Chapter 143

Chapter 143

When Pei Yanli and Xiao Yu were searching for Minghe and Yu Tongtong, Pei Yanli had an inkling about Xiao Yu's extraordinary nature. Initially, he thought it was just Xiao Yu's intelligence, not giving it much thought.

It wasn't until Xiao Yu fell into a coma and the monk mentioned Xiao Yu's soul didn't belong to this world that Pei Yanli started to believe in Xiao Yu's 'intelligent' foresight, thus placing his trust in the monk.

Now hearing it from Xiao Yu himself, Pei Yanli still couldn't help but feel a jolt in his heart.

"It might have been a world from the future," Xiao Yu suggested.

"A world from the future?" Pei Yanli asked, intrigued.

Xiao Yu described to Pei Yanli the conditions of the 21st century, then added, "And we are living inside a book. I knew some plot points in advance, which is why I was able to accurately uncover the Zheng brothers' malice, find where Minghe was, and the danger Tongtong faced."

Pei Yanli was astounded.

"Is it hard to understand?" Xiao Yu inquired.

Pei Yanli remained silent.

Xiao Yu continued, "When I was in a coma, I returned to the 21st century. I—"

"Will you go back?" Pei Yanli suddenly gripped Xiao Yu's hand tightly, his gaze earnest. He didn't care whether they were living in a book, a painting, or something else; cherishing each day was what mattered.

Xiao Yu shared the same sentiment. "I won't go back."

Pei Yanli was somewhat flustered, "That place is so good, so convenient, so—"

"But you're not there," Xiao Yu interrupted Pei Yanli, reaching out to touch his handsome face, his gaze filled with affection. "Without you, without Minghe, without Danzi, without so many people I care about, I've been thinking about you all every moment since I left. That's why I knelt before the Buddha, asking to return here, to be with you. Yanli, don't be afraid. I'm back now, I'm well, and I won't leave again. Let's grow old together, alright?"

"Yes," Pei Yanli's voice was slightly choked up as he tightly grasped Xiao Yu's hand.

Xiao Yu leaned closer to Pei Yanli.

Their foreheads pressed together, feeling each other's warmth, breath, and heartbeat. Neither spoke, their minds gradually calming as the surroundings quieted. The night slowly drew to a close, the eastern sky lightened with the first light of dawn, and the two had fallen deeply asleep. When they opened their eyes, the room was already brightly lit.

Xiao Yu smiled at Pei Yanli in front of him.

Pei Yanli, seeing the gentle light in Xiao Yu's eyes, felt a sense of security and couldn't resist kissing his forehead.

Xiao Yu gently pushed him away, signaling him to look behind.

Pei Yanli turned his head and saw two small heads at the bedside, Minghe and Danzi; he was startled, "You guys..."

"Uncle Yan, Uncle!" Minghe and Danzi exclaimed together.

"When did you get here?" Pei Yanli sat up.

"We've been here for a while," said Minghe.

Danzi nodded.

The two children had developed the habit of rising early to study. Even though they were staying at the General's residence today, they got up on time. Seeing their uncle and Uncle Yan sleeping, and feeling reassured when their uncle moved slightly in his sleep, knowing he hadn't passed out, they quietly returned to the yard to start their morning reading.

When the time came, they entered the room and lay beside the bed, watching their uncle and Uncle Yan for nearly half an hour. Minghe said, "It's been almost half an hour."

"You've been lying here for so long," Xiao Yu remarked.

"Not long, it just flew by," Minghe didn't want to leave his Little Uncle for even a moment, missing him so much.

Xiao Yu smiled, attempting to get up.

Pei Yanli immediately went to assist him.

After yesterday's nourishment, Xiao Yu felt stronger today and said, "I think I can get out of bed and walk around today."

"After breakfast, I’ll help you get out of bed," Pei Yanli replied.

Xiao Yu nodded in agreement.

After Pei Yanli finished his morning routine, he ordered breakfast for Xiao Yu.

Compared to yesterday’s porridge, today’s meal was much more substantial, though still mostly liquid food – egg custard, minced greens, rice porridge, minced meat, and steamed fish.

Pei Yanli offered to feed him again.

