It's the middle of the night, and they've come all this way, so they can't just go to sleep.
The servants were all asleep, so Lu Baichuan personally fetched water for He Jiuniang to wash up. Then the family of three, unusually, squeezed together to sleep, with Gou'er sleeping in the middle, looking very content.
Now that his parents are back, he no longer has to worry secretly and can't let his older brothers and sisters find out.
However, he was originally sleeping in the middle, but when he woke up the next day, he found himself squeezed into the corner, while his father was sleeping soundly with his mother in his arms.
He pursed his lips, feeling a little sad, but thinking about how late his parents had come last night, he couldn't bear to wake them, so he quietly got out of bed and went out.
Half asleep, He Jiuniang thought she was sleeping while holding her son. She instinctively reached out to touch his little face, but instead touched a smooth, muscular body and realized that the chest she was leaning against was quite strong. She woke up in a daze.
"Lu Baichuan, where's our son? Our son is gone!"
She opened her eyes and looked around. Her son, who should have been between them, was nowhere to be seen. She thought they had pushed him under the bed. She instantly woke up, lowered her head to look under the bed, but there was nothing there. She immediately became anxious.
Lu Baichuan picked him up and said, "He went out early this morning. It's still early, let him sleep a little longer."
"oh."
He Jiuniang responded and went back to sleep. Soon, her breathing became even, as if she had never gotten up to look for her son.
Lu Baichuan didn't mind and continued sleeping with his wife in his arms.
The dog went outside to wash up, and then went to practice martial arts as usual, telling everyone that his father and mother had returned.
The children hadn't seen them for a long time, and they were all very excited, especially Lianhua, who wanted to see He Jiuniang and tell her about her recent situation.
They waited and waited, until it was finally time to leave, and the few people who had to go to the shop reluctantly departed.
The kids who were supposed to be studying had a day off today, so they could practice martial arts first, then have breakfast and wait. But they ended up waiting until lunchtime before the two of them finally got up, yawning. As soon as they went outside, they were met with a row of big, round eyes.
He Jiuniang's yawning gesture froze in mid-air.
"Hello, Third Aunt!"
A row of boys looked at her with smiles. He Jiuniang was a little embarrassed, and quickly laughed, "Hehehe, good, good, you're all here so early!"
"It's getting late, Third Aunt, lunch is almost ready! Gou'er told us that you and Third Uncle were going to accompany us to see Mr. Kang, so we waited for you!"
Lei Zi knew they hadn't returned until late last night, so he didn't laugh at her for getting up so late. Anyway, He Jiu Niang often slept in in the village, but never with so many people waiting for her like today.
Just then, Lu Baichuan came out, and the group of children called out "Third Uncle" again. Little Tiger obediently called him "Third Uncle".
Lu Baichuan nodded without the slightest discomfort, then pulled He Jiuniang and led a group of children to eat.
The younger ones ran ahead, while only the older Lei Zi stayed behind to walk with Lu Baichuan and the others.
"Third Uncle, how long will you stay this time?"
Lei Zi asked as he walked, but Lu Baichuan didn't answer and instead asked, "What's wrong? Is there something you need?"
Lei Zi quickly shook his head: "It's nothing, it's just that I feel like Gou'er has something on his mind while you guys are away. He doesn't seem very energetic when we play together, and I'm a little worried about him."
As the older brother, Lei Zi did notice the changes in Gou Er. Their parents were at home and generally wouldn't encounter any accidents, but their third uncle and aunt were different; they would face all sorts of dangers and difficulties, which would definitely make Gou Er very anxious.
Lu Baichuan glanced at Lei Zi in surprise, not expecting him to say such a thing to him.
The couple had both gone to the capital, and it was indeed not good to leave the dog here. Fortunately, it only happened once in a while. If they left frequently, he would definitely have a headache about it.
It's not impossible for the dog to come and go with them, but the children in the family are very close and don't easily separate. It wouldn't be a good thing if they took the dog away alone.
While parental companionship is important, it's also essential to have peers around. However, if parents bring all their children to Beijing, it may be convenient for the three of them, but it neglects the needs of other family members.
In short, this is a difficult problem.
When that time comes, you'll have to make choices, because nothing in this world is perfect.
"It's hard to say. I have missions to take care of and need to go out often, but your third aunt should be able to stay here with him."
Lu Baichuan thought for a moment and answered seriously. Although he might not go to the capital, the roots of Dongting had not yet been fully investigated. He would definitely do his best to drive the Dongting people out of Beiyan's territory as soon as possible. Only in this way could his family live in peace on this land.
Lei Zi nodded, looking a little disappointed. As an older man, he could already sense the impending separation. As he grew older, they would only see each other less and less.
Seeing this, Lu Baichuan guessed what he was thinking, patted him on the shoulder and said, "It's okay. Gou'er is a boy and can't rely on me too much. There will be more opportunities to be apart when he grows up, and everyone has to get used to it."
Children always have to leave their parents to grow up. Although they may feel reluctant and sad, they are forced by circumstances and have no choice but to face the consequences.
Lei Zi nodded and said, "Third Uncle, I understand. A good man's ambition lies in all directions. Besides, you are an official in the court, and you have no choice but to do so for the safety of our Bei Yan. When you are not here, I will definitely take good care of Gou'er!"
He was practically patting his chest to assure her. He Jiuniang and Lu Baichuan exchanged a glance and smiled. He Jiuniang said, "We knew you were the most sensible. Gou'er is so lucky to have a brother like you. We brought you gifts this time. We'll share them later!"
"Third Aunt, you don't need to keep buying us gifts. You go out to take care of important business, so don't let us interfere with your work!"
Lei Zi spoke with righteous indignation, acting like a little adult, and continued, "Our whole family is already very content with the life we have now. We really don't need you and Uncle San to buy us anything more!"
Every time He Jiuniang left and came back, she would bring them gifts. Of course, they were very happy to receive the gifts, but they also knew that they couldn't keep doing this. Their third uncle and aunt didn't owe them anything. They owed everything they had today to their third uncle and aunt. It was fine if they couldn't help, but they absolutely couldn't hold them back.
He Jiuniang nodded in agreement: "Alright then, since you don't like it, I'll give your share to my younger brothers."
"Third Aunt! I didn't... Oh dear, Third Aunt, you're bullying me! I'm talking to you about something important!"
Lei Zi stomped his feet in anger, but he couldn't bear to actually give his own gift back to his younger brothers, looking quite awkward.
"Hahahaha..."
He Jiuniang laughed at him without any politeness, grabbed Lu Baichuan and ran away, making Lei Zi chase after them in anger, but he couldn't catch up.
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