Chapter 75 Cousin
On this day, the sun shone brightly, and the main gate of the Yongning Marquis's residence was wide open.
At the gate, the mistress, Madam Liu, dressed in a dark purple brocade gown, stood quietly with her two children, waiting. Her beautiful eyes occasionally glanced towards the end of the street, and her usually calm face now showed a hint of anxiety.
Xiao Lingxi stood beside her mother, curiously tiptoeing to look around, while Cui Xiaosi would occasionally go to inquire where her father was.
Xiao Jingheng, dressed in a dark brocade robe, stood tall and straight like a pine tree, his face remaining calm and handsome, showing no sign of panic.
The mansion's prominent stewards, matrons, and senior maids of various ranks stood solemnly at the back according to their status, forming a vast, imposing crowd, all craning their necks and gazing at the end of the street.
Amidst this anticipation, the crisp, rhythmic sound of horses' hooves finally came from one end of the street, approaching from afar.
Immediately afterwards, a majestic procession slowly appeared in everyone's sight.
Panting, Su Xiaoyu ran to the line of servants, squeezed next to her mother Zhao Yueru, her heart pounding, her eyes anxiously looking ahead.
"Mother, Father's back? Where is he?"
She stood on tiptoe and craned her neck to look ahead.
At that moment, they spotted the well-organized group, with the leader seated atop a magnificent black horse—it was none other than Marquis Yongning, Xiao Dingshan.
He wore a dark blue brocade robe with subtle patterns, over which he wore a black cloak. He appeared refined, but his posture was as upright as a mountain, his facial features were distinct, and his eyes were as sharp as a hawk's.
His face bears a striking resemblance to Xiao Jingheng.
His seemingly casual glances swept over the crowd, yet they carried an aura of quiet authority and battle-hardened iron will. Even when deliberately restrained, he was enough to inspire awe.
Following closely behind was a burly man riding a large red date horse. He had dark skin, a resolute face, and a broad back and thick waist. He was Su Xiaoyu's father, Su Zhong, the chief guard of the Marquis's mansion.
He was like a steady mountain, with piercing eyes, scanning his surroundings warily, exuding an aura of reliability and strength.
However, Su Xiaoyu's gaze was soon drawn to another figure beside her father.
That was a young general, also on horseback, around twenty years old, wearing light armor, with a tall and straight posture like a pine tree, handsome features, broad eyes and eyebrows, a high nose bridge, and a mouth that seemed to have a natural upward curve, just like the scorching sun.
Su Xiaoyu looked at him and felt that he looked somewhat familiar.
Where have I seen you before?
At this moment, the mother, Zhao Yueru's voice rang out, carrying a hint of barely perceptible excitement:
"Little Fish, look, your cousin Xinghe is back too!"
Upon hearing this name, Su Xiaoyu suddenly realized that this was none other than Lu Xinghe, the cousin who had played with the original owner of the body every day when they were children.
Those vague yet warm fragments of childhood memories quickly flashed through Su Xiaoyu's mind.
Back then, she always liked to follow Lu Xinghe. He had dark skin and a beautiful set of white teeth when he smiled. The two of them would play and frolic together in the backyard of the Marquis's mansion, making bird nests together. He would always save the best food for her.
I remember the year he went to the border with his father, the boy, only twelve or thirteen years old, rode a horse taller than himself, his eyes red, and shouted to the little fish:
"Little Fish Sister, you wait! When I've earned military merit, I'll ride a tall horse to marry you!"
Unexpectedly, after so many years, that mud-covered boy has grown into such a tall, handsome, and imposing figure, as if he has been reborn.
While Su Xiaoyu was still in a daze, the procession had already arrived at the gate of the mansion.
Xiao Dingshan nimbly dismounted, his movements steady and agile.
He walked a few steps to Liu Shi, and seeing his wife's slightly reddened eyes and barely concealed excitement, his resolute face softened, and his voice became slightly hoarse:
"My lady, your husband has returned."
The tears that Liu had been holding back finally streamed down her face at that moment.
She hurriedly wiped her face with a handkerchief, her voice trembling slightly: "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back."
Xiao Dingshan extended a large, calloused hand with distinct knuckles and gently grasped Liu's cool fingertips, conveying a sense of reassurance.
"You've worked so hard all these years, not only managing the affairs of the manor, but also taking care of Jingheng, Jingxuan, and Lingxi."
“It’s not hard work,” Madam Liu shook her head and wiped away her tears. “As long as you come back safely and the children are all well, I’m relieved.”
"Father!"
Xiao Lingxi could no longer contain herself and pounced on Xiao Dingshan like a joyful bird, grabbing his arm tightly.
"You're finally back! My older brothers, mother, and I have all missed you so much!"
Looking at his daughter, who had grown into a beautiful young woman, Xiao Dingshan's eyes showed affection. He reached out and patted her head, his tone filled with emotion:
"It's been years since we last met, and Lingxi has grown into a beautiful young woman. Have you been listening to your mother and older brother these past few years?"
"Yes! Since Father isn't here, I've been reading every day and have learned a lot from my older brother," Xiao Lingxi said coquettishly.
Xiao Dingshan smiled and nodded, then turned his gaze to Xiao Jingheng.
Xiao Jingheng bowed to his father and said, "Father, you must be tired from your journey."
Xiao Dingshan looked at his eldest son, observing his increasingly composed and aloof demeanor, his eyes filled with undisguised satisfaction.
"Jingheng, I heard that you have risen to the position of Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review and have solved many major cases. You have done a good job. In the years that your father has been away, you have worked hard in the household and in the court."
"Father, you flatter me. This is all I should do."
The Hou family exchanged brief pleasantries at the entrance, their conversation flowing smoothly and harmoniously.
The return of the Marquis of Yongning seemed to instantly inject a pillar of support into the entire manor, and the atmosphere changed completely.
After exchanging pleasantries, the group began to walk into the mansion.
Madam Liu paused, turned to Zhao Yueru and said, "Mama Zhao, Guard Su has been traveling for many years and has finally returned safely. Your family should have a proper reunion. You and Xiaoyu don't need to rush to serve him today."
Zhao Yueru was extremely grateful and quickly bowed, saying, "This servant thanks Madam for her kindness."
Su Zhong, who was standing to the side, also clasped his hands and said, "Thank you, Lord Marquis, and thank you, Madam, for your kindness."
Once the main family of the Marquis's residence had gone some distance, Su Zhong immediately took Zhao Yueru's hand, looked her up and down, and asked with concern, "You've had a tough time these past few years. How are you feeling? Have you been taking your medicine on time?"
"I'm fine, don't worry." Zhao Yueru nodded with a smile, then pushed Su Xiaoyu in front of him. "Look, Xiaoyu has grown up so much. She's sensible and well-behaved, and she hasn't suffered any grievances in the manor."
Su Zhong looked at his daughter with a relieved smile on his face.
Thinking of something, Su Zhong pulled Lu Xinghe over and pushed him in front of Xiao Yu:
"Little Fish, do you still remember your cousin Xinghe?"
Lu Xinghe's cheeks flushed instantly after being pushed by Su Zhong, and he scratched the back of his head embarrassedly.
His gaze fell on Su Xiaoyu, with a hint of amazement.
The little girl in front of me has curved eyebrows and fair skin. When she smiles, she has two shallow dimples. She has grown into a more charming and lovely girl than when she was a child.
Lu Xinghe's heartbeat quickened involuntarily by two beats per minute.
"Little Fish Sister".
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