Chapter 118: Chapter 119: Each Holding Their Own Opinion
Shao He handed over the freshly picked osmanthus flowers to Qingxia, asking her to take them to the kitchen first.
She then walked over to Xiao Linzhang’s side, listening to his babbling of some words they couldn’t understand, and noticing his newly sprouted baby teeth, she said, “Xiao Linzhang should be able to start eating solid food now. Look how quickly those milk teeth are coming in.”
“No, he’s too young. Starting on solids now is not good for his digestive system, and it’s hard to digest. Besides, there’s no shortage of goat milk, so why rush him into eating solids?” Pei Huaian disagreed, frowning, questioning the necessity of introducing solids at this stage.
A point of contention arose between the two, each steadfast in their beliefs, convinced that their own opinion was correct.
“He’s already grown quite a few milk teeth, we can reduce some of the porridge-like supplementary food. Goat milk can’t provide him with enough nutrition anymore.” Shao He insisted she was right, thinking of Xiao Linzhang’s well-being.
“Still, it’s better to wait until he is a bit older,” Pei Huaian maintained, unwavering.
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The two of them were at an impasse, neither able to persuade the other, ending up sitting in a huff on either side.
Seeing both of them ignoring him, Xiao Linzhang became anxious and started to spin around on the spot.
Suddenly, he extended his chubby hand to grab one of their sleeves, tugging it down forcefully, babbling as if pleading for help.
Qingxia returned to see the two arguing and was unsure of what to do. She could only hastily call for Nanny Zhang, who would have more knowledge on the child’s needs.
“Young Master Pei, Miss, regarding the feeding of the young master, please allow this old servant to say a word,” Nanny Zhang said as she approached, after hearing from Qingxia about what transpired and seeing the two who were upset.
“Alright, speak,” they both said in unison.
“Before, the children I took care of started eating solids at ten months. Too early is not good, and neither is too late. After starting on solids, it’s appropriate to eat some soft porridge, then gradually introduce other foods,” Nanny Zhang explained.
Upon hearing Nanny Zhang’s words, Pei Huaian and Shao He understood her reasoning and stopped arguing.
“Nanny is right, it’s indeed not appropriate for Xiao Linzhang to start on solids too early. Let’s wait until he is ten months old!” Shao He nodded in agreement.
Eventually, Pei Huaian also nodded in approval, and after chatting for a while longer, Nanny Zhang turned and left.
Pei Huaian walked with Shao He along the flagstone path leading to the prepared chamber.
“Take a look and see if you like this room. If you need anything else, just tell me,” he said.
Shao He walked into the chamber and was instantly captivated by the luxury within.
The eyes were first drawn to the screen painted with charging horses, followed by the sandalwood-carved tables, chairs, and writing desk.
Moving past the screen to the interior, the bed was covered with a brocade quilt made of light purple silk, soft and comfortable. On the dressing table, there were all sorts of hairpins, swayingly elegant and exquisite.
“This place is very nice, thank you,” Shao He stepped out from inside and sat down smiling across from him.
Pei Huaian picked up the teacup from the table, flipped it over, poured some tea, and handed it to her, saying, “I’m glad you like it.”
Shao He took the teacup and gently swirled it, watching the tea ripple lightly in the cup.
“This teacup is so beautiful,” she couldn’t help but exclaim, so finely crafted and delicate that it was beyond words.
“This set of teacups was made by the Ming Dynasty Official Kiln. Both the craftsmanship and the painting are very exquisite,” he explained.
Shao He looked at him with surprise; by that account, these teacups must be antiques, likely very valuable.
After taking a small sip, the familiar fragrance of tea warmed her heart, “Did you also bring the tea leaves here?”
“I was afraid you might not be used to the tea here, so I had someone buy some specially,” Pei Huaian confessed, concerned that she might not feel at home and had spared no effort in replicating her living conditions as closely as possible.
Shao He’s eyes lowered, a warm current passing through her heart.
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The two shared the tea in silence, savoring this tranquil moment. The sunlight streamed through the window, bathing the room in warmth, and the orchid on the windowsill emitted a faint, fresh fragrance.
“Wah wah wah…” Xiao Linzhang suddenly started crying loudly, and Shao He’s soft coaxing was to no avail.
Pei Huaian turned and walked towards the door; soon, a maid came in with goat milk.
Feeding him goat milk little by little, Xiao Linzhang’s cries subsided.
Looking at Xiao Linzhang contentedly drinking goat milk, Shao He turned to the maid beside her and asked, “Where does this goat milk come from?”
“Back to Miss, the master had it bought yesterday, and it has been warmed all day today,” replied the maid.
After some reflection, Shao He approached Pei Huaian and observed him closely, “Why do I feel that you’ve been planning for me to come to the villa ever since you learned that Yun Qian gave me leave? Your plans sure are carefully laid out. What would you have done if I hadn’t come to the villa?”
“If you hadn’t come… then I would have had to stay at your home for a few days,” Pei Huaian said with a smile.
Shao He rolled her eyes at him and turned to ask the maid, “Where is the kitchen?”
The servant girl looked up at the man in the wheelchair, and after noticing his nod, she led Shao He to the kitchen.
Arriving in the kitchen, Shao He rolled up her sleeves, with Qingxia assisting her, they began making osmanthus cakes.
They were busy until the afternoon. After finishing the osmanthus cakes, Shao He divided some for Qingxia and the servant boys and maids in the courtyard, and took the rest to Pei Huaian.
Upon entering the room, she saw Pei Huaian walking around the screen.
“Is Xiao Linzhang asleep?” she asked.
“Yes, the little guy was a bit tired today. He fell asleep before finishing the goat milk,” Pei Huaian replied in a hushed voice.
Shao He placed the osmanthus cakes in his hands, and pushed him towards the pavilion outside.