Xiao Yu raised his hand, indicating, "I can eat by myself now."

Pei Yanli then placed a small dining table on the bed and watched Xiao Yu finish his breakfast before he, Minghe, and Danzi went to have theirs.

At noon, the sun shone warmly on the earth.

Pei Yanli helped Xiao Yu out of bed.

Having been in bed for too long, Xiao Yu’s legs were a bit wobbly. He almost fell, but fortunately, Pei Yanli was there to support him.

With Pei Yanli's help, Xiao Yu managed to take a few steps. Despite feeling weak and breaking into a sweat, sitting at the door and basking in the sun was really comfortable.

Enjoying this rare leisure, he wanted to see how Minghe and Danzi were progressing in their studies at Tai Xue.

The two children showcased their learning – reciting texts, practicing boxing, shooting arrows – displaying all they had learned in the past few months for Xiao Yu to see.

Xiao Yu continuously praised them.

The two children, revitalized by the encouragement, were incredibly happy.

Xiao Yu looked at Pei Yanli and said, “I want to walk a bit more.”

“Okay,” Pei Yanli responded.

Walking indeed proved beneficial; by noon, Xiao Yu was able to sit and eat with Pei Yanli, Minghe, and Danzi. By the afternoon, he could walk a significant distance, and by evening, when Minghe and Danzi had to return to the palace.

The two children wished Xiao Yu could return with them, but understanding his frail state, they reluctantly looked at him and weakly called, “Little Uncle.”

Xiao Yu smiled, holding their tender little hands, “Our Minghe and Danzi have always been excellent, capable of doing everything well. I won’t be returning to the East Palace for now, but I trust that you both can manage eating, playing, and studying there, right?”

“Right,” both children agreed in unison.

“Then you go back. In a few days, come see me again. By then, I’ll be able to walk and jump, and I’ll cook something delicious for you,” Xiao Yu said.

“Then Little Uncle, you have to miss me,” Minghe said.

“Of course, I’ll miss you,” Xiao Yu looked at Danzi and preempted him by adding, “And you too.”

“Little Uncle, you must take good care of yourself!” Minghe’s concern resurfaced.

“Don’t worry!” Xiao Yu smiled reassuringly.

Finally, the children left reluctantly.

Xiao Yu felt a pang of separation but knew “parents must let go for children to truly grow.” He watched them get into the carriage with a smile.

He watched until the carriage turned the corner and disappeared. He and Pei Yanli then returned to the mansion. For the next few days, Pei Yanli didn’t go anywhere or see any guests, dedicating his time to accompany Xiao Yu in eating, drinking, sleeping, and walking. Xiao Yu, being young and having a good foundation, recovered well over half a month. Though still a bit thin, he was almost back to normal. He dressed formally and accompanied Pei Yanli to meet Emperor Yongxi.

Not having seen him for over three months, Emperor Yongxi looked much more haggard but was delighted to see Xiao Yu, grabbing his hand and exclaiming, “Xiao Yu, you’ve finally awakened. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have had any good days.”

Although exaggerated, everyone from the Empress Dowager, the Empress, Danzi, Noble Consort Zheng, Minghe, and many others who benefited from Xiao Yu’s help were concerned about him, inquiring daily about his condition. Emperor Yongxi realized for the first time how many people were affected by Xiao Yu; their daily tasks were undoubtedly impacted by their worries for him.

Xiao Yu smiled, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."

"As long as you're well, that's good. From now on, eat more to build your strength so nothing can affect you," Emperor Yongxi, like others, thought Xiao Yu had been cursed.

Xiao Yu didn't elaborate further and, after speaking with Emperor Yongxi for a while, visited the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and Noble Consort Zheng in the harem. He then had lunch with Minghe and Danzi in the East Palace, leaving the palace in the evening to join the Grand Princess, Chancellor Pei, and Pei Yiyang for dinner at Pei Mansion.

He stayed overnight at the Pei Mansion and the next morning, he and Pei Yanli visited Xiaohezi No. 2 Restaurant.

"It's not open yet," Pei Yanli observed, looking at the closed doors of the restaurant.

