Chapter 8: The Auspicious Family

Yet, Xie Qingxi was somewhat unhappy. It has been nearly nine months since she arrived here. Initially, she was always afraid that her behavior would not resemble that of a child, fearing she would be regarded as a monster and burned alive, remaining constantly vigilant. As she gradually grew accustomed to the life of being served and cared for, she found herself somewhat lost in pleasure, forgetting her previous concerns.

Xiao was also very pleased and momentarily lost his composure, asking, "Zhan, call out to your mother for me to hear."

Madam Shen glanced at Xie Qingxi and sighed. Today is New Year's Eve, and inviting a doctor to the residence at this time would be somewhat inauspicious. Moreover, the sixth young lady is not ill; she simply appears to lack energy and has suddenly lost her appetite.

Xiao also detected the complaints in Xie Shuyuan's words. The suppressed sobs suddenly revealed a hint of emotion, which caused Xie Shuyuan to momentarily pause, unable to articulate what he had yet to say.

However, such a figure, akin to a patriarch, suddenly transformed into the male protagonist of a romance novel, which left Xie Qingxi astonished. Yet, what impressed Xie Qingxi even more was the Xiao family; if she had truly followed what Granny Shen suggested and invited Xie Shuyuan over early, it would likely have been a misstep.

Everything is valued for its rarity, and even tears follow this principle. Both Aunt Jiang and Aunt Fang have cried in front of Xie Shuyuan numerous times, whether for trivial matters or to evoke his feelings of affection. Therefore, he now finds it quite natural to see Aunt Jiang or others cry.

However, the feeling of being so cherished by others is truly wonderful

Xie Qingxi was also startled. Now they are almost nine months old, and at this age, some can speak, though very few. Moreover, there is already a precocious fourth young lady in the residence, and her display of precocity always gives the impression of echoing others' words.

Although Xie Qingzhan is still young and naive, children nowadays are beginning to recognize people. Naturally, he recognizes his younger sister, who is with him every day. He sits upright next to Xiao Shi, reading a book, his round eyes intently watching Xie Qingxi

It seems that Xie Qingxi's homesickness is so profound that it has left her feeling listless. The Xiao family, being so attentive to their children, naturally noticed her change at the first opportunity

Xie Qingxi had been feeling unwell for several consecutive days, and coupled with her reduced appetite, her originally plump little face appeared somewhat emaciated. Her delicate, fair skin also took on a slightly sallow hue

Xie Shuyuan quickly supported her and said: "There is only one family present, so what is the point of these formalities"

"Oh dear, the Sixth Young Master has spoken," exclaimed Hongyun, who was standing nearby.

He glanced at Xie Qingxi, who was in Xiao's arms, and slightly furrowed his brows as he asked: "What is wrong with Xi'er? She seems a bit unwell to me. Is she ill?"

Until she had the car accident, at that moment she longed to see her parents who were far away, wishing to return to the old town where she grew up

"Why not invite a doctor to take a look? You are truly confused; is the New Year really more important than our daughter's life?" Xie Shuyuan furrowed his brow and asked again, "Why didn't you send someone to inform me earlier?"

At this moment, Xie Qingxi had already opened her eyes, looking at Xie Shuyuan with a sense of disbelief. It is important to note that in her impression, Xie Shuyuan was the epitome of a gentry son raised under the feudal education system, coming from a distinguished family, exceptionally talented, with a harmonious household filled with wives and concubines, as well as numerous children. His family could practically be nominated as a model feudal family.

However, she did not expect that the Xie family probably possesses an inherent genetic advantage in terms of intelligence. Yet, the nine-month-old Xie Qingzhan is already able to speak.

But he suddenly saw Xiao Shi crying. Due to her upbringing, her tears were silent, flowing down her cheeks like beads that had come loose from a string. Yet she merely pressed her lips together, not letting out a single sound of weeping. Strangely enough, this left Xie Shuyuan feeling somewhat flustered and at a loss.

