Chapter 72

Chapter 72

The uncle and cousin's protests gradually faded into the distance.

Xiao Yu let out a long sigh.

Egg clapped his hands joyfully, "We’ve finally caught all the bad guys!"

Xiao Yu looked down and said, "Egg, you've done the greatest service!"

"Uncle, I want to ride the pigs!" Egg hadn't ridden pigs for a long time and seized the chance to ask for his reward.

Xiao Yu laughed, "Agreed! But only if an adult is watching."

Egg nodded eagerly, then happily caressed Ya Ya's chubby little legs, "Ya Ya, brother is going to ride the pigs! When you grow up, I’ll take you riding with me."

Ya Ya cried out, not letting Egg touch her legs.

But Egg insisted on touching them.

"Egg, don't bother your sister," Xiao Yu said.

"Uncle, sister's legs are so chubby."

"Yours aren't slim either." Xiao Yu, carrying Ya Ya, entered the bedroom and said, "Sister Moon, Brother Sanwu and Twelve have taken Cai Niang's father and brother to the county office. You're still weak and need rest, so I'll take Ya Ya to the tavern for a while. I’ll bring her back after Brother Sanwu returns."

Unable to care for Ya Ya at the moment, Sister Moon replied, "Thank you for your help."

Xiao Yu then took Ya Ya back to the tavern.

Soon, Song Sanwu arrived at the tavern to pick up Ya Ya and pleaded with Pei Yanli to continue treating Sister Moon.

Pei Yanli said, "According to the prescription, after two more days of medication, the toxins can be completely eliminated."

"Thank you, Kong Langjun!" Song Sanwu said.

Two days later, Madame Yue was able to get out of bed, and on the third day, she strode to Xiaohezi Tavern to thank Pei Yanli.

Pei Yanli gladly accepted.

Xiao Yu inquired about the situation of Cai Niang's family.

Madame Yue replied, "They have all confessed to their crimes and are naturally dealt with according to the law. Cai Niang, for attempted murder, is imprisoned for two years; her uncle, for instigating murder, one year; and her cousin and aunt, as accomplices, three months each. The family is fined twenty taels."

Upon hearing this, Pei Yanli nodded.

Xiao Yu felt relieved and said, "It's finally over."

"Yes, I feel so much lighter," said Madame Yue. She wasn't consumed by Cai Niang's family’s affair; her concern was for those around her. "However, this incident really frightened your brother Sanwu. He's now planning to buy a new residence, bring over my parents, and hire more maids and servants to protect me and Ya Ya. He even said that if he has to travel far, he’ll take me and Ya Ya with him."

In the book "Emperor's Dream," Song Sanwu indeed traveled extensively with Ya Ya, which greatly broadened her horizons. Thus, Ya Ya became an exceptional empress, significantly aiding with the egg. Xiao Yu agreed, saying, "That's great. The mountains and rivers of Da Jing are splendid, and it's a peaceful and prosperous era. Traveling more to experience different cultures and customs can also cultivate one's sentiments."

"Now that you mention it, indeed," Madame Yue laughed. "Perhaps one day we'll end up in the capital city and meet you guys again."

"With our deep connection, we are bound to meet again."

"Exactly. Not only did you save Ya Ya’s life, but also mine. There's no deeper bond than this. We are definitely going to meet again," Madame Yue firmly believed.

Xiao Yu said, "Alright, see you in the capital." If he and Ming He could live peacefully, they would surely meet Madame Yue, Song Sanwu, and Ya Ya again.

Madame Yue nodded.

Believing in this fate, Xiao Yu, Song Sanwu, and Madame Yue were not saddened by their departure, but rather looked forward to the future. He then bid farewell to each person, including Niu Daniao and the Shen family.

In the blink of an eye, the day to leave Shuiqing Alley arrived.

Early in the morning, Xiao Yu set out with the two children.

Pei Yanli and Lu Ming were standing by the carriage waiting.

"Are we traveling by carriage?" A few days ago, Xiao Yu had discussed the trip to the capital with Ming He and Danzi. Though both children were reluctant to leave Yu Tongtong, Jin Dabao, and Tian Liu, they accepted the idea, knowing they could occasionally return to Qingshi Town. After a formal farewell with Yu Tongtong, they were now thrilled to see a real horse and carriage.

"Yes, do you like it?" Lu Ming asked.

