her arms and said, "Cold? What cold? Listen to me sing. ’Let the wind blow, my proud indulgence, blow and blow, it can’t ruin my pure garden, let the wind blow, let it be chaotic, it can’t destroy my hopes at the end.’"
Nanny reached over, "Are you running a fever?"
What on earth is she singing, and howling!
A Nanny who can’t catch jokes is not a good Nanny; it’s no fun.
Nanny didn’t care about her strange behavior, coaxing and pulling her back into the room. She moved the brazier closer to the Arhat bed and said, "If you really want to watch, you can do so from here. You can see just as well."
Song Ci glanced at the brazier and laughed, "Alright, go fetch some peanuts and chestnuts, bury them in the brazier to roast, and pour a cup of fruit wine to warm. Oh, quickly invite Lin Qing over, it’s snowing, perfect for brewing wine and appreciating the snow. Ah, Hong You, go to Plum Garden and cut a few sprigs of wintersweet, put them in a vase by the window, so your Madam can admire them."
Nanny: You’re quite the expert at enjoyment!
As long as she stayed indoors, Nanny didn’t mind her having fun. Soon, Lin Qing was invited over and the wine was warmed, along with some snacks prepared.
Lin Qing entered, clad in a cloak against the wind and snow. First, she had the maid help her remove the cloak at the door and warmed herself by the brazier near the door before moving to sit by Song Ci.
"I dared to come upon your invitation for brewing wine and appreciating the snow."
Song Ci smiled, "Just in time, it’s no fun brewing wine and appreciating snow alone, it’s much better with company."
Lin Qing smelled the cool fragrance of wintersweet and looked over; several sprigs were arranged in a porcelain vase, the petals crimson and beautiful, nicely complementing the snow-laden trees outside the window.
"Pretty elegant, Madam has great taste."
Song Ci kicked off her shoes, leaned on the pillow, and let Hong You drape a light blanket over her legs, and said, "To have flowers, wine, snow, and friends is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Come, let’s toast!"
This bold spirit made Lin Qing squint; she took the cup, clinked it with Song Ci’s, and took a sip.
"You are the most playful Madam I’ve ever met. You always find new fun and ways to play; your mindset is so young, it makes me feel like you’re not an old lady from a farming background."
Song Ci almost shed tears, thinking to herself that you’re not wrong; I’m actually your age, a passionate young woman who could charm anyone, but I dare not say so!
"In life, the most important thing is to be happy. At my age, who knows how much time I have left? Naturally, I should experience whatever I haven’t yet, so my time here isn’t wasted!" Song Ci remarked profoundly. ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by nοvelfire.net
Lin Qing smiled, "You’re right, I toast to you with this cup; I’ve learned a lot from you." Not just experience, but also tolerance and lucidity.
"Take it slow; the manor sent fresh venison. I’ll have them make a copper pot for lunch. Let’s enjoy it here. It’s too cold; a winter without hot pot isn’t a proper winter."
Oh, how I miss Chongqing hot pot!