Chapter 148

Chapter 148

Everyone looked over and laughed at the sight.

Cong ran up to Xiao Yu, tugging at his hand, "Little Uncle, come on, let's go feed the pigs."

"Little brother!" Yu Tongtong called out.

Cong looked towards Yu Tongtong, "What is it?"

Yu Tongtong, with a stern little face, said, "Uncle Pei, Uncle Sanwu, Brother Minghe, Brother Danzi are all here, how can you not greet them? That's so rude!"

Cong'er, preoccupied with Uncle Xiao and feeding the pigs, hadn't noticed the people around. Reminded by his sister, he quickly turned and saw Pei Yanli and the others, promptly greeting Uncle Pei, Uncle Sanwu, and so on.

Pei Yanli and the others responded with smiles.

Cong'er lifted his little face proudly, "Sister, I greeted everyone."

Yu Tongtong, holding Cong'er's chubby cheeks, said, "Next time, remember to be just as polite, okay?"

"Yes!" Cong'er nodded.

"What a good little brother!" Yu Tongtong praised.

Cong'er smiled, then suddenly remembered the pigs, saying, "Feed the piggies."

"Alright, alright, let's feed the piggies," Xiao Yu told Danzi and the others, "You guys go ahead and sit inside, I'll take Cong'er to feed the pigs, it'll be quick."

"I'll come too," Danzi said.

Minghe added, "Uncle Xiao, I want to see too."

Yu Tongtong and Yaya also showed interest in the pigs.

Song Sanwu suggested, "Let's all go have a look."

"Then let's go," Xiao Yu responded.

The group made their way to the pig farm.

Xiao Yu was genuinely committed to raising pigs and farming well. As such, the Xiao River Pig Farm, like the Xiao River Farmstead, had grown in scale, now five to six times larger than before, with numerous pig pens housing boars, sows, and piglets.

Xiao Yu went to one of the pens and poured feed into the trough, where several piglets eagerly rushed over, snuffling and gobbling up the feed.

"Eat up, eat up!" Cong'er exclaimed with joy.

"Uncle Xiao, the piglets are all chubby," Yaya observed.

"Uncle Xiao, there are so many more piglets over there," said Danzi, now the Emperor of Dajing. Busy with state affairs and studies, he rarely left the palace and was not very familiar with the pig farm.

"Yes, they were all born this year," Xiao Yu confirmed.

"Uncle Xiao, feed those too," Cong'er pointed to the piglets nearby, "Feed them."

"There's no more pig feed, how do we feed them?" YaYa asked.

CongGe, hearing this, clung to Xiao Yu's hand holding the feed bucket, stood on his tiptoes, stretched his neck to look inside, and said, "Is it all gone?"

"All gone," Xiao Yu said with a smile.

"But the pigs over there haven't eaten yet," CongGe said, concerned.

"We're not feeding those," Xiao Yu, who had been contemplating pig feed since last year, had asked the pig farm owner to collect various types of pig feed. Each had its pros and cons, so he created a new type of feed based on his own ideas. He was using it to feed a group of piglets long-term to see the effects, and he explained this briefly to CongGe.

CongGe asked, "So, Uncle Xiao is only feeding these few pigs, not the others, and then they'll grow bigger than those pigs over there?"

"Exactly, CongGe is really smart," Xiao Yu praised, patting his chubby cheek.

CongGe turned to YaYa, boasting, "Uncle Xiao just said I'm smart again."

Xiao Yu chuckled.

Pei Yanli glanced over and commented, "These piglets seem to be larger than those on the other side."

"Yes, I'll try a few more batches of piglets. If this method proves to be better, we'll then announce it broadly," Xiao Yu said.

Pei Yanli nodded in agreement.

Yu Tongtong said, "When pigs are easier to raise, pork will be cheaper, and everyone can afford to eat meat."

Minghe replied, "That's right."

The young emperor added with a smile, "That's what we hope for."

"Alright, let them eat. Let's go to the tavern to talk," Xiao Yu suggested.

Pei Yanli and the others turned and walked towards the tavern courtyard.

Cong immediately called out, "Little Uncle!"

Xiao Yu turned back, "What's up?"

"The pigs haven't finished eating yet!" Cong was reluctant to leave.

"They'll be done soon!" Xiao Yu reassured.

"I want, I want to watch them finish!" Cong insisted.

"Then you watch, we'll go ahead."

"Don't go!"

"Do you want us to stay and watch with you?" Xiao Yu asked.

