Chapter 61: A Guarantee

General Xiao woke up and recalled the words of his in-laws. He summoned his daughter-in-law to inquire further.

“Daughter-in-law, what exactly did your father mean when he said those things?”

“Father-in-law, my father was drunk. Please don’t take his words seriously. I doubt he’ll even remember what he said once he sobers up.”

“Is that so?” Yet, that strange feeling lingered.

“Yes, yes.” Even if it wasn’t true, how could she dare to admit it?

That evening, when Xiao Jingkang returned home and learned about yet another quarrel between his father and father-in-law, he sighed deeply. A vision of his life ten years later emerged in his mind: a nearly fifty-year-old man sandwiched between two white-haired elders, coaxing one and pacifying the other. The future looked grim indeed.

“What were the two old men arguing about this time?”

“Your daughter.”

“My dear Ping’an is indeed lovable. Not just anyone, but even my father and father-in-law have had more than one battle over her.” Xiao Jingkang puffed out his chest like a proud peacock.

If you could maintain that expression after hearing the content of their argument, it would truly be impressive, Tong Mingyu thought to herself.

“I visited my elder sister today and asked her to help find a governess for our daughter. I’m worried that without proper guidance, she might grow up to be a notorious little rascal in the capital.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Our daughter isn’t a rascal; she’s clever and brilliant. Your worry is unnecessary.”

Tong Mingyu didn’t argue further. In her husband’s eyes, their daughter was perfect and flawless. How could she possibly have any shortcomings?

Tong Mingyu shared her mother’s advice with her husband. The couple devised a plan, agreeing that keeping an eye on the Yu family—especially Miss Yu—was a crucial task for the upcoming birthday banquet.

Before bed, Tong Mingyu reminded her husband, “Don’t forget to talk to your fourth brother tomorrow.”

Xiao Yao, knowing her grandfather’s birthday was approaching, had been pondering what gift she could personally prepare for him. After much thought, she decided to draw a picture of herself and her grandfather together.

Although Xiao Yao was not yet six years old, she had developed an interest in painting under Xiao Jingyan’s influence. Coupled with some residual skills from her past life, she was confident she could produce a satisfactory piece.

Where should she paint? After careful consideration, she chose her father’s study. With its tranquil and elegant environment, she was certain it would inspire her creativity.

After school, Xiao Yao hurriedly ate lunch, skipped her nap, and headed straight to the study. Accompanied by Zhihua, who was skilled at grinding ink and selecting brushes, she prepared everything. Once the setup was complete, Xiao Yao sent Zhihua away and began her masterpiece.

Half an hour later, the painting took shape: an elderly man holding a little girl, with cows and sheep nearby. Xiao Yao aimed to create a work suitable for a six-year-old, so she kept it simple and recognizable—like a sketch.

This approach was inspired by Xiao Yuan.

“Zhihua, fetch me a travelogue with illustrations.” Rest is essential for productivity.

Zhihua quickly brought the requested book and, seeing that Xiao Yao was nearly done with her painting, began tidying up the unused items.

“Qiaoyue greets the young lady,” a voice called from outside.

“What brings you here, Sister Deng?” Xiao Yao asked curiously.

“I need Zhihua’s help selecting a pattern. Is she available?”

Qiaoyue, who had married Zhihua’s brother—a steward—over the summer, was now called Sister Deng by everyone.

Choosing a pattern seemed like an excuse. Could it be about Zhihua’s marriage? If Xiao Yao remembered correctly, Zhihua was already sixteen.

“Go ahead. Have Xiaofu and Xiaohui serve me.”

Xiao Yao agreed readily, hoping her guess was right. As a considerate mistress, she couldn’t afford to delay her maid’s lifelong happiness. After all, good news seemed to abound in her room—Qiaoyue got married last year, and perhaps it would be Zhihua’s turn this year.

After reading for a while and enjoying the refreshments Xiaofu and Xiaohui brought, Xiao Yao felt drowsy. Skipping her nap had taken its toll. She glanced at her unfinished painting and decided to rest briefly in her father’s chair. After asking Xiaofu to fetch a small blanket and dismissing the maids, she curled up in the chair and dozed off.

“Big Brother, Second Brother, you can’t just abandon me!” Xiao Jingyan lamented upon hearing from his eldest brother that Yu Xianrong would attend their father’s birthday celebration.

The three brothers had returned home around the same time. Xiao Jingkang pulled his brothers aside and broke the unfortunate news to the fourth.

“What do you want us to do? Just get married already. Being this terrified of a woman is disgraceful,” Xiao Jingtai scoffed.

“Father promised I could wait another year!” Xiao Jingyan protested.

“Then figure it out yourself. Nothing works for you, so you decide,” Xiao Jingtai retorted impatiently. “It’s just marriage—why so troublesome?”

“I refuse to marry Yu Xianrong.”

Xiao Jingkang remained silent as his younger brothers bickered. After a long debate, neither offered a solution. Approaching the study, Xiao Jingkang quickened his pace to check if everything was in order. Fortunately, all was well.

“Maybe I should just go into hiding.”

“Have some backbone, will you?” Xiao Jingkang snapped.

“Or perhaps I should marry Yu Xianrong. Then, the day after the wedding, I’ll take a few concubines and send one to each of you…”

“Fourth Uncle, you’re not allowed to do bad things, let alone corrupt my father and Second Uncle! I won’t forgive you!” Xiao Yao, unable to endure the discomfort of the chair or the loud voices of the three men, sprang up from her makeshift nap.

“Fourth Uncle, I can’t believe you’re this kind of person!” she declared indignantly.

“Ping’an, why are you here?” Xiao Jingyan, caught off guard, panicked. If his words reached the ears of his sisters-in-law, he’d be in serious trouble.

“Ping’an, listen to your Fourth Uncle. I was only joking with your father and Second Uncle. Please don’t tell your mother or Second Aunt; the consequences would be dire,” Xiao Jingyan pleaded.

“Promise me one thing.”

“Anything—one thing or ten!”

“In our family, Grandfather has Grandmother, Father has Mother, and Second and Third Uncles each have their wives,” Xiao Yao enumerated, counting on her fingers with a stern expression. Her discontent was palpable, her small mouth slightly pouty. Xiao Jingkang and Xiao Jingtai were thoroughly amused.

“So, Fourth Uncle can only bring back one wife—no more.” She ended her statement with a dramatic desk slam, wincing slightly at the unexpected pain and subtly shaking her hand behind her back.

Xiao Jingtai turned away, shoulders shaking from suppressed laughter.

“Fine, fine. Whatever you say.” Was this his niece or a little housekeeper? She even wanted to dictate how many wives he could have.

“Write a guarantee,” Xiao Yao demanded plainly.

“A… guarantee? What’s that?” Xiao Jingyan stammered.

“A written promise that you’ll only marry one wife. If my father or uncles misbehave, it’ll all be your fault.”

“Why?”

“And what if he breaks the promise?” Xiao Jingtai asked, intrigued.

“If he behaves, I’ll keep the guarantee a secret. If he doesn’t, I’ll make copies and plaster them all over the capital!”

Her declaration left the room in stunned silence.