Xiao looked at Xie, who was leaning against him with closed eyes, feeling as anxious as if his heart were on fire. However, when he turned to see his younger son happily climbing on the pit, he felt somewhat reassured

But she just couldn't feel happy, especially since today was New Year's Eve. Xie Qingxi felt a strong desire to go home.

Originally, Xie Qingxi relied on the fact that she was more sensible than Xie Qingzhan, and since there was no one else to play with her, she particularly enjoyed teasing this older boy by a mere quarter of an hour. Every time, she would secretly pinch his chubby little face when no one was paying attention. However, in recent days, she had lost the mood to tease him.

"Zhan'er, please be nice to your little sister and make her happy, alright?" Although she knew her son did not understand her meaning, Xiao still couldn't help but say it.

Xie Qingmao stood beside his parents, and upon hearing that his younger sister was unwell, he kept looking at the little girl in Xie Shuyuan's arms. When Xiao Shi began to cry, he then said in a childish voice: "Mother, do not be sad, my sister will surely be fine"

Seeing this, Granny Shen immediately consoled her, saying: "Madam, what is the matter? Your son is so young yet already knows to care for his sister; you should be pleased instead."

Xiao looked at his poised demeanor and noticed that he was still holding onto Xie Qingxi's hand, and suddenly his eyes became moist

She parted her lips slightly, but after a moment's thought, the words that were on the tip of her tongue remained unspoken. It is often said that children's eyes are the clearest, able to see many things that are not meant to be seen. Old Madam Shen did not dare to directly ask Madam Xiao whether the Sixth Young Lady might have been tainted by something unclean. However, seeing the Sixth Young Lady in this state was not a solution either.

But who would have known that Xie Qingzhan only called out once and then fell silent, merely holding onto Xie Qingxi's small hand without letting go

In the Xiao family's room, silver charcoal had long been lit, and the gilded warmers on both sides, standing at half a person's height, emitted no smoke whatsoever. The pit was already heated thoroughly, and on top of it, a blanket made of fox fur was spread over the table, soft and comfortable in texture. In recent days, Xie Qingzhan had been assisted by the maidservants to take a few steps; sometimes, when he fell, he did not cry but instead grinned foolishly with his toothless little mouth.

What exactly is wrong with Xijie? I have noticed that she hasn't smiled much these past few days, and even during meals, she seems to lack energy. " Xiao personally held her in his arms, embracing her while anxiously asking Granny Shen.

Moreover, she was genuinely afraid of encountering the situation where a fellow villager would stab her in the back. Until she had clarified the background of this Fourth Sister, she did not wish to recklessly expose herself.

Xie Shuyuan rarely saw Xiao weep. Apart from one occasion when Xiao Qingjun was a bit too playful, and in a fit of anger, he invoked family discipline, which caused her to cry for a while, this was only the second time in all these years of marriage that he had seen Xiao cry.

In this lively New Year, she began to miss her family. It was during her first year after graduating from university that she had the car accident. The young woman in her early twenties had just left school, determined to become independent in the big city, working hard every day for a promotion, often staying late until eight or nine o'clock. When her parents called, they would only exchange a few words before hastily hanging up.

The Xiao family was already overwhelmed with the busyness of the New Year, and on top of that, their daughter had suddenly transformed in such a manner. Although they had been managing to hold on, upon suddenly seeing her husband standing in front of her, tears immediately streamed down her face

Xie Shuyuan quickly took out the handkerchief from his person. This handkerchief was personally embroidered for her by the Xiao family, with a corner featuring a pattern of a gold ingot. When he first received it, he had remarked that she was being mischievous, deliberately teasing him.

Although Xiao's tears have not yet stopped, her voice remains somewhat steady as she says: "Sister Xi also does not know why, but since the beginning of the previous month, she has suddenly become unwell, even eating half as much as usual. I thought it was the festive season, and it would be inappropriate to invite a doctor into the residence, but now the symptoms are becoming increasingly apparent."