Before Cong could answer, Yu Tongtong said directly, "Cong Cong, why is your face so big?"

Realizing his sister was unwilling, Cong retorted, "So it's big!"

Yu Tongtong, with a serious expression, said, "Go be big over there then, we're not staying with you."

Cong threatened, "If you don't stay with me, I'll cry!"

"I dare you to cry!" Yu Tongtong picked up a stick from the ground.

Cong, knowing the drill, ran towards the tavern courtyard, looking back as he ran, "Mean sister, you're going to hit me! I'm going to tell Grandpa, mean sister!"

"That's for calling me mean!" Yu Tongtong pretended to chase after him.

While running, Cong shouted, "Grandpa, Grandpa, sister is going to hit me!"

Seeing Cong out of sight, Yu Tongtong tossed the stick away and turned to Xiao Yu with a smile, "Little Uncle, let's go."

Despite their playful squabbling, Yu Tongtong and Cong had a good relationship. Xiao Yu patted Yu Tongtong’s head and then said to Minghe and the others, "Let's go sit inside the tavern."

Minghe and the others nodded in agreement.

Xiao Yu chose a large private room, where they all gathered to discuss Minghe and Song Sanwu's campaign against the bandits.

It was also thanks to the timely distribution of the young emperor's disaster relief supplies that weakened the bandits' will to rebel. After dealing with the governor of Yuanzhou, they found the opportunity to act quickly; otherwise, Minghe and Song Sanwu wouldn't have been able to handle it so swiftly.

Xiao Yu, still concerned, asked, "Did any of you get hurt?"

"No, just when we were tracking the bandit leader, Minghe got scratched by a tree branch," Song Sanwu pointed at Minghe's neck.

Xiao Yu asked, "You went after the bandit leader?"

"Yes, those bandits are terrible! They weren't oppressed into banditry. Even before the drought, they were thieves and criminals. During the drought, under the guise of fighting for the people's justice, they rallied lazy troublemakers, inciting rebellion for their own gain. They looted money, food, women, men, and even government relief supplies. It's despicable! I couldn't let their leader escape to continue his crimes," Minghe said firmly, his face stern with determination.

"You did the right thing, Minghe!" Yu Tongtong supported him, "I would have chased them too."

Minghe looked at Yu Tongtong and nodded vigorously.

Song Sanwu looked at Minghe with admiration, "It was also because of Minghe's excellent horsemanship that we caught the bandit leader. I always knew he was special, and now I see I was right."

"You all worked hard," the young emperor said.

Minghe replied, "Brother, it's our duty. We will do our best to assist you and make Dajing stronger and more prosperous."

The young emperor's eyes shone as he nodded, "Yes, but you must be careful with your own safety in the future

"I understand," Minghe then turned to Xiao Yu, "Little Uncle, I know. I'll take good care of myself in the future, because if I get hurt, you and brother would worry."

"Me too," Yu Tongtong added.

Minghe acknowledged, "Yes, and Tongtong too."

"What about me?" Pei Yanli asked.

"Um, Uncle Pei would worry too."

"And us as well," Yue Niang, Song Sanwu, and others said together.

Minghe looked around at everyone who cared for him, feeling exceptionally warm inside. Just then, a chubby head peeked from the door of the private room, "Me too."

"Tattletale, how did you get here?" Yu Tongtong asked.

"I didn’t tattle. Since you didn’t chase me, I didn’t tell Grandpa," Cong replied, leaning on the door frame.

"You really didn’t tattle?" Yu Tongtong questioned.

"Really didn’t."

"Then where did you go?"

"I went to ask Grandpa for something to eat," Cong said, holding out a piece of pastry, happily approaching Yu Tongtong, "Sister, you eat this."

Yu Tongtong took a bite, looking down.

"Tastes good, doesn't it?" Cong asked.

"It's delicious."

Cong happily sat down next to Yu Tongtong.

The squabble between the siblings just disappeared mysteriously like that, much to the delight of Xiao Yu, who smiled and turned to Minghe, "See, even Cong is worried about you."

Minghe nodded with a smile, "I know."

Xiao Yu patted Minghe's head, "Hungry?"

"A little," Minghe replied.

"Then let's have the dishes served," Xiao Yu suggested.

The waiter quickly brought out the dishes, each a signature of the Xiao River No.2 Tavern. Everyone gathered to enjoy a hearty meal. The young emperor, Minghe, and Pei Yanli couldn't stay long and soon left for the palace.

Xiao Yu, Yue Niang, and Song Sanwu stayed to help in the tavern with the three children. In the evening, Yue Niang and the others left, and Pei Yanli came to pick up Xiao Yu.

