Chapter 25: Wishes

Tong Mingyu managed to find time to visit her parents’ home. Her brother Tong Guanghui’s wife, Madam Zhang, had given birth to a healthy baby boy. After briefly greeting her second sister-in-law and seeing the newborn, she exchanged a few words with her parents before hurrying back.

Tong Shangshu furiously scolded his in-laws for mistreating his daughter, but Madam Tong calmly remarked, “If you’re so dissatisfied with the Xiao family, let’s bring our daughter and grandchildren back tomorrow. Then you can find a son-in-law who doesn’t care about running a household, cherishes her and the children, has no concubines or mistresses. How about that?”

“Don’t talk nonsense.” Tong Shangshu knew well that a son-in-law like Xiao Jingkang was hard to come by. He could only vent his frustration before retreating to his study in defeat.

Back at the Xiao residence, Tong Mingyu busied herself tirelessly. Li Jiaoying and Yuan Yutong felt deeply guilty watching her.

“Big sister-in-law is doing all the work while we can barely help. It feels so wrong,” said Yuan Yutong, having observed Tong Mingyu’s hectic days.

“In a family, there’s no need to keep such tallies,” Tong Mingyu brushed it off; she had grown used to this over the years.

Yuan Yutong recalled how she used to envy her sister-in-law’s role as the head of the household. Now, given the choice, she’d still prefer her own simpler life. She couldn’t fathom why women in large households would scheme and fight for a little power, sometimes to the death. What was the point? And why vie for a life of endless chores and responsibilities? She certainly wanted no part of it.

“You two should go rest. There’s no need for all three of us to stay up. I’ll finish this soon,” Tong Mingyu urged them to leave. Given that they both had young children and Yuan Yutong hadn’t seen her husband in almost a year, it was better for them to spend time together.

Despite some polite back-and-forth, Tong Mingyu sped through her tasks, ensuring everything was done quickly so they could all leave together.

In the Yi Garden, Xiao Jingmin eagerly awaited his wife’s return. Their son had moved to the front yard, and their daughter, like a little piglet, had fallen asleep early. Left alone, he found it hard to sleep.

When Yuan Yutong entered their bedroom, she found her husband waiting for her, dressed in his inner clothes and holding a book. He immediately set the book aside, poured her a cup of tea, and handed it to her. After she took a sip, he led her to a chair and began massaging her shoulders and back with practiced ease.

“Why did you come back so late? You must be exhausted.”

“It’s all because big sister-in-law was doing everything by herself. Second sister-in-law and I were mostly standing by, unable to help much.”

“Big sister-in-law has been running the household for years. It’s natural that you and second sister-in-law wouldn’t know where to start.”

“Living together, I’ve realized how useless I really am. When we raise our daughter, we must teach her well—not just to be a refined and talented lady, but also to manage household affairs.” Yuan Yutong pinned her hopes on their daughter.

Xiao Jingmin wanted to argue that such ambitions might be more plausible for Ping’an, but for their daughter? Perhaps the bar was a bit high. However, seeing her determined expression, he swallowed his words.

“In that case, let’s make sure Ruyi spends more time with her older sister. She might pick up some of her skills,” he suggested.

“Your daughter practically clings to her sister already. How much more time could they spend together? Besides, aren’t we going back with you soon?”

“Those two sisters wouldn’t want to be separated. Maybe we can figure out a way to bring Ping’an with us,” Xiao Jingmin mused, envisioning a delightful scene of two lively girls accompanying him every day.

“Dream on! Ever since I came back, your son and I have been trying to pull that off without success. And with Father-in-law returning soon, if you dare take away his beloved granddaughter, you’d better prepare to have your legs broken.”

“That’s an exaggeration!”

“You’ll find out when he comes back. In his letters, Father-in-law’s fondness for Ping’an is crystal clear. I doubt all the other grandchildren combined could match her place in his heart.”

“Fine, I give up!” Xiao Jingmin knew better than to challenge the patriarch’s affections. Having his own chubby daughter was blessing enough.

Reunited after a long separation, the couple shared a tender and affectionate evening together.

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The next morning, Tong Mingyu opened the storeroom early. The housekeepers began inspecting and preparing the tableware and furniture needed for the upcoming birthday banquet. Everything else was nearing completion: freshly painted walls, immaculate courtyards, even the stone lions outside the gate gleamed like new.

Xiao Jingkang and Xiao Jingtai both left the house, heading in different directions—one to court, the other to deal with matters related to the Fang family.

Later, when the younger children came to Ninghe Hall to pay their respects, Madam Qin had newly tailored clothes brought out for them to try. These outfits were meant for the general’s birthday celebration and were being checked for any adjustments.

“Is it almost New Year’s?” Xiao Jun wondered aloud, noticing the bustling preparations and guessing the festival was near.

“New Year’s?” Xiao Qi was less concerned with the occasion and more eager about the prospect of treats to go with their new clothes.

Xiao Yao, dressed in a bright red outfit, looked even more radiant than a traditional New Year doll. Although she preferred simpler colors, she had grown accustomed to the local customs requiring festive attire for celebrations and banquets. From reluctant beginnings, she now accepted these traditions with equanimity.

“Second Miss, please don’t move! It’ll be done soon,” a flustered maid pleaded with Xiao Yuan, struggling to dress the restless little one.

Xiao Yao glanced at her sister and the ill-fitting outfit the maid was trying to force on her. Turning away, she thought, Who’d want to wear something a size too small? Her younger sister’s refusal made perfect sense. Xiao Yuan was growing at an astonishing rate—it seemed even the breeze could fatten her up. At this pace, who knew whether she or Xiao Qi would be chubbier in two years?

Madam Qin approached to investigate. Usually, Ruyi wasn’t hard to handle. What could be wrong today? After some probing, she still failed to realize the issue might lie with the clothes.

Xiao Jingmin strolled leisurely through the garden all morning. Planning to spend quality time with the children, he entered just as his daughter was struggling and asked urgently, “What’s going on here?”

“Ruyi just won’t put on her new clothes today,” Madam Qin said, puzzled.

Xiao Jingmin eyed the ill-fitting garment awkwardly draped on his daughter and then glanced at his neatly dressed niece. The truth seemed obvious. Surely, his daughter must be reluctant to wear the outfit for fear of being outshone by her cousin. That had to be it.

“Mother, next time, could we avoid making matching clothes for Ping’an and Ruyi?”

“Why? We’ve always dressed them like this,” Madam Qin replied.

“Ping’an looks good in anything, but Ruyi can’t compare and feels bad,” Xiao Jingmin speculated.

Xiao Yao, initially disinclined to speak, finally stepped in to stop her uncle’s wild guesses. “The clothes are too tight… She doesn’t like wearing them.”

Xiao Yuan nodded vigorously in agreement. Finally, someone understood her, and it was none other than her sister. She felt utterly content.

Her father, however, felt deflated. Just last night, he and his wife had been brimming with ambition to raise their daughter into a proper lady. Now this revelation hit him like a brick. A chubby girl as a refined lady or scholar? Xiao Jingmin closed his eyes, imagining the uphill journey ahead.

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