Chen Wanqing instructed the old woman in the courtyard, "Be a light sleeper tonight. If De'an shows any sign of discomfort, come and tell me right away."
"Understood, Madam."
After the eighth day of the New Year, their social obligations came to an end.
Zhao Jing picked up his books again, resuming his routine of studying day and night.
"Do you have to, Jing? It's still the New Year holiday. You should take a break. Seeing you like this is putting a lot of pressure on me."
"You can rest. No one is forcing you to study."
"But with you studying so hard, how can I possibly rest? Thinking of my dear old father and mother, I feel like I can't rest for even a moment. My heart aches just thinking about it... Forget it, I'll just study with you."
The sight of the two of them in the study, heads buried in their books, filled Mrs. Zhao with gratification.
