The system asked me to chase his wife

Xia Mang walked into the house obediently, stood beside Qiao Yuandong, and gave Mrs. Zhang an apologetic smile.

Mrs. Zhang glanced at her and continued her own conversation. After Qiao Yuandong understood the situation, he let her go.

Mrs. Zhang left, and another manager came in and talked about other things.

For some things, Qiao Yuandong would just listen and express her understanding. For some things that required her to make a decision, she would quickly give instructions and arrangements.

Xia Mang watched Qiao Yuandong handle these things quietly. Even when she was dealing with such complicated matters, she was so adept and elegant, as if it was as simple as drinking water or eating.

Generally speaking, only the ladies raised in wealthy families have such calmness and cultivation.

It's no wonder that the population of the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion is declining now. Everyone outside says that the decline of the Duke's Mansion is a matter of time, but inside, the entire Duke's Mansion is still united and thriving.

Perhaps it was Qiao Yuandong's character and means that made him famous?
Soon, the maids finished their work. Qiao Yuandong took the account book and briefly looked at the daily flow, then he relaxed.

Usually at this time she would go to the table to practice calligraphy, and sometimes read a book, so Xia Mang would take the initiative to help her clean up the table.

The desk was placed next to the window. A maid came in to wipe it every day. It was very tidy and Xia Mang didn't need to do anything to clean it. She only had to put the things that Qiao Yuandong would use on it.

"Madam, do you plan to write or read today?" Xia Mang walked to the table and asked Qiao Yuandong.

Qiao Yuandong looked out the window and gave the third answer: "Painting today."

Madam, can you paint?

Oh, my almighty lady!

Xia Mang was slightly surprised, then turned around and took out some paint from the cabinet, took out some fine rice paper and spread it on the desk, and put the inkstone and pen holder on it, and then he was done.

After setting up the desk, Xia Mang went to fetch a basin of hot water for Qiao Yuandong to wash his hands.

After Qiao Yuandong washed his hands, Xia Mang found a bamboo stick and brought it over as if he were familiar with the place.

The sash is a long ribbon used to tie up the wide sleeves of a robe. Qiao Yuandong often writes, so she has many different kinds of sashes to match different clothes.

Today she was wearing a dark green double-breasted jacket with peony embroidery, and a fish-scale skirt with a contrasting pattern of butterflies and flowers. She looked low-key and elegant with a radiant glow as she moved.

Xia Mang chose a lake blue embroidered sash for her. It had clear layers and did not steal the limelight from the original dress, nor was it too vulgar.

Qiao Yuandong tied up his sleeves, revealing a piece of snow-white wrist, which looked even more delicate than the snow outside.

Fortunately, there was a warm charcoal brazier in the house so her hands wouldn't get cold.

Xia Mang was grinding ink on the side. Her eyes stayed on the wrist for a while, and she was thinking in her mind, what should I wear on such a beautiful wrist to make it look better?

Qiao Yuandong held the pen and looked out the window for a long time before dipping it in ink and starting to paint.

Xia Mang guessed that she wanted to paint the snow scene. The snow outside was all white, but she used ink to paint it.

A thin layer of ink is applied on the snow-white rice paper, leaving blank spaces everywhere. With just a few strokes, it becomes a snow scene.

Then Xia Mang watched Qiao Yuandong add hundreds of millions of details with other colors, and a picture of the snow scene in the morning light was completed.

It was so free and easy, Xia Mang stared at her with eyes wide open, and even had the illusion that she could have sex with her!
The ding-dong sound in her head brought her back to her senses. Mission accomplished, the snow was a reward.

Qiao Yuandong put away her brush and looked at her painting. A look of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. She asked Xia Mang, "What do you think?"

She was sincerely seeking advice.

Xia Mang: Madam, don’t ask me, I am not worthy.

She expressed her opinion honestly: "It's a great painting, madam is amazing!"

He is really amazing, capable and talented, with a good temper and good looks. What a good person, how could he fall for her?
Hiss, how did you like it?

When thinking of this question, Xia Mang calmly subtracted one again.

"What's wrong with you? Why do you look so bitter and resentful?" Qiao Yuandong's smiling voice rang in his ears, bringing Xia Mang back to his senses.

As soon as she raised her head, she met Qiao Yuandong's inquiring gaze. Her clear pupils were like crystal gems, emitting a flowing light.

Xia Mang calmly subtracted one more time.

To die!

Unable to waste any more time, Xia Mang decided to take decisive action.

She touched the non-existent sweat on her nose, coughed dryly and said, "Madam, are you..."

"What?" Qiao Yuandong asked.

Those key words kept turning around on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn't say them out loud.

It’s not easy to answer this kind of question. Will a reserved and introverted person like Madam admit it?
If she really admitted it, wouldn't it hurt her feelings if I refused?

As these thoughts flashed through Xia Mang's mind, all the courage that he had accumulated disappeared completely.

Facing Qiao Yuandong's gaze, she changed the subject and said, "Madam, are you hungry? I'll go serve you food."