"Let's visit Chef Yu's home," suggested Xiao Yu.

Pei Yanli nodded in agreement.

"Tongtong must have started at the Women's Academy, right?" Xiao Yu inquired.

"Yes, she began this spring," Pei Yanli replied, holding Xiao Yu's hand as they walked towards Chef Yu's home.

"How is her learning going?" asked Xiao Yu.

"Quite well. She's made many friends and has even visited their homes," replied Pei Yanli.

"That's great. And how about Cong'er? He must be walking steadily now," Xiao Yu inquired.

Pei Yanli stopped and gazed into the distance.

Following his gaze, Xiao Yu looked over.

A chubby child in fine cloth, holding a meat bun, stood at the doorstep, teasing a small black dog, "I won’t give it to you, just won’t. Let's see you get anxious."

"That's Cong'er," Xiao Yu said with a smile.

Pei Yanli nodded.

"He's really chubby," Xiao Yu commented, watching Cong'er and the little black dog.

The dog, desperate for a treat, wagged its tail and barked, "Woof!"

Cong Ge'er said, "Wang also, no give, you eat."

"Woof woof," the little black dog continued to bark.

Cong Ge'er took another bite of the meat bun, deliberately making a savory sound: "Mmm, yummy."

"Woof woof woof!"

"No give, no give, just won't give," Cong Ge'er shook his head and swayed.

Suddenly, the little black dog lunged forward, snatched the meat bun in one bite, and turned to leave.

Looking down at his empty hand, Cong Ge'er exclaimed, "Ah, my bun!"

The little black dog ran off.

Yu Tongtong came out holding half a meat bun.

"Sister, Blackie, my bun!" Cong Ge'er complained.

Yu Tongtong knew her brother all too well, "Did you tease it again?"

"I, I—"

"Serves you right!" Yu Tongtong said crisply.

Cong'er reached out to snatch Tongtong's remaining meat bun.

Tongtong quickly stuffed the rest of the bun into her mouth, puffing up her cheeks and mumbled unclearly, "All gone, I ate it all."

Cong'er: "..."

Just then, Grandma Yu heard them and handed another bun to Cong'er.

"Big bun! A big bun!" Cong'er raised his chubby hand, showing off to Tongtong.

Tongtong snatched the bun back and said, "Grandma, I'm off to school now," and ran off quickly.

"Ah, my bun—" cried Cong'er.

"Tongtong, you—" But Tongtong was already out of sight, leaving Grandma Yu looking at Cong'er helplessly: "Why do you have to show off just for a bun?"

Cong'er, annoyed, said: "Bun, bun, sister, dog, naughty..."

"Here's another one, take it. If this one gets taken too, there won't be another," Grandma Yu handed Cong'er another bun, then noticed a familiar figure and turned, astonished: "Xiao Yu, it's really you! You're awake!"

"Grandma!" Xiao Yu walked over with a smile.

Since learning of Xiao Yu's mysterious collapse, Grandma Yu had been praying daily, hoping for his safe recovery. Now seeing him standing before her, her eyes welled up with excitement, she grasped Xiao Yu's arm, looking him up and down: "It's really you, Xiao Yu. Are you all better now?"

"All better," Xiao Yu replied with a smile. "I'm fine now."

"But you've lost so much weight."

"I'll gain weight once I start eating more."

"Yes, yes, definitely," Grandma Yu repeatedly agreed.

Chef Yu, hearing the commotion, hurried out excitedly, "Xiao Yu, you're awake!"

Xiao Yu responded, "Yes, Chef Yu, I'm awake."

"Quick, come inside and sit," Chef Yu and Grandma Yu both eagerly ushered Xiao Yu into the courtyard.

Pei Yanlei followed closely behind.

Just as they stepped into the courtyard, they heard Cong'er stubbornly saying "I won't give it," and turned to see the little black dog snatching Cong'er's meat bun again and running off.

Cong'er's chubby hand was empty once more, and this time he couldn't hold back his tears, picking up a stick from the ground and wailing as he chased after the dog, "Stop! Stop! I'll hit you! My bun! Waaah! Give it back! My bun!"

"Cong'er!" Chef Yu quickly ran after him.