Misty Rain of the Old Times

Chapter 786

The meal was enjoyed happily from afternoon until evening, until the bowls were empty and the wine was gone.

The Miao family uses large, coarse porcelain bowls to hold their dishes, and they are reluctant to buy porcelain plates. Even if the plates are cheap and not much more expensive, they try to save every penny. For ordinary people like her, money should be spent wisely.

During the meal, they added more dishes several times. Xiao Miao was worried that Chen Xuan and the others wouldn't have enough to eat. As long as she could entertain Brother Chen and his family well, she was willing to spend any amount of money. Money spent could be earned back, but she could never repay Brother Chen's help over the years.

During the meal, Xiao Miao curiously asked Chen Xuan about their trip, and Chen Xuan patiently recounted it to the siblings, avoiding the fighting and killing. The little princesses occasionally added details.

It's clear that Xiao Miao is very curious and longing for their experiences, but she knows that it's not her world. Even if she wishes she could go with them, she can just listen and imagine that she is there, so that she can have a sense of participation.

Fu Gui was a man of few words; in fact, he hardly spoke at all. He listened attentively, occasionally flashing a simple, silly smile. He simply didn't understand why they had to travel to so many places, nor did he know the meaning behind it. To him, life was simply about eating, sleeping, working, and protecting his sister. His world was that simple.

After dinner, everyone drank tea, cooled off, and chatted in the courtyard. As dusk approached, Xiao Miao knew that Chen Xuan and the others wouldn't stay long. Even if she wanted them to stay another night, the house couldn't accommodate so many people. So she asked casually, "Brother Chen, where are you staying now?"

If there is no place to stay, she can readily arrange it, whether it's staying at a neighbor's house or finding an inn, she will make sure it's taken care of, even if she knows that she doesn't need to worry about it at all.

What she really wanted to ask was how long Chen Xuan and the others would stay in Mo City, and whether they would be able to meet again. Chen Xuan was the most important person to Xiao Miao in this world besides Fu Gui. She would miss him and feel empty inside if she couldn't see him, even though she was the one who needed to be taken care of. She had grown up and had somehow learned to worry about the people she cared about.

Chen Xuan patted Xiao Miao's head affectionately, as Xiao Miao rested her chin on her hands on the small stool, and said with a smile, "We've been staying at the riverside courtyard for the past two days, as you know. Xiao Miao, do you remember? You were the one who oversaw the renovation of that place, perfecting it bit by bit until it was finished."

“Brother Chen, of course I remember! I’ve been going to visit occasionally these past two years. Wait, wasn’t it sold out already?” Xiao Miao asked in surprise, feeling inexplicably happy. Firstly, she knew where Chen Xuan and the others lived, so she could go visit them anytime. Secondly, that place held extraordinary significance for her, because it was there that she met Brother Chen, which led to her current comfortable life.

She didn't know that Chen Xuan met her on that rainy street. She was small and pitiful, huddled under the eaves, shivering, her eyes filled with helplessness about life and uncertainty about the future.

Now, the fear and helplessness she once felt are gone, replaced by anticipation and positivity for the future.

"I bought it back, and it's exactly the same as before," Chen Xuan explained with a smile.

Xiao Miao immediately exclaimed happily, "That's wonderful! I've visited many times in the past two years, afraid that someone might damage the place. Now that it's been returned to its rightful owner, it's as if Brother Chen never left..."

Her voice grew softer and softer until she finally stuck out her tongue in embarrassment, letting slip that she often lingered there, reminiscing about the past. Perhaps she didn't understand what it meant to reminisce about the past, but she just couldn't help wanting to go and see, hoping to catch a glimpse of the figure she longed for in that familiar courtyard, feeling as at ease and secure as she had in her childhood.

“When the young master graduated and went home, he thought he would never come back, so he sold the place. Now that I think about it, it was a loss. We spent even more money to buy it back. We won’t sell it again in the future. After all, we lived there for many years and have too many memories there. We will come back to stay occasionally in the future. Hmm, if you see a bell hanging on the gate of the courtyard in the future, it means that we have come over,” Chen Xuan said with a smile.

Sometimes he couldn't say exactly when, but Xiao Miao's world was too small, so he always had to leave her with some expectations, so that she would have something to look forward to every day and wouldn't become depressed day after day, until she slowly developed her own life and gradually stopped wandering there. Time changes so many things in the world.

Her eyes lit up, and Xiao Miao exclaimed happily, "Really? That's perfect! I pass by there every day on my way to the shop. If you're not here, I can help tidy up a bit."

"Thank you so much, Xiao Miao," Chen Xuan said, not refusing the kindness. Even though he would arrange for someone to clean up, he didn't continue the topic and instead said, "Actually, there was another person who came to Mo City with us, Xiao Miao, you know Sister Guo Qingxue. Well, she's one of my wives now. She went home this morning and didn't come with us. Do you remember her, Xiao Miao?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Miao blinked happily and said, "Really? Of course I remember! Sister Guo Qingxue is with Brother Chen too! I could tell she had feelings for you last time at Brother Chen's house. That's great! Brother Chen has another sister-in-law, one more person to take care of him, and the house will be even more lively."

