Chapter 36: Before Departure

Qin lay bedridden for seven days before she was finally allowed to get out of bed. Xiao Jingmin, who had long overstayed his leave, started packing his belongings to return to his post after confirming that his mother had truly recovered. The dinner celebrating Qin’s recovery also became a farewell banquet for Xiao Jingmin and his small family.

“Eldest brother, eldest sister-in-law, second brother, second sister-in-law, I will have to trouble you to take care of our parents after I leave. Here’s a toast to you,” Xiao Jingmin said, raising his glass and drinking it in one go.

He deliberately ignored Xiao Jingyan, sitting to the side. To him, Xiao Jingyan was just a kid—not much better than his son, Xiao Rui.

This perception wasn’t unique to him. From their father to the elder brothers, they all seemed to hold similar thoughts. Luckily, Xiao Jingyan’s reckless behavior was only on the surface, and he had never caused any major trouble. As a result, his family chose to turn a blind eye. After all, if every Xiao family member were outstanding, the emperor might begin to see them as a threat.

“The officials’ evaluations are coming soon. Judging by the current situation at home, you’ll likely continue serving outside the capital. You should prepare yourself mentally for that,” Xiao Jingkang reminded him. With three out of the four Xiao family officials already stationed in the capital, it was almost certain Xiao Jingmin would be sent elsewhere again.

“I understand. I’ve grown accustomed to being outside all these years. If I were suddenly called back to the capital, it might be difficult to adjust.”

“Yes, yes, we’d like to roam outside for a few more years too. So, we’ll count on you to handle everything at home, elder brothers and sisters-in-law. Please allow us to be lazy for just a little longer,” Xiao Jingmin’s wife chimed in.

The couple’s lighthearted exchange didn’t fool anyone. Everyone knew they were saying this to ease the family’s guilt. Who wouldn’t want to serve in the capital? It wasn’t about preference—it was the emperor’s decree. Xiao Jingkang had just been promoted and couldn’t leave the capital. Xiao Jingtai held an important position that required him to stay in the city. Hence, only Xiao Jingmin could make the sacrifice.

“Fourth Brother, do you have any plans?” Xiao Jingmin inquired, hoping his younger brother would stay. His presence would be more effective in comforting their mother than any miraculous medicine.

Xiao Jingyan, who thought his role at the dinner was merely to be a spectator, was caught off guard. He froze for a moment, unable to answer.

“Brother Yan, stay with Mother, will you? Don’t leave. If you travel far, what if Mother falls ill again like this time—or worse, never wakes up again? Then I…”

“Mother!”

“Grandmother!”

The words struck like thunder, making all the children and grandchildren rise in alarm. Xiao Jingyan was deeply moved. He realized how unfilial he’d been, forcing his mother to say such words just to keep him home.

“If you want him to stay, just tell me. If he dares refuse, I’ll break his legs,” General Xiao growled, casting a menacing glare at his youngest son. It was clear that if Xiao Jingyan said no, he would face serious consequences.

“Mother, I won’t leave. No place is better than staying by your side,” Xiao Jingyan quickly promised, sensing the mounting pressure. He decided to give up his freedom—he’d had enough fun anyway.

“You won’t leave ever again, right?” Qin eagerly sought confirmation.

“As long as you disapprove, I’ll stay. Does that put your mind at ease?”

“Good, good, very good!” Qin said, her heart now at peace.

After a few more words, the conversation shifted back to Xiao Jingmin and his family.

“This time, I’ll take my wife and son with me. Xiao Rui is too mischievous. I’ll have to trouble Father and my elder brothers to discipline him.”

“Don’t worry. I’m excellent at dealing with disobedient kids. Xiao Rui, do you want to know how I’ll handle you?” Xiao Jingtai teased, raising an eyebrow and smirking at his nephew.

Xiao Rui shook his head vigorously. Only a fool would want to find out!