Xiao Yu glanced behind Pei Yanli.

Understanding Xiao Yu's unspoken question, Pei Yanli explained, "The young emperor hadn't seen Minghe for a long time, so he wouldn't let Minghe return. Minghe had no choice but to say he'd come back tomorrow."

"Alright," Xiao Yu responded.

"Are you done with your work?"

"Almost," Xiao Yu replied. "The Xiaohezi Number Two Restaurant is known for its dishes, not its liquor, so we close at nightfall. It saves oil, trouble, and worry. Let's head home now."

"Alright."

After notifying Manager Sun, Xiao Yu walked into the dusk with him.

Pei Yanli took hold of Xiao Yu's hand.

Xiao Yu used to dislike this twilight hour, the cold, desolate feeling making him feel like an outcast of the world. But ever since having Minghe, Danzi, Pei Yanli, and others in his life, that sense of loneliness had vanished. He clasped Pei Yanli's hand in return.

"Tired?" Pei Yanli asked.

Xiao Yu shook his head, "Not tired, quite happy, actually."

"So, we're not taking the carriage?"

"Let's walk."

"Okay."

As they walked, night fell, and the streets lit up with various lanterns. A variety of foods and entertainments appeared. Xiao Yu turned his head, "Shall we buy some food?"

"What would you like to eat?" Pei Yanli asked.

"Let's buy a bit of everything. If we can't finish it, we'll give it to Changfu and the others." Xiao Yu was always generous to others.

"Sure." Pei Yanli went ahead to buy various foods.

The dim light cast a gentle glow on his handsome face, softening and refining his appearance, making him look gentle and scholarly. Xiao Yu never imagined he would one day meet such a fine and handsome man.

"All set." Pei Yanli held a variety of foods in his arms.

Xiao Yu glanced down and then quickly pecked Pei Yanli on the lips.

Pei Yanli immediately moved to reciprocate the kiss.

Xiao Yu, with a mischievous smile, covered his mouth and said, "There are people all around us."

Turning his head and seeing the food stall owner smiling at them, Pei Yanli whispered in Xiao Yu's ear, "I'll deal with you when we get back."

Xiao Yu, laughing, left arm in arm with Pei Yanli.

Once back at the General's mansion, Pei Yanli really gave Xiao Yu a thorough "sorting out."

Xiao Yu lay on the bed, completely drained.

Pei Yanli, holding him, asked, "Not feeling mischievous anymore?"

Xiao Yu rolled his eyes in response.

Pei Yanli chuckled softly, then gently stroked Xiao Yu's cheek with his knuckles, softly saying, "Your birthday is coming up."

"And then?" Xiao Yu asked, eyes closed.

"His Majesty wants to throw a grand celebration for you in the palace," Pei Yanli said.

Xiao Yu opened his eyes, "Why?"

"To emphasize your importance as the National Uncle."

"I don't want that." Xiao Yu disliked extravagance and waste. He believed that every day in life is unique and should be cherished, and there was no need for an elaborate celebration on his birthday.

Pei Yanli smiled, "I knew you wouldn't want it. His Majesty's idea is just to have a meal together."

"Everyone?" Xiao Yu asked, "Who do you mean?"

"Chef Yu, Old Lady Yu, Tongtong, Cong'er, Yue Niang, Song Sanwu, and Yaya – all those who have helped you, Minghe, and Danzi. Everyone can come to the palace, have a look around, and gather together." Chef Yu's family is very decent, and because of their integrity, Danzi and Minghe, like them, are fond of them.

Xiao Yu pondered for a moment.

"What do you think?" Pei Yanli's forehead rested against Xiao Yu's.

Xiao Yu said, "I think it's fine, especially since Chef Yu and the others already know Danzi's identity."

"Then it's settled."

"Alright."

Pei Yanli kissed Xiao Yu again.

Xiao Yu smiled and wrapped his arms around Pei Yanli's neck.

They shared another intimate moment.

The next morning, Pei Yanli conveyed Xiao Yu's thoughts to Danzi.

Danzi then started making preparations.

Xiao Yu went about his usual business with the pig feed, noticing that despite the same living conditions and water supply, his piglets were growing plump and healthy on his feed formula. He was very pleased, thinking that soon it would be time to share his feed mixing method publicly.

"Uncle Xiao!" Cong'er arrived again.

"Yes?" Xiao Yu responded.

"Grandma said we're going to Brother Danzi's house to play tomorrow," Cong'er ran up to Xiao Yu.

