Xue Niang sat down: "What don't you know? Why do you think I dislike you?" To be honest, Xue Niang's behavior tonight was indeed not likable, but it couldn't be said how much she disliked her, because she felt there were extenuating circumstances.

  The Snow Girl suddenly stopped crying, sneaking a glance at Peony. Under the lamp light, Peony's smile was extremely gentle and peaceful. Just like when she first saw Peony, it made her feel uncomfortable. She couldn't help but let out a soft sigh, saying in a low voice: "Anyway, I'm already annoying you. If I were you, I would also dislike someone like me. So rough, so stupid, so foolish, no tact, only thinking of myself, and most importantly, not loyal."

  She's not stupid, and she knew something from Jiang Changyang's behavior. The relationship between Jiang Changyang and Mudan is probably not as simple as a life-saving favor. At the very least, his attitude towards Mudan is completely different from his attitude towards her. It's understandable, after all, Mudan is beautiful, capable, and gentle, so people naturally prefer to like her. Maybe Mudan also likes Jiang Changyang, otherwise, Yuhe wouldn't have glared at her with such disgust. Who knows, maybe today's events have already made Mudan disgusted with her, and she won't want to associate with her again in the future.

  "Peony heard Xue Niang say that she herself didn't talk about righteousness, and knew that Xue Niang had probably misunderstood something. Originally wanted to explain it all, but felt that the explanation wasn't clear, and there was no way to start explaining, so she lowered her head and thought for a moment before saying: 'You are indeed somewhat unrighteous today, and also unreasonable.'"

  Xue Niang thought that Mudan would comfort her as usual, but she didn't expect that as soon as he opened his mouth, he confirmed that he was not speaking with integrity or reason, and she couldn't help but feel a bit stunned.

  "I'm glad you don't hold grudges and consider me a friend, but you should know that as friends, we need to take care of each other, understand each other, and look out for one another. Friends are people you can rely on, be considerate towards, and share common goals with. They're not punching bags or people you can hug when you're happy and bully when you're upset."

  Xue Niang felt her ears burning and immediately stood up straight, not daring to look at Peony. She hung her head and looked down at the floor, speaking in a low voice: "He sister, I..."

  "Tonight, you've taken your temper out on me several times and apologized to me just as many. Because I consider you a friend and cherish the bond between us, I can understand that you're still young and upset, so I won't take it to heart. But if it were someone else, they wouldn't be so understanding; they'd probably keep their distance from you after a few unpleasant words. Being true to one's emotions is a good thing, but one must also pay attention to boundaries. If this continues, even the best of friends will grow apart." She wasn't Snow Maiden's older sister or mother, and she couldn't say anything more than that; how much Snow Maiden chose to listen was beyond her control.

  Xuěniáng slightly opened her mouth, lifted her head to look at Púdān, and after a while said: "Hésister, I was wrong. I shouldn't have taken my anger out on you. Please forgive me."

  The peony stretched out his hand to pull her to sit beside him, smiling: "Tonight is just a small matter, I'm not angry with you. Besides, when those thick-skinned stinky men squeezed over later, didn't you also only care about helping me?"

  Yuki-chan blushed with embarrassment, endured and endured, and said in a very small voice: "I should be. My behavior tonight must have been very annoying to people?"

  Peony knew she was asking Jiang Changyang, so she said matter-of-factly: "Although people can't be judged solely on one or two things when interacting with each other, first impressions are always the most important. If the first impression is bad, it's often very difficult to change it afterwards, and even if you try hard, it's usually a case of 'twice the effort, half the effect'. But as the saying goes, 'knowing someone for a long time reveals their true nature', what kind of person you are will eventually be revealed."

  He won't even talk to her, what's the point of knowing? He still doesn't like her. In his mind, he might think she's a selfish person who only cares about getting ahead, but she wouldn't do that. Xue Niang's face turned pale, staring at the candle flame for a long time before forcing out a smile: "He sister, will you still consider me a friend in the future? I won't do the same thing again."