As she spoke, Chen Xuan noticed her hands unconsciously clenching slightly, and said somewhat awkwardly, "Ahem, Xiao Miao, you know Brother Chen isn't a good person, and he has no resistance to pretty girls."

“Oh dear, Brother Chen, how can you say that about yourself? You are so good and outstanding, you are worthy of any girl entrusting her life to you. It is my great fortune to be with you,” Xiao Miao said matter-of-factly.

Chen Xuan immediately chuckled and said, "Only you, Xiao Miao, think that way."

"That's true. By the way, what about Sister Red? Is she with Brother Chen now?" Xiao Miao suddenly asked.

Chen Xuan's lips twitched; he couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. Why was Xiao Miao acting like a little princess, so enthusiastic about such things? Even the little princess beside her was laughing. He shook his head and said, "No, Xiao Miao, don't worry about it."

"Hehe, although I haven't read many books, I could tell from those few days that Sister in Red was deeply in love with Brother Chen. We can't keep her waiting too long," Xiao Miao said, getting more and more excited.

The little girl chimed in, "Sister Miao, you might not know this, but there's another sister, Wanqian, who's already engaged to the master. She just has her own things to do and doesn't have time to run around with us."

"Is that so?" Xiao Miao immediately became interested, looking ready to find out more.

The conversation was ruined. What had been a source of pride in other situations now felt awkward to Chen Xuan. He coughed lightly to interrupt, saying, "Well, let's talk about it another time. It's getting late, we should head back. Xiao Miao, you should all stay home and get some rest."

"Oh? You're leaving so soon? Why don't you stay a little longer?" Xiao Miao said sadly, trying to persuade her to stay.

Patting her head, Chen Xuan hardened his heart and said, "If we stay any longer, we'll have to walk in the dark. It's not like we can't meet. Xiao Miao, you know I can go anywhere easily, in no time at all."

A pang of sadness shot through Xiao Miao's eyes as she understood that Brother Chen wasn't just saying he was going back to his lodgings, but that he was about to leave Mo City at any moment—it was a farewell, a goodbye.

Not wanting Brother Chen to see her sad, she forced a smile and pretended to be nonchalant, saying, "Oh, is that so? Then let me see you off, Brother Chen. I'm so sorry, Brother Chen, you've come all this way and I don't have anything worthwhile to give you to take with you."

As everyone stood up to leave, Chen Xuan laughed and said, "Xiao Miao, you've treated us to a good meal and drinks, and now you're just leaving without a care in the world. We're the ones who should feel bad."

Thinking it best to clarify things to avoid any information gaps and the subsequent back-and-forth trouble for Xiaomiao and the others, he added, "Xiaomiao, you know we've been away for too long this time. We mainly came to Mochen to see how you and your brother are doing. Seeing that you're living a stable life puts our minds at ease. We'll stroll around town tomorrow, and after your sister-in-law Xue'er returns, we'll head south to go home the day after tomorrow."

"Okay, I know. Brother Chen, have a safe journey. I'll see you off. Don't sneak away, okay?" Xiao Miao looked at Chen Xuan with unblinking eyes and pretended to be relaxed. She had only just met and was about to part ways. She clenched her fists tightly in her sleeves to try not to show that she was upset.

With a softened heart, Chen Xuan did not refuse and nodded, saying, "Okay, as long as you don't mind the trouble." "Then it's settled," Xiao Miao nodded emphatically.

As they spoke, they left the courtyard and unknowingly arrived at a fork in the road. Chen Xuan turned back and said, "Let's stop here. Xiao Miao, you guys go back. It'll be dark soon."

"Then take care, Brother Chen," Xiao Miao said, biting her lip and nodding with a smile.

With a wave, Chen Xuan and the others said goodbye and left. When they turned back twice, Xiao Miao and her brother were still standing there. She tried her best to smile each time. Only when Chen Xuan turned back for the third time did she take her brother home.

But soon she quietly came to the intersection again, watching Chen Xuan and the others gradually disappear into the sunset. She could no longer hold back her tears. If Fu Gui hadn't been supporting her, she wouldn't have had the strength to stand up.

Fugui, however, didn't have many emotions. He grinned, puzzled, and said haltingly, "Sister, why are you crying? Brother Chen, let us go home."

It took Xiao Miao a while to calm herself down. She stood up, sniffed, and looked at Fu Gui with red eyes, her voice choked with emotion, saying, "You're such a fool, it's so good."

"Hey," Fugui scratched his head, puzzled.

Xiao Miao rolled her eyes at him, glanced again in the direction Chen Xuan and the others had left, turned back and nudged Fu Gui, saying, "Let's go home."

"Go home... I'll take care of you, sister."

"Hehe, you're such a fool, I won't marry you... I'm counting on you, my silly little brother, for the rest of my life," Xiao Miao said softly, looking down, as if she had made up her mind.

Fu Gui heard this and nodded seriously, saying, "Okay!"

On the way back, the little princess looked back several times, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping herself.

