"Madam, the Commandery Princess has arrived."
Song Ci was learning to mix scents with Lin Qing when she heard the maid's announcement. She immediately smiled and said, "Please, let her in."
Niu Pan'er walked in and greeted Song Ci with a bow, "Mother." She spared Lin Qing from the formal greeting.
Song Ci smiled and motioned her to skip the formalities, asking, "Weren't you and Sir Lang off to see your father off? Why are you back so soon?"
"Yes, we set off early since the sky was clear, so we didn't delay." Niu Pan'er sat down, looking at the table full of spices, and said, "Am I interrupting your pastime?"
"Not at all, I've nothing much to do, so I've been learning scent mixing with her. Otherwise, with this cold weather, they wouldn't allow me to wander aimlessly in the garden." Song Ci said with a hint of melancholy, "This old body of mine is only fit to stay indoors."
