Chapter 73: Discussions

The Xiao family prepared a lavish banquet to entertain Madame Wen and Nanny Ruan. After the meal, Xiao Jingkang personally escorted the two back to the Wen residence.

Tong Mingyu instructed the servants to thoroughly clean and prepare the newly named “Yao Yuan Pavilion.” The following day, when Nanny Ruan returned, the three of them would move into the pavilion to live.

Tong Mingyu felt an overwhelming sense of loss, as if her daughter were about to leave her. She busied herself with tasks to distract her from her melancholy, but the sadness lingered, even into the evening when the family gathered for dinner.

“Ping’an, you’ve truly brought honor to our family. Well done!” Xiao Jingtai declared with enthusiasm.

Xiao Jingkang shot his younger brother a glance. That’s my daughter, not yours. Why are you so excited?

“Ping’an deserves praise. Tell me, what reward would you like?” General Xiao, always generous with his grandchildren, said warmly.

Madame Qin chuckled but said nothing. The general’s private collection probably doesn’t have much left aside from large, immovable items and weapons. Most of the valuable pieces have already been gifted to his two granddaughters, with even the large items promised as dowries.

I want freedom. I want a few more years to play carefree. Knowing her words would go unheard, Xiao Yao chose to remain silent.

“Ping’an doesn’t seem as happy as the rest of you,” Xiao Jingyan remarked, clearly enjoying his niece’s aggrieved expression.

“Happy? Why wouldn’t I be happy?” Xiao Yao retorted with a defiant lift of her chin, forcing a smile. Her fourth uncle always found joy in others’ discomfort. Speaking of which, why haven’t we heard from Miss Yu recently? If she were here, Fourth Uncle would be too preoccupied to tease me.

“Oh, so this is what happiness looks like? Fascinating—this is my first time seeing it!” Xiao Jingyan continued to tease.

Maybe tomorrow, I should bribe a servant to deliver a note to Miss Yu with a detailed itinerary of Fourth Uncle’s day. A little map wouldn’t hurt either, Xiao Yao thought mischievously.

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Meanwhile, Yuan Yutong recounted the day’s events to her husband. The couple agreed they needed to thank their sister-in-law and Xiao Yao properly.

“Sister-in-law, thank you and Ping’an for today,” Xiao Jingmin said, rising to offer a solemn bow of gratitude.

“We’re family—no need to be so formal. Besides, I didn’t do much. Nanny Ruan probably agreed to take in Ruyi because she thought Ping’an needed a companion. It truly wasn’t my doing,” Tong Mingyu replied modestly.

“If only I had a daughter. Then the three of them could learn together. I’ve heard even the Duke of Qing invited Nanny Ruan but was politely refused. This just shows how exceptional our Ping’an and Ruyi are,” Li Jiaoying remarked with envy, sharing some gossip she’d overheard.

“Ping’an, come here to Second Brother,” Xiao Yi, now a dashing young man, called out. Though not as handsome as Xiao Jingyan, his masculinity and poise were far more pronounced. Currently preparing for the autumn provincial examination, Xiao Yi had plans to secure a respectable ranking and then settle into a government post, marry, and enjoy a leisurely life.

Xiao Yao walked toward her second brother sluggishly. He’s just as cunning as Fourth Uncle, but while Fourth Uncle speaks his schemes out loud, Second Brother keeps everything to himself, leaving no trace for you to confront him later.

“Learn the rules well from Nanny Ruan. In a few months, you’ll be six. You can’t slack off anymore. Understood?”

Xiao Yao was about to retort but was cut off. “Girls learning etiquette is like boys studying for exams. It’s a necessary step and can’t be skipped,” Xiao Yi added with a sigh. Time truly flies—my little sister is growing up and preparing for her future.

“Indeed, she should learn properly,” Xiao Yang commented. Though he believed his sister was already the best, a little refinement could only enhance her. This Nanny Ruan must be extraordinary, given the family’s excitement. Maybe my sister will grow into a true lady of distinction.

“I take back what I said the other day. Here’s hoping you become a lady soon,” Xiao Rui remarked, his gaze subtly drifting toward his own sister. If only Ping’an’s cleverness and Ruyi’s sweetness could combine, perhaps our family could produce a perfect lady after all.

“Don’t be afraid, Little Sister. If that nanny dares to bully you, let me know. Fifth Brother’s skills aren’t for show—ouch! Mother, why did you hit me again?” Xiao Jun’s heroic declaration was interrupted by his mother’s firm discipline.

“Mother-in-law, please be gentle,” Xiao Qi interjected lazily.

Xiao Jun rolled his eyes. If I were in actual danger, by the time Sixth Brother arrived, all he’d find would be my remains.

Tong Mingyu’s mood had already been somber, and she knew her daughter wasn’t genuinely eager to study under Nanny Ruan. For her son to support his sister so blatantly was intolerable. At least he’s sturdy—some venting won’t hurt.

“Grandmother, save me! I’m your grandson!” Xiao Jun shouted. No better time to call for help than now.

“Let go of my grandson’s ear! Eldest son, stop your wife!” Madame Qin, ever indulgent with her grandsons, intervened. Her heart swelled with pride at the thought of her granddaughter bringing such honor to the family.

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After a lively dinner, everyone retired to their quarters.

Xiao Jingkang noticed his wife’s downcast mood and asked why. Upon hearing her concerns, he felt just as despondent. If only we hadn’t built that embroidery building—no, it’s called Yao Yuan Pavilion now—then our daughter could stay with us. Maybe she could return to Ya Garden every few days to stay overnight.

Xiao Jingmin and Yuan Yutong discussed the day’s events, their plans disrupted by Nanny Ruan’s arrival. Initially, they intended to return to Songjiang as a family but now had to leave Ruyi behind.

“Will Ruyi be sad when she hears she has to stay?” Xiao Jingmin mused, imagining a tearful farewell.

Yuan Yutong rolled her eyes. She’s only ever cried when separated from her sister. Otherwise, this child hardly sheds a tear.

“Shall we go check on her?”

“Yes, if she’s upset, we can comfort her,” Xiao Jingmin agreed.

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Ruyi, however, was far from asleep. She was daydreaming about her new life.

“Ruyi, in a few days, your father and I will return to Songjiang. Will you be sad staying here alone?” Xiao Jingmin asked tentatively.

“I’ll be with Sister, right?”

“Yes, you’ll learn, eat, and live together…” Xiao Jingmin listed, watching his daughter’s eyes light up with excitement.

“Ruyi, you need to learn to take care of yourself, be sensible, and strong.” Despite his heartfelt conclusion, Xiao Jingmin didn’t get the tearful reaction he anticipated.

Instead, Ruyi exclaimed, “Oh, that’s wonderful! I get to be with Sister every day. You two can leave without worrying about me. I’m so happy I might not sleep tonight! Should I go find Sister now?” Without waiting, she grabbed her coat and headed out.

Yuan Yutong, already knowing what would happen, had left earlier. No point in staying to witness this. He’ll figure it out.

Xiao Jingmin, left standing dumbfounded, resembled a dejected maiden. Eventually, Yuan Yutong returned to drag him back to their room.

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