Noticing that the Xiao Miao siblings had arrived home, Chen Xuan suppressed his senses and helped the little princess up, smiling as he said, "Xiao Miao and her brother have had a very pitiful childhood. When I met them, they couldn't even get enough to eat. Xiao Miao was only eight years old then, walking down the rainy street with a litter of puppies, going door to door asking people to sell them. It was as if she herself didn't know what tomorrow would bring. Rather than selling the puppies, it was more like she couldn't keep them alive and was trying to find them a home where they could survive."

The little princesses listened silently, feeling quite uncomfortable.

Chen Xuan continued, "There are many people like this in the world, too many to pity. She is strong and hardworking, and had the courage to come to my door and plead for a way to survive. Why should I be stingy and give her a chance? That's how our fate was formed."

"So, my wife, you said that Xiao Miao has special feelings for me, and I don't deny that. But it was just a lifeline she grasped when she was young and helpless, a source of support during her growth, a companion during her confusion and pain after the passing of her only elder, and a source of confidence that will always keep her fearless on her future path. She's still young, and perhaps there's some attachment she can't quite explain, but more than anything, it's like a brother or a father to her, nothing more."

After listening attentively to him, the little princess smiled shyly and nodded earnestly, saying, "I understand. I have spoken inappropriately before, and I hope my husband will forgive me."

"My wife, you really need to change your temper. I don't even know what to say to you," Chen Xuan shook his head and smiled wryly.

However, the little princess stubbornly said, "I was indeed overthinking things regarding Xiao Miao, but our family is small, and my idea of ​​having my husband marry more women to continue the family line will not change!"

With a twitch at the corner of his mouth, Chen Xuan was completely at a loss, and said with a wry smile, "Fine, whatever you want, as long as you're happy."

My wife is wonderful in every way, but she remains stubbornly determined to make me marry more wives and have more children, which leaves me speechless.

Du Juan glanced in the direction of the Miao family and said with utmost seriousness, "No one can hurt them. They are one of the softest parts of Master's heart, and also his simplest, most sincere and warmest thoughts about the world. No one is allowed to destroy them!"

"Of course, let's go home and take a stroll around the night view of Mo City," Chen Xuan said casually.

The little princess knew how to lighten the mood, and teased, "I remember we'll pass by the Hundred Fragrance Pavilion ahead, right? My husband, are you still thinking about the ladies inside and can't wait to relive the experience?"

“My wife understands me so well. When I was young, I was always studying and my head ached. I would just look forward to the flower boats of Baixiang Pavilion passing by my window to cheer myself up,” Chen Xuan said without any hesitation, mentioning his childhood memories.

Covering her mouth and chuckling softly, the little princess eagerly urged, "It seems my husband wasn't exactly well-behaved when he was little. Since we're just killing time anyway, how about we go to the Hundred Fragrance Pavilion to make up for our childhood regrets? I'll pay whatever it costs, I'll even book the whole building so everyone can revolve around you."

"Tsk, to be honest, I'm actually a little tempted," Chen Xuan pretended to think it over seriously for a moment, then shrugged and said, "Forget it, it's pointless. If I really did that, who knows what those energetic students at the academy would say behind my back, and I don't want to get scolded."

"My lord, are you really not going? I don't mind," the little princess said with a smile.

With a twitch of his eyelids, Chen Xuan decisively shook his head and said, "No interest. Speaking of which, back in the Bai Xiang Pavilion, I personally directed an amusing incident for my husband. To be frank, it's still talked about by countless people to this day. It's a pity, though, that it still didn't come to fruition."

As he spoke, Chen Xuan chuckled to himself. "I'd be a fool to believe you, my wife. If I actually dared to go to Baixiang Pavilion, you probably wouldn't do anything to me, but Baixiang Pavilion would probably be in deep trouble. I'd be surrounded by soldiers the moment I stepped inside. I'd better not harm anyone."

It was just a joke, so the little princess stopped there. Hearing this, she changed the subject with great interest and said, "Husband, are you talking about that incomplete poem from back then? I've heard about it in the capital. It was actually your doing? It really ruined Wu Junyao, who was originally a promising young man in the Wu family. Rumor has it that he's still drinking heavily and acting crazy, trying to complete it, but nothing has come of it. Tell me quickly, what comes after 'telepathy'? I'm very curious too. You must know, husband, right?"

Shaking his head, Chen Xuan said with a smile, "It's best not to say, it'll lose its charm if I do. Actually, I already gave the rest of the poem to Xiao Gao a long time ago, but unfortunately, he hasn't discovered it yet. Let's just keep it as a thought. When he accidentally discovers it, putting aside the poem itself and reminiscing about his carefree youth, that will be a joy in life."

"If you don't want to talk about it, then don't. In fact, the fact that countless talented men racked their brains to complete the incomplete poem is already more significant than the nonsense you and your husband did back then. Speaking of which, what caused that incident back then?"

"It's a long story, but it all boils down to the power struggles within my brother-in-law, Prince Qing's, inner court. Let me tell you the tale..." (End of Chapter)