Chapter 7: Summer Retreat (Part One)

Compared to the place where Xiao Yao lived in her previous life, this area is much warmer. By summer, wealthy families either use ice or travel elsewhere to escape the heat. The Qin family owns several estates and vacation homes. In past years, they would spend some time there during the summer. However, this year, because the children are still very young, they hesitated to make a decision. The result of this hesitation was that little Xiao Qi developed heat rash, prompting General Xiao to send a message reminding them to take good care of the children during the hot weather.

After a round of discussions, it was decided to take the three children to an estate in the mountains outside the city for a period of time. The location had ponds, lotus-filled pools, and even a waterfall.

The decision was made, but the next question was: who would go, and who would stay?

Tong Mingyu and Li Jiaoying planned that one of them would take the children to escape the heat, while the other would stay behind to manage household affairs. They also suggested that their mother-in-law accompany the children to the summer retreat. However, Madam Qin was adamant about staying home and refused to leave no matter what.

“How can the children be without their mother? Besides, once you all leave, I can use ice at home and won’t feel too hot. You’ll be back in just ten or fifteen days; what’s there to worry about? Hurry up and go!” Madam Qin urged repeatedly.

Both daughters-in-law were deeply moved by their mother-in-law’s genuine care for them and the children.

“Oh, little Ping’an, I’ll miss you when you’re gone,” Xiao Rui, who had just started his studies at the family’s private school, couldn’t join them and felt dejected.

“It’s okay. When you have a break, I’ll take you to visit Ping’an,” Xiao Lang, the eldest brother, who cared deeply for his younger siblings, patted Xiao Rui’s head and comforted him.

“It’s a deal!” Xiao Rui immediately perked up.

“This boy,” Madam Qin chuckled. “When I told him his mother was coming home, he wasn’t this happy. It’s obvious how much he truly adores Ping’an!” She teased, adding, “Maybe your mother should give you a little sister. That way, you won’t always be thinking about Ping’an.”

“If she isn’t as pretty as Ping’an, I don’t want her,” Xiao Rui replied decisively.

“Your mother will have her hands full in the future,” Li Jiaoying teased, tapping Xiao Rui’s head. “If you can’t find someone as good-looking as Ping’an, does that mean you won’t get married?”

Xiao Rui pondered for a moment and nodded seriously, prompting a burst of laughter.

Outside, the carriages were ready. Taking advantage of the cool morning air, a group of more than twenty servants and family members set off in five carriages, escorted by Xiao Jingtai.

It was Xiao Yao’s first time leaving the grand estate. Seeing such a grand departure, she couldn’t help but marvel at how complicated traveling was in ancient times—maids, older servants, attendants… the entourage was massive. As the carriage moved, the curtains swayed. Curious about the outside world, Xiao Yao instinctively leaned toward the window and grabbed the curtain.

Tong Mingyu and Li Jiaoying were surprised to see such behavior from a six-month-old baby who was leaving home for the first time. It was truly baffling.

“Sister-in-law, does Ping’an want to see outside?” Li Jiaoying guessed.

Tong Mingyu was equally puzzled. “How would I know? My daughter is usually so well-behaved. This is definitely unusual.”

“Qiao Yue, bring her to the window and see what she’s up to.” Currently, Qiao Yue served Xiao Yao, while Tong Mingyu assigned the other maid, Qiao Si, to look after her younger son. The main maids now were Xi Wei, Xi Ying, and the recently promoted Su Mian and Su Xiao.

As a corner of the curtain was lifted, a wide street came into view. On one side were high walls and red gates. Hmm, there were no shops or street vendors. After a moment, Xiao Yao realized this must be a residential area for officials, hence the lack of shops or commoners. After a while, the carriage turned, and the noises of the street grew louder—vendors shouting, people exchanging greetings, even quarrels. It was fascinating to watch.

Someone wasn’t calm anymore. “What’s going on? Can anyone explain this?”

Xiao Yao glanced at the other two children: one was sound asleep, while the other looked bewildered at the noise. That seemed more normal!

“Ha ha, ha ha!” Xiao Yao burst into joyous laughter, amused by something outside.

“Qiao Yue, put the curtain down.” Tong Mingyu picked up her daughter and gazed at her.

