Chapter 62: Climbing into Bed

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This matter naturally didn’t escape Tong Mingyu’s notice. What surprised Xiao Jingkang and Xiao Yao was that she didn’t react with her usual anger.

Not only was Tong Mingyu acting differently, but even Li Jiaoying and Madam Qin were showing Xiao Yao extra affection and warmth.

According to Xiao Yao’s speculation, it was likely because of her comment about how each household should only have one mistress, which seemed to resonate deeply with the three women. It appeared that whether in ancient or modern times, even if women didn’t say it aloud, no one liked the idea of sharing a husband with others. Thinking of this, Xiao Yao couldn’t help but entertain a small hope for her future—one where she wouldn’t have to deal with a crowd of sisters-in-law.

It wasn’t too much to wish for, was it? She didn’t need a man of prominence; she only wished for a husband who wouldn’t involve her in such familial chaos. Though such hopes might not come true, daydreaming didn’t hurt, did it?

After two more days of classes, her painting was finally complete. Handing it over to Zhi Hua for safekeeping, Xiao Yao, feeling relaxed and content, lay down on her bed for a midday nap.

It seemed like Zhi Hua was nearing her big day—her shy demeanor and radiant smile these past two days were clear indicators. What would be a good gift for her wedding? How was it that other families could arrange marriages smoothly, but when it came to Fourth Uncle, things always seemed to go awry?

As her thoughts wandered, Xiao Yao gradually drifted into a deep sleep.

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At Shen Hour (3–5 p.m.), a carriage pulled up in front of the Xiao residence. A spirited woman and a round-faced, chubby little girl alighted.

“Oh my, it’s Third Madam and Second Miss! Why didn’t you inform us in advance? We could have prepared a proper welcome,” the gatekeeper warmly greeted the two mistresses.

“There’s no need for such formality among family,” Yuan Yutong replied with a dismissive wave of her hand.

To avoid troubling everyone, she had decided to return unannounced. After all, the endless rituals and pretenses of a large family could become tiresome.

Xiao Yuan tugged at the hem of her dress. Why did it feel tight again? Hadn’t this one been newly made? It must be the fabric shrinking. Yes, that had to be it.

“Is my sister home?” If Xiao family’s Second Miss had one standout trait, it was her melodious voice, as sweet and clear as an oriole’s song.

“Yes, yes, the Eldest Miss seldom goes out,” the gatekeeper replied enthusiastically. The beautiful eldest daughter, as ethereal as a fairy, rarely stepped outside. In other families, a young lady of such beauty would often be taken out to showcase, wouldn’t she? The gatekeeper shook his head, puzzled by the enigmatic ways of his masters.

“Mother, let’s go in quietly. I want to surprise Sister,” Xiao Yuan suggested, her face glowing with excitement.

“Are you sure it’ll be a surprise and not a fright? Let me remind you, your sister Ping’an doesn’t handle surprises well,” Yuan Yutong warned.

“Of course! Do I look like the kind of person who would frighten her?” Xiao Yuan rolled her eyes at her mother.

“You’re a young lady of a noble family, not a wild child. Where did you pick up such habits?” Yuan Yutong sighed. Her daughter’s lack of decorum was a constant source of worry.

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After greeting everyone in Ninghe Hall, from her grandmother to her aunt, Xiao Yuan finally couldn’t contain herself any longer. She insisted on seeing her sister, refusing to wait another moment.

“Your sister is still napping and hasn’t woken up yet,” Tong Mingyu informed her. However, she was also inclined to wake her daughter. Sleeping too much during the day would make it hard to fall asleep at night. Seeing her niece’s eagerness, Tong Mingyu thought that an early bedtime for her daughter was unlikely tonight anyway.

“Can’t I at least take a peek?” Xiao Yuan mimicked her sister’s pleading look, blinking her eyes in an attempt to appear pitiful. However, with her naturally comical expression, her act only came off as amusing.

“Enough with that face,” Tong Mingyu chided. Her son and daughter both loved imitating Ping’an. However, while Ping’an’s gestures were endearing, her son’s attempts seemed awkward, and Xiao Yuan’s were outright funny. Yet neither of them realized this, feeling rather pleased with themselves.

“Xiying, accompany Second Miss,” Tong Mingyu instructed. She thought it best to let them go before she laughed herself into a stomachache. Compared to Ruyi, Ping’an indeed seemed more ladylike—though only on the surface.

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In the serene side room of Yuyuan, all was quiet. Outside the door, Xiao Fu yawned from boredom while Xiao Hui was focused on weaving.

Xiao Yuan gestured for them to stay silent, raising a chubby finger to her lips. Mimicking her sister’s mischievousness, she wondered if she too looked as adorable as Ping’an when doing it. Without dwelling on it further, she rushed toward the bed.

Xiying hurried to catch up, fearing the little troublemaker might startle the Eldest Miss.

Lifting a corner of the bed curtain, Xiao Yuan peeked in. Her sister was sound asleep. Should she wake her? Or should she share the bed with her for once? Choosing the latter, she quickly kicked off her shoes and climbed onto the bed, lifting a corner of the blanket and slipping in stealthily.

So warm, so fragrant! Xiao Yuan let out a satisfied sigh, then quickly covered her mouth, careful not to wake her sister.

Half-asleep, Xiao Yao sensed movement beside her. She assumed it was a maid coming to wake her.

When she opened her drowsy eyes and saw a face close to hers, she blinked twice before closing them again, muttering, “I’m dreaming of Ruyi again.”

“Isn’t that funny! Sister, were you thinking of me?” Xiao Yuan shamelessly stroked her own cheek, convinced of her own charm.

Xiao Yao, hearing the voice, instantly opened her eyes wide. Reaching out to touch the face before her, she realized it was real. Ruyi was really back!

“Surprised?” Xiao Yuan grinned.

Xiao Yao nodded quickly, sitting up.

“Just lie down a little longer,” Xiao Yuan pleaded, cuddling closer to her sister.

“I can’t lie in bed all day,” Xiao Yao replied, attempting to get up.

The two wrestled playfully on the bed until both were breathless with laughter.

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Suddenly, Zhang Momo entered the room. “Old General has returned to the manor and wants to see the two young ladies. What on earth happened here?” she exclaimed.

Even the maids couldn’t help but laugh. The usually composed Eldest Miss was flushed and disheveled, while the Second Miss sprawled on the bed, panting with her robes askew.

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With the help of their maids, the sisters washed up and dressed neatly. A group of attendants then escorted them to Ninghe Hall.

“I can walk on my own,” Xiao Yuan protested, disliking the scent of the maid carrying her.

“We know you can, but our Eldest Miss is tired, so you’ll both receive the same treatment,” the maid replied.

Xiao Yao reassured her sister, “Ruyi, I’m too weak to walk. Let’s rest and save our energy.”

Such frailty after five years of recovery—it was disheartening.