Chapter 33

"It's only been a month or so, and the children have grown so much."

Xie Zhao held out her hands to the children. Qin Yan, the eldest and most mindful of his manners, stayed where he was. Ling Jia glanced at her mother, Madam Qian. When Madam Qian motioned for her to go, she took off running toward Xie Zhao.

Xie Zhao crouched down, and Ling Jia threw herself into her arms.

"Oh, my little Ling Jia! You've grown taller again."

"Great-Aunt!"

"Yes, there's a good girl."

Xie Zhao sat down with Ling Jia in her arms. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw several Xie Family servants bringing out boxes of exquisite gifts. "You brought presents, too?"

Xie Madam said, "We couldn't neglect the proper courtesies. If you're worried about the children, send them home with gifts in return."

"Fair enough."

The gifts were a small matter. Xie Zhao soon turned to Madam Qian. "Has Yu Luo settled into life in Zhaojing? Is there anything you need? If you're craving anything from Xuzhou, I can have someone bring it back."

Seated below Madam Zhou, Madam Qian replied gently, "Thank you for asking, Aunt. I'm doing well. My husband often has things sent over, and he writes every month."

"Good, good. We shouldn't have separated you two, but my brothers and I missed the children terribly. Let them stay with us a little longer."

"It's only right for the children to keep their grandparents company. Since my husband can't be here to care for his parents, the children and I will do our part in his place."

"Good, good. And you too, Second Sister-in-law, don't stand on ceremony with me. I was the one who carried my second brother's letters to you back then. Don't treat me like an outsider. If Yu Luo needs anything, just tell me."

Madam Zhou chided her fondly. "That was ages ago, and you're still bringing it up? Why don't you mention how you charged your second brother for delivering them?"

"Of course I did. You didn't expect me to make the trip for free, did you?"

Everyone laughed.

Xie Zhao turned to Shen Lantang.

"And you, Lan Tang? Have you settled into life as a new daughter-in-law?"

Only family would ask a question like that.

Facing Xie Zhao, Shen Lantang answered with respect and warmth.

"Thank you for asking, Aunt. I'm doing well too. Father and Mother are exceptionally kind to me. Even Hongwen takes good care of me. He's the little master of the house, looking after his mother. Isn't that right, Hongwen?"

Xie Hongwen didn't quite understand, but he sensed that his mother was praising him and nodded at once.

"Yes! Hongwen looks after Mother!"

His earnest little declaration made everyone laugh.

Xie Zhao went on, "You've mentioned my brother, my sister-in-law, and our little master. What about Xie Jin? Hasn't he treated you well?"

Every new bride was bound to be teased a little. Shen Lantang wasn't thin-skinned. She put on a sigh and said with feigned helplessness,

"Aunt, you know what my husband is like. I could say he treats me well, but I couldn't say he treats me wonderfully. Ah, I just can't figure him out."

Xie Zhao burst out laughing.

"You're right. Even my sister-in-law can't figure Jin'er out."

Xie Madam shook her head. "I've given up trying. Those two can work things out between themselves!"

"But though Jin'er keeps his feelings close, he treats people well. Lan Tang, don't be afraid to test him. I'll back you up."

"Then thank you, Aunt!"

Madam Qian had spent years living away from the family, while Shen Lantang was a new daughter-in-law, so both received plenty of attention. The return gifts they took home would likely be every bit as generous as the concern shown them now.

As they talked, a maid hurried in.

"First Madam, the young master has arrived."

Xie Zhao said, "At last. I had him do his morning lessons, which is why he's late. Sister-in-law, please don't mind."

"Not at all."

As they spoke, a boy of five or six came in. His clothes were ordinary enough, but the jade pendant at his waist was exceedingly fine. His lips were pursed in displeasure. Once inside the hall, he bent his knees and bowed, muttering,

"Junze greets Grandmother, Eldest Great-Aunt, and Second Great-Aunt."

Everyone in the hall was an elder of his, so he had greeted only the most senior among them.

Chen Junze was the family's only fourth-generation child, and everyone doted on him. He had grown rather spoiled as a result, but Xie Zhao refused to indulge him. She drew a stern face.

"Why do you look so unhappy to see your great-aunts?"

Thoroughly spoiled as he was, Chen Junze answered his grandmother's rebuke in a clear, strong voice.

"It's because I was so excited to see my great-aunts that I started looking forward to it last night, but Mother still made me do my morning lessons. She has no idea how much I wanted to see them!"

Full marks. Full marks!

Xie Zhao had meant to scold him, but that dutiful answer left her caught between laughter and exasperation. Unable to press the matter, she said helplessly, "All right, I know. You're the most devoted one here."

"Great-Aunt!" Chen Junze sprang to his feet and ran to Xie Madam.

"Great-Aunt, Junze missed you so much."

Xie Madam said, "And I missed you too."

"And Second Great-Aunt! Junze missed you too!"

"What a good boy."

Above them, Xie Zhao and her daughter-in-law Yan shook their heads.

"This child..."

Now that everyone had arrived, the adults and children gathered at separate tables to chat. The adults enjoyed the cool air in a side hall, while the children played in the main hall.

Xie Zhao's eyes shone with a smile. "Actually, there's something else I invited you here to tell you."

"What is it?"

Xie Zhao looked at her daughter-in-law beside her. Yan lowered her head with a gentle smile and laid a hand over her belly, stroking it lightly.

Xie Madam was delighted. "Your daughter-in-law is expecting again!"

"Wonderful news! Wonderful news!"

"She's more than three months along. The doctor said the pregnancy would be stable after three months, so we waited until now to tell you."

"Yes, yes. That was wise."

"Did the doctor say there was anything she should avoid eating? I remember when she was pregnant last time, she couldn't have cooling fruits. No persimmons or pears."

Rankings

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Transmigration and Rebirth Romance

One True Love

Jiang Ciyu

Mind Reading

Slacker