Chapter 11: Celebrating the New Year

The azure canopy above and the lake-blue silk quilt exuded a familiar fragrance. This was… her parents’ room. It seemed she hadn’t died after all. Those two mischievous boys had nearly killed her. Thinking about it, she felt a wave of grievance. If it had been someone else, she could have sought revenge or exacted some justice. But these were two innocent children who had erred unintentionally, leaving her feeling helpless and unsure how to respond. Fine, she thought, as a generous young lady, she wouldn’t hold it against them. After this incident, she genuinely hoped to grow up faster. At least being able to speak and walk would give her some means of self-preservation.

On the low couch in front of the bed sat Xiao Jingkang with his head bowed, his expression obscured. Perhaps it was the bond between father and daughter, as Xiao Yao opened her eyes just as he turned to look at her. “Ping’an, Ping’an, you’re awake! Are you in pain? Are you hungry?” he asked anxiously. His daughter had been unconscious for a day and a night, and her waking up was an immense relief. Xiao Jingkang wanted desperately to hold his daughter but feared hurting her. All he could do was gaze at her greedily, momentarily forgetting to call for a doctor or notify the others. Thankfully, a sharp-witted maid quickly ran out to inform everyone.

Xiao Yao felt warmth in her heart. This incident must have frightened her family terribly. She couldn’t imagine how worried her mother, brother, second aunt, and third aunt must have been. She wanted to reassure her father, but her body was weak, her chest tight, and the smile she mustered looked more like a grimace than anything comforting.

“Quick, go call the doctor! Inform Madam and the others!” Realizing he had forgotten something important, Xiao Jingkang hurriedly gave orders to the servants.

At the door, Tong Mingyu glared at her husband for being so slow on the uptake before stepping into the room. Gently, she caressed her daughter’s hair, face, and little hands, tears streaming down her cheeks. She couldn’t imagine what life would be like if something had happened to her daughter. Could she even go on living?

Her poor daughter had been born weaker than her brother and now suffered an injury. From now on, they would have to be extra vigilant—no more carelessness.

The family servant sent to fetch the doctor coincidentally ran into Doctor Zhao on his way for a follow-up visit. Respectfully, they brought him to the room. By now, the entire Xiao family had gathered in the courtyard of Ya Garden. Doctor Zhao conducted a thorough examination of Xiao Yao, prescribed medication, and concluded, as before, that she simply needed time and care to recover.

Xiao Jun, who had never been apart from his sister for so long, couldn’t help but rush toward her, ignoring everyone’s attempts to restrain him.

“You have the audacity to face your sister after causing her injury?” Xiao Jingkang scolded, resisting the urge to discipline his son again.

“Big Brother and Sister-in-law, I’m sorry. It’s all because of this brat Ah Qi! I’ll bring him here right now and give him a good beating to make it up to Ping’an!” Li Jiaoying, already frustrated, rolled up her sleeves. Her son, still grinning foolishly, had already been punished the night before. Seeing Ping’an now made her feel she had gone too easy on him.

“Ah Jun and Ah Qi are just children. They don’t understand these things. Besides, Ping’an is fine now,” Qin Shi said coldly, her expression sharp. She disapproved of the way everyone was favoring the injured Ping’an over the mischievous boys.

Tong Mingyu lowered her eyes, suppressing the unease in her heart. She allowed her son to approach Ping’an, and soon the two children were chatting without a care. Xiao Jun was ecstatic, and Xiao Yao occasionally chimed in.

But where was the chubby little boy? The one who had nearly crushed her under his weight? Was he hiding in shame? Or perhaps avoiding punishment?

Seeing Xiao Yao looking around, Xiao Jingkang asked, “Are you looking for Ah Qi?”

“Yes,” Xiao Yao nodded. If she could forgive her elder brother, then her cousin deserved the same treatment. After all, they would still be playing together in the future.

Qin Shi nodded approvingly, her dissatisfaction with her granddaughter dissipating. Tong Mingyu felt relieved seeing her mother-in-law smile. Even if her daughter couldn’t win her grandmother’s favor, at least she shouldn’t provoke her displeasure.