  Peony patted Xue Niang's shoulder and smiled: "It's not easy to make friends, so I still consider you a friend." Although Xue Niang may have heard these words, she wouldn't understand them very well, but one day she would eventually come to understand.

  Xue Niang blinked her eyes and smiled with tears: "He sister, I'm so hungry, and also very tired."

  Peony saw that she was still crying and looking sad, but obviously not as before, so she loudly called Yuhua to bring the midnight snack. When Fumama came in, she saw that the two had made up again, and couldn't help but let out a long sigh of relief.

  Peony slept until the second day at noon, and it wasn't until lunchtime that she realized Snow Daughter hadn't gotten up yet. Mother Pheasant had also instructed her not to disturb her. She thought that Snow Daughter was probably heartbroken after returning home and couldn't sleep, or maybe she cried so much that her eyes were swollen, and didn't want to see anyone either. So she just ignored Snow Daughter and only told Ah Tao that if Snow Daughter got up, he should hurry up and send some food over.

  Peony had lunch, changed into a half-old gray coarse serge narrow sleeve short jacket, six short skirts, and went to check the seeds soaked yesterday, but found that the seed skin was already soft, and the seeds had absorbed enough water, so she ordered people to prepare grass ash to mix with the seeds, preparing for sowing.

  While busy, Mother Pei arrived. Mudan hastily stopped her work and went to greet her: "Mother, please sit down." She also asked Yuhe to bring up tea.

  Fu's mother, however, did not sit down. She stood upright and bowed to Peony, then got up again without waiting for Peony to help her, and said with a smile: "I, an old slave, thank you on behalf of my mistress for teaching Xue Nang well, so she didn't make a fool of herself."

  Yu He didn't know what to say, and it sounded like she was blaming Mudan for overstepping her bounds. At that moment, she gave a signal to Ah Tao, indicating that she should serve the tea, while Yu He herself stood aside and watched.

  "Probably Snowy has told her mother about our conversation, so I'll just smile and say: 'Let's not make fun of mom, it's not worth mentioning, it's just some heart-to-heart talk between sisters. As the elder sister, I'm a bit older, if there's anything improper, please help me clarify with Snowy.'"

  She saw that her mother was not anxious or arrogant, and spoke politely and humbly, which made her even more likable. She smiled and said: "Xue Niang is a bit too naive and spoiled, but she's not someone who doesn't understand what's good or bad, or who doesn't follow reason. If she says you're good, then you must be good. It seems that from now on, she'll know more about things." After finishing speaking, she took the tea soup handed over by Atao and drank two mouthfuls, then bid farewell and left. Peony led Zheng Niang and others to take the seeds mixed with grass ash to the field to sow without mentioning it again.

  After each variety is finished, the peony will insert a small wooden sign with the name of the variety written on it in advance. After watering the soil thoroughly, it will be covered with thatch grass, and then wait for ten days to take root. The seedlings will emerge from the ground in February next year.

  Peony finished tidying up the seedlings, and it was already a colorful sky, the rain lotus had prepared water on one side waiting for her. Seeing her coming over, she hurriedly helped her pour water to wash her hands, and then took fragrant soap beans to wipe them clean, even washing and scrubbing the nail seams thoroughly. She advised: "Although you like it, Peony, don't do everything personally, these hard tasks are not for you to do."

  "Ha! I didn't do anything much, just inserted a few small wooden boards and covered them with some thatch. The digging and watering were all done by others."

  Yu He Dao: "If you don't trust others, then point at me in the future."

  The peony knew the lotus was in pain, so it smiled and said: "Don't think you can hide and be idle, when the white dew comes, I will have to graft the peony again, which is another big job. I don't know how many days I'll be busy, every day won't be free, and you'll have to follow me to work together. At that time, don't complain to me about being tired."

  As for this, Peony couldn't help but add a few more worries. These peonies will take several years to sprout and bloom, and next spring, if you want to make a name for yourself, you'll still have to rely on grafted peonies. So, the role of skilled flower craftsmen is relatively important, unfortunately, those with this skill either have their own gardens or have been hired by others at high prices. Those who are idle, but don't know each other's background, dare not ask for help. Only that Zheng surname flower craftsman from Liu's house back then is still usable, unfortunately, he is still working for the Liu family and can't be poached.

