Chapter 29: The Banquet (Part 2)

The lively atmosphere in the outer courtyard was no less boisterous than the back. General Xiao had already drunk enough to feel slightly tipsy. Fortunately, with so many sons, they could collectively step in to ease their father’s burdens. Xiao Jingtai, who could hold his liquor the best, had drunk the most. Xiao Jingkang, sociable and composed, could still last for a while. Xiao Jingmin, having been away from the capital for many years, was treated with courtesy, while Xiao Jingyan, the slyest of the brothers, remained the most sober.

Minister Tong and Vice Minister Li fared no better. Compared to General Xiao, who had spent years in the military, their drinking capacity was naturally inferior. After several rounds, they had to be helped by their respective sons-in-law to the guest rooms for rest. As Minister Tong was leaving, he slurred, “I haven’t even seen Ping’an today. Later, I’ll have her come home with me.”

General Xiao sobered up instantly and bellowed, “Didn’t you just have a grandson? Go home and dote on your grandson instead of trying to take my granddaughter! Don’t think that on a day like today, I’ll just let you off the hook. If you want my Ping’an, you’ll have to go through me first.”

“She may be your granddaughter, but she’s also my granddaughter—part of the Tong family’s bloodline. Why can’t I bring her home?” Minister Tong, emboldened by the alcohol, decided to argue with his in-law.

“No need for so many whys. If I say no, then it’s no. If you want a granddaughter, talk to your own sons!”

Minister Tong turned and glared at his second son. “Useless! Making me lose face in front of this old man!”

Tong Guanghui sighed helplessly. What a disaster out of nowhere.

“Jingkang, do you think your father is right, or am I?” Minister Tong redirected his argument to his son-in-law, unwilling to believe that he, too, would oppose him.

Caught between his father and father-in-law, Xiao Jingkang could only flash a bright smile, not daring to utter a single word. Offending either side was not an option. The wisest choice was to play dumb.

“Spineless!” Minister Tong grumbled as Tong Guanghui quickly led him away. The old man was clearly heavily intoxicated. After offending his in-law, did he now plan to offend his brother-in-law too? It was better to escort him to rest immediately.

Xiao Jingmin discreetly wiped his forehead, despite no actual sweat. Thankfully, his father-in-law wasn’t present today. Otherwise, a battle between the two equally hot-tempered in-laws over the granddaughter would have been unbearable.

Xiao Jingyan also took the opportunity to slip away. He had no patience for these scenes. Sitting there, enduring the judgmental stares and whispered comments from others, was nauseating. He couldn’t change his appearance, yet people found joy in criticizing him. It was as though he were akin to the dishes on the table: one was edible, and the other could only be ogled.

He headed to the rear courtyard to play with his little niece, a plan he’d had for a while. With his siblings so busy, he might as well help take care of the children.

Xiao Yuan was playing near the entrance of the elegant garden when her ball of yarn rolled down the path. She cried out in distress, “Ah, ah!” Xiao Yao, ensuring someone kept an eye on Xiao Yuan, chased after the ball with a little maidservant in tow.

From a distance, Xiao Jingyan spotted the small figure in red. Could it be that his niece knew he was coming and had specially come to greet him? Hmm, very thoughtful—worthy of praise!

Just as the uncle and niece were about to meet, a panicked voice echoed.

“Miss, let’s go back! This is someone else’s backyard; barging in isn’t appropriate,” a maid implored desperately.

“Who’s the miss here, you or me? Stop talking nonsense and help me find him! I clearly saw him come this way. How could he disappear in the blink of an eye?” A haughty voice replied.

Xiao Jingyan froze in place before suddenly coming to his senses. He picked up his little niece and crouched low, hiding behind a bush. Silently, he gestured for the maidservant following Xiao Yao to leave the area quickly. Then, he stayed still, waiting for the young mistress and her maid to leave.

Xiao Yao, caught up in this mess, silently complained, Fourth Uncle, I came out to find something, not to play hide-and-seek.

At the same time, she was curious. Who was this young lady? To make her uncle so apprehensive, she must be extraordinary. Could she be strikingly unattractive? Or perhaps a royal princess? The latter was quickly dismissed; no royalty had attended today’s event. It was said that a certain Prince Jing had sent gifts, but there was no mention of a princess.

“Search thoroughly again. The Xiao family’s garden has too many winding paths. Left here, right there. When I marry in, the first thing I’ll do is renovate it,” the haughty voice declared.

Xiao Yao was so shocked that she nearly let out a gasp, hastily covering her mouth. She turned to look at her uncle, only to see him sneer in disdain. Clearly, he had no regard for this outspoken young lady.

Who said ancient women were reserved? This one had chased a man all the way into someone else’s backyard. Was she also a time traveler?

Footsteps drew closer, circling the area before gradually fading away. Xiao Jingyan stood, elegantly brushing leaves off his robes, as if the unseemly display earlier had been someone else entirely. Contrary to his composed exterior, his emotions were tumultuous. This Young Lady Yu, ever since meeting him over two years ago, had been relentlessly pursuing him. Her persistence was unmatched.

Not only did he not like her, but her family background made a match impossible.

Everyone in the capital knew that Master Yu was notoriously henpecked. His wife ruled the household with an iron fist and had raised her daughter to be equally domineering. Just hearing their name gave people headaches. He neither wanted to provoke them nor get involved.

Looking down, he saw his niece staring at him with curious eyes.

“Little one, no wild thoughts, and no wild words either, understand?” He tried to appear stern.

“Pfft,” Xiao Yao giggled, quickly covering her mouth as her bright eyes twinkled mischievously.

Feeling mocked by his niece, Xiao Jingyan felt indignant but suddenly smiled dazzlingly, like a hundred flowers blooming.

“What a charmer,” Xiao Yao thought. Why the sudden smile? Did I accidentally drive him mad?

“You laugh at me now, but in a dozen years, you’ll be in the same boat,” Xiao Jingyan said. Currently, the family’s most attractive members were himself and his nephew Xiao Yi. Yet, his little niece showed great promise, likely surpassing them in the future.

“Fourth Uncle… that was… Fourth Aunt?” Xiao Yao asked, her words clear though she had to pause between phrases.

“Don’t talk nonsense. I don’t even know her,” Xiao Jingyan retorted.

Who would believe that? Xiao Yao certainly didn’t. Dislike turned into denial—a tactic to fool only a child.

She glanced at her uncle disdainfully, earning an exasperated, “What’s with that look? Who taught you to make such faces?”

“Do you even understand if I explain? Honestly.” Xiao Jingyan sighed. “She’s the daughter of Yu Zheng, the Minister of the Imperial Ceremonies. Her name’s Yu Qianrong. I have no idea how I caught her attention. I thought two years would be enough for her to forget, but who knew…” He shuddered. Women’s persistence was terrifying.

“Pfft,” Xiao Yao laughed again, her bright eyes wide with amusement.

Being laughed at by his niece, Xiao Jingyan felt a loss of face and tried to glare menacingly, only to break into a smile once more.