"B-But Mother, you don't have to keep holding me down." Zhu Xi grumbled unhappily, his little face full of grievance. "I'm very well-behaved."
Shen Yu'er turned a deaf ear, her fair, slender hand still firmly pressing atop Zhu Xi's head. Perhaps this was the influence of fatherly love—transformed into a mother's love as steadfast as a mountain.
At this moment.
Shen Yu'er had no choice, her eyes filled with worry.
Zhu Xi's mischief around the residence had truly worn Shen Yu'er out.
Ever since Zhu Xi had learned to walk, he had been like a little demon king, scrambling everywhere and turning the residence upside down.
She feared that once this unruly nature reached the imperial palace, he would not know to restrain himself even before the current Emperor. If he committed some grave breach of etiquette, disaster would surely follow.
Though her husband had rendered great service, Shen Yu'er remained extremely cautious.
She did not want to hold her husband back.
Seeing this scene.
"Ha ha."
Zhu Yuanzhang's hearty laughter echoed through the vast hall, easing much of the oppressive atmosphere.
"This is not the imperial court, nor is it some solemn occasion. There is no need to be so restrained."
"Little fellow, raise your head and let Us have a good look at you."
Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes slightly, and even the wrinkles on his aged face carried a hint of kindness. Clearly, Zhu Xi's childish and adorable tone had delighted him greatly.
With Zhu Yuanzhang's words, Shen Yu'er's suspended heart eased somewhat. She sighed softly in helplessness and slowly removed her hand from Zhu Xi's head, but still whispered a warning, "You'd better behave yourself, or I'll deal with you when we get home."
The next moment.
Like a little bird freed from its restraints, Zhu