Wedding ceremony tomorrow

Chapter 98 Warming the Bed

At the entrance of the small courtyard.

Maids were already standing by to greet them, each carrying a lantern.

Lanterns were also hung on both sides of the gate.

After exchanging pleasantries, the two entered the courtyard together, led by the maid.

The hall was brightly lit.

The maids and servants are busy making tea and preparing fruits, candied fruits, desserts and other snacks.

The fourth madam, dressed in a light purple jacket and skirt, with a pearl necklace on her chest, gold and jade bracelets on her wrists, and gold hairpins and pearl flowers in her hair, walked out of the room with an air of elegance and nobility, surrounded by her maids.

She looked at everyone, but only smiled at Luo Qingfeng and said, "Thank you, Mr. Luo, for taking the time to visit my humble courtyard. Last time I invited you, but you refused. I thought you only liked the Third Madam's courtyard and didn't care about ours. I was sad for a long time after that."

Luo Qingfeng quickly cupped his hands in a bow and said, "I'm so sorry I had something to attend to last time. I've come in a hurry today and haven't prepared any gifts. I hope Fourth Madam won't take offense."

The fourth wife walked up to him and said with a warm smile, "Please don't blame me. I invited you here today because I have something to ask of you."

He quickly added, "It's cold outside, sir. Please come in and let's talk inside."

Luo Qingfeng thanked him again, but did not go in immediately.

Miss Dong and Young Master Dong, who were standing to the side, felt somewhat embarrassed when they saw that the Fourth Madam was ignoring them.

Dong Miaomiao, being quite outspoken, asked directly, "Fourth Aunt, aren't you welcoming us?"

Fourth Madam looked at her and smiled, "Of course you're welcome. Miaomiao is so cute, how could Fourth Aunt not welcome her?"

Dong Miaomiao giggled, cupping her face in her hands and saying, "Everyone says I'm cute. It seems I'm getting cuter and cuter."

He then turned to Luo Qingfeng, winked, and said, "Right, sir?"

Luo Qingfeng ignored her, his gaze fixed on how the Fourth Madam treated the others.

The Fourth Madam then looked at Miss Dong and smiled slightly, "How has Xiangxue been feeling lately? Is she having a headache again?"

Miss Dong, sitting in her wheelchair, bowed and said softly, "Thank you for your concern, Fourth Aunt. I'm feeling much better lately."

The fourth madam nodded and said, "Go inside, it's cold outside."

After saying that, she prepared to turn around and go inside.

Dong Yun looked embarrassed and could only cup her hands and say, "Fourth Aunt."

The fourth madam seemed to only notice him then, giving him a faint glance before saying, "Yun'er, let's go in together."

She then turned to Luo Qingfeng and smiled, "I understand your concerns, sir. If it weren't for the men in my household accompanying you, I doubt you would dare to enter my humble courtyard."

This is too obvious; it directly treats Dong Yun as a tool.

Dong Yun lowered her head but didn't say anything. She just took out a handkerchief, covered her mouth, coughed a few times, and her face became even paler.

The group followed them into the house.

The house was warm with a heater on and the doors and windows closed.

At this moment, the maidservant began to serve the dishes.

After the Fourth Madam asked everyone to sit down, she said to the maid beside her, "Go and tell Yaozu that Mr. Luo has arrived, and tell him to come and pay his respects quickly."

The maid agreed and quickly left.

The fourth wife then smiled and explained, "Mr. Luo, please don't be offended. I invited you here today not only because I admire your talent and want to get to know you, but also because I would like to ask you to teach my son Yaozu in the future. I hope this request is not too presumptuous."

Luo Qingfeng cupped his hands and said, "If Fourth Young Master wishes to study, why not go to the school?"

The fourth madam's smile faded slightly. She glanced at the second young master Dong and said, "I am truly ashamed. My son Yaozu has had a leg ailment since childhood and does not wish to go out and be ridiculed. Otherwise, I would not have dared to trouble Mr. Luo."

Dong Yun, who was sitting below, lowered his head.

Miss Dong couldn't help but speak up, "Fourth Aunt, no one in this mansion will laugh at Yaozu."

The fourth madam sneered and said, "No one will laugh at him to his face, but what about behind his back? Yaozu heard quite a few people secretly calling him a cripple."

Upon hearing this, Miss Dong lowered her head slightly and sighed almost imperceptibly.

The fourth madam looked at Luo Qingfeng, rose and curtsied, and said, "Please do not refuse, sir. Although my son Yaozu is dull-witted, he loves learning very much. I have visited the school and seen the teacher teaching, and I admire him greatly. If he were to be taught by you, he would surely cheer up and no longer give up on himself."

Luo Qingfeng quickly stood up and said, "It's nothing, Fourth Madam. If Fourth Young Master is willing, I will come here to teach in the afternoon after I finish at the school."

