Chapter Eighty-Two: Family Matters

Chapter Eighty-Two: Family Matters

"Mother came from home, and although it's closer to Wansui Mountain, it still takes some time by carriage. Even if she left early in the morning, she wouldn't arrive until after noon. It would be around the afternoon before we could see her. After talking for a while, she'd have to rush back to avoid the gates closing at night." As she spoke, a warm and gentle smile graced her lips, as if a soft glow enveloped her, making her appear saintly and beautiful.

Chu Nan's expression was serious; he couldn't stand seeing her so cautious and fearful of crossing any lines.

"This place is so big, surely there's room for your mother to stay overnight? If she can't make it back, staying here for a night shouldn't be an issue. We're not in the palace. Why must you be so anxious?"

With him as her support, why did she need to be so meticulous and restrained? Even if she were a bit more assertive, he would still ensure her comfort. Was it because he couldn't provide her with peace of mind that she was being so careful?

Hearing his discontent, Fan Xueyao understood that this situation didn't call for her to be overly cautious or obedient. She pursed her lips slightly, looking a bit embarrassed.

"My mother might sound refined when she says she's cautious, but in truth, she's just timid. If she stayed overnight, she probably wouldn't sleep a wink. It's not worth it. I know you care about me and want me to spend more time with my family, but I'm grateful. My mother isn't young anymore and isn't in the best health. Rather than forcing her to stay against her will, which would make her uncomfortable, it's better to let her go."

Her voice was soft and soothing, creating a gentle itch in one's heart. It was pleasant to listen to, even when she was explaining things logically.

Chu Nan understood that she wasn't doubting him but simply considering her mother's feelings. The warmth returned to his eyes as he looked at her affectionately, then playfully scolded her, placing a rare dish of shrimp on her plate.

"I was just suggesting it, and you take it so seriously, giving me all these reasons. If I don't agree, it would make me seem unreasonable. Fine, everything will be as you wish. If you want to spend more time with her or anything else, just say the word. If you feel like keeping her longer, just tell the servants."

Fan Xueyao pouted, feeling wronged. "It was you who suddenly became so serious and intimidating. I haven't even blamed you for scaring me, and now you're blaming me for taking it seriously." Her pout and furrowed brows made her look pitiful.

Chu Nan couldn't help but apologize and coax her with a smile. "Alright, alright, I shouldn't have scared you. Eat quickly, the soup is almost gone." He diligently placed several dishes on her plate and poured her a bowl of mutton soup, his eyes filled with tender affection.

Fan Xueyao let him coax her for a while before breaking into a sweet smile. She took bite after bite of the food he had given her. "Mmm, these shrimps are delicious." She also placed a serving on his plate.

The two of them were sweet and affectionate, and the surrounding maidservants watched in amazement. They knew Chu Nan and Fan Zhaoyi were deeply in love, but they never expected such a scene. Fan Zhaoyi had easily cheered Chu Nan up and then acted a bit spoiled, only for him to gently coax her back.

The maidservants Fan Zhaoyi brought seemed unfazed, as if they were used to such scenes. This made the other maidservants realize how much favor Fan Zhaoyi held.

After lunch, they washed up and settled down to play chess. Just as they started their second game, someone reported that Fan Li had arrived. Fan Xueyao hurried to change and prepare, setting up screens and curtains in the back hall and arranging a charcoal stove. It was another half hour before Li Rong arrived.

Fan Xueyao personally greeted her mother, leading her to the back hall, where she served tea and held hands, exchanging pleasantries.

Li Rong looked her over and nodded. "You're looking better than ever." Since autumn began, Fan Xueyao had been eating well, her skin fair and smooth, her complexion rosy, and with Chu Nan's love, she had no worries.

Fan Xueyao smiled warmly. "Everything is going smoothly for me, so how could it not be good? Don't worry, Mother."

"How is everything at home?"

"Your grandmother is still the same; she lacks energy in autumn but recovers with some medicine. Your father is healthy, and your brother is doing well. However, I should tell you that your sister-in-law is pregnant, already two months along." Despite trying to maintain composure, Li Rong's face lit up with joy, her eyes crinkling with laughter and her lips curved upward.

Fan Xueyao felt happy too. Seeing her son grow, she had been worried about her brother and sister-in-law not having children. Now, she was relieved.

"Is your sister-in-law feeling well? When I was pregnant with Xu'er, I had severe morning sickness. The official had people make sour and sweet pickles to help with nausea. I'll have some prepared for her to take home."

Fan Xueyao smiled. "I hope she eats and sleeps well, and gives birth to a healthy baby boy for Father and Mother."

Li Rong laughed. "Thanks to the ginseng and lingzhi you've sent home, she's doing well. Since the official made those pickles for you, keep them for yourself. She doesn't need them. She's finally expecting our grandson, so we'll take good care of her."

Fan Xueyao frowned slightly, disagreeing. "She deserves credit for bearing a child for the family, but she shouldn't be treated so extravagantly."

She knew her mother had always worried about not having a grandson. In the past, her sister-in-law had faced some criticism due to not having children, but now that she was pregnant, Fan Xueyao wanted to consider her mother's perspective.

Her sister-in-law, as the daughter-in-law of the Fan family, had taken charge of household affairs. Without a child, she had been less confident, but Fan Xueyao didn't want her mother to feel inferior.

In Fan Xueyao's view, whether a child was born legitimate or not didn't matter much; they were all her brother's children and her nephews. She didn't want her mother to value the unborn grandson too highly, leading to spoiling him or her sister-in-law becoming arrogant.

Li Rong smiled. "I was just saying it; she wouldn't allow it anyway. She wouldn't dare be so presumptuous."

Despite past disagreements, Li Rong knew her daughter-in-law was upright and wouldn't become arrogant upon gaining favor.

Fan Xueyao saw her mother's understanding and felt reassured.

As long as her sister-in-law treated her parents and brother well, she would gladly offer her support. She instructed the maidservant to pack various delicacies and fine silks for Li Rong to take home.

Li Rong listened, her heart warming with joy.

"The Ministry of Personnel has announced that your father's performance has been excellent, and he may be promoted soon," Li Rong said, her face glowing with pride.

Fan Minghui had been in the position of Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Justice for years. At forty, his rank was respectable, but without patronage or wealth, promotion was difficult.

The news from the Ministry of Personnel meant almost certain promotion. This would bring him closer to a higher rank.

Fan Xueyao blinked, smiling warmly. She wasn't surprised by her father's promotion.

She knew from Chu Nan that her father's recent evaluation was "above average," warranting promotion. She preferred a gradual rise to avoid whispers of nepotism.

Slow and steady progress would earn respect, not just favoritism.

After discussing her husband, Li Rong mentioned her son.

"Shi Hui passed the provincial exams this year. Although he's not exceptionally talented, he's diligent. Next year, he plans to take the imperial exams. I told your father he needs to study hard, but he's not a prodigy. Expecting immediate success is unrealistic."

Li Rong mimicked, "Who knew your elder brother would say, 'I’m not intentionally seeking fame and fortune; I just want to see how deep my knowledge runs. If I don’t wade into that sea, how can I know my true capabilities? At the very least, it will give me a clear understanding, so I won’t be under the illusion that I am very learned.'"