Qiao Yuandong was stunned for a moment. After being asked by Xia Mang, he realized that it was already noon and he was indeed a little hungry.

"Go ahead." She nodded in agreement.

Xia Mang ran out of the house and walked under the corridor, letting the cold wind blow on her cheeks. On the way to the kitchen, there were a few plum trees planted, which were quietly blooming beautifully.

She looked at the plum blossoms covered with snow, and suddenly thought that it might look nice if she picked one and put it in a vase in Qiao Yuandong's room.

No, no! This action is too abrupt. It would be bad if it caused her to misunderstand.

As Xia Mang walked, he kept reminding himself that the key issue now was not to find out whether Qiao Yuandong liked him or not.

The key is that she will eventually leave here, so even if Qiao Yuandong really has that intention, she will pretend not to know and not respond!

Although this makes her seem a bit of a scumbag, in her opinion, if Qiao Yuandong really expressed his feelings, then if he rejected her, Qiao Yuandong would be very sad, right?
Even if she doesn't refuse, I will eventually return to my original world, and the separation at that time will probably be even more sad.

Xia Mang felt deeply guilty at the thought of such a beautiful and quiet woman shedding tears.

commit a sin!

Xia Mang went to the kitchen to order meal with a head full of lawsuits. The cook told her that a basket of fresh winter fish was caught from the river this morning and would be steamed and eaten, which would be most delicious.

Xia Mang swallowed his saliva when he heard this, thinking that Qiao Yuandong had a poor appetite due to his previous illness, and the fish came at the right time today.

She inexplicably remembered what He Lan said, that every time she served Qiao Yuandong a meal, she could get Qiao Yuandong to eat half a bowl more.

Could it be that because the Madam likes me, my appetite is particularly good?
No! Xia Mang, you can't think about such meaningless questions anymore!

On the way back, she couldn't help but tap the system, "Now there is something I need to explain to you clearly."

Xiang Xiukai saw her solemn attitude and said, "You say."

Xia Mang coughed dryly and forced himself to suppress the embarrassment in his heart: "Let's just say it's as you said, the lady is indeed fond of me."

After saying the word "Xinyue", Xia Mang looked around like a thief, as if he was afraid of being heard by others.

In fact, she and Xiang Xiukai were communicating through consciousness, and it was impossible for anyone to hear them, but she still couldn't help blushing.

The system sneered: "Please remove it for the time being, thank you."

Xia Mang ignored Xiang Xiukai's teasing and continued: "If that's the case, then I can't fulfill your wish. You know I have to go back."

Originally, if the lady liked someone else, she could help to bring them together. Once they were happy, she could retire. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?

But now it seems that this thing can't be done. Xiang Xiukai was also very tolerant in this matter: "It's up to you. Love is a matter between two people. I won't force you. But if you want to go back, you can only rely on accumulating points. Can you accumulate enough?"

Xia Mang was relieved to see Xiang Xiukai was so easy to talk to, and said nonchalantly: "You can earn points slowly, and there will always be enough."

Xiang Xiukai: 'Then my grandmother's medicine.'

"Don't worry, she won't be short of medicine."

Xiang Xiukai relaxed a little, and then asked: "Really don't you want to consider it? Dong Niang is very good, what if you fall in love with her?"

Xia Mang swore: "It's impossible for her and I to be together!"

According to seniority, the ancient man Qiao Yuandong can be considered her ancestor.

Let’s not talk about this for now. They are from different times, and long-distance relationships are hard enough for other people. If they are really together, what does it mean? A relationship between people in different time and space?

It sounds like a sad story, so I'd better not do it!

She felt that Qiao Yuandong's feelings towards her were probably just a vague one, and it would be better not to break that layer of window paper.

Xia Mang shook off the unrealistic thoughts in his mind and decided to save points honestly from now on.

Qiao Yuandong didn't plan to take a nap after lunch. She called Xia Mang and told him, "Pack up and follow me out later."

Xia Mang didn't even ask where Qiao Yuandong was going. She turned around and started packing up.

It has been snowing heavily these past few days, and she was so bored that she started to play with the icicles on the eaves. Being able to go on a business trip with her leader was like going out for some fresh air for her.

No matter where you go, as long as you can go out!

Xia Mang stuffed a pocket of snacks into her own and the rest were things that Qiao Yuandong might need, such as a heater, ear warmers, a hood, a coat, a sleeping bag and other warm things.

After packing everything up, the fully armed Qiao Yuandong and the equally tightly wrapped Xia Mang went out, and the master and servant got on the carriage.

After sitting down, Qiao Yuandong told the driver a place.

"Go to Shuntian Mansion."

The driver received the order, raised his hand and cracked the whip, and the horse started to move forward with a clatter.

Xia Mang thought Qiao Yuandong was going to a banquet, but when she heard her mention Shuntian Mansion, she couldn't help but ask curiously, "Madam, what are we going there for?"

Report to the police? But nothing has happened in your house recently.

Qiao Yuandong pointed to the red lacquered wood box beside him and said, "Go and donate money."

Xia Mang knew that the one-foot square box was filled with silver ingots. She was still holding the box when she went out. It was very heavy.

