Chapter 12: The Maternal Home

In the eager anticipation of the entire family, the second day of the Lunar New Year brought joy to Yi Garden. The second child of the third household was finally born—not a seventh son, but a second daughter. Although her arrival meant that Tong Mingyu and Li Jiaoying couldn’t visit their maternal home on this day, they felt a great sense of relief as the burden of anxiety over the childbirth was lifted. The recent days of tension had been filled with apprehension, but they could now finally relax.

On the third day of the New Year, Tong Mingyu urged Li Jiaoying to visit her family first. As the eldest daughter-in-law, it was natural for her to stay behind and manage the household, especially since one person had just given birth and the other was incapable of handling matters. Xiao Jingkang expressed his apologies, but Tong Mingyu didn’t mind. This delay lasted until the sixth day, when she was finally able to leave.

Tong Shangshu and his wife had been eagerly waiting for days, only to be disappointed by the absence of their son-in-law, daughter, and particularly their grandchildren. This left them deeply discontented. If they had known, they might not have chosen an eldest son as a son-in-law. Wanting to see their grandchildren seemed harder than entering the palace.

After much anticipation, their youngest daughter’s family finally arrived.

Their eldest grandson was tall and handsome, carrying the upright posture of a soldier and the gentle refinement of a scholar. Dressed in a brand-new ice-blue robe, he exuded youthful elegance. The second grandson was calm and composed, with the demeanor of a scholar and impeccable manners. The pair of twins, dressed in matching crimson outfits, were especially charming. The boy’s attire was trimmed with black fur, while the girl’s was edged with white fur, resembling a celestial golden boy and jade maiden.

The Tong family was thriving with descendants, boasting two sons and two daughters among the legitimate line. The eldest son, Tong Guangyu, held an official post away from home, married to Lady Wang, with two sons and a daughter, all of whom were married. The second son, Tong Guanghui, was serving as the National University Supervisor, married to Lady Zhang, and had two sons and two daughters. Among these, one son and one daughter were of marriageable age, while the other two were around ten years old. The eldest daughter, Tong Minglan, was married to the Wen family and had two sons—one married and the other even older than Xiao Yi.

Thus, Xiao Jun and Xiao Yao were the youngest in the Tong family and undoubtedly the most adored. The family hadn’t seen such young children for years, and the twins, with their striking looks, were impossible not to love.

Surrounded by uncles, aunts, cousins, and elders, Xiao Yao found herself passed from one pair of arms to another. She couldn’t help but feel uneasy about their baby-handling skills, worried she might fall. Although the room was filled with laughter, she was internally tense. Eventually, she landed safely in Lady Tong’s arms, finally able to relax.

“Madam, you’re holding Ping’an, aren’t you? Let’s switch.”

“Does it matter who I hold? I’m not switching.”

“You favor your grandson, don’t you?”

“To me, both children are the same.” With her son-in-law standing nearby, it wouldn’t do to show such blatant favoritism.

“I didn’t say there was a difference. It’s just that seeing Ping’an reminds me of old Xiao’s distressed face, which is quite amusing.”

As he spoke, Xiao Jun’s tiny hand grabbed his grandfather’s beard and tugged hard. Though small, his strength was considerable, causing Tong Shangshu to cry out in pain and almost drop his grandson.

“Look at you badmouthing his grandfather—A-Jun is avenging him!” Lady Tong chuckled.

“You dare side with him while he’s in my hands? Watch out, or I’ll spank you!” Tong Shangshu scolded while rescuing his beard.

“My clothes are wet. This rascal just peed on me…”

“Don’t move! You’ll frighten the child, and it might leave a mark.” Lady Tong held him still, not allowing him to move until the baby was finished.

Tong Shangshu, having lost his beard and ruined his clothes, felt utterly defeated. Was this boy sent by old Xiao to torment him?

Xiao Jun’s antics amused everyone. Lady Tong carefully took him into her arms while reassuring her husband, who went to change his clothes.

The men, led by Tong Guanghui, moved to the front yard, leaving the women to talk among themselves. After some time, Lady Zhang mentioned checking the kitchen, but her mother-in-law stopped her.

“I’ve already given instructions this morning. Would they dare neglect the arrangements for our son-in-law’s family? Sit down and take care of yourself instead.”

Hearing the undertone, Tong Mingyu quickly pieced things together and exclaimed, “Second Sister-in-law, are you…?”

Her elder sister interjected with slight embarrassment, “Mother, you’re making us a laughingstock.”

“Why should you feel ashamed? It’s a blessing. How far along are you? Any discomfort?” Tong Mingyu inquired with concern.

“I just found out and haven’t felt any discomfort yet, but I am worried because of my age,” Lady Zhang admitted.

“There’s nothing to worry about. I’ve had two children safely, and the timing was similar to when I had A-Yi and A-Yang. Relax—it’ll be fine.” Tong Mingyu’s words of reassurance put her sister-in-law at ease.

Lady Tong cast a pleased glance at her daughter. Pregnant women are often anxious, and the soothing words of someone with a similar experience are far more comforting than anyone else’s advice.

“Being a woman is tough, especially in ancient times, burdened by rules like the Three Obediences and Four Virtues,” Xiao Yao reflected inwardly. She yearned for the freedom of modern life but resolved to live in the present, cherishing her family and doing her best each day.

As these thoughts faded, Xiao Yao shifted into a comfortable position in her grandmother’s arms and drifted off to sleep amidst the soft chatter.

Lunch was served at two separate tables for men and women, without a screen dividing them. Spirited and lively, Xiao Jun’s dissatisfaction at being separated from his sister manifested in the clattering of bowls and chopsticks, drawing everyone’s attention.

“This boy must have been sent by old Xiao to oppose me,” Tong Shangshu muttered with growing conviction.

“Ah, ah!” Xiao Jun’s protests grew louder.

“Does he dislike the food?” one uncle speculated.

“Ah, ah!” he cried out like a disgruntled little animal.

“He’s looking for Ping’an. Why wasn’t his sister called to eat with him?” Xiao Yi explained.

The family chuckled, praising Xiao Jun’s affection for his sister.

After a delightful meal, Tong Mingyu noticed Liu Momo approaching hastily. Concerned, she asked, “What’s happened at home?”

“Second Madam asked me to report that someone from the Fang family has arrived,” Liu Momo replied, cautiously observing Tong Mingyu’s reaction.

Tong Mingyu narrowed her eyes. The inevitable had come.

“Where are they now?”

“They’re in our residence, claiming they need to tidy their house in the capital and are borrowing a place to stay for a few days.”

“Is A-Lang at home?” Neither Tong Mingyu nor Xiao Jingkang wanted their son to marry into the Fang family.

“The young master left early this morning to visit his teacher with some classmates. He won’t be back for a while.”

Tong Mingyu and her husband exchanged relieved looks. As long as there was no chance to meet, everything would be fine.