Little did she know that as soon as she finished speaking, Xie Qingzhan unexpectedly reached out with her chubby little hand and came over to pull Xie Qingxi. Originally, Xie Qingxi, who was resting with her eyes closed in Xiao's embrace, weakly opened her eyes to look at Xie Qingzhan

Yet, deep down, Xie Qingxi let out a sigh; she simply missed home and wished to be a quiet and beautiful woman for a few days

He is also part of the family, and he also wants a hug. Thus, the sixth young master, who had been completely ignored, suddenly burst into tears, forcefully proving his existence

Thus, Xiao held Xie Qingmao tightly, crying intensely, while Xie Qingxi was cradled in Xie Shuyuan's arms, leaving the poor Xie Qingzhan alone, blinking as he watched these people huddled together.

Xiao is a woman of strong opinions; once she has made up her mind, no amount of persuasion from others can change her stance in the slightest. Granny Shen has tried to persuade her for two days, but has not succeeded in altering her decision.

Old Madam Shen also advised Madam Xiao to send a maid to the front courtyard to inform Xie Shuyuan of the eldest young lady's current situation, but Madam Xiao firmly refused. She said: "The master is not a doctor; even if he were to come, he wouldn't be able to treat Xijie. Moreover, it is currently the end of the year, and the officials are extremely busy; how can I add to the master's burdens at this time?"

New Year's Eve is a day for family reunions, and at this time, those who are still wandering outside naturally feel an intense longing for home. The festive atmosphere in the Xie residence is particularly strong, with every maid and servant displaying cheerful expressions. Even the usually dignified Madam Xiao has been wearing various shades of red in her attire these past few days

Seeing his second son so understanding, Xiao immediately embraced him, crying as he said: "There are so many matters at the front office, and I haven't even entered the backyard for several days. How could I dare to trouble the master again"

Absurd, how could Xier's matter be a disturbance, you... At this moment, Xie Shuyuan suddenly remembered that the last time he entered the backyard was to visit Aunt Jiang and her daughter, and he suddenly felt guilty and could not speak.

She hugged Xie Qingxi while patting her back. Beside them, Xie Qingzhan, who was originally watching the maid play, seemed to find it uninteresting after climbing for a while, so he turned to look at his mother and sister sitting by the pit.

"Younger sister." At that moment, Xie Qingzhan suddenly called out in a clear and precise manner.

"What happened? Why are you suddenly crying? Please don't cry; be careful not to hurt your eyes." Xie Shuyuan spoke to Xiao with a hint of unease in his demeanor.

Compared to the capital, Jiangnan is indeed somewhat warmer; however, due to its humidity and frequent rainfall, the winter here possesses a certain penetrating chill that seeps into the bones, especially when contrasted with the cold and dry climate of the north

Before Xiao could speak, a commotion suddenly erupted outside the door. Before long, someone lifted the curtain, and Xie Shuyuan entered, accompanied by a gust of cold wind. Behind him followed a young boy dressed in a similarly light blue scholar's robe. The father and son were wearing outfits of somewhat matching colors today, both in the same style of scholar's robe, making them appear as if they were carved from the same mold at first glance

Xie Shuyuan also noticed the condition of his youngest daughter. Her once fair and smooth little face now appeared somewhat sallow. At this moment, he began to feel anxious. When he held Xie Qingxi, he found that she felt lighter than before. Children are in a period of growth, and they should be gaining weight day by day

Xie Shuyuan has been extremely busy these past few days. Aside from sending the collar ordered from Zhenbao Studio to Tinglan Courtyard, he has hardly returned to the back courtyard, and is even unaware of Xie Qingxi's current situation. Moreover, the Xiao family is not like Aunt Jiang, who is accustomed to being spoiled and acting coy. Even if the second and fourth young ladies merely cough, she insists on sending someone to summon Xie Shuyuan.

"Why has the master come here at this time?" Xiao hurriedly helped Xie Qingxi to her feet, preparing to pay respects to Xie Shuyuan.

Xie Qingxi naturally knew that in recent days, the Xiao family had been putting in great effort for her sake. They truly spared no effort; fearing that she might not want to eat, they personally fed her bite by bite. To be honest, as a noble lady of ancient times, Xiao had grown up in luxury, with servants attending to her every need for clothing and food. Now, to toil so hard for her, it would be a lie to say she was not moved.