Xiao Yao, still lost in the excitement of the scenery, froze. She blinked her clear, wide eyes as if to ask, What’s going on? Mom, what’s with that expression? Oh no! This was her first outing, her first carriage ride. Wait! She needed to act like a baby. How could she reassure her mother that she was just a normal child?

Just then, a gust of wind lifted the curtain, allowing Xiao Yao to peek outside again.

“Whew! That scared me. I wondered how Ping’an knew there was something exciting outside. Turns out, the curtain lifted, and she saw it. I almost thought this child was a little genius!” Li Jiaoying exclaimed, patting her chest.

Tong Mingyu also relaxed.

Xiao Yao sighed in relief. That was close! It seemed she’d gotten a bit carried away. She almost got herself labeled as something extraordinary. She resolved to be more careful next time.

By midday, the group arrived at the estate. The property was vast, encompassing thousands of acres of fertile fields that extended to a mountain. The wheat in the fields had already been harvested, and the rice was beginning to sprout, stretching as far as the eye could see. The mountains were lush with greenery, dotted with vibrant yellow and red fruits. The houses were built against the mountain, their white walls and black tiles complemented by the green trees, creating a picturesque scene.

The main house was surrounded by two ponds and a large lotus pool. With floating pavilions, bridges, and the fragrance of lotuses wafting through the air, the setting was idyllic. Occasionally, waterbirds fluttered from the lotus leaves, adding to the charm.

At first sight, Xiao Yao loved the place. The mountains were clear, the water pure, and the air fresh. Lunch consisted of ingredients sourced from the estate: vibrant green vegetables, glossy rice, and wild chicken and rabbit. It was pure and natural. Xiao Yao couldn’t help but feel a pang of pity for herself—she could see it but couldn’t eat it.

“Take Ping’an away! I feel too guilty eating while she’s staring at me like that,” Li Jiaoying said, unable to bear Xiao Yao’s pitiful expression.

Tong Mingyu called for Xiao Yao’s wet nurse, Sister Wang. “Take her away and prepare an egg custard in the kitchen. Her drooling is breaking my heart!”

Xiao Yao touched her mouth. Drooling? What drooling? Mom, that’s so unfair! Not only are you teasing me with delicious food, but you’re also lying! She gave her mother a look of utter grievance.

“Ha ha ha!” Li Jiaoying laughed. “Our Ping’an is so smart. She even understands what you’re saying.”

“I never noticed before. She’s like a completely different person now that we’re out of the house. So entertaining!” Li Jiaoying laughed so hard she clutched her stomach.

Feeling annoyed, Xiao Yao turned and rested on her nurse’s shoulder, her little bottom facing the two women. Xiao Jun seemed to sense his sister’s unhappiness. He frowned at his mother and aunt, letting out an indignant “ah, ah,” then switched to a softer tone to console his sister.

“Sister-in-law, these two are like reincarnated golden boy and jade girl—both so clever!” Li Jiaoying marveled. Then she glanced at her own son, who was intently focused on the food. Noticing her gaze, he flashed a toothy grin, revealing his strategy: to win favor before asking for food. Clever enough!

After a nap, the group strolled leisurely in the courtyard, enjoying the rare moment of relaxation. Tong Mingyu wasn’t strict with the servants that afternoon, letting most of them take a half-day off while a few remained to look after the children.

The children were curious about everything, chattering in their own language—animated and expressive, with questions and answers. Seeing this, Tong Mingyu and Li Jiaoying had moved from disbelief to acceptance, attributing it to the close bond and daily interactions among the children. They concluded that their kids were just slightly more perceptive than most.

A cook in her thirties approached and bowed. “In a little while, there will be a boat to pick lotus pods. If the ladies are interested, you’re welcome to watch. The lotus seeds from our pond are the finest.”

Tong Mingyu, as the household’s matriarch, was familiar with the estate’s specialties. She knew the lotus seeds were plump and high-quality.

“Ah, ah!” Xiao Yao nodded eagerly. Picking lotus pods, shelling lotus seeds—it was all new to her, and she didn’t want to miss it.

Tong Mingyu hadn’t intended to refuse, and seeing her daughter’s enthusiasm, she smiled and nodded.

The cook couldn’t help but glance curiously at the little girl. She was indeed from a distinguished family—beautiful, lively, and exuding an air of nobility.