A few days later, in the late afternoon, Chen Afu, in a semi-worn out cotton padded jacket, sat on the bed, teaching the little brothers how to stack blocks. Ms. Chu, meanwhile, was learning to tie knots from Mrs. Li.
Perhaps owing to developmental issues in her childhood, Ms. Chu's finger joints were not very flexible. Thus, Chen Afu asked her to practice tying knots often to improve flexibility.
The weather had begun to warm, and only a basin of charcoal was lit indoors. Even the bed was not heated. A thick quilt was laid on the bed, and sitting atop it did not feel cold at all.
From time to time, Chen Afu and Ms. Chu laughed heartily due to the antics of the little boys.
At this time, a maid from the Outer Court delivered a note from the Zhennan's Marquis Mansion, stating that Mrs. Ma from the Marquis' Mansion would visit The Chus' eldest daughter tomorrow morning. accompanying her would also be Granny Ma, the eldest daughter's maternal aunt, as well as her cousin, Lady Ma.
