Chapter 43: Protection

With a bright red lipstick mark prominently displayed on the paper, Xiao Yao accepted the handkerchief passed to her by Xiaofu. One hand wiped the lipstick stain off her mouth while the other triumphantly held up the paper, exclaiming, “This is a gift… I made for Grandpa Sun myself.”

Tong Mingyu was the first to snap out of her shock. In a fit of anger, she abandoned her usual grace and rushed forward, picking up her daughter and delivering two swift pats to her little backside. “This must be a demon. Where’s my daughter? Did it eat her?”

“Mother, it hurts! It hurts!” Xiao Yao yelped indignantly, covering her little bottom with both hands.

“Let her go! Didn’t you hear her crying that it hurts?” Xiao Jingkang, who was slower to react, almost snatched his daughter out of his wife’s arms. Gently holding the still wailing child, he wished he could check for bruises if it weren’t inconvenient.

“Yu’er, what’s wrong with you? Why did you hit our daughter?”

Xiao Yao nodded in agreement, chiming in, “Yes, yes! Tell us why!”

“She… she… Did you see what she just did? Have you ever seen a child behave like this? If I don’t discipline her now, who knows what she’ll do in the future?”

“That’s your reason for hitting her? That’s so unfair to my daughter. If others can’t think of it, it’s because they’re not smart enough.

Our Ping’an thought of it because she’s clever and quick-witted. I’ve never heard of someone being punished for being smart.”

“Mother, Ping’an is so clever. You should reward her!”

Xiao Yi dared not confront his mother directly, but his stance in defending his sister was very clear.

Xiao Yang, still holding the paper, was in a daze. Did my sister really make this? The thought echoed endlessly in his mind.

“Are you all just going to let her act like this? How will we manage her in the future?” Tong Mingyu dared not voice her deeper concern: if anyone asked for a gift in the future, would her daughter keep giving them something like this? What about her reputation?

“She’s still young. In two years, she’ll understand which gifts can be given to outsiders and which are for family only. Isn’t that right, Ping’an?”

Xiao Yao nodded earnestly, fully agreeing with her father’s wisdom. Mother is just too worried. By the time I grow up, even family won’t get casual kisses, let alone outsiders. I’ll make sure Mother knows I’m a reserved, dignified, and self-respecting young lady.

“Then… what about this?” Tong Mingyu gestured to the sheet of rice paper in her son’s hands. To her, it seemed almost cursed, something she neither wanted to touch nor approach.

“Leave it to me.” Her daughter’s handmade creation couldn’t be given to outsiders, but they still needed a proper explanation for Grandfather Sun. Hearing that Sun Taiyi’s grandson was getting married soon, they decided to gift him their cherished rosewood screen. As for Grandfather Sun, the family-owned small kiln that produced utensils for personal use and gifting could create a custom set of wine vessels. Xiao Yao could even doodle on them. That was a good compromise.

As long as her daughter’s creations wouldn’t circulate publicly, Tong Mingyu was open to negotiation. Thus, the little storm temporarily calmed.

Tong Mingyu called Zhihua and instructed her to postpone reading the first three books. Starting tonight, she would begin teaching The Admonitions for Women. Clearly, Xiao Yao’s antics had deeply unsettled her.

Thanks to Grandfather Sun’s medicinal pills, Xiao Yao finally escaped the bitter herbal concoctions but still feared the cold. Her room had two extra braziers compared to others.

Every time Xiao Jun and Xiao Qi visited to play, they would shed layers as they stayed longer. Sometimes, they ended up playing in just their inner garments. The stark contrast in physique between the twins left Xiao Yao green with envy.

Li Jiaoying often came by to check on Xiao Yao’s health. Every visit, she would ask about her meals, clothing, and living conditions. Seeing her son wobbling around with his chubby little body, she apologized to her sister-in-law, “Ping’an should be frolicking on the ground like them, but now she can only sit quietly on the bed or by the brazier. Sister-in-law, we’ve truly failed Ping’an.”