Upon hearing this, the Fourth Madam's face lit up with joy, her eyes reddening. She said gratefully, "Thank you, sir. Rest assured, I will definitely discipline Yaozu well and make him listen to you. As for the reward, please don't worry, I am willing to pay you more than double the amount you would earn for teaching at the school."

Luo Qingfeng cupped his hands and said, "Fourth Madam, you flatter me. I came to this manor to teach all the young nobles, and it is only right that I teach the Fourth Young Master. The reward given to me by the manor is already very generous, and I would never dare to take a single penny more from you."

Although he really wanted to make money, he just couldn't seem to make it.

No one would have the heart to earn money for a mother who wants her disabled son to go to school.

Moreover, the manor had already paid him.

Silver, a small courtyard, food, drink, clothing, and even two maids to warm the bed.

How could he be so greedy?

Upon hearing this, Miss Dong Er couldn't help but look up at him.

A female guard outside the door was also watching him through a crack in the window.

The fourth madam wiped her eyes with a handkerchief and said, "Mr. Luo is so noble and virtuous. The head steward certainly made the right choice. I would like to thank you on behalf of my son, Yaozu."

After speaking, he bowed again.

Luo Qingfeng stepped aside and returned the greeting with a cupped hand.

Then, footsteps came from outside the door.

Immediately afterwards, two maids helped a slightly chubby boy, about ten years old, dressed in a brocade robe, into the room from the side corridor.

"Get out of the way! I don't need your help! It's not like I don't have legs!"

The young man pushed away the maid who was supporting him, glanced at everyone in the room, and then his gaze fell on Dong Yun.

Dong Yun said awkwardly, "Fourth brother."

The boy didn't speak, nor did he show any other expression. He limped over to the Fourth Madam and called out, "Mother."

The fourth madam affectionately wiped his cheek and quickly pointed to Luo Qingfeng beside her, saying, "Yaozu, this is the Mr. Luo that your mother told you about. Go and pay your respects to him."

Dong Yaozu turned his head and glanced at him, then obediently limped over, cupped his hands and bowed, saying, "Yaozu greets you, sir."

Luo Qingfeng quickly took his hand and said, "Fourth Young Master, there's no need to be so polite. I've already promised your mother that I'll come here in the afternoons after classes at school. I wonder if you have the time?"

Dong Yaozu nodded and said, "I have time."

Then he asked, "Could you tell me the story of the stone monkey you told me?"

Luo Qingfeng said, "Of course, next time we'll tell a story first, then start the lesson."

Dong Yaozu's face immediately lit up with a smile: "Thank you, sir. I love listening to stories. My mother has told me about your lectures, and I really want to attend them."

At this moment, Dong Miaomiao said crisply, "If you want to go, just go! If anyone dares to say bad things about you, I'll beat them up for you. The teacher went to give us a lesson first, and then came here to tell you the story again; he must be very tired. Besides, listening to stories together is more fun. Is it really interesting for you to hide in your room and listen to such a wonderful story all by yourself?"

Dong Yaozu fell silent.

Dong Miaomiao sat in the chair, swinging her slender little feet, and said, "Next time in class, Dong Xiaopang and I can come and call you together. We can discuss the story of the Stone Monkey together, wouldn't that be great? What do you say?"

Just as the Fourth Madam was about to speak, Luo Qingfeng interjected, "I also think it's a good idea. Listening to stories alone can be a bit boring. Listening to stories together in the school, chatting and laughing, and discussing them together, makes it lively and fun. We can also take a test together, and if we answer well, I can teach everyone some interesting little games."

Upon hearing this, Dong Miaomiao's eyes lit up, and she asked, "Sir, what kind of interesting little game?"

Dong Yaozu also had a curious expression on his face.

Luo Qingfeng smiled and said, "You'll know when you do well on the exam."

The fourth wife pondered for a moment, then looked at her son and said, "Yaozu, what do you think...?"

Dong Yaozu lowered his head, looking somewhat hesitant.

Luo Qingfeng patted him on the shoulder and said, "A real man, how can you not go out and meet people? Life is only a few decades long. What's the point if you always live in the shadow of the past and in other people's opinions? Walk your own path and let others talk."

Then he slowly continued, "As long as you become strong inside, the criticisms others have behind your back are just some ill-mannered clowns entertaining themselves. You only need to pity them. It's like a tiger passing over the heads of ants. The ants look up at the tiger and mutter to themselves. Do you see, will the tiger even glance at them? It would even think that stepping on them would be a waste of energy and would dirty its feet."

"Fish swim in shallow waters, but their hearts are in the ocean; eagles perch on cliffs, but their ambitions soar to the sky. What does a temporary setback matter? Pick yourself up, make yourself stronger, and all the bad things will become your stepping stones."

The room immediately fell silent.

Dong Yaozu slowly raised his head, looked into his eyes, and suddenly his eyes filled with tears. He choked out, "Mmm..."

