Chapter 44: The Picture Book

As the lights dimmed, the cozy atmosphere of the Ninghe Hall grew even warmer.

“Fourth Brother…” Tong Mingyu hesitated, wanting to stop Xiao Jingyan’s actions. She worried he might scare or chill her daughter. However, before she could finish her sentence, uncle and niece were already joyfully playing together. Glancing at the nearby Ninghe Hall, Tong Mingyu decided to remain silent.

Xiao Jingyan carried Xiao Yao into the hall, laughing and chatting. This scene quickly drew General Xiao’s displeased attention. His youngest son seemed to get on his nerves for no particular reason.

“Can you even hold a child properly? Do you even know how to hold a child? Put Ping’an down immediately,” the general barked as he stood up, scooping his granddaughter into his arms. After a moment, he gently removed the little girl’s cloak, revealing her flushed, rosy cheeks and a pair of sparkling eyes—adorable beyond words.

“Ping’an, didn’t you miss your grandfather? It’s been days, and you haven’t come to see me,” General Xiao said, his tone heavy with mock jealousy. His disapproving gaze swept over everyone, branding them as obstacles preventing him from enjoying quality time with his granddaughter.

“I missed you, Grandpa,” Xiao Yao said sweetly as she wrapped her little arms around his neck, rubbing her cheek affectionately against his face. Her small gesture instantly melted the general’s stern demeanor, replacing it with a broad smile.

Watching this, Xiao Jingyan sighed inwardly. His niece’s ability to flatter was unparalleled. A simple movement could completely pacify their father—truly enviable.

“Fourth Son, what have you been up to these past few days? You’ve been nowhere to be seen,” General Xiao asked, his tone laced with dissatisfaction now that he’d been sufficiently appeased by his granddaughter.

Xiao Yao suppressed a chuckle. Thank goodness the general didn’t refer to her third uncle the same way. If he’d gone around calling him “Little Third,” she’d be mortified.

“I’ve found a job,” Xiao Jingyan replied. “I’m working at the Calligraphy and Painting Academy, restoring and organizing artwork.”

“Jingyan, let your brothers find you a more suitable position. This job is beneath you,” Qin-shi interjected, clearly disapproving.

To her, the academy was unworthy of her son’s talent and charm. He deserved something more prestigious.

While General Xiao wasn’t thrilled about the job either, he was relieved that his youngest son was no longer idling around. As long as he stayed out of sight, the general didn’t care what he did.

“Mother, I enjoy this job,” Xiao Jingyan said firmly.

“But it’s…” Not prestigious, not glamorous, and far beneath her dashing son’s abilities. Qin-shi silently lamented the mismatch.

In moments like this, the sister-in-laws, Tong Mingyu and Li Jiaoying, knew better than to comment. They each held onto their respective sons, ensuring the children wouldn’t unwittingly upset anyone. Xiao Jun and Xiao Qi, sensing the serious atmosphere, remained quieter than they had been earlier in the Yagarden. Yet Xiao Jun kept gesturing for his sister to come over.

“Books and paintings,” Xiao Yao murmured. She thought the job suited her fourth uncle well. Everyone has their own preferences—some pursue power and wealth, while others seek a simple life away from turmoil. It wasn’t unusual.

“You like the idea of Fourth Uncle at the academy, don’t you?” Xiao Jingyan teased, trying to provoke his little niece.

Xiao Yao remained expressionless. Fourth Uncle, using a child like this is shameful. If I nod, Grandmother will be upset. If I shake my head, you’ll be annoyed. Do you really think I’m just a clueless two-year-old?

“Would you like to see some new books or interesting illustrations?” Xiao Jingyan tempted her.

Again? Xiao Yao buried her face in her grandfather’s embrace, grumbling in discontent.

“If you want books or illustrations, just tell Grandpa. I’ll have someone find them immediately,” General Xiao said, seeing through his son’s ploy to coax the little girl.

