Chapter 14: Passion

The next day, Madam Fang brought her two granddaughters early to Ninghetang, the residence of Madam Qin. With utmost diligence, they practically took over all the maidservants’ duties. Yu Ma nearly mistook herself for the guest, while Madam Fang and her family seemed more like the ones serving Madam Qin. Madam Qin felt uneasy about this gesture—was it an apology for yesterday’s incident, or were they worried she might go back on their agreement?

During breakfast, the one being served lost her appetite, and those serving were so preoccupied that they barely ate. In the end, everyone felt uncomfortable and exhausted.

Madam Qin never allowed her daughters-in-law to serve her meals or perform morning greetings. This realization brightened Madam Fang’s outlook—her granddaughters would have a good life in the Xiao family. The Xiao family had many advantages: no concubines, no housemaids in questionable roles, a gentle great-grandmother, and a mother-in-law from a prestigious family with status and wealth. Could there be a better match?

That evening, Madam Fang planned to persuade her husband to seize this opportunity and settle the marriage as soon as possible. Ideally, both granddaughters could marry into the Xiao family. The thought startled her, as she knew the chances were slim, but wasn’t it worth trying?

Tong Mingyu and Li Jiaoying brought their three children to greet Madam Qin. Madam Fang eagerly instructed her servants to present the meeting gifts: jade pendants for the boys and jade bracelets for the girls.

“I’ve always wanted to see these dragon-and-phoenix twins! This is my first time having such an honor,” Madam Fang exclaimed, her eyes actively assessing them. She had to admit that the water of the capital seemed to nourish people well—especially the little girl, who was unparalleled among the children she had seen. The boy was equally outstanding.

This must mean that members of the Xiao family were all exceptionally good-looking. Even though she had yet to meet the future grandson-in-law, he must also be strikingly handsome.

If he were average-looking, and the Xiao family had intended to break the engagement, they would have let people meet him. Not letting anyone see him meant they feared being clung to. How despicable! Madam Fang vowed not to let them succeed.

Xiao Yao toyed with the jade bracelet in her hand, her gaze landing on the two Miss Fang. One had a distinct mole at the corner of her eye and slightly darker skin. The other was fair and pretty but lacked aesthetic sensibility, adorned with gaudy jewels and dressed in a rainbow of colors. Xiao Yao quietly counted—at least six different shades. Which one would be “sister-in-law”? She genuinely felt like their blossoming flower was destined to be planted in cow dung, shaking her head in pity.

“Go play with your younger siblings. My two granddaughters love children. At home, they often take care of their elder brother’s kids,” Madam Fang said, trying to showcase her granddaughters as excellent wife material.

Before Xiao Yao could react, Xiao Jun stood up, spreading his arms protectively in front of his younger siblings, signaling “stay away” to the outsiders. Xiao Qi calmly tried to place the jade pendant on Xiao Yao’s head, thinking it would look good there. Xiao Yao grabbed it and tucked it into Xiao Qi’s waistband, patting it in place. Xiao Qi, thinking it was a game, happily retrieved it and handed it back to Xiao Yao. They pushed it back and forth, having a great time.

Madam Fang subtly nudged her elder granddaughter. Did she not know how to engage with children?

“Ah, ah,” Xiao Jun warned, resembling a mother hen shielding her chicks. The two girls reluctantly stepped forward. Xiao Yao clicked her tongue internally—so unwilling yet still pushing forward? What a chore! Madam Fang, doesn’t this feel like forcing something to happen?

A heavy scent wafted over. How much powder had these two girls used? “Achoo, achoo, achoo!” Xiao Yao sneezed until her eyes watered, retreating hastily and rubbing her little nose. Could someone save her?

Li Jiaoying, unlike Tong Mingyu, had no qualms about breaking decorum. She hurried over to Xiao Yao, blocking the two sisters.

“Oh dear, what’s wrong? Let Second Aunt take a look. How pitiful,” Li Jiaoying said. Xiao Yao buried her head in her second aunt’s chest, finally finding comfort. Her second aunt used fragrance powder too, but it was light and pleasantly aromatic.

