Chapter 11 — The Husband and Little Uncle Fake the Disaster, My Sister and I Clean Up the Marquis' Palace

But what he didn't understand was why he had already arrived in Jiangnan and still couldn't feel at ease. Until one day, he saw Tham Tri Vi going to the market. She carried a very ordinary bamboo basket and walked on the green stone road in town. There was no maid accompanying him, no carriage to pick him up, but his footsteps were lighter than any time he had seen in the Marquis Palace. The tea seller at the other end of the street smiled when he saw her.

"Miss Shen is here? The jasmine tea just arrived today, I kept a portion for you."

Tham Tri Vi smiled and said thank you. The tea seller took out a packet of tea from the counter and gave it to her. The action was so familiar that it was clear that this was not the first time. Tieu Thua Duc stood on the opposite side of the street and saw the whole process. He suddenly remembered the three years he spent at the Marquis Palace. In his study is always Long Tinh. Spring is Long Tinh. Summer is Long Tinh. Fall and winter are still Long Tinh. Because he likes it. Therefore, everyone automatically believes that there should only be Long Tinh in the hospital. He never asked Tham Tri Vi what kind of tea he liked to drink. Even that thought never appeared. After leaving the tea shop, Tham Tri Vi stopped by the bakery next door. As soon as the owner saw her, she quickly opened the lid of the steamer.

“Is it still the same red bean cake?”

"That's right."

“I knew she would come today.”

The hostess took out a few hot cakes, placed them on oiled paper and brought them over. The two talked and laughed. It's like we've known each other for a long time. Tieu Thua Duc, standing not far away, suddenly felt empty inside. It turns out she likes red bean cakes. For the past three years, he never knew. He only remembers that every time he ate, she said that any dish was fine. He likes to eat fish. There will be more fish on the table. He likes spicy food. The kitchen will make spicy dishes. He always thought she wasn't picky. Now I understand. It's not that she doesn't have interests. It's that she always prioritizes his interests. That afternoon, the weather suddenly turned cold. The wind from the river blew into the town, bringing with it cool steam. Tham Tri Vi was sitting in the yard sorting medicinal herbs when Tieu Ngoc Xu came out of the room and conveniently put a coat on her shoulders.

“Don't think it's not cold when it's sunny.”

Tham Tri Vi burst out laughing.

“I'm not cold.”

"If you wait until it's cold, it's too late."

After speaking, Tieu Ngoc Xu even pulled her collar tighter. That scene made Tieu Thua Duc stand outside the alley stunned for a long time. Because he didn't even know that she was afraid of the cold. He remembered a winter before. At that time he had a cold. Tham Tri Vi stayed up all night taking care of him. The next morning, she coughed continuously for several hours. He also blamed her for making noise to him. Thinking back now, she must have been cold for a long time at that time. He just never paid attention. In the evening, the newly purchased girl named Tieu Dao hugged the blanket and ran out of the room.

"Sister Shen, it's very cold tonight. I've already taken your blanket out to dry."

“The ginger soup in the kitchen is also finished cooking.”

“It's hard for you.”

The little girl laughed and ran away. Tieu Thua Duc stood under the shade of a tree at the entrance of the alley, feeling for the first time that he was laughable. A girl who had only been here for three months knew that she was afraid of the cold. The tea seller knew she liked jasmine tea. The baker knew she liked red bean cakes. Tieu Ngoc Xu knows She sleeps restlessly every time it gets windy. The man who was her husband for three years. Again, I don't know anything. At that moment, a horse-drawn carriage stopped in front of the monastery. The person stepping down was a young man wearing a black robe. He has the appearance of someone who has been doing business for many years, his eyes are gentle but very alert. Tieu Ngoc Xu opened the door to welcome people in. The two sides talked a few words. Tieu Thua Duc heard the other person's name. Ta Can Ngon. Grand Treasurer of the Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce. It is said that in recent years, most of the goods traveling between Jiangnan and the capital have passed through his hands. He came to discuss business with Tieu Ngoc Xu. While talking, Ta Can Ngon's eyes accidentally glanced at Tham Tri Vi who was sitting under the porch processing medicinal herbs. He just looked once and then withdrew his gaze. Don't be rude. Didn't mean to get acquainted. But that look made Tieu Thua Duc feel uncomfortable for no reason. A moment later, not knowing what Tieu Ngoc Xu said, Tham Tri Vi suddenly burst out laughing. The smile is very light. But extremely true. The sunset light fell on her face, making her whole body seem much softer. Tieu Thua Duc looked at that smile for a long time. Three years at the Marquis Palace. Has she ever smiled at him? Maybe it was. But he couldn't remember. Or perhaps from beginning to end, he never really looked at her. That's why I can't remember. Only then did he understand something. The thing that makes people regret the most is not losing someone.