Chapter 23: The Third Uncle

On September 6th, General Xiao celebrated his 60th birthday. The Emperor, mindful of his years of service guarding the borderlands and his countless contributions, summoned him back to the capital. From that day forward, General Xiao would remain in the royal city, no longer returning to the harsh and cold frontier. Upon receiving the imperial decree, General Xiao was still on his way home, as there were four days left before the actual birthday celebration.

On September 2nd, the first to return was Xiao Jingmin. To celebrate his father’s birthday, he worked tirelessly to finish his official duties before making the journey home at a breakneck pace. Since an incident occurred last year in the region where he was stationed, he had spent the New Year alone there. He had neither seen his beloved biological daughter nor his twin niece and nephew, as well as his younger brother’s little son. The family had grown increasingly lively, with four new additions in just over a year—two boys and two girls—a perfect balance that brought immense joy.

Xiao Yuan was woken up by her mother’s “special method.” What was it? One glance at her rosy little nose gave it away. Groggy and leaning against her father’s chest, she seemed ready to drift back into slumber. Xiao Jingmin glanced helplessly at his wife. Is this really her mother? Yuan Yutong immediately shot back a glare. I did it for you! I wanted you to see your daughter the moment you returned. Faced with his wife’s stern look, Xiao Jingmin lowered his gaze to avoid her “eye daggers” and gently patted and coaxed his daughter. Better to avoid trouble when I can.

Upon entering Ninghe Hall, Xiao Jingmin knelt to pay his respects to his mother, and the family exchanged greetings. What he looked forward to most, however, was meeting the nieces and nephews he had yet to see.

“Where are my little niece and nephews? I must see the legendary little Ping’an first! Every letter mentions her more than my own daughter, almost making me believe she’s part of our household!”

Yuan Yutong rolled her eyes at her husband. “You’re exaggerating! I only mentioned her briefly.”

Ever since Xiao Yuan arrived, the two little girls had been inseparable. Over nine months, Xiao Yao had become more adept at speaking and walking, and Xiao Yuan increasingly enjoyed playing with her sister. Xiao Yao displayed her big sisterly nature by wiping her sister’s mouth and accompanying her in play. Yuan Yutong often joked with her sisters-in-law that her role as a mother was almost redundant because Ping’an cared for her little sister better than she did. Hence, her letters to her husband were filled with detailed anecdotes about Ping’an and her daughter.

“They’re taking their afternoon nap,” Xiao Jingkang said, his face lit with amusement as he mentioned his daughter.

No sooner had the words left his mouth than heavy “thud, thud, thud” footsteps sounded. Without guessing, everyone knew it was Xiao Jun, whose footsteps were strikingly similar to General Xiao’s, almost like stomping.

A boy in a sapphire-blue outfit poked his head in, exclaimed “Wow!” upon seeing the crowded room, then quickly withdrew. He loudly called out, “Sister! Sister! Come quickly!”

Weren’t the kids napping? Xiao Jingkang and his wife were surprised and quickly sent the two maids, Xi Ying and Xi Wei, to check.

Xiao Yuan, half-asleep in her father’s arms, perked up at the sound of her playmate’s voice. Casting aside her drowsiness, she turned her attention to the curtain, eagerly awaiting her companions—and even more so her sister.

The boy returned, walking lightly into the room and standing at the door. A small figure in cherry-red appeared behind him, stepping into everyone’s view.

Her hair, though not very thick, was styled into two small buns tied with gold-bell-embellished ribbons. Her small face, as delicate as freshly fallen snow, shone with an ethereal glow. Her large, sparkling eyes brimmed with clarity and energy, her long lashes fluttering like two little fans. Her lips were soft pink petals.

Now Xiao Jingmin understood why his wife mentioned this little niece in every letter. How could anyone not adore such a child?

The boy and girl stood on either side of the doorway, as if waiting for someone. Moments later, a round figure rolled to the threshold. Eyeing the slightly raised doorstep with concern, the little one hesitated before looking at the siblings on either side. Suddenly inspired, Xiao Qi first struggled to lift one chubby leg over the threshold, then extended both pudgy hands for help.

Xiao Jun and Xiao Yao each grabbed one hand and began pulling him inside. Xiao Yao even chanted in her babyish voice, “One, two, three—pull!”

Xi Ying and Xi Wei stood by, smiling as they watched the scene unfold without lending a hand. It wasn’t out of negligence; they had strict orders from the master and mistress not to intervene in such situations. Their first attempt to help had drawn a scolding from the master for “ruining the atmosphere” and a warning never to do it again.

The roomful of people watched, amused. Xiao Jingmin, tempted to suggest helping the children, noticed the expressions of the other adults—smiling broadly, showing no sign of urgency. Reluctantly, he decided to join in the fun.

Little Xiao Yao, red-faced from exertion, glared at the onlookers. How could you all watch children struggle like this? Shame on you! Finally, with combined effort, the plump Xiao Qi safely tumbled into Ninghe Hall.

Xiao Jun proudly took his siblings by the hand and marched forward.

“Come greet your Third Uncle,” Xiao Jingkang said, his expression still reflecting the amusement of the spectacle. Catching his daughter’s accusing glare, he coughed lightly to mask his awkwardness. Don’t blame me alone; everyone was enjoying the show too!

The three children each had distinct personalities. Xiao Yao, lively and charming, contrasted with Xiao Jun, who was energetic, and Xiao Qi, who was straightforward and honest. Watching the promising younger generation, Xiao Jingmin felt that all his hardships were worthwhile.

“Greetings, Third Uncle,” the two boys said in unison.

“Hello, Third Uncle,” Xiao Yao greeted sweetly. The family was used to her casual tone, attributing it to a child’s simplicity. However, Xiao Yao behaved impeccably in public, never stepping out of line, making her an exceptionally obedient child.

“Ping’an, come to Third Uncle,” Xiao Jingmin coaxed his niece over. Otherwise, his daughter might slip off and fall. Her chubby frame was a testament to a good appetite. Xiao Qi and Ru Yi resembled siblings in more than just facial features—they both had hearty appetites!

As the two girls played together, Xiao Jingmin briefly worried about his daughter’s future. Would she feel self-conscious next to her slim and beautiful elder sister?

“You see, these two are inseparable. As their mother, I’m mostly redundant,” Yuan Yutong remarked, her words tinged with jealousy and her face feigning sorrow. The room ignored her.

“No heart, all of you,” she muttered. Fine, the kids ignoring me is one thing, but my husband hasn’t seen me in a year, and he’s ignoring me too? Tonight, there’ll be consequences.

Xiao Yuan wriggled free from her father, letting out a happy laugh as she darted toward Xiao Yao. Yuan Yutong clutched her chest dramatically. Ru Yi, I’m your mother! How can you ignore me so thoroughly? Xiao Jingmin shot his wife a comforting glance, only to be met with another glare.

He sheepishly smiled. Women are so hard to please. Pay attention? Wrong. Don’t pay attention? Also wrong. Looks like I’m sleeping on the floor tonight… probably.