  Yu He saw Peony frowning and hastily said, "Peony, what are you worried about again? Tell me, your maid, and let's think of a solution together."

  " I was thinking about the florist. I can't stay here every day, I need to find someone trustworthy and capable to take care of it. But these days, I couldn't find anyone suitable, it's making me anxious. I thought of that Zheng flower craftsman, but it's a pity."

  Yu He blinked and smiled: "This is simple, Zheng Hua didn't sell himself to the Liu family. His main task is still serving Master Peony, at that time because of your sake, the Liu family's peonies were many, naturally he was better off. Now the Liu family's peonies are fewer, and the master is uncomfortable seeing peonies, his days will not be good either. This matter is handed over to me, as long as there are flower seeds and money, I think he will come."

  "Peony thought about it and felt that it wasn't right: 'The Liu family is the kind of people who take without giving, if we let them know that we want to use someone, they might not even be willing to let go of their own people. Who knows, they might even think that we're intentionally going against them and stir up more trouble. This matter can't be rushed, I'll have to make some other inquiries.'"

  "Madam Dan, you're absolutely right! They're not the kind of people who take advantage of others. Don't worry, I won't be reckless and will definitely ask clearly before speaking out, so as not to cause trouble for you."

  The master and servant returned hand in hand, and Xue Niang rushed up to say: "He sister, I just went to see the bathroom you had built, it's very good, when I get home I want to build one too, teach me!"

  Peony saw that her eyes were slightly swollen, and her smile was also somewhat dim, but she still had spirit, so she smiled and said: "This bathroom of mine is actually a diagram made by Master Fuyuan. I'll ask him about it another day, if he agrees, you can take it and build one according to it."

  The bathroom designed by Master Fuyuan is nothing more than a brick wall dividing the house into two rooms, front and back. The front room is closed off with a large iron cauldron for holding water, while the back has a stove for burning fire. Near the wall, a well was dug to draw water, and holes were drilled in the wall to channel the water inside. A ditch was also opened behind the house to drain the water. In the summer, it's naturally not a problem, but in the winter, it's quite comfortable. Of course, compared to modern standards, this is still far from advanced, but for Mudan, who knew nothing about construction or chemistry, it was already beyond her expectations. She was more than satisfied and even thought that Xue Nang would be envious.

  Xue Niang heard that she still had to ask Fu Yuan's opinion, and couldn't help but feel a bit down: "If he doesn't agree, what can we do? Anyway, it's all yours to give, you can give it to whoever you want. As long as we don't say anything, he won't know."

  "Peony Path: 'That's not the same, this is the most basic respect. I asked him to help design the garden, and he didn't even charge me money, just took some melons, fruits, fragrances, and tea leaves. If I were to secretly give his drawings to someone else and not even mention it, with a deceitful heart, that wouldn't be good.'"

  Xue Niang reluctantly nodded her head and said softly: "Alright, then you must put in a good word for me in front of him."

  "Of course."

  Xue Niang blinked: "After dinner, are we still going to tap the song?" Without waiting for Peony to speak, she added another sentence: "Of course, as long as you're not tired." As she spoke, she glanced at Fu's mother and received a smile of approval from her. She couldn't help but add a few more joyful words.

  "Let me have Mrs. Feng accompany you for a stroll, I have many things to attend to. In a few days, I'll have someone bring peony flowers from the city, and after autumn arrives, many trees and flowers need to be transplanted. I must first sort out all the necessary preparations, arrange matters in order. The soil that needs loosening should be loosened, and fertilizer applied where needed, otherwise it will become chaotic."

  The Snow Girl was very disappointed, but still obediently responded. Until the sunset went down, the two separated and acted on their own without mentioning it again.