"That's right."

"Grandma also said that Brother Danzi's house is really big."

"Hmm."

"It's so big, what if I get tired walking? Sister said I must walk, but I'm so tired, what should I do?" Cong'er babbled non-stop.

"What do you mean?" Xiao Yu looked at Cong'er.

Cong'er earnestly said, "You can carry me."

Xiao Yu laughed, "You really know how to make arrangements."

The next day, as planned, Xiao Yu and Pei Yanli took a horse carriage to pick up Chef Yu's family. Seeing Chef Yu holding Cong'er, Xiao Yu asked, "They didn't make you walk, did they?"

Cong'er giggled.

Old Lady Yu kept fussing over the new clothes, also helping Tongtong and the others to get dressed.

Seeing this, Xiao Yu smiled and said, "Old Lady Yu, don't worry, the High Ancestor also came from a farming background. The Emperor Emeritus, the Empress Dowager, and the Queen Mother all prioritize the people."

"But we don't know the proper manners," Old Lady Yu worried.

Tongtong said, "Grandma, we've learned them." Knowing they would be entering the palace, they had specifically learned some courtly manners.

Old Lady Yu fretted, "I'm afraid I'll forget everything when I see the nobility."

"I remember them, Grandma. Just follow my lead later," Tongtong reassured.

Tongtong, always a decisive child, had now learned to read and often spent time with Minghe. Articulate and graceful in speech and behavior, Old Lady Yu couldn't help but rely on the young girl as her pillar of strength, saying, "Alright."

Tongtong squeezed Old Lady Yu's hand, "Grandma, don't be afraid. I'm going to be a court lady in the future; you'll need to get used to this."

Old Lady Yu laughed, significantly easing the tension.

Xiao Yu looked at the adorable and outstanding Yu Tongtong, his eyes and brows softening involuntarily.

Soon, the carriage entered the imperial palace.

The group alighted from the carriage.

CongGe, initially reluctant to walk, became fascinated by the extraordinary architecture he had never seen before and started following along curiously.

Old Lady Yu kept exclaiming, "My goodness, this is where the Emperor lives, my goodness."

"This is the imperial palace," added Chef Yu.

Yu Tongtong was also having an eye-opening experience.

The Yu family gazed around in awe as they walked, reaching the Qianxin Hall, where they saw YaYa and her family.

"Little CongCong!" YaYa called out.

"Big YaYa!" CongGe ran forward and hugged YaYa.

Xiao Yu inquired, "Where is His Majesty?"

"He is discussing state affairs with the ministers, along with Minghe," replied Song Sanwu.

"Then we shall wait here for a while," Xiao Yu said.

It wasn't long before the ministers left.

Danzi and Minghe came out and called together, "Little Uncle."

Xiao Yu bowed first, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for organizing the birthday feast for me."

"This is what a nephew should do. From now on, every year on Uncle Xiao's birthday, I will organize something," Danzi, knowing Xiao Yu's dislike for extravagance, added, "It will just be a family gathering."

Xiao Yu then nodded, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

After Xiao Yu finished speaking with Danzi, Tongtong led her family in giving their respects.

Yaya nudged Cong'er, "You should pay your respects too."

Cong'er, having learned the manners, attempted to bow but, being small and unsteady, fell to the ground.

Old Lady Yu and her husband were startled.

Danzi, however, chuckled and personally helped Cong'er up, saying, "Grandpa Yu, Grandma Yu, please don't be formal. Today we're just celebrating my Uncle Xiao's birthday. Let's all be at ease, just like we are in Shuiqing Alley or Southeast Square."

Seeing Danzi's approachable demeanor, the Yu family felt more relaxed.

Xiao Yu inquired, "Your Majesty, shall we go meet the Emperor Emeritus and the Empress Dowager?"

"We'll wait for a few more people," Danzi replied.

"Who?" Xiao Yu asked, puzzled.

As he spoke, a palace attendant arrived to announce someone.

Danzi nodded.

Then, three people walked in, and Xiao Yu immediately recognized one of them, "Lord Yuan!" Back when he and Minghe were struggling, selling buns at Qingshi Town's small wharf, their first customer was Lord Yuan. Later, Lord Yuan helped them find work, allowing them and Minghe to survive the cold winter. He also patronized Xiao Yu's morning food stall and tavern... Lord Yuan was a benefactor to him and Minghe, and Xiao Yu had always remembered to meet him again, never expecting it would happen here.

