Chapter 18: A Child's Heart is Soft
Mingxuan's illness came on quickly but went away just as fast. After resting for two or three days, his face regained its rosy color, and he started running and jumping around in Songtao Courtyard again, as energetic as a frolicking little colt. However, after this illness, the child's dependence on and closeness to Su Wanrou increased day by day, to the point that he was almost inseparable from her.
That morning, Su Wanrou had just finished breakfast and was wondering whether to continue looking at the account books or go for a walk in the courtyard when she saw a small figure rush into Jinse Courtyard like a cannonball. Who else could it be but Mingxuan?
"Mother! Mother!" Mingxuan was wearing a bright blue brocade robe today, which made his little face look even whiter. He rushed to Su Wanrou's side, looked up at her with bright eyes, and asked, "Are you busy today? Will you play with me? The pastries that Granny Zhao made are not good. I want to eat the steamed sugar cheese that Mother makes!"
Looking into the child's expectant eyes, Su Wanrou couldn't bring herself to refuse. She put down the account book in her hand, bent down and picked up Mingxuan—although the five-year-old child was already quite heavy and it was a little difficult for her to carry him, her heart was filled with sweetness.
"Okay, Mother isn't busy today, so she'll play with Xuan'er." Su Wanrou tapped his little nose with her fingertip. "But the cheese takes time to make, so let's play something else first, okay?"
"Okay!" Mingxuan happily wrapped his arms around her neck and planted a loud kiss on her cheek, leaving a wet trail. This affectionate gesture startled Su Wanrou slightly, then a surge of warmth and bittersweetness welled up in her heart. This was an expression of her child's complete trust and affection.
"What will Mother play with Xuan'er?" Su Wanrou asked with a smile, putting him down and holding his little hand.
Mingxuan tilted his head and thought for a moment, his dark eyes darting around: "Let's play hide-and-seek! Let's play in Mother's yard! Mother will come looking for Xuan'er!"
Children's games are simple yet full of fun. Su Wanrou covered her eyes with a handkerchief, listened to Mingxuan giggling as he ran away, and then began to grope her way around. The maids and servants of Jinse Courtyard watched with smiles, carefully making way so as not to hinder their young mistress from hiding, and to ensure that the lady would not bump into anything.
"Xuan'er, are you hiding well? Mother is coming to catch you!" Su Wanrou deliberately slowed down, touching and poking at everything.
"You're well hidden!" Mingxuan, hiding behind a pillar, couldn't help but remind him, then quickly covered his mouth, thinking he was perfectly concealed.
Su Wanrou suppressed a laugh, quietly approached the sound, and then suddenly reached out and scooped up the soft little body in her arms: "Got it!"
"Ah!" Mingxuan screamed and laughed, squirming in her arms. "Mother cheated! Mother must have peeked!"
"Mother didn't peek, it was Xuan'er's voice that gave him away!" Su Wanrou pulled off the blindfold, looking at her son's rosy cheeks, feeling incredibly happy. Sunlight streamed into the courtyard, illuminating the laughing figures of the mother and son, making even the cool early autumn breeze feel warm and cozy.
After playing two or three times, Mingxuan was covered in sweat. Su Wanrou was worried that he would catch a cold, so she called a halt, took him back to the house to wash up, and changed him into a dry set of undergarments. Seeing that it was almost time, she took Mingxuan's little hand and they went to the small kitchen together.
The Duke's mansion's main kitchen was fully equipped, but each courtyard also had a small tea room where simple snacks and soups could be made. Su Wanrou had her maid prepare milk, eggs, sugar, and other ingredients, then rolled up her sleeves, ready to make steamed sugar-coated cheese for Mingxuan herself.
"Mother, can Xuan'er help?" Mingxuan stood on tiptoe, peering over the stove, watching curiously.
“Of course you can,” Su Wanrou said with a smile, handing him a small bowl and a pair of chopsticks. “Xuan’er, help your mother stir the eggs, okay? Stir gently and slowly.”
"Okay!" Mingxuan, as if receiving a major mission, solemnly took the bowl and chopsticks and clumsily but earnestly began stirring. Su Wanrou gently guided him as she slowly heated the milk and sugar in a small pot. The sweet aroma of milk filled the kitchen, mingling with the child's innocent questions and the woman's gentle explanations, creating an extremely heartwarming scene.
While the cheese was steaming, Su Wanrou used the remaining ingredients to make several small and adorable animal-shaped pastries. Mingxuan watched her intently, occasionally exclaiming in amazement, "Mom is so amazing! This little rabbit looks just like it! This little pig is so cute too!"
When the sweet and smooth cheese and the lifelike pastries were placed on the table, Mingxuan's eyes were practically glued to them. He first scooped up a spoonful of cheese, carefully blew on it, but instead of eating it himself, he stood on tiptoe and held it to Su Wanrou's lips: "Mother, eat first! Mother, you've worked so hard!"
This surprised and touched not only Su Wanrou, but also the servants, including Granny Zhao and Yun Que. The young master, who used to be so reserved and aloof, had now become so considerate!
Su Wanrou felt a surge of tenderness in her heart. She took a spoonful of the custard from Mingxuan's hand, and the sweetness spread deep into her heart. She hugged Mingxuan tightly, her voice slightly choked, "Thank you, Xuan'er, it's so sweet."
Mingxuan then happily started eating by himself, his little mouth covered in milk stains, and he squinted his eyes in satisfaction: "Mother's cheese is the best in the world!"
