During the meal, the conversation inevitably turned to Pei Han's legendary career, marked by dramatic ups and downs.
However, the situation is very different now than it was two years ago. This topic is not only not boring, but also quite interesting, enough to talk about for days and nights.
Min Yi, the eldest brother of the Min family, joked, "If Jia Ren knew that demoting you to the southwest would make you the youngest fourth-rank official in the court, he would probably cry and beg to have that decree withdrawn."
Min Ze, the second brother of the Min family, also joined in the fun, saying, "A 27-year-old prefect is one of a kind in the entire court. Our brother-in-law is a model official of our time! This shows that no matter what, we must never bow down to treacherous villains. Brother-in-law, come, let me toast you!"
What could Pei Han do when teased by his two brothers-in-law? He immediately stood up and smiled, begging for forgiveness: "Brothers-in-law, please stop joking with me. I'll toast you both and wish you both a successful career and all the best!"
Min Yi and the other man drank with smiles, and only then did Pei Han sit down.
Mr. and Mrs. Min watched with smiles, pleased to see Pei Han remain humble and get along well with their two sons.
Interestingly, the dining room lights weren't particularly bright, and Xiao Wei was lazily lying at Min Yueqing's feet, his body perfectly blending into the shadows. Min Yi and the other man hadn't noticed Xiao Wei's presence since they entered.
It wasn't until Xiao Wei stood up and took a few steps that Min Ze suddenly noticed the enormous creature.
"What...what is this?" Min Ze was startled.
Min Yi was sitting next to Min Ze. He followed Min Ze's gaze and was also greatly surprised.
Just then, Little Wei noticed the commotion and turned around, revealing the "King" emblem on its head clearly to the two of them.
Min Ze stood up incredulously, looked around at everyone at the table, and stammered, "How...how could there be a big tiger here? Didn't you...didn't you see it?"
Min Yi was also shocked, but he keenly noticed that everyone else in the family, except for the two of them, looked normal. So he suppressed his shock and sat quietly to observe what would happen.
Mr. Min said to the distraught Min Ze with dissatisfaction, "What's the big deal? This is someone your sister raised. She's not even afraid of the youngest, Lele. What are you afraid of?"
Min Zeping was startled for no reason. Not only did no one comfort him, but he also received a lecture from his own father, leaving him dumbfounded.
Pei Ji was more considerate. He spoke up to Min Ze and said, "Second Uncle, this is Xiao Wei. My mother found it on the mountain last year. It's not even two years old yet, and it's still a little tiger."
Upon hearing this, both Min Ze and the silent Min Yi felt a sense of bewilderment, as if they were both laughing and crying at the same time.
Min Ze, in particular, knew he had really lost face this time, having been so frightened by a tiger cub that it almost jumped up.
Min Ze looked around and, unsurprisingly, found his son, daughter, nephew, and niece all staring at him with suspicion. Min Ze had no choice but to pretend nothing had happened and sit down with a stiff, handsome face.
Seeing this, Min Yueqing quickly changed the subject and began to share her life in the Southwest with them with great interest.
The atmosphere at the dinner table became harmonious and joyful again.
Min's father and the others had never been to the Southwest and knew nothing about the environment and customs there. Therefore, they listened attentively to Min Yueqing's words and occasionally asked some small questions.
Min Ze was the only exception.
Although the blunder he had just experienced was somewhat embarrassing, once the awkwardness subsided, he developed a strong interest in the little tiger, Wei, and kept an eye on him, intentionally or unintentionally.
After secretly observing it for a while, Min Ze actually found the little tiger quite cute. At first glance, it seemed rather arrogant, but upon closer inspection, one would find that it clung to his little sister like a piece of chewing gum.
Every time it wanders around, it returns to its little sister's side to rub against her after only a short while, and the little sister naturally strokes and teases it. From its head to its body, even its long tail, there's nothing the little sister is afraid to touch, and the little tiger seems to enjoy it quite a bit.
It has to be said that after confirming that it was not dangerous, Min Ze couldn't help but get itchy to touch it.
After all, this was the first time in his life that he had seen a tiger in person and had the opportunity to observe it so closely.
This big, fluffy creature has glossy, smooth fur in beautiful black and white. It looks fierce, strong, and haughty, but it's actually adorable and affectionate—who could resist that?
Just as Min Ze was absentmindedly glancing at Xiao Wei and his heart was filled with restless desire, Min's mother stood up and said to Min Yueqing, "You have traveled for so long, you must be tired. The rooms have been prepared, you should go back and settle in early and go to bed early tonight."
Min Yueqing and Pei Han both stood up and agreed.
Then Mr. Min realized that his daughter's family had traveled a long way and should indeed rest early, so he told everyone to disperse and go back to their rooms, and that they could talk about it tomorrow.
After Min's parents left, Min Ze watched helplessly as Xiao Wei happily followed Min Yueqing away. Min Ze didn't even get close to Xiao Wei, let alone touch him.
Min Yueqing and her family returned to their room. Amei and Azhu had already put away all their luggage, and the bathroom was well-prepared with hot water, towels, and other necessities.
Min Yueqing first gave Xiao Wei a bath, then personally dried its fur before leading it into the bedroom. The three of them then took turns bathing and changing clothes, and finally lay comfortably on the bed.
As always, Wei occupied the bedside spot, even turning his head in the same direction as them.
If you looked down from above, the family of four would be sleeping perfectly still.
Pei Ji was still excited and was talking enthusiastically next to Min Yueqing.
"Mommy, Grandpa is amazing! He wasn't afraid of Xiaowei at all, and he even guessed right away that you wouldn't punish Xiaowei. It's incredible!"
Min Yueqing and Pei Han listened with smiles to their little one's innocent words, showing no impatience whatsoever, and sometimes even joining in the fun.
Pei Ji has grown rapidly in both mind and body over the past six months. Min Yueqing and Pei Han both know that as their son matures, the opportunities for him to snuggle in their arms and act spoiled without any restraint will become fewer and fewer.
Pei Ji is no longer averse to sleeping in a separate room. His room in the courtyard of the Qingzhou government office is almost fully furnished, and he will have his own independent space when he returns after the New Year.
Therefore, Pei Han and Min Yueqing cherish the time when their son is still very close to them.
Thinking about how her little one would become more and more independent in the future, Min Yueqing couldn't help but feel a little sad. She felt that she might need a long time to get used to it.
The next day, everyone in the family slept in until they naturally woke up, except for Pei Han, who had to get up early for work. Even Pei Ji, whose biological clock was usually very regular, stayed in bed for once, which was quite unusual.
Pei Ji actually woke up once in the early morning, but when he thought that he was at his maternal grandfather's house and saw that Min Yueqing was still sleeping soundly, he chose to go back to sleep.
Pei Ji didn't wake up again until the sun was high in the sky. He habitually mumbled, "Mother."
At this moment, the outside of the capital was a world of ice and snow, but the inside was warm and cozy, so Min Yueqing naturally chose to stay in bed.
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