Joyful Motherhood in a Rural Family-Chapter 916 - : Return to the Manor
Chapter 916: Chapter 916: Return to the Manor
Niuniu retorted unceremoniously.
“Little brother doesn’t even like snacks. It’s clear that you’re just bringing snacks for yourself, and then saying it’s for little brother. Hmph!”
“Hehe, do you want to try some too? These are really tasty.”
Chou Chou, showing no embarrassment at being seen through, proudly brandished the dried meat in his hand.
“I won’t eat it! You eat it yourself, but be careful not to get fat.”
Niuniu rolled her eyes and then lay down by the window to look at the scenery outside.
I won’t bother with you!
Gao Qi, sitting next to them, watched the interaction between the two with a look of wanting to say something but hesitating.
Originally, this trip was supposed to be a two-month outing for Gao Qi and Chou Chou, and they even had a destination in mind—Gao Qi’s little ranch, where they wouldn’t have to worry about safety and could happily ride horses.
But along the way, an unexpected Cheng Yaojin appeared!
Just as the two left the city gate, they discovered an extra person in the carriage.
This person was none other than Niuniu, who was right in front of them, pontificating. The two had schemed to run away from home, and since they didn’t even bring the followers they had originally planned to take with them, they naturally didn’t want to take Niuniu, the oil bottle. Sadly for them, Niuniu was as sticky as gum; no matter what they said, they just couldn’t shake her off.
Having no choice, they turned the horse’s head and changed their destination, from the little ranch to Qingfeng Temple.
Their plan was simple: the group would first visit little Xiao, then conveniently leave Niuniu there and continue with their grand plan!
Unfortunately, they failed to see the slyness in the depths of Niuniu’s eyes. Shake her off?
No chance!
The carriage had been prepared in advance, but the problem lay in the fact that the little guys weren’t familiar with the road to Qingfeng Temple. They had originally planned to go to the little ranch, but made a detour toward Qingfeng Temple halfway through. This led them astray.
Only when they realized that it had grown dark and they still hadn’t reached Qingfeng Temple did they notice they had wandered into a pitch-black dense forest.
The silent dense forest seemed like the gaping mouth of a giant tiger, and coupled with the occasional eerie sounds of birds and beasts from the mountain forest, it made everyone tremble. At this moment, where was the excitement of just having left home? They all huddled together for mutual comfort.
And just then, the coachman turned around to report.
“Young Masters, it’s really too dark in this dense forest, and with wild beasts on all sides, we don’t dare light the lamps. Most importantly, the horse is probably hungry and tired, and no matter how I drive it, it refuses to move. I’m afraid we can’t continue on our way.”
These lamps naturally refer to the wind lamps that hang on either side of the carriage, which are especially suitable when traveling at night.
The carriage and coachman were from Gao Mansion, and they took great care of the few children along the way, which was a stroke of luck amid misfortune.
But the three children were already scared out of their wits and, upon hearing they couldn’t go on, all their faces turned pale.
“Can you hear that? Isn’t that the sound of wolves outside? I heard it during last year’s autumn hunt, and the wolf howls sounded just like that.”
Gao Qi trembled all over, clutching Chou Chou’s clothes without daring to let go. After all, he was just an eight-year-old kid, and after the initial thrill had passed, he naturally became frightened.
“Don’t be afraid! I’ve got something good with me. With this thing by my side, I’m not afraid even if a lot of wolves come.”
Chou Chou said through clenched teeth, subconsciously touching the small crossbow in his embrace.
It was a small crossbow specially made by their dad. It was fitted with a catch that allowed even children to shoot just by loading a bolt, but the downside was that its range was short and it wasn’t as powerful as a strong crossbow.
“Scared and still pretending? Humph! Just talk.”
Niuniu was completely unceremonious in tearing down Chou Chou’s facade.
“I’m not afraid of wolf packs, but it’s so dark around here, I’m afraid there might be ghosts.”
This chapt𝙚r is updated by freeωebnovēl.c૦m.
Where a wolf pack is scary, ghosts are far more terrifying since they’re invisible!
While they were talking, the coachman outside suddenly cried out in panic.
“This is bad! Young Master, a lot of wolves have surrounded the carriage! Even if we want to leave, we can’t!”
Were there really wolves coming?
The three people in the carriage were all scared! What should they do now?
–
At the moment, Di Yelei was unaware that several children had gone missing.
Having quelled the civil strife, His Majesty had just gotten rid of a major worry that had plagued him for many years, and was now in high spirits during the royal banquet, drinking quite a lot of alcohol.
In the main hall, a large number of civil and military officials had already collapsed drunk, and the feast continued until the moon climbed into the treetops before it finally ended.
With the help of two eunuchs, Di Yelei finally managed to get into the carriage of the Di Residence. It was only after the carriage began to gradually pull away that he slowly straightened up. His face showed no trace of drunken haziness.
The civil strife was over, and the land of the Great Zhao was likely to change.
Turning his thoughts back to the woman he had left at the manor outside the imperial court, he felt an even greater headache coming on!
When he reached his manor, swaying, he found the lights of the Marquis Mansion brightly shining.
Thinking of the lights Sisi had specially left on for him, his heart warmed, and he hurriedly strode into his residency.
“Sisi, I’m back!” His voice carried a cheerful note.
At that moment, Liu Sisi hadn’t rested either; her subordinates had already discovered traces of the children, and they had been tracing them all the way out of the imperial court. However, they failed to notice that the carriage had changed direction on the spot and instead followed the wrong path, missing the children by a hair’s breadth.
Frantically worried, Liu Sisi saw a drunken Di Yelei walk in, and she couldn’t help but glare at him with deep resentment.
“Old Master Marquis really knows how to enjoy himself! You’re so drunk yet you still know your way home, haha!”
Even though she knew it wasn’t his fault the kids had left the house, Liu Sisi couldn’t help but let her anger show through her sarcasm.
Seeing Liu Sisi’s face, Di Yelei knew trouble was brewing!
He hurriedly approached her with a sheepish face, his whole body swaying in front of Liu Sisi: “Sisi, this royal banquet really couldn’t be compared with ordinary ones, His Majesty was in a good mood today, and he insisted on pouring plenty of wine for everyone. Marquis Yongwu and I were among those given special attention, so…”
“Oh? Marquis Yongping really has quite the knack, even His Majesty insisted on making you drink!”
Liu Sisi couldn’t help but let out two sneers of contempt.
She was still angry with him! Far from being upset, Di Yelei actually felt happy; didn’t this mean that Sisi cared about him?
“Sisi, listen to me, that woman in the manor, she really isn’t anything special, she’s just an ordinary woman…”
“Old Master Marquis! You’re the distinguished Marquis Yongping, it’s only natural for you to have three wives and four concubines; you don’t have to explain anything to me! You better rest well, lest you sober up and resent yourself for saying the wrong things!”
Before the other could finish speaking, Liu Sisi interrupted.
Just an ordinary woman? Was he still looking for someone special? The thought just made Liu Sisi’s rage burn even hotter.