“Thank you, Father,” Xiao Jingyan said, pulling up a chair to sit beside his mother. He began comforting her, easing her disappointment. Tong Mingyu, too, breathed a sigh of relief. She didn’t want her daughter being used by her younger brother-in-law. Thankfully, both her father-in-law’s protection and her daughter’s cleverness had prevented that. This little one’s sharpness often rivaled that of an adult. While reassuring, it also sparked worry—her daughter’s upbringing required careful attention to avoid any undesirable traits.

Qin-shi dared not question her husband’s decision. With her youngest son patiently comforting her, she reluctantly accepted his choice of a less prestigious career. After all, her son would remain close in the future, leaving room for opportunities to transfer him to a better position. This thought gradually eased her mind, and she shifted to chatting about trivial matters with her daughters-in-law.

Seeing her grandmother’s softened attitude, Xiao Yao relaxed, relieved that she wouldn’t bear any backlash. She then looked at Xiao Jingyan with an expression that seemed to say, Let’s make a deal.

“No way,” Xiao Jingyan replied immediately. “Little troublemaker, I was going to give you something today, but now? Forget it.”

Don’t! I just didn’t want to upset Grandmother, Xiao Yao thought. The last person I’d want to offend in this household is her. Internally, she sighed. Being a child was no easier than being an adult.

General Xiao frowned at his youngest son, ready to speak up. Sensing this, Xiao Jingyan quickly handed something to his niece. Crisis averted—barely. Never underestimate his father’s protective instincts.

It was a thin picture book illustrating scenes of everyday life—streets, marketplaces, city gates, and faint glimpses of villages. The craftsmanship was exquisite, with fluid lines and vivid details.

Xiao Yao, seeing such a book for the first time, was utterly engrossed. She called Xiao Jun and Xiao Qi over to admire it together, occasionally exchanging thoughts.

Curious, General Xiao leaned in to take a look. Seeing it was just a simple book, he scoffed dismissively but mentally noted his granddaughter’s interest in such illustrations. He resolved to gather more of them to win her favor.

From that day forward, Xiao Yao never ran out of picture books. However, the quality and style of those sent by her grandfather differed noticeably from those provided by her fourth uncle. Discreetly, she approached Xiao Jingyan.

“Find more of these—good ones,” she said, presenting him with a sample and staring at him with eager eyes.

“Now you know your Fourth Uncle’s value, huh? It depends on how you behave,” Xiao Jingyan teased smugly.

“Fourth Uncle is the best,” Xiao Yao said, not missing a beat.

“Flattery won’t work,” he retorted. Xiao Jingyan wasn’t fooled. She kisses the family physician often but has never done the same for me. Am I less important than an outsider? Unacceptable!

Xiao Yao looked down, searching herself for anything suitable to give as a gift. After spinning in place, she helplessly spread her hands, wearing an expression that clearly asked, Can I owe you for now?

“Nope.” Xiao Jingyan, still feigning disdain, tilted his face slightly, pointing to his cheek. This handsome face is being offered for the first time. You, my dear niece, are making history—appreciate it.

Xiao Yao, amused and proud of her charm, leaned in and planted a loud, resounding kiss on his cheek.

Being small had its perks. A single kiss could solve numerous problems, though she realized such a tactic wouldn’t always work. In a couple of years, it would no longer be appropriate, especially with outsiders.

Xiao Jingyan instructed someone to retrieve a small box from his study. When Xiao Yao opened it, she was surprised to find a picture book depicting foreigners—people with curly hair, high noses, and peculiar attire. She stared at her fourth uncle, waiting for an explanation.

“These are overseas barbarians,” Xiao Jingyan explained. “I thought it was interesting and brought one back. Do you like it?”

Xiao Yao flipped through the book intently. Without looking up, she murmured, “Yes, more of these, please.” She hoped for more books showing local customs and traditions, yearning to understand this era and world better.

“Your Fourth Uncle works, not steals,” Xiao Jingyan said, tugging on her little bun. This greedy little thing was treating him like her personal librarian.

Xiao Yao freed her hair, nodding obediently. Was that necessary? Fourth Uncle’s temper is getting worse.