Tao Lengshuang suppressed the urge to scold the incompetent ruler, her face grim, "If this continues, something big will happen."
"It already has."
Mo Lingxi's words made Tao Lengshuang gasp, "Has the rebellion worsened?"
Mo Lingxi hummed in agreement and cautioned Tao Lengshuang to be careful, "In some remote areas, due to increased taxes and the actions of local officials, rebellions have already broken out."
Tao Lengshuang was not surprised at all. Considering the current emperor and the actions of his court officials, it would be strange if there wasn't a rebellion.
"Fortunately, we are close to the Eastern Capital, so it won't affect us so quickly."
Conversely, she had to prepare more supplies and remain vigilant against possible uprisings.
Mo Lingxi's brow furrowed tightly, "Still, be extra careful. Guard against anyone using me to target you and our son."
Tao Lengshuang understood this and said she would be more cautious.
If worst came to worst, she could retreat to the mountains for a while.
With the spatial medicinal garden and its supplies, they could endure for some time.
"Regarding the royal villa, can I inform Second Aunt Shen and Third Aunt Wang?"
Mo Lingxi refused, stating that the matter had not yet escalated, and informing them could easily lead to bigger problems.
Tao Lengshuang sighed, hoping that no major incidents would occur at the royal villa under construction.
"Do you like the hairpin I gave you?" Mo Lingxi glanced at her, clearing his throat twice.
Tao Lengshuang blinked, "It's very nice, but it's too valuable. I can't wear it out."
In the village, wearing a silver hairpin was already enviable.
If she wore a jade hairpin, she didn't know what the villagers would think.
Even the Tao family would eagerly come forward, plotting against her.
Mo Lingxi felt a little annoyed that he hadn't considered this, "I'll give you something else next time."
Tao Lengshuang shook her head, saying it wasn't necessary. She didn't like wearing such things as they were inconvenient for her medical practice.
Mo Lingxi was unsure if Tao Lengshuang disliked his gift or genuinely disliked wearing jewelry, and felt a bit disheartened.
"I observe that you've become even thinner. When spring comes and you change into lighter clothing, the difference will be more apparent."
Tao Lengshuang also knew she had lost a lot of weight. It was not easy to maintain her daily exercise routine even in the depths of winter and to constantly control her diet.
"Alright, go and spend some time with Xiao Feng. He's been eagerly awaiting your return."
Mo Lingxi hummed reluctantly and walked towards Xiao Feng's room.
"Daddy."
Xiao Feng happily hugged his leg and looked up at him, "Daddy, do you want to continue living with Mommy?"
Mo Lingxi took his hand and sat down on the bench, "Why do you say that?"
"Daddy, I can see that you want to continue living with Mommy."
"...Where did you see that?"
Xiao Feng said slyly, "Cousin told me."
"Also, today is the first time Daddy has given Mommy a gift. Isn't this a sign that he wants to continue living with Mommy?"
Mo Lingxi stroked his head. He himself was unsure of his own thoughts.
"Xiao Feng, when Daddy is away, will you take good care of Mommy for me?"
Xiao Feng readily agreed, promising to take good care of his mother and even said he would feed her until she was plump and fair.
In a child's world, plump and fair was considered very beautiful.
Mo Lingxi did not correct him.
After checking Xiao Feng's martial arts and literary studies, and teaching him for a while, it was time to rest.
"It's snowing heavily again."
Tao Lengshuang rubbed her hands as she walked in, quickly closing the door, but a gust of cold wind still managed to sneak in.
"Mo Lingxi, be extra careful when you go out tomorrow. The weather is getting colder."
This year was already difficult, and with such heavy snowfall, life was becoming even more arduous.
Mo Lingxi's heart warmed, and his thin lips curved slightly, "Mm."
Actually, days like these were quite good.
Peaceful and fulfilling, without scheming and plotting, and no need to guard against anyone.
This was the life he yearned for.
...
The next day, before dawn.
As soon as Mo Lingxi stepped out, Second Aunt Shen and Third Aunt Wang arrived together.
"Mo family, I think I just saw your husband."
Third Aunt Wang stomped her feet, exhaling warm air, "After last night's heavy snow, it's even colder today."
Tao Lengshuang smiled and asked if they were there to chat, inviting them to sit in the main hall.
Xiao Feng, who was warming himself by the fire and reading in the main hall, politely greeted them.
This earned him a round of praise from Second Aunt Shen and Third Aunt Wang.
"Mo family, do you know that several households in the village had their houses collapsed by the heavy snow?" Second Aunt Shen said, sighing as she worked on a shoe sole.
Tao Lengshuang was unaware of this but guessed, "If this snow continues, I fear many people will die."
Second Aunt Shen repeatedly agreed, saying it was true. Life was already difficult, and with heavy snow, it would be even harder.
"Lengshuang, Lengshuang, quickly open the door."
At this moment, Grandpa Tao's trembling voice was heard.
The people in the main hall pretended not to hear, continuing their conversations and warming themselves by the fire.
"The dilapidated house where the Tao family lives has also collapsed under the heavy snow."
Third Aunt Wang said gleefully, "If you ask me, the Tao family brought it upon themselves."
"Just thinking about what the Tao family has done makes me want to curse them to death."
Tao Lengshuang smiled, ignoring Grandpa Tao's knocking and shouting outside.
Grandpa Tao and his family were shivering from the cold, either pacing or exhaling warm air.
"Why hasn't Tao Lengshuang opened the door yet?"
Madam Yu's face turned pale from the cold, "This damned unfilial wretch. I gave birth to her, and now she's abandoning us."
"Old man, in my opinion, we should smash the door. This house is ours."
Grandpa Tao's face darkened, "Smash it for me..."
"Don't smash it!"
Tao Fangfang quickly stopped him, scolding, "Father, Mother, are you brainless fools?"
"Haven't you considered Tao Lengshuang's relationship with the noble young master?"
"If you anger her, and she casually says a few words to the noble young master, our good days will be over."
Upon hearing this, Grandpa Tao and the others dared not smash the door and also did not dare to offend Tao Lengshuang.
"Then what do we do? We can't just freeze here forever, can we?"
"Let's discuss it with Tao Lengshuang? Once our daughter marries him, we'll give her ten taels of silver as a fee for lodging."
Tao Fangfang rolled her eyes condescendingly, "Let's go look for houses in the village that are vacant or temporarily unoccupied."
The most important thing now was for the Tao family's daughter to marry the noble young master.
Once she married the noble young master, dealing with Tao Lengshuang, or doing anything else, would be a simple matter.
Grandpa Tao and the others thought this was a good idea and rushed off to find unoccupied houses.
Ultimately, they found the house where A Qing lived and occupied it as their own.
Tao Lengshuang learned of this from Second Aunt Shen but did not pay it much mind.
After seeing off Second Aunt Shen, she continued to treat the people brought by Zicheng.
"Do you really think this is a clinic? Bringing people here for treatment every day."
Zicheng smiled, "I've paid the consultation fee."
The word "consultation fee" successfully silenced Tao Lengshuang.
"I need to discuss something with you."