"Third Brother... why did you hit me?"
"Hmph."
Xu Yuan gave a light snort, not bothering with her, scooped water to continue stooping to clean his long hair, and quietly asked:
"What did Father just say?"
The warm sun shined on the snowy ground, the reflection somewhat dazzling.
Pursing her lips, Xu Xinyao shifted her gaze away from her third brother's bare torso, stepped forward with a soft voice, and said:
"Father wants you to stay in the inner courtyard today, the Emperor might visit the mansion."
Just as Xu Yuan scooped a spoonful of clean water, his movement paused slightly. Bowing his head, he watched the water drip down from his hair onto the snow; he fell silent for a moment, then chuckled:
"Is the Emperor admitting defeat?"
Xu Xinyao's political acumen was not high, but even she could understand such an obvious matter. Approaching Xu Yuan, she said softly: