No matter how incorruptible Minister Wei was, his mansion was still quite large. Kaiyang entered the mansion with her, but they spent half the afternoon exploring the entire courtyard.
The two were sitting by the lotus pond. Kaiyang was baiting his fishing hook while telling Hong Xiaoduo about the scenery in the yard, which side was more beautiful, and where it was suitable for practicing martial arts.
Hong Xiaoduo followed his example as she baited the fish, listening to his description.
It was cloudy today, so there was no direct sunlight and it wasn't hot, but the hospitality from Lord Wei and his family was just too exquisite.
The low stool is covered with a soft cushion, and on top of that is a bamboo mat, making it comfortable to sit on without feeling stuffy.
Between the two was a low square table covered with a blue floral cotton cloth, on which were placed tea, dried fruit, snacks, and several kinds of cut fruits.
There was really no need to open those large oil-paper umbrellas; the manager said that in case the clouds drifted away later.
Once everything was arranged, the steward tactfully led his men away. Ziyun and her servant Awen stood at a distance, so that no one could hear what Hong Xiaoduo and the other were saying.
Hong Xiaoduo casually cast the baited hook out, watching it slowly sink into the water.
She wasn't very good at fishing, and she didn't care how far the hook was in the water or whether she could catch any fish, because that wasn't her intention.
Kaiyang, on the other hand, was very serious and threw it out according to his master's instructions.
"When are we leaving? Is it after Tong'er's ancestral recognition ceremony tomorrow?" Kaiyang asked first.
"Why do you ask that? Are you in a hurry to leave? Or do you want to stay a few more days?" Hong Xiaoduo asked, following up on the conversation.
Kaiyang turned his head and glanced at her, then immediately stared at the fishing line and laughed, "Then I'll tell you the truth, but don't scold me. Although I miss my master, brother, and little sister very much, I still want you to take me around the capital for two days before I leave. Everyone says that the capital is the most prosperous and lively place. It would be a pity not to take a look around since we've come all this way."
I'm not greedy enough to explore every street and alley in Beijing. Let's just ask around first, pick the most fun ones, and visit them.
Besides, since they've come all this way, we should buy them some nice things to take back with them.
"Of course, whether I stay or not, how many days I stay and when I leave, I'll definitely listen to you. I only told you because you asked."
Hong Xiaoduo nodded: "Hmm, that's true, it's rare for you to come all this way. But I see you and the young mistress are quite intimate, and your father treats you so well, are you willing to leave them?"
Hearing her say that, Kaiyang chuckled and said, "What's there to be reluctant about? I'm not my grandfather's biological grandson, nor the young mistress's biological son."
Besides, they have now found Tong'er.
There's one more thing he didn't say: now that they have their own grandchildren and sons, they'll probably forget about him soon.
Even if I don't forget him, my feelings for him will just be simple liking, nothing more than that. It won't be as special as it was before.
"So, do you envy Tong'er?" Hong Xiaoduo asked casually.
Without a second thought, Kaiyang replied, "It would be a lie to say I'm not envious. Who wouldn't want to have parents and a home? Even if we're poor and can't get enough to eat, at least someone will care about us."
Actually, it doesn't matter if I don't have a new robe to wear, it doesn't matter if I can't afford tuition to go to the academy or private school, it doesn't matter if the house leaks and the wind blows, as long as I have a home.
The child spoke calmly, but Hong Xiaoduo could not remain calm inside.
"Do all six of them think the same way?" she asked.
Kaiyang moved his fishing rod and said, "Of course, my brother said that you can think about things in your heart. What you think about during the day, you dream about at night. If you think about it a lot, you might dream about it. Although it's just a dream, nothing will be there when you wake up. It's good to have a dream like that."
However, we shouldn't get stuck on the details.
Seeing that Hong Xiaoduo didn't respond for a while, Kaiyang turned to look at her. Seeing that she was also looking at him, he smiled at her and said, "I don't know if I've dreamed about it or not. Maybe I have, but I can't remember it when I wake up."
Hong Xiaoduo smiled and nodded, placed the fishing rod on the bamboo rack, poured herself a cup of tea, and the tea had a faint jasmine fragrance.
"If you really had a family, and your family found you, wouldn't you be happy?" she continued after taking a few sips of fragrant tea.
Kaiyang chuckled: "How could that be? That villain said we were all orphans, abandoned on the roadside and unwanted by anyone."
“I’m saying ‘what if,’ and you also said that he’s a bad person, so how can we take what he says seriously?” Hong Xiaoduo added.
Since the matter had been brought up, Kaiyang didn't think much of it: "If my family finds me, I'll have a home again, of course I'll be happy."
"But then you can't stay with us anymore," Hong Xiaoduo asked immediately.
This was the first time she had encountered something like this, and she didn't know if her approach was the best one.
This time, Kaiyang didn't respond immediately. He rested his chin on his hand and thought about it seriously for a while. Suddenly, he raised an eyebrow and said, "Even if my family finds me and I have a family, we can still be together."
If my family is very poor, then you can bring my parents along too. If my family is relatively well-off, then you, your master, your older brother, older sister, and younger sister can stay at my house.
After Kaiyang finished speaking, he proudly shook his head, as if to say, "Look how smart I am."
Hong Xiaoduo smiled and shook her head. "Oh, cute little one, your idea is good, but you're too naive!"
If he really has a family, his family doesn't necessarily only include his parents. Should he bring them along too?
While she was distracted, Kaiyang lifted the fishing rod. The bait was gone, so he re-baited it and cast it back into the water.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
