Chapter 81: Discussion

In the comfort of his home, Xiao Jingyan was living a much more contented life compared to Yu Xianrong. Not only was he being attentively cared for and doted upon, but he also had a lively niece who often chatted with him to dispel his boredom. Life was as pleasant as could be.

This kind of life was enjoyable for a day or two, but as time dragged on, Xiao Jingkang finally had enough. In a setting where everyone was present, he openly aired his grievances that had been building up for days.

“Fourth Brother, Ping’an has to study every day, learn etiquette, and develop her talents. She’s already exhausted. As her uncle, if you don’t show her any sympathy, that’s one thing, but asking her to accompany you for conversations is really overstepping, don’t you think?”

“Big Brother, I’m doing this for Ping’an’s sake! When she’s with me, it’s her time to relax. Besides, I can offer her guidance and advice, so she doesn’t have to bottle up her worries. Right, Ping’an?”

That was simply sophistry. Xiao Yao pretended not to understand her fourth uncle’s argument and responded nonchalantly with a “Hehe.”

“Starting tomorrow, Ping’an doesn’t need to visit your fourth uncle anymore. The weather is getting colder—it’s just not appropriate,” General Xiao finally stepped in, unable to hold back. If it weren’t for his wife nagging him daily about how pitiful their youngest son was being alone and considering that Ping’an seemed to get along with him, he might have reacted even more strongly than his eldest son.

“Don’t do that. I’m not just having fun with Ping’an. I often teach her drawing techniques. If you don’t believe me, ask her.” Feeling genuinely misunderstood, Xiao Jingyan couldn’t help but lament internally.

“Fourth Uncle did teach me how to draw,” Ping’an admitted honestly. After all, she was a truthful child. Her fourth uncle was indeed her first mentor in painting, and many of his insights were forward-thinking, ideas that only someone like her—who hailed from another world—could truly appreciate. Their relationship was both teacher and friend.

“See? See? I have good intentions but no appreciation!” His mischievous yet handsome face paired with a grievance-filled expression was comically out of place.

“But Fourth Uncle, you should also rest more, so… I’ll come to keep you company when I have the time.” When choosing between her father and her fourth uncle, Xiao Yao naturally sided with her own family.

Besides, she truly was busy. Xiao Yao had added researching the recipe for cream cakes to her to-do list. She hoped to give everyone a delightful surprise during the New Year. If successful, she was certain her grandmother and mother would love it.

“Don’t forget what you said.” Even if she did forget, it didn’t matter. If she didn’t come to him, he would still go to her! Xiao Jingyan silently resolved.

“Yan’er, how about I send two maids to attend to you?” With female companionship, perhaps her son wouldn’t feel so lonely. And if it inspired him to think about marriage and starting a family, Qin Shi felt increasingly satisfied with her decision.

The older, already married family members naturally understood the hidden implications behind Qin Shi’s words and fell silent. The Xiao family’s longstanding peace within the household was largely due to the absence of concubines or mistresses. Now that the matriarch had broached such a topic, her children and daughters-in-law didn’t know how to respond, choosing instead to remain silent.

“Please don’t,” Xiao Jingyan quickly declined. He had no desire to incur his sisters-in-law’s displeasure. Their households were clean and orderly, and he didn’t want to disrupt that harmony with the presence of beautiful maids.

Should any of his brothers follow his example, the family’s peace would vanish entirely.

Xiao Yao, meanwhile, pretended not to catch the underlying meaning in her grandmother’s words but resolved that if her grandmother did arrange such maids for her fourth uncle, she wouldn’t sit idly by. She would find a way to send them away. For the Xiao family to maintain its harmonious unity, there could be no tolerance for mistresses or women of ill-repute.

“Grandchildren are still present. What nonsense are you spouting?” General Xiao lightly admonished his wife, a hint of displeasure in his tone. He glanced at his son, thinking how generous he was. Why hadn’t she arranged two maids for him instead?

The Xiao men were not lustful by nature. Otherwise, given General Xiao’s many years spent away, had he been inclined toward such pursuits, who knew how many women he would have brought home for Qin Shi to deal with?

“I only said that because Yan’er seems so lonely,” Qin Shi explained hurriedly, realizing her words could be easily misconstrued. She added, “If Yan’er doesn’t want it, then forget it. Eldest and Second Sons, you should spend more time with your brother—play chess or go fishing. Our family has always valued quietness, and too many people wouldn’t be suitable.”

Fortunately, the matriarch wasn’t entirely muddled. The daughters-in-law collectively breathed a sigh of relief.

“Fourth Son, the New Year is approaching. Don’t forget our agreement,” General Xiao reminded his youngest son sternly.

“That’s right. Yan’er will be twenty-five by the New Year. It’s time to—” At this point, Qin Shi would inevitably steer the conversation toward marriage and children whenever her youngest son’s age was mentioned.

“My head hurts… oh no, I need to lie down!” Knowing his mother was about to start nagging, Xiao Jingyan seized the moment to escape.

“Yan’er, what’s wrong? Someone, go fetch the family doctor!”

“Disperse,” General Xiao commanded, casting a pitying glance at his wife. Even Ah Jun and Ah Qi could see through this act, yet she fell for it every time.

After leaving Ninghe Hall, the family members broke into smaller groups, chatting as they walked.

The four youngest children naturally gathered together. Their conversation gradually shifted from playful chatter to a discussion about Xiao Jingyan.

“Why doesn’t Fourth Uncle get married? My mother said once he does, I’ll have a new aunt,” Xiao Qi remarked casually. Even someone as carefree as him was beginning to feel anxious.

“My second brother isn’t young anymore, either. If he gets married, I’ll have silver coins to collect,” Xiao Jun sighed dramatically, hands clasped behind his back.

Fourth Uncle was truly holding things up—not just for himself but for the rest of them.

“Hush!” Xiao Yao pressed her finger to her lips. If their conversation reached their grandmother’s ears, it would only fan the flames. Not only would their grandmother be stressed, but even her own mother would be drawn into the worry.

“I think we can help Fourth Uncle,” Xiao Yuan said with a smug expression, as though she had a brilliant idea. She even gave a little shake of her plump frame for emphasis.

“How?” Three voices asked in unison.

“My maternal family is returning to the capital,” she began, hastily adding, “After being away for so many years, they’ll surely host a banquet. When we attend, if we spot any young ladies that everyone likes, we can…” Xiao Yuan clenched her hand into a fist, indicating action.

“Kidnap someone?” Xiao Jun found the idea intriguing but doubted their small statures could manage it.

“What kind of girl would Fourth Uncle even like?” Xiao Yao pondered, though she chose her words carefully.

“Someone as beautiful as Big Sister, as strong as my mother, and with a personality like First Aunt’s—how about that?”

Not great, Xiao Jun and Xiao Qi thought, exchanging looks. They wanted Xiao Yuan to produce such a paragon for them to see.

“If we find someone suitable, we’ll inform my mother, Second Aunt, and Third Aunt to make arrangements,” Xiao Yao concluded after some thought.

“Agreed,” the three others chorused, nodding in unison.