“Don’t dwell on it. They were too young back then to understand. Even if they were older, let’s not forget Xiao Jun’s role in this!” Tong Mingyu had tried comforting her countless times, but whenever they saw Xiao Yao struggling with the cold, everyone couldn’t help but feel heartache.

“Just ensure Xiao Jun and Xiao Qi take good care of Ping’an in the future. Xiao Jun, you must protect your sister. Don’t let anyone bully her, even if it means getting hurt. Always prioritize your sister. Do you hear me?” Tong Mingyu pinned her gasping son in place. His constant running around left her dizzy. Thankfully, Xiao Rui wasn’t home. If he were, the commotion would rival a small banquet.

“Got it. My sister… is mine.” Xiao Jun puffed out his chest and patted it firmly, producing a loud “thump, thump” sound.

“She’s mine, too!” Xiao Qi, always in sync with his brother, chimed in.

“What nonsense are you two spouting? Do you even know what that means?” Li Jiaoying flicked each boy on the forehead with a finger. They’re not as sharp as Ping’an. All they do is grow taller without getting any smarter.

“Of course, I understand!” Indignant at the implication, Xiao Jun struck a few exaggerated poses he had seen somewhere, pointed to Xiao Yao, and declared, “Protect!” Then, with a fierce little growl, he waved his tiny fists in the air.

“This is pure chaos,” Tong Mingyu sighed, pulling her son into a hug to wipe his sweat. Was the Xiao family about to produce another warrior? Of the six boys so far, only Xiao Yang showed a love for reading. The others preferred action and couldn’t sit still.

It seemed their hopes of intellectual refinement rested on marrying daughters-in-law from scholarly families. Perhaps future grandsons could change the family’s scholarly fortunes. And for Ping’an, finding a future scholar-official as a husband might be the best plan. She resolved to pay attention to families with sons close to Ping’an’s age.

Li Jiaoying grabbed her son by the collar, holding him face-to-face. “Do you understand what your aunt meant?”

Xiao Qi wanted to nod but didn’t dare lie to his mother. He wanted to shake his head but feared getting a few smacks. His face twisted in anguish.

What a straightforward child! He couldn’t even pretend. Her two sons were either too obedient and gentle or too simple-minded. Neither took after her or her husband. If they didn’t resemble their father so much, even she would wonder where they came from.

“Madam, the old general has sent word. He’s summoning the young masters and mistress to the main hall,” Xiwei reported.

“Understood.”

“Father-in-law must be missing Ping’an,” Li Jiaoying remarked shamelessly, completely unbothered by exposing the old general’s true intentions.

Tong Mingyu chuckled, summoning the maids to tidy up the young masters. She personally dressed her daughter in warm layers, even wrapping her snugly in a fur cloak.

Xiao Yao wanted to tell her mother it wasn’t necessary to be this cautious. She felt much better this winter than last, though she still couldn’t play on the ground for extended periods. Nonetheless, no one believed her.

In Ninghetang, General Xiao kept glancing toward the door. His daughters-in-law were too unfilial, caring only for their children and ignoring the feelings of an old man. It had been days since anyone brought his granddaughter to see him. His wife, trying to excuse them, claimed they feared the cold and slippery roads might harm the children. Nonsense! Bundle the child up tightly and have an agile person carry her—what could possibly go wrong?

If they kept making excuses, he’d simply take his granddaughter to raise himself. Then, no one would see her again.

Tong Mingyu and Li Jiaoying walked with the three children, chatting as they headed to Ninghetang. At the fork in the road, they encountered Xiao Jingyan, who was returning from outside.

Even in the dead of winter, he wore an all-white robe and cloak. Xiao Yao couldn’t help but think of a snow fox—stunning yet enchanting.

Dressed like that, running around every day… how many young ladies must he be captivating? Why can’t this man learn to keep a low profile?

Noticing his niece’s mischievous smile, Xiao Jingyan swiftly snatched her from the maid’s arms. Let’s see how you beg for mercy now that you’re in my hands.