In the afternoon, Su Wanrou coaxed Mingxuan to take a nap. The child had played all morning and was indeed tired. Lying beside her, listening to her gentle voice telling stories, he soon fell into a deep sleep, clutching her clothes. Looking at her child's peaceful sleeping face, Su Wanrou felt a deep sense of maternal satisfaction. She gently patted Mingxuan's back, feeling a bit sleepy herself, and leaned against the pillow, dozing off.
Gu Yangui returned from the Ministry of War a little earlier than usual. He went to Songtao Courtyard first, but found it empty. Granny Zhao replied with a smile, "Young Master went to Jinse Courtyard to look for Madam early this morning, and is probably taking a nap now."
Gu Yangui paused, then turned and walked towards Jinse Courtyard. The courtyard was quiet. The maids were about to bow and announce his arrival when they saw him, but he stopped them with a gesture. He walked quietly into the inner room.
Before my eyes lay the mother and son, sleeping peacefully in each other's arms on the bed. Su Wanrou lay on her side, Mingxuan nestled close to her like a cuddly kitten, his little head resting on her arm, one hand still clutching her clothes. Su Wanrou's chin rested gently on the top of her child's head, her sleeping face serene, a faint, gentle smile playing on her lips. Sunlight streamed through the window, softly bathing them in a warm glow.
Gu Yangui stood there, watching quietly. He had never seen Mingxuan sleep so soundly, so unguarded. He had also never imagined that this vast Duke's mansion would become so...like a home because of a gentle figure and a child's dependence.
The frozen corner of his heart seemed to melt a little more with this warm scene. He didn't wake them, but just watched silently for a while before turning around and leaving quietly, instructing his servants not to disturb them.
Su Wanrou didn't sleep soundly, waking up after about half an hour. As soon as she moved, Mingxuan in her arms woke up with a soft whimper, rubbing his sleepy eyes and calling out in a childish voice, "Mother..."
"Hmm, Xuan'er's awake?" Su Wanrou smoothed his messy little hair. "Did you sleep well?"
"Sweet!" Mingxuan snuggled into her arms, full of dependence. "With Mom here, I slept so soundly!"
At this moment, Yun Que softly reported, "Madam, the Duke came by just now. He saw that you and the young master were sleeping, so he didn't ask to be disturbed and went to the front yard."
Su Wanrou was slightly taken aback, a ripple stirring in her heart. Did he... come specifically to see Mingxuan, or... also to see her? The thought of him possibly seeing them sleeping in each other's arms made her face flush slightly.
Mingxuan was delighted: "Daddy came? Then let's go to the front yard to play with Daddy!" The little guy was cured of his illness and full of energy, wishing he could be with his parents all the time.
Su Wanrou smiled and agreed, helping Mingxuan get dressed, combing his hair, and taking his little hand to the study in the front yard. Gu Yangui was reading official documents when he heard the noise and looked up. Seeing the mother and son walking hand in hand, his cold and stern expression softened unconsciously.
"Father!" Mingxuan let go of Su Wanrou's hand, ran over and threw himself at Gu Yangui's legs. "Mother's cheese is so delicious! I even gave Mother the first bite! Father, do you want some? I'll ask Mother to make some for you too!"
Gu Yangui reached out and picked up his son, placing him on his lap, but his gaze fell on Su Wanrou, who walked in afterward. Today, she was wearing a lotus-colored ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), without any makeup. Because she had just woken up, her cheeks still had a faint blush, and her eyes were gentle, making her even more beautiful than usual.
"I disturbed my husband's work," Su Wanrou said softly with a slight curtsy.
"It's alright," Gu Yangui replied briefly, then looked down at Mingxuan and asked, "You've only just recovered from your illness, so you shouldn't overexert yourself. Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere else?"
"I'm not feeling unwell! Xuan'er is completely better!" Mingxuan shook his head vigorously and said proudly, "Daddy, Mommy is amazing! She can tell stories, make snacks, and even play hide-and-seek with Xuan'er! Daddy, let's play with Mommy every day from now on, okay?"
The child's innocent words made Su Wanrou blush even more, and she lowered her eyes shyly. Gu Yangui looked at his son, then at his quiet wife standing beside him, and a certain part of his heart softened. He patted Mingxuan's head, and instead of answering directly, he said to Su Wanrou, "If you've looked at the accounts of the Imperial Estate enough, have Gu An arrange to go to the estate tomorrow."
Su Wanrou was somewhat surprised, but then realized that he had intentionally wanted her to understand the situation firsthand. She was grateful and nodded in response, "Yes, I understand."
Upon hearing that they were going out, Mingxuan immediately perked up: "Going to the estate? Xuan'er wants to go too! Father, Mother, take Xuan'er with you!"
Gu Yangui looked at Su Wanrou, as if seeking her opinion. Su Wanrou looked at the child's expectant eyes and said softly, "If it's convenient for you, husband, you can take Xuan'er out for a walk. But you'll need to bring more people to take good care of him."
Seeing how much she cared about Mingxuan, Gu Yangui was pleased and nodded, "Alright."
Mingxuan immediately cheered, dancing and waving his arms in Gu Yangui's arms. Looking at the child's innocent and joyful smile, and at Gu Yangui's expression, which, though silent, had clearly softened, Su Wanrou felt her heart filled with an unprecedented sense of happiness. This little heart, once tightly closed to her, was now open to her without reservation. And that aloof, cold, and dignified husband seemed to be drawing closer to her step by step.
End of Chapter 18
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com