"We love it." The children couldn't wait to get on the carriage.

Lu Ming then lifted the children onto the carriage.

Pei Yanli offered to help Xiao Yu.

Xiao Yu naturally avoided his help and climbed up on his own.

Pei Yanli's hand froze mid-air.

"What's wrong?" Lu Ming asked.

Pei Yanli had worked harmoniously with Xiao Yu a few days ago dealing with Cai Niang. But once that matter was settled, Xiao Yu became distant and unresponsive, which left Pei Yanli feeling quite dejected.

Seeing Pei Yanli silent, Lu Ming asked again, "Shall we set off now?"

"Hmm," Pei Yanli finally responded.

The two men drove the carriage.

Xiao Yu, holding the two children, sat inside the carriage when it suddenly stopped.

"What happened?" Ming He asked.

Danzi also inquired, "Why have we stopped?"

"There are many people ahead," Lu Ming explained.

The three uncles and nephews opened the window to see Chef Yu and others waiting.

"Tongtong! Tongtong!" Ming He called out excitedly.

"Ming He! Danzi!" Yu Tongtong, Jin Dabao, and Tian Liu shouted back in unison.

The trio got out of the carriage together.

The neighbors brought various foods, insisting that a journey is enriched by provisions, urging them to take everything.

Touched by their kindness, the uncles and nephews felt an even deeper sense of reluctance to leave.

But there's no feast that doesn't come to an end.

After giving their final instructions, they climbed back into the carriage, leaned out the window, and waved goodbye to the teary-eyed Chef Yu and the others.

The carriage slowly started moving, continuing until they were out of sight.

"Uncle," Ming He said, covering his eyes with his small hands, suddenly calling out.

"What is it?" Xiao Yu asked.

Ming He's voice was faint: "I feel like crying."

Xiao Yu asked, "Do you miss Tongtong that much?"

"Yes, I really miss Tongtong," replied Ming He.

"Go ahead and cry," Xiao Yu said, holding Ming He. "It's okay to cry if you feel like it."

Ming He buried his face in Xiao Yu's embrace and began to sob softly.

Before leaving Shuiqing Alley, Xiao Yu had made arrangements for Xiaohezi Breakfast Shop, Xiaohezi Tavern, their farmland, pig farm, the female protagonist Ya Ya, and her mother. Everything was set for a positive development.

The only concern was the supporting character Yu Tongtong. With the storyline of "Emperor's Dream" now disrupted, he was unsure of the exact day of Yu Tongtong's demise. However, he knew that after her father Yu Hui became an imperial scholar, he would bring Yu Tongtong to his side, arrange a marriage for her, and that's when the tragedy would occur.

So, he needed to make a name for himself in the capital, before Yu Hui appeared on the list of successful candidates in the palace examination, and rescue Yu Tongtong. For now, he would let Ming He grieve a little.

He gently patted Ming He, allowing the child to have a good cry.

Before long, the carriage slowly came to a stop, and the uncles and nephew got out.

"Brother, look, so many boats!" Danzi exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement at the sight of cargo boats, flower boats, tower boats, and painted boats continuously plying the Zi Tang Canal.

Ming He, having cried all the way, now seemed a bit more composed.

Danzi, holding Ming He's hand, said, "Brother, don't cry. In the capital, we'll buy delicious treats for Tongtong."

Ming He corrected him, "Tongtong likes flowers."

Danzi immediately responded, "Then we'll buy flowers for Tongtong. I have silver!"

Ming He patted his chest, producing a clinking sound of copper coins, and said, "I have some too."

"We'll buy them together for Tongtong."

"Yeah!"

"Which boat should we take?" Xiao Yu asked Lu Ming, not Pei Yanli, at that moment.

Lu Ming glanced at Pei Yanli, then pointed to a modestly old painted boat nearby, saying, "Considering safety and privacy, we'll choose this one."

"Great, let's board the boat."

Ming He, experiencing a boat ride for the first time, was more excited than sad, quickly joining Egg in play. Suddenly, he burrowed into Xiao Yu's embrace.

Xiao Yu, lost in thought while watching the receding Qingshi Town, mistook Ming He's action for affection and hugged him, only to realize Ming He was starting to retch.

"Brother!" Egg asked worriedly, "What's wrong with you?"

Xiao Yu, alarmed, quickly checked on Ming He, "Ming He, are you feeling unwell?"

