Free Web NovelChapter 994: Chapter 988: Farewell (Part 2)
"He’s not even eight years old, how could he understand so much?" He said, "No rush, take your time!"
Xing nodded, then leaned close to Xiqiu’s ear and whispered, "Fourth Aunt, I saw that Father packed summer clothes in his bundle." He finished and looked at Xiqiu, his face showing some unease.
Xiqiu stroked his face with concern; it was rare for him to observe such details. Although she hadn’t seen it, she always felt that Xiao Yanyi’s departure this time wasn’t simple. Could it be that he’s thinking that, with the situation now stable and the princes in the palace still being young, he wants to take the opportunity to go out for a bit?
With this in mind, she couldn’t help but glance at Fourth Master Xiao sitting beside her, seeing him holding a teacup with lowered eyelids, his face showing no change. However, Xiqiu felt that he must have thought of this too.
"Don’t overthink it." Although she acknowledged it in her heart, Xiqiu still wanted to comfort Xing: "Father packed summer clothes because he’s worried that if the return trip is delayed until summer, it’s too late to prepare then." Pausing, she added, "Besides, Lord Han’s wedding is set for August next year, no matter the delay, he’ll definitely return by then."
Xing still nodded with some unease, speaking softly, "I’m afraid I won’t manage the household affairs well."
"Don’t be afraid! Isn’t Housekeeper Hu here to help? Everything is learned bit by bit, just take it slowly." Xiqiu said, pausing when she noticed the Grand Dowager looking her way, smiled and said, "Mother, I’ll go and set the table."
The Grand Dowager said nothing, so Xiqiu got up and went next door, only to see Mrs. assisting the maids in setting the table. She paused and called out, "Sister-in-law."
"Ah, you’re here!" Mrs. nodded slightly, then went back to her tasks, saying casually, "Second Brother came to see me last night, saying he wanted me to work hard during this period and leave the household to me."
Xiqiu raised her eyebrows, as expected, this trip of Xiao Yanyi was not a simple task of escorting disaster relief supplies!
"I agreed with him." Mrs. raised her head to look at Xiqiu, with a deep gaze, "It’s also good for him to go out for a bit."
Xiqiu pursed her lips and nodded, not delving deeper, only saying, "Just worried that Liaodong might be too cold!" They both stood facing each other and went back to their tasks!
After a while, Xiao Yanyi arrived, and Xiqiu and Mrs. entered the Warm Pavilion, where the Grand Dowager was talking to him: "Bring a couple more cloaks; it’s not like in the Capital over there. Even in March or April, it’s still a land of ice and snow." Xiao Yanyi nodded, and the Grand Dowager added, "You’ve never traveled such a long distance, unlike old Fourth who frequently moves about the military with simple food and sleep. Even if it’s just eating dry rations, don’t be casual; if you fall ill on the road, there’s no good doctor to look after you."
"I understand." Xiao Yanyi nodded gently, seeing and hearing footsteps, he turned to look towards the door, his gaze landing on Xiqiu for a moment before dropping his gaze and nodding, considering it a greeting.
"Mother, the food is ready, let’s eat." Xiqiu smiled as she approached, helping the Grand Dowager stand up.
The Grand Dowager glanced at Xiao Yanyi, sighed heavily, and said, "Let’s all go eat." She then left the room first.
Xing reluctantly glanced at his father, quickly lowered his head, and followed the Grand Dowager and Xiqiu out the door, fiddling with his fingers.
Leaving Fourth Master Xiao and Xiao Yanyi behind, Fourth Master Xiao stood up, looked at Xiao Yanyi, and the two brothers remained silent for a moment. After a while, Xiao Yanyi spoke, "...At home, I’ll have to rely on you to take care." He paused again and said, "Fortunately, the court situation is still stable, with you here I won’t worry, it’s just Mother’s health..." He paused, feeling a bit guilty and helpless, "Please take extra care of her."
Fourth Master Xiao nodded slightly and said, "I am aware." Looking at him again, he added, "Take care on your journey." Not knowing what else to say.
"Hmm." After a nod, the two brothers fell silent, one after the other, they exited the Warm Pavilion heading next door.
The family silently finished breakfast, and as they were serving tea, suddenly the door curtain was lifted, and Ziwei showed her face, "The Grand Dowager, the Imperial Physician has arrived."
Xiqiu paused upon hearing this, and asked, "Called the Imperial Physician? Is anyone unwell?"
The Grand Dowager frowned upon hearing this and said, "It’s Wan; recently, she’s been vomiting milk and causing a fuss at night." As she spoke, dissatisfaction crept into her voice, "I don’t know how she’s being cared for." Then she instructed Ziwei, "Go see to it, and after the examination, let the Imperial Physician come to see me." Ziwei acknowledged.
Xiao Yanyi couldn’t help but frown slightly.
A while later, the Imperial Physician entered.
Through the curtain, the Imperial Physician reported back, "It’s still the same symptoms as before in Young Miss, some indigestion, so I increased the dosage this time," the Grand Dowager, already feeling a bit out of sorts, grew angrier upon hearing this, suppressing her anger, she said: "Thank you for your trouble." She ordered Ziwei to accompany the Imperial Physician out of the estate.
Xiao Yanyi suddenly looked at the Grand Dowager and said, "Mother, if you have the energy, why not take Wan here into your room, so she won’t fall ill every few days."
The Grand Dowager had the same idea, so she said, "Last time Xiqiu advised the wet nurse to eat mildly, she didn’t listen, afraid we’d neglect Wan; now see, such a small child constantly has indigestion." She paused and instructed Bilian, "Go tell her to bring the child over this afternoon."
Bilian acknowledged. freewebnσvel.cѳm
Xiao Yanyi glanced at Xiqiu, while someone outside came to report, "Lord Han is here, asking when the Marquis plans to depart."
The Grand Dowager, upon hearing this, her earlier anger dissipated, and tears welled up in her eyes, looking at Xiao Yanyi she waved her hand, "Go, the sooner you go, the sooner you’ll return!" She turned her eyes away, unable to look any longer.
Seeing this, Xiao Yanyi lifted his robe and knelt down, "Mother, take care of yourself!" Finished, he stood up and strode out, without looking back. The Grand Dowager hurriedly turned to watch Xiao Yanyi as he walked away, tears falling down her face.
This was the first time in many years that Xiao Yanyi had left her voluntarily, and she found it hard to let go in her heart.
"Father!" Xing quickened his pace to the doorway, softly calling, Xiao Yanyi paused, and without turning back, he left.
Fourth Master Xiao turned to speak to the Grand Dowager, "I’ll see him off!" He nodded to Mrs. and Xiqiu, and told Xing, "Come with me to see your father off."
Xing, holding back tears, followed Fourth Master Xiao to the outer courtyard.
"Mother," Xiqiu supported the Grand Dowager, "let’s go sit for a while." With that, they went to the Warm Pavilion with the Grand Dowager.
That same day, Xiao Yanyi, together with Han Cheng, set off for Liaodong!
"Grand Dowager," Bilian hurried in and reported, "Madam Wang has taken Wan to chase after the Marquis."
Not only the Grand Dowager felt displeased, but Xiqiu couldn’t help frowning as well...