"Xiao Yu!" Lord Yuan was exceptionally happy.

"Lord Yuan, how have you been these past few years?" Xiao Yu quickly greeted him.

"Do I look well?" Lord Yuan was as open and cheerful as ever.

"Very well, indeed," Xiao Yu replied, visibly moved.

Lord Yuan said, "I heard you're now Prince Xuan. I should pay my respects to you."

"No, no, please don't," Xiao Yu quickly stopped Lord Yuan.

Nevertheless, Lord Yuan still paid his respects to Danzi.

Xiao Yu urgently asked, "Your Majesty, how did you find Lord Yuan?"

"Uncle Xiao, do you know who informed me about the drought in Yuanzhou?" Danzi asked.

"Could it be Lord Yuan?" Xiao Yu guessed.

Danzi nodded, "Exactly. Lord Yuan was an Imperial Censor in the capital years ago. Dissatisfied with some ministers, he retired to wander around. It was during his travels in Yuanzhou that he used his connections to write me a report."

"I see." Xiao Yu had always sensed Lord Yuan's integrity and was not mistaken.

Minghe said, "Uncle Xiao, when I went to Yuanzhou, it was Lord Yuan who guided me. I didn't recognize him, but he recognized me."

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Xiao Yu asked.

Minghe replied with a sly smile, "His Majesty said it was to be a surprise for you."

"It really is a surprise." Xiao Yu was genuinely delighted, then noticed the two children behind Lord Yuan, one slightly younger than Minghe and Danzi, plump, and the other a bit older and taller. He exclaimed, "Jin Dabao, Tian Liu!"

"Uncle Minghe!" the two children called out in unison.

Minghe asked, "Dabao, do you still recognize me?"

Jin Dabao replied, "I don't remember your face, but I know your name."

"Has my face changed?" Minghe asked.

"I was too young years ago; my memory is blurry," Jin Dabao explained.

"It's just your poor memory," Tian Liu immediately countered. "You struggled with 'The Song of Everlasting Regret' for half a month and still could only recite half of it hesitantly."

Jin Dabao retorted, unconvinced, "If it were 'The Song of Short Regret,' I could

Cong'er didn't quite understand this, but hearing Jin Dabao's tone, as if he could eat three buns in one go, immediately cheered him on, saying, "You're so impressive!"

His comment, though sincere, was misinterpreted by everyone present, leading to a burst of laughter.

Jin Dabao glared at Tian Liu and said, "Pay me back for the meal tomorrow!"

"Fine, I'll pay you back!" Tian Liu replied.

These cousins hadn't changed at all, making Xiao Yu laugh even more heartily.

Minghe, Danzi, and Tongtong quickly joined in the fun with Jin Dabao and Tian Liu, with Yaya and Cong'er, the little ones, squeezing in between them to listen.

Xiao Yu and others exchanged pleasantries with Lord Yuan for a while.

After some time, they all went to meet Emperor Yongxi and the Empress Dowager.

Emperor Yongxi still remembered Lord Yuan and inquired about his whereabouts over the years.

Lord Yuan spoke about the landscapes, rivers, people, and customs of Dajing.

Emperor Yongxi, the Empress Dowager, and others listened with joy and longing, their gaze eventually shifting to the children.

Birds of a feather flock together; the children who could play with Danzi and Minghe all possessed a charming allure.

Emperor Yongxi and the Empress Dowager were very fond of them.

Xiao Yuanping was the happiest, continuously calling out 'sister', 'brother', 'little sister', 'little brother', as if he had found long-lost siblings, showing immense affection.

The Princess Royal, Secretary Pei, and Pei Yiyang also arrived.

In the evening, Emperor Yongxi specially invited Lady Zheng to join them.

With everyone gathered, the palace was unusually lively, and Danzi had arranged for various entertainments like acrobatics and operas to celebrate Xiao Yu's birthday.

As the night deepened, fireworks lit up the sky, creating a stunning display.

The children cheered together in the courtyard.

Concerned that Xiao Yu might be cold, Pei Yanli specially wrapped him in an overcoat.

Xiao Yu, looking at the smiling faces around him, turned to Pei Yanli and said, "All the plots in the book have come to an end."

Pei Yanli looked at him affectionately, "So, what follows is our new life."

"Yes," Xiao Yu nodded.

Pei Yanli, holding Xiao Yu's hand, said, "Then let's embrace this new life together."

Xiao Yu held his hand in return, "Yes, let's embrace our new life together."

Both gazed at the children laughing under the fireworks, their eyes curving into smiles.

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