  Xue Niang's enthusiasm today was not as high as yesterday, standing under the tree listening for a while and looking around, feeling uninteresting, she wanted to leave. Suddenly saw Wu's hand holding a plain silk lantern swaying back and forth, came over, bowed to her and smiled: "Huang Niang is good, why are you alone today? Didn't He Niang come? My husband has something to ask for her help."

  Xue Niang's heart beat uncontrollably, she turned her head to take a look, but saw Jiang Changyang wearing a brown round-necked and narrow-sleeved robe standing under the shade of a tree not far away, frequently looking out at the distant fields, clearly waiting for someone. She couldn't help but smile wryly and said: "My sister He has something going on at her farm, she's very busy, so I came alone to play. If you have business with her, you can go to the farm to find her."

  Wu Daolie thanked him and turned back to talk to Jiang Changyang in a low voice. Xue Niang stood under the tree for a moment, then pulled her maid's hand and joined the crowd dancing in the courtyard. After dancing for a while, she looked back but saw that Jiang Changyang and Wu had already disappeared from under the tree. Looking around, she only saw two figures, one tall and one short, gradually disappearing into the rice fields, heading in the direction of Fangyuan.

  Xue Niang let out a gentle sigh, covering up the tears that were about to flow with a big smile. Fu Mama was right, even if their families were well-matched, and even if Peony really did have feelings for him, it still depended on whether the other person liked her or not.

  If you don't like it, doing more is useless - after that time when she was slapped by Jiang Changyang, she went to see him several times again, but he never looked at her. She inquired about his news everywhere and finally saw him, but he only spoke two words with her because of Peony's face, there was no her in his eyes, why bother? Peony is a good person, originally so pitiful, if she can make this good thing happen, she should be happy for Peony too.

  Xue Niang thought of this, and with a burst of energy, she stomped her feet, putting all her strength into her hands, feet, and waist. She was so exhausted that she fell asleep as soon as the sun rose, and then she didn't think about anything anymore.

  The mother-in-law was watching from the side, wanting to go forward to persuade Xue Niang, but Feng Dainiang held her hand and smiled: "Let her have fun, who hasn't been young? Anyway, their bodies aren't like ours, sleep for a day or two and they'll be fine."

  Mother Fu fell silent for a moment, then smiled slightly: "So it is."

  Peony led Yuhe and Atao to stand beside the newly piled up fake mountain, chatting with those foremen, asking about the construction period, and learned that all projects would be completed by the end of the year. After a few days, planting trees and flowers would not affect the construction, and they couldn't help but feel especially happy. Then she encouraged those foremen again, asked Yuhe to take out money to reward them, and ordered them to go to the village to buy a fat pig to slaughter, and add dishes for everyone on the second day.

  While everyone was rejoicing, Yuhe gently pulled Peony's sleeve and whispered, "Peony, look who's over there?"

  The peony turned back to look, but saw Li Wei standing under the willow tree, smiling at herself. She looked up at the sky and furrowed her brow. This was where she and Xue Niang lived together, just the two women. Now that Li Wei had come, he couldn't go back to town, and it wasn't convenient for him to stay here either. How could they arrange things properly?

  Li Wei walked over and said, "Dan Niang, I went out to take care of some business and couldn't find anyone. I knew you were living in the villa, so I came over to see you." Then he looked at Yu He and said, "Yu He, I've been rushing around all day and I'm parched. Can you brew a cup of tea for me to drink?"

  Nor did he know what to do at this time. Looking at people can't do anything. Yuhe just stood still on one side, pretending not to understand Liyi's intention of asking her to retreat, and called Atao: "Go and brew tea, remember to use a good cup. Go ask your father why the uncle came, I don't know if he came to report, so that the uncle had to wait like this for half a day!"

  Atao was so humiliated that she almost died. This wasn't in the house, but in the big garden, where a wall had been built and the gate hadn't been installed yet. Every day, many people came and went, it wasn't dark yet, no dogs were released, and everyone could come and go freely. Who knew who was who? And who could control whom? But she was afraid of Yuhe, so she reluctantly agreed and went to make tea without mentioning it again.

