Fourth Master raised his hand, signaling everyone to rise before he took his seat at the head of the room.
Fujin closely followed and sat beside Fourth Master. "It's cold today, yet you all arrived early."
"Paying respects to Fujin is only proper," Lady Li said indifferently.
Fourth Master took a sip of tea that a servant handed to him, then said, "The Golden Festival has just ended, and there isn't anything urgent at the moment. There's still time before the New Year. I have no special instructions for you; just keep to yourselves and follow the rules."
Everyone hastily agreed.
Fujin smiled, "They've always been well-behaved."
Fourth Master grunted in response, appearing uninterested.
Fujin routinely inquired about Lady Li's children, then Princess Song's child, and also about Lady Geng's health.
"You mustn't neglect your postpartum care, especially during the holidays; I would've been reluctant to have you come out."