```
Fang Liuming didn't expect to receive a reply from him, but when he saw the letter delivered by Sun Quanliang contained only Mo Heng's neat and concise explanations, disappointment filled his heart. Nonetheless, he rallied his spirits and wrote a second letter.
Disappointed again and again, he became accustomed to it.
Pei Qin was also growing more accustomed to the presence of Little Radish in the house, sensible, obedient, able to plan his own time—truly, she didn't need to worry about him too much. In the evenings when she taught arithmetic to the children, he would study with Mo Heng. Such a sensible Little Radish! And like her, he loved meat.
The New Year was fast approaching. Xiao Yong showed no intention of returning home for the festivities, but the steward still sent over a cart full of New Year's gifts. Dried goods, nuts, an assortment of pastries, game, condiments, and furs.
Looking at the elk tied up tightly, Pei Qin lamented, "Such a sin, such a sin!"
