The smile on Mu Houchu’s face paused for a moment, a flash of coolness crossing his eyes.
"Let them come in," Xinhe smiled.
"Sister, I’m relieved that you’re back! I was worried sick when I realized you went to the capital city alone. It was so dangerous; it scared me to death!" Xiao Bei hurriedly ran in, his face still showing signs of anxiety.
Xinhe laughed: "Am I not alright? What are you so anxious about?"
With a glance, she noticed Xiao Chaohuo, who had followed Xiao Bei in. He seemed more depressed than before and did not love to talk. He came in but just looked at Xinhe, his mouth opened but he said nothing.
Xinhe laughed: "How do you guys feel about these days at the Public School?"
"Pretty good," Xiao Bei grinned: "I’ve made a lot of friends, and the teacher is very nice."
Xinhe laughed lightly: "That’s good."
"Sister, did anything happen on your trip to the capital? I’ve been nervous these days. I’m just glad you’re back safe and sound."
"It’s okay. Would I dare to take such a trip if I was not sure of the outcome?"
Mu Houchu said: "Your sister is tired from her journey back. She has been traveling for so long. Let her rest first, we can discuss matters later."
Xiao Bei smiled: "Great, we’ll go first then, as long as sister is okay."
"You may go," replied Xinhe.
Xiao Chaohuo slightly bowed his head and left.
Xinhe sensed something strange and could not help but frown. Why had Xiao Chaohuo become even more silent?
Mu Houchu said: "You should rest now. Have you been tired from the journey?"
As he spoke, he took Ah Guai from Xinhe’s arms. Xinhe smiled and nodded: "Okay."
——
As soon as Xiao Chaohuo and Xiao Bei left the Royal Mansion, Xiao Bei could not help but ask: "What’s wrong with you? Didn’t you say that we should hurry to see my sister once she returns? Why aren’t you speaking?"
Xiao Chaohuo replied faintly: "As long as she is safe, nothing more needs to be said."
After thinking for a bit, Xiao Bei seemed to sense the reason and nodded: "You’re right."
"Ji Bei." Xiao Chaohuo suddenly said.
"Huh?!" Xiao Bei was stunned, not expecting Xiao Chaohuo to address him in such a serious manner.
"What would you do if there is something that you are destined not to have?" Xiao Chaohuo asked faintly.
Xiao Bei paused, then responded, "If I can’t have it, then I don’t want it."
"What if you can’t let it go?"
"Well.....then I’d try harder?"
"What if there is absolutely no chance of trying?"
"I....." Xiao Bei was at a loss for words, he asked blankly: "Li Nan, what’s the matter with you?"
Xiao Chaohuo shook his head: "It’s nothing."
With that, he walked away. Watching his retreating figure, Xiao Bei scratched his head. Why did Xiao Chaohuo seem to be growing more strange?
He was becoming more and more difficult to understand.
——
Since Xinhe’s return to Yu State, life had started to become more enjoyable.
Mu Houchu had rebuilt the mansion for Le Yuanhou, still calling it Le Yuanhou Mansion. The family of Le Yuanhou was one of the most prestigious clans with a history of hundreds of years. It was a glory that Mu Houchu naturally didn’t want to be lost.
No longer having to worry about people in the distance, Xinhe felt free. As she had been hard at work outside for some time, she did not have the mood to leave home upon returning. She just lazed at home all day, even Ah Guai had started to call her a lazy bug.
Due to the comfort, time flew by and the season changed from spring to summer. The weather became hotter and Ji Xinhe was even less willing to go out.
Ah Guai wasn’t as content staying at home. From time to time, Song Xi or Xiao Bei would take her out to play. But today, she ran to Ji Xinhe’s Pingque Terrace and clung on there.
"Mother, take me out to play. Ah Guai wants to go to Ming Lake to boat," Ah Guai pulled at Xinhe’s robe.
Xinhe was lying on the soft couch, fanning Ah Guai with one hand while saying: "The sun is so hot outside. What if it tans our lovely little Ah Guai?"
Ah Guai pouted: "Mother, you are just lazy to go out."
Xinhe laughed: "Alright, alright. How could I refuse to accompany Ah Guai if she wants to go out?"
With that said, she forced herself to stand up.
Xiaoyu entered with a curtain in hand, smilingly said: "Is the princess finally going out? It seems only our little princess could persuade her. A few days ago, His Highness was saying that the princess didn’t even want to move."
With a playful scold, Xinhe responded: "Why am I so sleepy these days? People say spring brings sleepiness and winter brings hibernation. But during this summer, why am I still sleepy and lazy? I suppose it’s because I’ve been exhausted from the travel outside, and now I just don’t have the energy."
Xiaoyu said: "Even if you’re tired, you should still move around. If you keep cooping up indoors, you might fall ill."
Xinhe laughed: "Right, right. I’m getting ready to go out now."
Only then did Xiaoyu laugh: "Let me help you change."
Xinhe looked around and didn’t see Shulan. She smiled and asked: "Where is that girl, Shulan?"
"Her? It’s not her turn to do the chores today. She must be out of the mansion. Perhaps she went to see Liu Man," Xiaoya laughed.
"Seems like ever since Shulan came back from Yu State, she and Liu Man have been getting closer."
"Yes, looks like the two are already nurturing their relationship. After all, their marriage has been settled, so there’s no need for you to worry."
Xinhe shook her head and laughed: "True, their wedding is coming up soon. It’s next month. After Shulan gets married, we will have to start planning for Xiao Bei’s. This year really has been lively."
Xiaoyu laughed: "Wait till it’s time for the little princess’s marriage to be arranged. That’s when it will truly get lively."
Xinhe snapped in jest: "She’s still young, and I can’t bear to let her go."
Ah Guai blinked and sat aside, seemingly not understanding what they were saying.
"Oh, Xiao Bei and Xiao Chaohuo haven’t visited for a while, invite them to go boating today," Xinhe remembered. Since her return, something had seemed off, especially with Xiao Chaohuo, who seemed to have grown even more silent. Logically, the Public School should have made him happier with the presence of more people of the same age.
Xinhe felt a bit helpless, rubbing her temple, wondering what to do with him.
"Hmm, I’ll send someone to ask," Xiao Bei agreed.
——
When Xinhe arrived at Ming Lake with Ah Guai, they only found Xiao Bei.
"Why didn’t uncle Xiao Nan come?" Ah Guai looked around.
Xiao Bei laughed: "He couldn’t make it today. He stayed at the Public School, he said the teacher needed to discuss some articles with him. Isn’t it ok to be with your little uncle?"
As he said it, he picked up Ah Guai and playfully tickled her.
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