Summer had arrived, and the infants were now three months old. Their mother could finally take walks in the villa courtyard. The twins' birth had taken a heavy toll on her, but she was determined to fully regain her health to resume her duties within the sect.
The midwife had received new clothes for the young masters and, with the help of the Lady's new maidservant—a young girl—was busy selecting outfits. Both Zhan and Lan stared at the maidservant, thinking the same thing: It's so nice to see such a girl after so long. There's nothing enjoyable about staring at an old woman.
The midwife remarked, "It seems Young Master Zhan has taken a liking to you." Lan shot a glare, thinking, I like her too. Let me go to her.
Zhan wrapped his arms around the maid's neck, and the smiling maid cradled him in both arms. The maid was happy to hold a beautiful baby, and Zhan was happy to press himself against her bosom.
After a loud laugh, the midwife suddenly froze. "Where is Young Master Lan?" Just two steps away, Lan had crawled to the young maid's lap and was lifting her skirt.
The midwife gathered him back into her arms and said, "Young Master Lan must have missed his brother," then took Zhan from the maid. Both twins shared a single thought: Who has patience for this hag? Give me back.
Choosing new clothes for Lan and Zhan wasn't difficult. But after putting on the new outfits, they would either poop or pee. The midwife didn't realize the young masters were so uncompromising. Lady Yang arrived and thought it was too early to choose clothes. Meanwhile, the young maid was in the villa's backyard washing six sets of soiled clothes belonging to the young masters. She had thought helping care for babies would be easy, but it seemed thirty-year-olds in infant bodies had no intention of making her job easier.
The mother chose a golden silk garment for Lan and a blue silk one for Zhan. Lan and Zhan looked at each other; they had run out of ammunition and would have to endure these flashy clothes.
Today, the children were to go outside briefly, and they themselves knew it, feeling immense excitement to see the outside world. While in his mother's arms, eager to leave the villa, Lan suddenly thought: That damned pavilion is right in the courtyard. You crazy women spent an hour getting us ready just to go to the courtyard. He turned to Zhan and saw he was also displeased. Zhan thought to himself: Damn, I should have held back a little to pee here.
The news of her arrival reached Lady Yang. The Lady said happily, "Guide her in." A woman with a long silver flute entered.
"Greetings, Fourth Lady. I have been eager and awaiting the day to meet you." Lan and Zhan were thinking the same thing: The women in this world are really beautiful.
The woman noticed the children's gaze. They were looking directly at her, so she approached them and touched Zhan, only to be met with a glare from Lan.
Turning to Lady Yang, she said, "What delightful young masters. I look forward to their entry into Jianghu." The term "Jianghu" meant nothing to the children.
The woman turned to Lady Yang and informed her of news from the outer palace: some were ready to form alliances, and some already saw their positions at risk. Was the Lady prepared to meet potential allies?
Lady Yang replied, "Today, I only wish for Zhan and Lan to see and hear new things. These matters are for another time."
Zhan and Lan, who had been waiting to hear the news, were somewhat disappointed. The woman began to play her flute. The Lady and the midwife were filled with peace from the music, but the twins had a different opinion: Nothing special, and weak.