Chapter 19: Seeking Help

Before Xiao Jingkang could take action, Fang Yufu and his family quietly left the capital, forcing all plans to be put on hold. It wasn’t feasible to chase them back to their hometown to request the annulment of the engagement. Nonetheless, the Xiao brothers secretly sent people to Xuzhou to monitor the Fang family’s activities.

The four unique and distinct children brought immense joy to the Xiao household. Whether it was the energetic Xiao Jun, the gentle Xiao Qi, the charming Xiao Yao, or Xiao Yuan, whose greatest interest lay in food—they were all treasures to the family.

General Xiao, in his few letters home, never failed to inquire about his granddaughters. Was Ping’an growing well? Had she been taught to call for her grandfather? What were her favorite foods and toys? Did she resemble her elder sister, and was she chubby or slender? Every little detail mattered. When it came to his grandsons, however, his letters included only a single directive: ensure they didn’t bully Ping’an or Ruyi, let them exercise more often, and when he returned, he’d teach them martial arts so they could protect their sisters.

Watching the carefree, happy boys play, Xiao Jingkang and Xiao Jingtai couldn’t help but wonder why things were reversed in their household. In most families, grandsons were the treasured jewels, but here, granddaughters were the priority while grandsons were almost overlooked.

“Don’t worry; Grandmother dotes on Jun and Qi,” said Madam Qin. Since the patriarch cherished his granddaughters, she decided to compensate by showing extra affection to the grandsons. She kissed each boy on the cheek, declaring with conviction that their tigerish vigor and honest obedience were no less lovable than their sisters.

As daughters-in-law and mothers, Tong Mingyu and Yuan Yutong refrained from expressing opinions. To them, their sons and daughters were equally precious. Meanwhile, Li Jiaoying, who didn’t have a daughter, saw herself as the happiest of them all. She could visit Ping’an at Yayuan or Ruyi at Yiyuan whenever she wanted. Once she had her fill of playing, she could leave, relishing this carefree life.

Xiao Lang, as the eldest brother, cared for Xiao Yi and Xiao Yang outside the home, helped Xiao Rui with his studies, and played with his younger siblings at home. He often brought little gifts to his two sisters, earning the title of a loving and protective elder brother.

Xiao Yi, on the other hand, loved to play and had countless friends. He was out and about eight out of ten days, though he shared one trait with his elder brother: he frequently brought back quirky toys and delicious snacks to amuse everyone.

Xiao Yang’s attentiveness was limited to his sisters, and no one else could expect special care from him. He’d study with you if you wanted—but only after some rigorous classical recitation. Playing with him meant strict rules: no ponds, no rock gardens… Eventually, the study became the safest option.

The one who played most naturally with the four little ones was Xiao Rui. Unfortunately, his attention span was short. Before long, his antics would leave the kids crying or running away, often culminating in him being chased and scolded.

As the weather grew hotter, the family made early plans to escape the summer heat. Li Jiaoying and Yuan Yutong accompanied the grandparents and children, while Tong Mingyu stayed behind.

“Where are we going?” Xiao Yao was still thinking about lotus pods and waterfalls from the previous year, wondering about this year’s destination.

“Do you still remember last year?” Li Jiaoying asked in surprise.

Of course, Xiao Yao remembered, but she couldn’t say so outright. She blinked her big eyes innocently at Li Jiaoying, silently marveling at her perceptiveness. Her second aunt truly understood her—proof that her mother hadn’t been wrong; their intellects were indeed on par.

“This year, we’re going somewhere else. There’s a lake, fish, and beautiful scenery,” Yuan Yutong said, describing her dowry estate. Built by the lake, it was refreshingly cool in summer, adorned with blooming lotuses and teeming with fresh fish and shrimp. It was a place of scenic beauty and culinary delights.

“Flowers? Fish?” Xiao Yao’s vocabulary was still limited, so she only picked words she understood to respond.

“Yes, both! When we arrive, Third Aunt will take you to see the lotus flowers and fish. Sound good?” Yuan Yutong coaxed her niece playfully.

“Okay.” Xiao Yao, oblivious to being treated as a favorite toy, happily agreed.

“Why do I feel like our third sister-in-law is up to something?” Li Jiaoying teased with a sly smile, clearly intrigued by Yuan Yutong’s mischievous plans.

“Second sister-in-law, don’t slander me,” Yuan Yutong countered, careful not to reveal her intentions prematurely.

“Fine, but let me tell you—these days, Ping’an is mine. Don’t forget.” Li Jiaoying imagined herself holding the adorable Ping’an during their outings and even sleeping next to her. She could hardly wait for the journey to begin.

“Ruyi, don’t you want to stay with your sister?” A rival suddenly appeared, threatening to thwart her plans.

“Ping’an, wouldn’t you rather stay with Second Aunt?” Li Jiaoying tempted Xiao Yao with sweet persuasion.

“Hehe.” Xiao Yao wanted to declare her independence, but under the fiery gazes of her two aunts, she decided staying home seemed safer.

“Can I change my mind? Why does it feel like my daughter is being offered to wolves?” Tong Mingyu exclaimed, already regretting the arrangement.

“Too late.”

“No chance.”

The unanimous response left Tong Mingyu exasperated, her eyelid twitching. Her poor daughter, a delicate flower, was about to fall into mischievous hands. Next time, she vowed to separate her two sisters-in-law on such trips.

In July, they spent half a month happily at Yuan Yutong’s estate. By August, they relaxed for another ten days at Li Jiaoying’s property.

As summer reached its peak, Xiao Yao began to feel chest discomfort. She avoided going outside and grew pale and listless. At first, she tried to hide her symptoms, but her worsening condition soon became apparent. Doctor Zhao was called again, confirming the expected diagnosis: complications from her previous injury had made her intolerant of both cold and heat.

The dreaded black herbal medicine was resumed, though the situation wasn’t severe. Dr. Zhao reassured everyone that her condition would improve once the heat subsided.

Xiao Jingkang, who had been eager to share the good news of his recent achievements, found his joy overshadowed by his daughter’s illness. His successful completion of a royal estate project, praised by the emperor with gifts and honors, was now a cold comfort.

Looking at his lethargic, spiritless daughter, Xiao Jingkang felt a deep pang of guilt. Her once vibrant and lively eyes now seemed dim, lacking their usual brilliance. Determined to help her recover, he resolved to redouble efforts in finding a renowned physician, enlisting the help of his father-in-law, the Wen family, and the Li family.

Time was pressing; his father would return in less than two months. If he discovered that his beloved granddaughter was not only unwell but also injured, the consequences would be dire. Hoping to keep the situation under wraps, Xiao Jingkang sought assistance from his relatives.

To his surprise, within days of mobilizing the extended family, news about the renowned physician Lin You surfaced.