Because of Xiao Yao’s illness, the festive atmosphere for the New Year was somewhat muted. The newly assigned servants were extra cautious in their care of her. Xiao Yao noticed that most of the servants around her had been replaced, except for Qiao Yue and Qiao Si, who had been away running errands for Tong Mingyu on the day of the incident. Perhaps if they had been present, none of this would have happened.

Under careful treatment and care, Xiao Yao’s health gradually improved. Only then did the family begin to turn their attention to preparing for the New Year.

Yuan Yutong, heavily pregnant and near her due date, strolled leisurely through the courtyard. Unlike her anxious in-laws and sisters-in-law, she seemed calm and composed, often scolding her unborn child, “If you keep causing trouble, watch out when you’re born—I’ll spank you!”

Xiao Yao worried whether her injury might have startled the baby in her third aunt’s womb. Could this delay its arrival? Would it be a seventh nephew or a second niece?

Letters from Xiao Yao’s grandfather and third uncle arrived one after another, stirring up nostalgia for faraway family members. Qin Shi couldn’t help but think of her youngest son, who hadn’t returned home in two years. Of her four children, he was the most handsome—elegant, dashing, and charming. Rumors in the capital about his feminine beauty had driven him to follow a retired minister, Qian Taishi, on his travels. Would he return this year?

After eating Laba congee, the New Year drew closer.

Xiao Rui played with firecrackers in the courtyard under the protection of his eldest brother, while Xiao Jun and Xiao Qi watched excitedly from the window. Xiao Yao sat in her second brother’s arms, listening to him read aloud. The classical texts in traditional script made her feel as if she had traveled back in time.

“Did Ping’an understand? Was it good?” Xiao Ming asked gently after finishing a passage.

“Yes, good!” Xiao Yao replied loudly. The content didn’t matter—what mattered was the thought behind it.

The whole room turned to look at her in unison.

“Good omen! If Ping’an says it’s good, it must be good. Children never lie,” Qin Shi said happily.

One compliment led to another until Xiao Yao lowered her head in embarrassment. Pretending to be shy, she burrowed into her brother’s arms. Could a ten-month-old child speak fluently? She wondered whether this was normal and resolved to learn from her fifth brother how to behave like a child. Overacting would only draw unwanted attention.

As Xiao Yang sat upright with a book in hand, Xiao Yao curiously glanced over. “Read?” he asked simply, lifting the book slightly.

Xiao Yao shook her head decisively. The classical text was incomprehensible; she preferred casual reading. Xiao Yi placed his sister and the book in his younger brother’s hands. The two exchanged bewildered glances—what was this all about? Not wanting to trouble her third brother, Xiao Yao sneaked a glare at her second brother and picked up the book herself. Self-study it was, comprehension optional. This way, everyone was happy.

Finally, the New Year arrived, though Yuan Yutong hadn’t yet given birth. Just as Xiao Yao’s life was returning to peace, the family’s nerves grew tense again. Yuan Yutong, however, reassured everyone with her calm demeanor, insisting there was nothing to worry about.

Three rosy-cheeked children bowed before their elders in turn under their older brothers’ patient guidance. Xiao Jun’s stiff movements and Xiao Qi’s near stumble elicited hearty laughter. When it was Xiao Yao’s turn, she stole the spotlight. Dressed in a bright red brocade dress embroidered with golden fish, the exquisite little girl approached her grandmother with a radiant smile. She bowed gracefully, her hands folded neatly, and exclaimed crisply, “Good!” Her adorableness enchanted everyone.

Qin Shi beamed with joy, finding her granddaughter increasingly endearing.

“Ping’an, greet your second uncle and aunt for some red envelopes!” Xiao Jingtai teased, waving a red packet.

Xiao Yao grinned mischievously, shook her head lightly, bypassed her second uncle, and bowed to her parents first. Only then did she approach her second uncle and aunt. When she reached her third aunt, she placed her small hands on her round belly and cheerfully repeated “Good” three times.

The overdue baby still hadn’t arrived, and although Yuan Yutong maintained a brave face, she couldn’t help but feel restless in solitude. Xiao Yao’s innocent gesture brought her unexpected comfort. Weren’t children said to see things adults couldn’t? If so, her baby must be fine—there was nothing to worry about.

“Good. Our Ping’an is the best,” Yuan Yutong said, her eyes glistening with emotion.

This child was truly a treasure. How wonderful it would be to have a baby as beautiful and well-behaved as Ping’an!