This amount of money is at least one or two hundred taels. Why would Madam want to give money to the governor of Shuntian Prefecture?

Oh no, madam said she wanted to donate money.

Xia Mang scratched his head: "Is Shuntian Prefecture short of money? Why should we donate money to them?"

There is no reason why a national department like this would be poor?
Qiao Yuandong looked at Xia Mang silently, and seeing that she really didn't react, he reluctantly explained: "There was a snowstorm recently, and Shuntian Prefecture opened a porridge stall to give porridge to the victims. This money was donated for disaster relief."

Xia Mang said "oh" to show that he understood, but then he didn't understand anymore: "But since we want to provide disaster relief, why not just set up a porridge stall in front of the Duke's Mansion? This will also win the praise of the people."

There are still some things she hasn't said, and she doesn't know how much of the money donated to Shuntian Prefecture will actually benefit the people?

As a result, Qiao Yuandong looked at Xia Mang with an even more silent look. Even though she was slow-witted, she understood that she might have said something stupid.

"What, what's wrong?"

Qiao Yuandong smiled and said, "Have you seen anyone in the capital setting up a porridge stall? Under the emperor's feet, no one dares to win the hearts of the people."

After hearing what Qiao Yuandong said, Xia Mang realized where he had been stupid.

I have really been poisoned by TV dramas. I didn't even think of such an obvious truth.

Outside of Kyoto, perhaps some wealthy gentry opened soup kitchens to do charity work in order to accumulate some reputation in the local area to facilitate their actions.

But in the capital, accumulating reputation under the emperor's nose, what do you want to do?

After a while, the carriage arrived at Shuntian Prefecture. Qiao Yuandong adjusted his coat and hood and prepared to get off.

Xia Mang found a big snow hat and put it on Qiao Yuandong's head. The ruffled brim could cover half of her face.

After helping Qiao Yuandong get off the carriage, Xia Mang turned around to pick up the silver box.

Qiao Yuandong walked straight towards the gate of Shuntian Mansion, and Xia Mang followed closely behind him. She happened to see two rows of porridge stalls at the gate of Shuntian Mansion.

At that time, the porridge stalls served pot after pot of steaming white porridge, and outside the porridge stalls there was a long line of people, all of whom were dressed in tattered clothes.

Many people who received the porridge sighed while drinking it, saying that the porridge was very thick, which showed that the emperor was sympathetic to the people.

In order to prevent riots caused by a large crowd, there was a row of soldiers guarding the gate of Shuntian Prefecture in addition to the porridge stall.

The soldier guarding the gate saw two young ladies walking in the snow, and saw that the person leading them was dressed luxuriously, so he knew that this must be some noble person who came to donate money.

So before Qiao Yuandong could explain his purpose, the clever doorman led the two of them into the room.

An accountant was sitting in the room. On the table in front of him was a large booklet like a gift book, which recorded in detail how much money so-and-so had donated.

It seems that there are quite a few people who have donated money recently, whether they are trying to curry favor with the emperor or simply out of kindness, these names can be reported to Your Majesty.

When the accountant saw the two ladies coming in, he didn't bother to greet them too much. He just bowed and asked about their origins. Then he wrote the name of the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion neatly on the account book.

When Xia Mang placed the box on the table, it made a dull "bang" sound. When the accountant saw the large square box, he couldn't help but look at Qiao Yuandong with admiration.

"Madam, righteousness!"

Qiao Yuandong smiled faintly, nodded to the accountant, and left.

After leaving Shuntian Prefecture, Xia Mang helped Qiao Yuandong get on the carriage.

Qiao Yuandong took off her large snow hat and her furry ear warmers, and only then did she feel better. She told Xia Mang to lift the curtain of the car window a little to let in some fresh air.

"Madam, please be careful not to be blown by the wind." Xia Mang said as she was told and opened the curtains a little.

It happened that a peddler selling candied haws passed by. Xia Mang saw that the peddler was carrying a large haystack filled with bright red candied haws, which was particularly eye-catching in the snow.

As the Chinese New Year is approaching, children with extra coins in their pockets will buy candied haws.

So even in the winter, even if you can't see street vendors, you can still see hawkers and peddlers walking around the streets.

"Selling candy~~gourd! Sour and sweet rock candy~~gourd!" The peddler's rhythmic shouting came from afar and into the carriage.

Xia Mang was attracted by the bright eyes, and suddenly heard Qiao Yuandong's voice: "Do you want to eat?"

In fact, Xia Mang had long disliked eating this kind of thing. When she was eight years old, she was eating candied haws and a hawthorn seed hit her tooth, causing her mouth to be full of blood. She never ate it again after that.

The reason why Xia Mang looked at him twice more was that he felt a sense of familiarity.

Faced with Qiao Yuandong's question, she subconsciously shook her head and said she didn't want to eat, but after meeting Qiao Yuandong's black gemstone eyes, an idea suddenly popped up in her mind.

Madam, does she want to eat?
"Ah, I do feel like eating some. How about I go buy some?"

"it is good."

(End of this chapter)