  Peony saw Rain Lotus's attitude was not good, so she coughed and hinted at Rain Lotus to be more reserved: "Rain Lotus, go clean up the stone table and stools over there. We'll talk on our side." Then she smiled and asked Li Wei if he had eaten yet.

  Li Hen saw that Peony didn't intend to send away Yu He, and made it clear that she didn't want to have a deep conversation with her. She bit her teeth and looked at Peony with a pitiful smile: "I've been busy all day and haven't eaten anything yet, can I ask the kitchen to make a bowl of hot wontons for me?"

  Peony saw his face was red and looked quite tired, so she couldn't help but call Yuhe to prepare food in the kitchen. Yuhe went down with a pout on her face, and Li Wei shouted again: "Make more, Chongshan and Luoshan are also coming."

  "Where are those two? Let them come and have a drink as well."

  Li Da said: "I'm grooming the horse. It's not too late to call them after I've finished cooking."

  "Brother Peony asked him, 'Is this another errand for Prince Ning? Later on, I'm afraid you'll have to go to Prince Ning's estate to rest. Has anyone been sent ahead to give notice?'"

  Li Wei murmured "uh-huh" and stopped, staring at the peony.

  The peony was seen by him with a cold sweat on his back, but he pretended to be unaware and forced a smile as they chatted idly. Li Wei also didn't speak, only tilting her head to listen quietly.

  One palm can't make a sound, Peony's voice gradually lowered, and they couldn't find anything to say. The two sat opposite each other in silence, just as the awkwardness was about to become unbearable, fortunately Ah Tao brought up some tea, so one of them held a cup of tea and drank, at least having something to do.

  Xiao Qin hurried back, laughing and saying: "Dan Niang, Jiang Gong has come to return the lanterns. He says he needs your help with something and asks if you have time?" As she spoke, she gave Li Wei a sideways glance. She had just learned from Luo Shan that Li Wei was about to get engaged to Wu Shi Jiu's daughter. Since his lifelong matters were already settled, what was he doing here?

  "Where is he?" Peony heard that Jiang Changyang had something to ask for his help, so he quickly got up and said goodbye to Li Wei: "Brother, you sit first, I'll be right back."

  Li Youcai seemed to have suddenly woken up from deep thought and said: "Is it that Jiang Changyang, Jiang Dalang?"

  "Yes."

  Li Da said: "I came here today to look for him. I waited at his villa for a long time but didn't see him, who knew he would come to your place instead? Why not invite him in and we can talk together?"

  Yu He thought that he was about to be engaged to someone else, yet he still came to find Peony. She couldn't help but look at him with disapproval and said with a hint of pride: "Last night, Dan Niang accompanied Huang Jia's young daughter to tread the song, met Jiang Gong, and treaded the song together. Later, he sent us back, because the moon went down, so I lent him a lantern."

  Li Wei thought for a moment: "Will Dan Niang also dance? I haven't seen it yet."

  The peony nodded slightly.

  As they spoke, Jiang Changyang brought Wu Jin over. At the sight of Li Wei, he was slightly startled, then smiled and clasped his fists in greeting: "Mr. Li, it's been a long time."

  Li You scrutinized Jiang Changyang fastidiously, seeing him standing there with a bright and cheerful smile, without any hint of malice, so he composed himself, returned the courtesy, and laughed: "I, your younger brother, just came from Brother Jiang's estate, originally thought I wouldn't be able to find anyone, who would have known that after all the trouble, it was easy to find you."

  Jiang Changyang raised an eyebrow: "You're looking for me?"

  Li Wei looked at him seriously and said: "Yes, and it's important. Can Brother Jiang sit down and listen to me talk?"

  Jiang Changyang looked at Peony with some hesitation, and Peony knew they must have something important to discuss. Jiang Changyang was afraid of being a bother, so he quickly said: "You all just talk, no one will come here to disturb you." As he spoke, he invited Jiang Changyang to take a seat, called A Tao to serve tea, and led Yu He to arrange food, wine, and other things.