Xiqiu sighed, gently patting his back, and spoke softly, word by word. Zhi nestled in her embrace, finding a comfortable position to listen attentively. When he was happy, he would wave his little hands and babble, which made Fourth Master Xiao amused as he watched mother and son from the side.

Early the next morning, Xiao Yanzheng arrived. Xiqiu welcomed her inside, noticing her radiant expression, and couldn’t help but sit with her on the rose bed, asking with a smile, "What’s making you so happy?"

"Sister-in-law." Xiao Yanzheng’s eyes were filled with sweetness, "Father-in-law and mother-in-law have finally agreed."

Xiqiu was taken aback, asking, "Is First Master Pang going back to Guangxi?" Xiao Yanzheng nodded, "They agreed the day before yesterday. They’ve been busy packing these past two days and will set off tomorrow."

Xiqiu laughed upon hearing this. First Master Pang was indeed troublesome. Since last year, when Pang Guibin suggested sending them back, Old Madam Pang readily agreed, but First Master Pang was unwilling and even went as far as to commit unthinkable actions and say unpleasant things. The maids in Xiao Yanzheng’s yard didn’t dare step out, and even she moved cautiously at home, fearing a scolding from her father-in-law.

After enduring a year of silence, he finally agreed.

In fact, the life for the Pang Family in Guangxi was quite prosperous. While it wasn’t as bustling as the Capital, it wasn’t bad either. Having lived there all her life, Old Madam Pang found Guangxi even better than the Capital.

At least it wasn’t so cold in winter.

"Did your husband say anything?" Xiqiu asked.

Xiao Yanzheng shook her head and replied, "He didn’t say much, just worried about the bumps during the trip, fearing the two elders couldn’t bear it. However, he arranged for the escort agency and also set up more than ten attendants to accompany them all the way. They’re not in a hurry, and the weather is just right, neither too hot nor too cold, so traveling bit by bit shouldn’t be too uncomfortable."

Xiqiu was relieved and then curiously asked, "Why did they suddenly agree?" Xiao Yanzheng pursed her lips and replied, "It was mother-in-law." She paused and continued, "Seeing that I hadn’t had any news for so long, she called a doctor to check on me. The doctor said my body was weak and I’ve been holding grudges for long, with pent-up anger in my chest, so it’s been difficult to conceive... Only then did father-in-law agree." 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

Ultimately, offspring are what matter most.

"Finally, the bitterness has come to an end." First Master Pang really could stir things up, and it’s not because Xiao Yanzheng and her husband were unfilial. With such a father who found fault in everything and kept grudges in his heart, it’s best to find a place to vent. Even Old Madam Pang endured silently, let alone a daughter-in-law from outside.

Xiao Yanzheng nodded happily, "From now on, I can visit you, mother, and sister-in-law more often."

"Does mother know about this?" Xiqiu asked with a smile.

"Yes, she knows, but I didn’t get into specifics. I’ve only mentioned a few good things about this year at home and didn’t report the bad. You mustn’t let it slip." She paused and then sighed, "Sending in-laws away, somehow it feels unfilial. I fear mother will be upset if she knows."

"Then let’s not say anything. It’ll also save her from worrying."

Xiao Yanzheng nodded and then seemed to remember something. She took out a box from the maid standing by and opened it, "This is from my husband for Zhi. He said maybe it can be used for the zhuazhou ceremony."

Xiqiu leaned over to look and saw a box containing a completely green ink brush. Xiao Yanzheng smiled and said, "It’s also a sign of hope. My family comes from a military background, and I sincerely hope for a literary figure like in your family to emerge, someone who can create magnificent works..."

Xiqiu remembered Xiao Yanzheng mentioning her admiration for the Tong Mansion’s scholarly heritage, unlike the Marquis Mansion’s military men. She actually sent a pen over.

She smiled and accepted it, "Thank your husband for me."

Xiao Yanzheng chuckled softly, "Then I’ll head back now. There are still many things at home. Even though the in-laws are leaving, I still need to help pack." With that, she stood up, "I’ll come over on the morning of the second day."

Xiqiu smiled and personally saw her out. Outside, she encountered Mrs. Zhou coming in with Zhi. Xiao Yanzheng played with Zhi for a while, "Quick, call Auntie."

Zhi babbled without saying a word, trying to slide from Mrs. Zhou’s arms to walk on the ground.

After seeing off Xiao Yanzheng, Xiqiu held Zhi and said to Mrs. Zhou, "I asked the kitchen to make egg yolk porridge, please bring it over." Mrs. Zhou agreed, and Xiqiu carried Zhi into the side room.

When Mrs. Zhou brought in the porridge, Xiqiu took a spoon to feed Zhi. As soon as he smelled it, he shook his head like a rattle and leaned back to avoid it. Xiqiu, smiling, coaxed him into eating, but Zhi crawled while evading, waving his hand, and when cornered, he took the pillow and covered his head with it, continuing to shake his head from behind.

Mrs. Zhou and Chunliu pressed their lips, holding back laughter, while Chunliu advised, "Madam, if Young Master Zhi doesn’t want to eat, let’s not force him. Seeing him like this makes me feel tender-hearted." She couldn’t help but want to pick Zhi up.

Zhi peeked from behind the pillow, sneaking a look at Xiqiu.

Xiqiu furrowed her brows and said, "He doesn’t eat this, he doesn’t eat that, he can’t just rely on milk forever." She paused and then looked at Zhi, "Zhi, be good, let’s have a bite and see if it tastes good, okay?"

Upon hearing this, Zhi immediately shrank back, shaking his head, "...No."

Xiqiu was taken aback, looking at Zhi, delighted.

This was his first clear word.

"Oh my!" Chunliu jumped up in joy, "Madam, Young Master Zhi can talk now." Mrs. Zhou also smiled in relief.

"Zhi," Xiqiu put down the bowl, "What did you just say? Say it to mother again."

Zhi, seeing his mother’s smile, crawled over after dropping the pillow, pointed at the porridge bowl, and shook his head, "...No."

Xiqiu hugged him joyfully and kissed him several times, "Zhi is amazing!" She then gazed into his eyes, slowly chanting, "...Not eating!" She taught Zhi, "Try it!"

Zhi moved his lips, but only uttered a "No", unable to say "eat". Xiqiu watched him and said again, "Mother!"

Zhi stared at Xiqiu’s face, moved his lips, "Mother." Although not perfectly pronounced, it was enough to make Xiqiu’s eyes well up with tears. It was the first time someone called her mother, and she felt her heart melt into a pool of water, overflowing from her eyes...

"My dear," Xiqiu laughed, "Finally knows how to call mother."

Zhi seemed to understand, or maybe he didn’t, but he was satisfied so long as Xiqiu didn’t force him to eat the egg yolk porridge. He nestled in Xiqiu’s arms and giggled. Xiqiu fondled his little face and said again, "Father!" She instructed Zhi, "Try it."

Zhi lost interest, turning his head away, stubbornly refusing to speak again despite her coaxing.

Xiqiu could only sigh but felt happy nonetheless. At least there was progress.