The scene became awkward, with the two Miss Fang standing there, unsure whether to advance or retreat, while Xiao Yao clung to Li Jiaoying.

“Meimei (sister),” Xiao Yao squeezed out the word, pointing outside.

“You want to see your little sister!” Poor Ping’an, so frightened she preferred playing with an infant to staying here.

Xiao Jun and Xiao Qi excitedly chimed in, “Us too, us too!”

Another failed meeting. The children were taken away, though not to disturb the baby in confinement. Whether they returned to Yayan Garden or Qinyuan Garden, it was far better than dealing with the guests. Li Jiaoying shared this sentiment and took her daughter and the children to play elsewhere. Tong Mingyu, burdened with other matters, left shortly after. Madam Qin had no choice but to muster her energy to deal with the Fang family.

That morning, Fang Yufu had already left the house. Meanwhile, Xiao Jingtai returned to change clothes and met Fang Yufu on his way to the main hall. They exchanged pleasantries and walked together.

The two Miss Fang rushed to serve tea and greet their grandfather. They even poured tea respectfully for Xiao Jingtai, who responded politely but distantly, turning his attention to chatting with Madam Qin.

Xiao Jingtai’s distinct military demeanor stifled the two girls and even curbed Madam Fang’s enthusiasm, finally granting Madam Qin some peace.

Seeing the Miss Fang sisters again, Xiao Yao instinctively rubbed her nose. Xiao Jingtai, noticing his little niece’s reddened nose, scooped her up, transforming into a gentle uncle. “Ping’an, are you feeling unwell? Tell your second uncle. One day without seeing you, and my Ping’an has turned into a red-nosed goblin!”

Xiao Yao blocked his attempt to touch her nose, her accusing gaze silently questioning his sympathy—was this really her uncle?

Fang Yufu, observing Xiao Yao, thought it a pity. If he had such an exceptional granddaughter, she could be highly useful. Instead, he was stuck with mediocre granddaughters and had to cling tightly to the Xiao family. If he had someone presentable, he wouldn’t be so passive.

“Did you miss your second uncle today?” Xiao Jingtai asked.

Xiao Yao refused to answer such a pointless question. Her second uncle and father shared a penchant for repetitive inquiries.

“Don’t forget me!” Xiao Rui interjected, eager to assert his presence. Xiao Yao grabbed his hand, examining it closely—no redness today, meaning he hadn’t been disciplined.

“What do you mean by that? Are you disappointed if I don’t get scolded for a day? Are you siding with the teacher or with me?”

Xiao Yao mimicked an adult’s mannerisms, patting her brother’s head. Don’t get ruffled; I mean well.

This little girl seemed quite cherished in the Xiao family. Fang Yufu squinted, secretly scheming.

“In a few days, our house will be repaired, and we’ll move back,” Fang Yufu declared.

Not only were the Xiao family members surprised, but Madam Fang and the others were equally shocked. Moving out was tantamount to playing into the Xiao family’s hands. Madam Fang was a thousand times unwilling, but under her husband’s warning glare, she swallowed her objections.

“You plan to move out?” Madam Qin confirmed.

“Yes. The children are growing, and it’s inappropriate for young boys and girls to live together. It could harm their reputations,” Fang Yufu explained with ample reasoning and a hint of dissatisfaction.

“If there’s anything you need help with, feel free to ask. No need to be polite,” Xiao Jingtai offered, entirely unconvinced by the excuse. Whatever the real reason was, it would come to light eventually. As for their dissatisfaction, it didn’t matter at all.

Madam Qin had hoped to find a solution that preserved their relationship with the Fang family while ensuring her children’s happiness. But with things as they were, it seemed unlikely.

Fang Yufu took in everyone’s reactions, pleased. If it weren’t for certain plans he needed to keep hidden from the Xiao family, he wouldn’t have considered leaving. Thinking about the person he met today, he felt a surge of excitement. If his plan succeeded, the Xiao family would no longer dare to act so arrogantly. At that point, whether marrying off granddaughters or securing grandchildren-in-law, it would be up to him. Perhaps even a change in alliances would be possible!