```
"What an odd thing to say, my dear."
After exchanging a few more courtesies with Madam Zhen, both Li Yan and the old lady eventually sat down.
The attendants of the Zhen Residence served with extreme dedication. Maids and servants bustled in and out without rest, carrying newly heated spirits, fresh steamed pastries, and large chunks of soy-sauce-glazed pork ribs... The table was quickly filled with food.
The old lady was a woman of learning and reasoning and refrained from asking Li Yan about the ins and outs of his official duties. She only engaged in small talk about the local customs or shared experiences from her past accompanying her husband on his official appointments.
Cha Xiaodao occasionally chimed in, whereas Cao Yongchang focused on eating and, once full, dozed off with his head resting against the corner of the chair. At the doorway, although he had managed to snipe a few verbal advantages, he was genuinely exhausted.