"Uncle, I feel like vomiting," Ming He said, his face turning pale.

Lu Ming observed and said, "He's probably seasick."

"It is his first long journey by boat," Xiao Yu quickly fetched dried tangerine peel from his bag for Ming He to sniff, but it didn't alleviate the sickness. Ming He vomited and then became drowsy.

"Qingshan Town is just ahead; let's rest there for a day," suggested Pei Yanli.

As soon as the boat docked, Xiao Yu hurriedly carried Ming He off.

Leaning on Xiao Yu's shoulder, Ming He, feeling miserable, called out, "Uncle."

Xiao Yu felt pained hearing this, "We're off the boat now, you'll feel better soon."

They found an inn to stay at for the time being.

After laying Ming He on the bed, Xiao Yu gently fed him some water.

It was time for a midday rest, and he naturally drifted off to sleep.

Xiao Yu remained watchful by the side.

Two quarters of an hour later, Ming He woke up, rubbing his stomach, "Uncle, I'm hungry."

Being able to eat was a good sign.

Xiao Yu let out a long sigh of relief.

Pei Yanli just happened to bring in some food, "You didn't eat lunch either."

"Thank you." Xiao Yu, without even glancing at Pei Yanli, took the tray and placed it on the table, then lifted Ming He down, gently saying, "Eat up."

Ming He's seasickness was real, but so was his recovery. He devoured a bun, lots of dishes, and even soup, quickly regaining his energy. Then he asked, "Uncle, where's my brother?"

"He's with Uncle Lu next door," Xiao Yu replied.

"I'm going to find my brother," said Ming He, accustomed to being with his brother all the time.

"Your brother should be awake from his nap now, go ahead."

Ming He dashed out.

Xiao Yu looked at the tray of food; the little guy had only eaten half. He sat down and picked up the chopsticks to eat.

Pei Yanli said, "I'll bring you another serving of food."

"No need, this is enough," Xiao Yu replied.

Pei Yanli felt the portion was a bit small and said, "This—"

Xiao Yu interrupted, "It's quite normal for adults to eat children's leftovers. You're a father now, you should learn to take care of children. For instance, paying attention to their seasickness and their meals. At least be a good father."

A father now?

A good father?

What is he talking about?

Pei Yanli was clueless about what Xiao Yu was referring to, but seeing Xiao Yu's indifferent attitude, he suddenly remembered the letter from Kong Shaoqing.

Right!

The letter!

It was since the letter reached Lu Ming from Kong Shaoqing that Xiao Yu's attitude towards him changed drastically.

The fog that had troubled him for many days suddenly cleared. He realized that Xiao Yu mistakenly thought he, the imposter Kong Shiyi, had children, which explained the deliberate distance. A sudden joy welled up in him. Looking at Xiao Yu, he no longer felt uncomfortable and smiled, "Yes, I should quickly learn how to take care of children."

Despicable man!

Xiao Yu cursed inwardly and bit fiercely into a bun.

Pei Yanli watched him, his cheeks puffed out like a little hamster, which was particularly cute. He said, "Otherwise, when Ming He and Danzi grow up, I won't have any chance to play my part."

Flirting again!

And aimlessly at that!

Annoyed, Xiao Yu put down his chopsticks and picked up the tray, ready to leave.

Pei Yanli reached out to grab Xiao Yu's arm, no longer hiding the truth, and said, "Xiao Yu, I am not Kong Shaoqing."

Xiao Yu turned his head angrily towards him: "Let go."

"I have neither wife nor concubines, nor children," Pei Yanli explained.

Xiao Yu cursed fiercely, "To be so deceitful and deny your own kin, I've never seen such despicable behavior in my life."

Born into a prestigious family, Pei Yanli had always been surrounded by praise. Indeed, he was exceptional enough to deserve it. This was the first time he had been openly insulted, and even he, who had weathered many storms, was taken aback.

"Despicable man! Scoundrel!" Xiao Yu stepped away to leave.

Coming back to his senses, Pei Yanli hurriedly followed, pulling out a plaque from his bosom with the character "Pei" on it, and said, "My name is Pei Yanli, courtesy name Yizhi. I had to impersonate Kong Shaoqing under duress."

Pei Yanli?

Xiao Yu suddenly stopped in his tracks, looking in shock at the handsome man before him: "Your name is?"