In front of a dilapidated small courtyard house.
Li Su looked at the Grand Princess who had come with him, his feelings complex.
"Um, can I go in and inform Grandma first, to give the old lady some psychological preparation?" Li Su hesitated before speaking, afraid of angering Qiao Ci.
"Mm." Qiao Ci's expression remained unchanged, and she stepped aside.
Li Su smiled apologetically and stepped forward to push the door, only to find it wouldn't open. He then knocked on the door, keeping his voice within earshot of anyone in the courtyard, "Grandma, it's Xiao Su, I'm back."
Rustling sounds came from within the courtyard. After a while, with a creak, the main door opened slightly.
An old woman with a face full of wrinkles saw Li Su, her clouded eyes brightening considerably, "Xiao Su, cough, cough, you're back."
"Yes, Grandma, I was busy too late yesterday and stayed outside to rest." Li Su's tone was very respectful.
"Why are you standing outside the door, hurry inside." The old woman quickly opened the door wider.
It was then that her sharp eyes spotted Qiao Ci. She sized her up with satisfaction and asked Li Su with a smile, "Xiao Su, this beautiful young lady, did you bring her back?"
Li Su hadn't figured out how to explain Qiao Ci's identity to Grandma. Qiao Ci stepped forward proactively, her eyes curving as she looked at Grandma and greeted her, "Hello Grandma, I'm Li Su's friend."
The understanding between women is so straightforward. Grandma stepped forward and affectionately took Qiao Ci's hand, smiling with relief, "Friends are good, that's Xiao Su's good fortune. Come in quickly, Grandma will cook something delicious for you."
Qiao Ci's expression softened further upon hearing about the delicious food.
Li Su looked at Qiao Ci, who was being led into the house by Grandma without any princess airs, his eyes filled with astonishment.
Then, he dazedly followed, closing the door behind him.
Grandma was clamoring to cook for Qiao Ci, but Li Su stopped her, put on an apron, and went into the kitchen. Before leaving, he cast a pleading glance at Qiao Ci.
Qiao Ci nodded almost imperceptibly.
Grandma looked at Qiao Ci with increasing satisfaction, poured her a cup of water, and asked with a smile, "Young lady, what's your name? How old are you?"
Grandma had taken Li Su in when he was at his lowest. Qiao Ci was grateful and replied softly, "Grandma, just call me Xiao Ci. I'm seventeen this year."
"Oh, Xiao Su is also seventeen. You're the same age, so you'll have more topics to talk about. That's good, that's good." Grandma could tell that the young lady in front of her, in terms of demeanor and clothing, was from a wealthy and noble family. Xiao Su, apart from his good looks, had a good character and was driven; she didn't think he was any less than those young masters from rich families.
The old woman felt that they were a perfect match and wanted to add more points for Xiao Su, so she asked suggestively, "How did you two meet? He's never brought any other young ladies home before."
"I met him through a friend." Qiao Ci didn't know how to explain that her royal sister had forcibly tied up Li Su, who resembled Zhao Shimai, to be her male concubine, and so she replied vaguely.
Grandma listened carefully to Qiao Ci as she spoke, coughing occasionally.
"Grandma, you must seek treatment for your cough promptly. You can't delay any longer." Qiao Ci remembered that she was also coming to pick up Grandma to live in the princess's manor. It didn't matter who persuaded her, whether it was her or Li Su.
"Xiao Ci, you also understand the art of prophecy?" Hearing Qiao Ci say her illness couldn't be delayed any longer, Grandma wasn't angry but asked curiously.
"I understand a little, but the doctor at my home understands more and can treat Grandma. Would it be convenient for Grandma to stay at my house for a while to recuperate?" Qiao Ci sincerely invited.
"Oh dear, your kind intention is enough. This old woman knows her own health. This consumption disease is hard to cure, so I won't trouble you. Alas, I was worried that after I'm gone, Xiao Su would be all alone. Now that I have you as a friend, I can rest assured~" Grandma, being old, had some insight. The way the young lady looked at Xiao Su was undeniable; she liked Xiao Su very much.
Qiao Ci pursed her lips, "Li Su now regards you as family. If he were to lose you, he would surely be extremely heartbroken. Moreover, Grandma's illness can be treated. After recovering, Grandma can enjoy her twilight years healthily, and Li Su won't have any regrets because of it."
"However, Grandma has seen several doctors, and they all tell me to eat whatever I want. Moreover, going to your house will cause you inconvenience. You have elders at home, how can this old woman shamelessly impose?" Grandma certainly wanted to live well but dared not have too much hope. In her old age, she didn't want to be a nuisance.
"I have no elders in my manor, so you can live here with peace of mind. We'll be family in the future anyway." Qiao Ci's hint was very clear. Love for the house extends to the birds it shelters, as they say.
Grandma was stunned for a moment, thinking Qiao Ci was an orphan whose elders had passed away. She held her hand and comforted her, "Xiao Ci, please accept my condolences. Alas, this old woman has one foot in the grave already. If you truly want to walk with Xiao Su, Grandma will shamelessly impose."
"You are most welcome." Qiao Ci nodded and smiled, not pursuing the meaning of the condolences.
"If we live in your manor like this without explanation, won't outsiders gossip about you? How about we choose a date to finalize your matters? Xiao Su has lived with me for two years, and his character is excellent. If he dares to bully you in the future, I'll deal with him for you." The old woman also worried, considering more factors.
"Actually, for now, I'm the one who's favorably inclined towards Li Su. He's currently working in my manor. After he enters the manor, I'll need Grandma's help to make it happen." Qiao Ci lied without batting an eyelid.
Grandma was indeed taken aback, but she didn't object to girls boldly pursuing their love, so she agreed with a smile.
Li Su, who had been glancing worriedly in this direction while cooking, finally finished the dishes. When he brought them out, he saw Grandma and Qiao Ci getting along harmoniously. He cast a grateful glance at Qiao Ci and said, "The food is simple."
"As long as it's delicious." Qiao Ci really couldn't lie and say the food wasn't simple, as there were only two vegetarian dishes and one meat dish, but they looked good.
After a simple meal, Li Su cleared the table, preparing to discuss the matter of moving to the princess's manor with Grandma, only to find that Grandma had already packed her bags and prepared everything.
Li Su: ...
He glanced at Qiao Ci, who was unaware of what was happening, and received an affirmative look from her. He confidently walked over and put the luggage on his shoulder.
Grandma looked at the old house she had lived in for decades, a hint of reluctance in her eyes. Li Su comforted her, "After Grandma recovers, if you want to come back and live here, you can."
"Mm, this is Grandma's root." Grandma smiled.
Upon reaching the entrance and seeing the luxurious carriage, Grandma was stunned. Then, she was helped into it by Li Su.
The carriage stopped at the entrance of the princess's manor. Even though Grandma was illiterate, she could tell the grandeur and magnificence of the residence, especially the two guards standing at the entrance, both clad in armor.