At a separate table, the four children were having their own meal. Xiao Yao turned to look at her third uncle upon hearing his words. Seeing her parents looking at her, she quickly lowered her head, not wanting them to notice her sadness and reluctance.

Xiao Yuan, sitting on her nanny’s lap, was boldly commanding what she wanted to eat and drink. Xiao Yao put down her bowl and spoon to focus on her little sister. Xiao Jingkang and Tong Mingyu felt a pang of sorrow seeing their daughter suppress her emotions. The child was clearly upset but chose not to cry or complain.

“You two can leave, but leave Ruyi behind,” General Xiao demanded, his mood sour at the thought of losing his chubby granddaughter.

“Ruyi isn’t even ten months old. She can’t leave her mother. When she’s older, we’ll send her back to study with her sister,” Qin reasoned.

Knowing his stubbornness when it came to his granddaughters, she tried to appease him. Though reluctant, General Xiao begrudgingly acquiesced, especially seeing his two granddaughters leaning against each other, inseparable.

After dinner, it was decided that Xiao Jingmin’s family would leave early the next morning.

That night, Tong Mingyu invited Xiao Yao to sleep with her. But Xiao Yao, not wanting to be a third wheel, was about to refuse when Yuan Yutong and her husband appeared, carrying Xiao Yuan.

“Ping’an, why don’t you spend the night with your third aunt and sister?”

It sounded fine, but what about third uncle? Xiao Yao silently asked with wide eyes.

“Your third uncle is going to play chess with your fourth uncle tonight and won’t return to Yiyuan,” Xiao Jingmin explained, gently pinching her cheek. Unlike his daughter’s chubby face, his niece’s face was slender and smooth to the touch.

Before he could enjoy it further, Xiao Jingkang swatted his hand away. “Even I don’t pinch her. Why should you?”

Xiao Yao cheerfully agreed, leaving Tong Mingyu to mutter, “Little ingrate,” as she handed her daughter to her sister-in-law.

In Yiyuan, Yuan Yutong personally washed and dressed the two children for bed. Xiao Yao wore light pink, while Xiao Yuan was dressed in bright red.

Xiao Yuan’s belly peeked out of her too-small clothing, jiggling as she moved. Her mother and sister took turns poking her tummy, finding it irresistibly fun.

“Hey! Why didn’t you call me for something so fun?” Xiao Rui exclaimed as he sneaked in. Seeing the playful scene, he felt aggrieved at being excluded.

Yuan Yutong and Xiao Yao stood protectively in front of Xiao Yuan. They knew Xiao Rui had no sense of restraint, and his playful pokes could easily hurt the baby.

“Why can’t I play with my sister for a bit? Just a little while? I promise to be gentle,” Xiao Rui pleaded.

The two shook their heads, showing their distrust.

“Ruyi is leaving. I’ll miss her. Can’t I play with her for a moment?”

Peeking through the gap between her mother and sister, Xiao Yuan tilted her head curiously. Were they playing a game? Why wasn’t she included?

Xiao Jingmin stepped in quietly, only to be startled by the scene of confrontation. If not for his son’s presence, it would have been a rather touching moment.

“What’s going on here?”

“Father! Mother and Ping’an won’t let me play with my sister. They’re having all the fun without me!” Xiao Rui complained.

Xiao Jingmin gave him a doubtful look. Was there even an ounce of truth in this? He turned to his wife, only to receive an eye-roll and the response, “Do you believe that?”

“It’s late. Go back to the front yard,” Jingmin ordered firmly.

With a resigned sigh, Xiao Rui reluctantly left.

“Why are you back?” Yuan Yutong asked her husband.

“I was worried about you three. What if you get scared during the night? So, I’ve decided to stay and keep you company.” Of course, the real reason was his long-held wish to sleep cuddled up with two adorable little girls. Tonight, his dream was about to come true.

If only Xiao Yao could ask: Would it be too late to return to Yayuanyuan now?