Luo Qingfeng said, "Why don't you go to the school and listen to the teacher tell stories with the little seedling who lost his watermelon and the chubby little boy who tried to grow his seedlings faster?"

Dong Yaozu chuckled and nodded, tears welling in his eyes, "Yes."

Dong Miaomiao, standing to the side, immediately pouted and said unhappily, "Sir, you're so mean! I'm not called Little Seedling! I didn't lose the watermelon! I'm not that stupid!"

Upon hearing this, everyone in the room burst into laughter.

The content of Luo Qingfeng's first lesson was known to almost everyone in the mansion, and Dong Yaozu had naturally heard about it from his mother.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the room immediately became harmonious.

The fourth wife wiped away her tears and quickly smiled, "Alright, let's eat. We can talk while we eat."

The group got up, went into the side hall, and sat down in their respective seats.

The maidservants came over to pour tea and wine. The wine and wine were made from fruit, sweet, and suitable for men, women, young and old.

During the meal, Dong Miaomiao brought up the stories of how they used to doze off or play pranks on the old teachers during class, which immediately caused another burst of laughter.

Luo Qingfeng casually asked about some things in the manor, whether it was Dong Yaozu, the Second Miss Dong, the Second Young Master Dong, or Little Fatty Dong, he pretended to be very curious and asked a few questions.

Everyone answered easily.

The meal was enjoyed by everyone in a pleasant and harmonious atmosphere.

After dinner, the night outside grew even darker.

Luo Qingfeng and Miss Dong took their leave, and Madam Si, along with Dong Yaozu, escorted them all the way to the gate.

When Luo Qingfeng came out of the living room, he saw a familiar figure standing in the corridor. He just blinked and didn't say anything.

Xiao Tao and Xiao Mei, carrying lanterns, were already waiting outside the gate.

Luo Qingfeng felt a surge of warmth in his heart when he saw the two maids.

The fourth madam laughed and said, "Mr. Luo is so lucky. These two little maids are so cute, and you've already taken them both."

Dong Miaomiao suddenly interrupted, spoiling the mood, "The master likes women with breasts. If there are any suitable ones in the manor in the future, Fourth Aunt, please remember to talk to the head steward and send them to the master. He will be very happy."

The atmosphere suddenly became awkward.

Luo Qingfeng coughed and said, "Third Miss, don't talk nonsense."

Dong Miaomiao snorted, "You were just calling me 'Little Seedling'! Isn't that just because you think I'm too young?"

So this girl holds a grudge!

Luo Qingfeng didn't dare to stay any longer and quickly bowed to take his leave.

The fourth wife laughed from behind, "Don't worry, sir. If I see it in the future, I will definitely send it to you."

The others also dispersed.

After everyone had left, the Fourth Madam stood at the courtyard gate for a while before turning around and leading Dong Yaozu back into the house.

The maids all left.

The fourth madam sat down in a chair, picked up her teacup, took a sip of tea, and a faint smile appeared on her lips. She asked, "Yaozu, do you think Mother fits Mr. Luo's tastes?"

Dong Yaozu lowered his head and said, "Mm."

The fourth madam smiled slightly, looked through the window at the corridor outside, and said, "Having a guard outside seems more appropriate."

A glint of light appeared in Dong Yaozu's eyes.

The fourth madam withdrew her gaze, lowered her head, and continued to sip her tea. The steam from the tea rose gently, enveloping her young and beautiful face, obscuring her expression.

After a while.

She suddenly spoke up: "Go and get ready, I'll bring her over tonight."

Dong Yaozu said in a low voice, "Yes."

Green Bamboo Garden.

After Luo Qingfeng and his two maids returned, they washed up and went into their room.

Xiao Tao followed in, her cheeks slightly flushed, and whispered, "Young Master, Xiao Mei has taken a bath, and so have I..."

Luo Qingfeng said, "Oh, go to sleep after you take a shower."

Xiao Tao bit her pink lips and whispered, "Who will warm your bed tonight, young master? Or should I... do it with Xiao Mei?"

Luo Qingfeng glanced at the night outside and said, "You all go to bed together."

Xiao Tao immediately replied happily, "Yes."

Xiao Mei heard this from the outer room, lowered her head, and walked in shyly.

The two maids entered the inner room together, their faces flushed. They looked at each other, both with shy expressions.

"Young master, what are you doing? Are you still studying?"

Xiao Tao asked.

Luo Qingfeng stood by the window for a while and said, "You guys go to sleep first, don't worry about me."

"Oh……"

Xiao Tao didn't dare to say much, and whispered to Xiao Mei beside her, "Let's go to bed first and warm the blankets for Young Master, and wait for him. Young Master always goes to bed very late."

Xiao Mei blushed and gave a soft "Mmm," then shyly began to untie her clothes and hair ornaments.

(End of this chapter)