The next day, the 24th of December, Pei Yuan Shao brought his wife and daughter back to the capital.
When Pei Ruoqing arrived at the Pei residence, Pei Yuanshao and the other two had not arrived yet. Pei Yansong instructed people to prepare lunch while he brought Pei Ruoqing around the courtyard.
The courtyard was not a courtyard. Its area was comparable to a small town.
At this moment, the grandfather and grandson duo were walking on an archaic street. Under their feet were square stone bricks, and lanterns of various shapes were hung on both sides of the street. The fiery red color rendered the festive atmosphere very rich.
The sunlight was warm and the pedestrians were comfortable.
Pei Ruoqing supported Pei Yansong and the two of them walked slowly. No one spoke and the atmosphere was as peaceful as a long-lasting New Year painting.
"Have you decided?" Pei Yansong said without any warning.
"Yes, people have to learn to grow up and learn to bear responsibilities.”
Just like when he heard his rejection, Pei Yansong didn't show any difference." I'll give you another chance to choose. If you still make this decision, there's no room for regret."”
"Alright, I'll think about it." Pei Ruoqing did not make a promise immediately, even though he had already thought about it.
Pei Ruoqing raised her head and looked at the sunlight above her. It was bright and dazzling, but it looked very warm in the winter.
Perhaps it was time for him to have a good chat with his father.
After Pei Yuan Shao arrived, before he could do anything to Pei Ruoqing, he was first reprimanded by his own Old Master.
In the pavilion, Pei Yuan Shao stood at the side with a submissive expression. The old man lifted the tea lid and slowly took a sip." When do you plan to leave?”
"Next year. I've already applied to the higher-ups to be demoted by two ranks and transferred back to the capital.”
"Dilly-dally." The old man coldly gave him a two-word evaluation.
Pei Yuan Shao was a little helpless. Even if he wanted to come back, he had to settle the matters in S City first. He had stayed in S City for more than ten years, so he could not let her go just like that. Moreover, there was Song Yuyan. If he returned to the capital, Song Yuyan would definitely follow him, and he would need to deal with the aftermath.
The old man reprimanded him without any politeness." We started preparing three years ago and only started moving now. Even trash isn't as useless as you."”
Pei Yuan Shao: "…" Forget it, trash is trash, as long as you are happy! Pei Yuan Shao did not show any signs of embarrassment and calmly listened to the old man's scolding.
Towards Pei Yansong, Pei Yuan Shao felt guilty. He had been willful for almost his entire life, putting all the burden of the family on his father, letting him guard this cold big house alone for ten years, guarding the eternal photo of the small temple hall.
He didn't mind the old man scolding him. Being able to scold him proved that he had good energy. Anyway, he wouldn't lose a piece of meat.
On the other side, Pei Ruoqing looked at the little one that pounced on him the moment he entered the door with a dark expression. He thought to himself, Is this little brat not afraid of strangers at all? After all, they had not seen each other for almost half a year.
" Brother, hehe…" Those who didn't understand would think that he was laughing. Pei Siyi, who was more than two years old, could only repeat words, but fortunately, he could enunciate them clearly. At this moment, his fair and tender hands were playing tricks on his brother's head, as if he was thinking about what kind of interesting pose to make.
" Big Brother, Meimei…" The soft, childlike voice was innocent, as if she was immersed in her hobby forever.
Pei Ruoqing was speechless. The corners of his mouth twitched, and he firmly held a certain hand that was constantly wriggling with one hand and stopped the other hand from messing around on his head.
Young Master Pei, who couldn't play with his hair, wasn't discouraged at all. He hugged his brother's head and kissed his face. In an instant, half of his face was covered in saliva.
Pei Ruoqing's face instantly turned as black as the bottom of a pot. If it was not for the fact that the creature in his arms had the surname Pei, he would have thrown him out long ago. However, a certain someone who did not feel his brother's pressure drop was still smiling excitedly as if he was asking for credit." Kiss, be good…"
Pei Ruoqing wished he could pull this restless little brat down and beat him up. After thinking about it, he suddenly felt discouraged. He was afraid that if he slapped the person twice, the person who was beaten would be fine, but he would feel heartache first.
He carried the child and headed towards the pavilion where Pei Yuan Shao and the others were. His father and grandfather had already been there for half an hour, so they should have finished chatting by now.
When Pei Ruoqing went over, he saw his father's painful expression. He looked at his father suspiciously. It seemed that every time he came back, his father would be beaten up first, even when he was getting older.
The only difference was that in the past, he had to kneel in front of the door to receive formal family punishment. Now, this kind of painless beating was more like a technique to eliminate the estrangement. Pei Ruoqing's eyes flashed with a smile. She did not sympathize with his father at all.
These few years, he had often come back to accompany Pei Yansong and had in-depth contact with him. Only then did he realize how much this old man had sacrificed for his children and grandchildren. He never forced them. Whether it was him or his father, he would try his best to support them in their pursuit of what they wanted.
Pei Yuan Shao looked at Pei Ruoqing and did not say anything. He had just said that Pei Ruoqing had been too carefree these few years and should be given more tasks. In the end, he was slapped by the old man's walking stick. The old man's hand strength was trained in the army back then. Even a casual move would not make people feel good.
Pei Yuan Shao's eyebrows jumped. When did this little brat become so doted on? However, he was still a little surprised when he found out that Pei Ruoqing was willing to take over the family. He knew the little brat's personality. He would not even look at people and things that he did not care about.
He had never seen him so interested in business in the past. Could it be that the Shi family's education could really change a person's personality?
Pei Ruoqing naturally did not know what his father was thinking. He hugged Pei Siyi and did not greet him politely. He nodded and greeted," Grandfather, Father."”
Pei Yansong looked at him and did not say anything. Pei Ruoqing lowered her head and looked at the group of people who were playing with his zipper. She said softly," Yi 'er, call me Grandpa."”
Pei Siyi looked up and tilted his head. He blinked his grape-like eyes and smiled sweetly." Grandpa," he called out in a childish voice.”
Pei Yansong's eyes flashed with a smile as he said to Pei Ruoqing," Give him to me."”
Pei Ruoqing was a little worried. This little rascal was too active. Moreover, this little rascal liked to pull people's hair. It was fine if he pulled his hair, but if he pulled his grandfather's hair…Pei Ruoqing did not dare to imagine that scene.
However, when she saw the smile in the old man's eyes, Pei Ruoqing silently placed the little devil in his outstretched hand. Pei Siyi, on the other hand, seemed to have a change of heart. He was extremely obedient in Pei Yansong's arms and sat steadily on his lap, as if he was not the one who had caused trouble earlier.
Pei Yuan Shao and Pei Ruoqing's eyes twitched. Had this little brat become a demon? Do you know who is the real boss?
As soon as Song Yuyan arrived at the Pei family's residence, she went to place the things she had brought from S City. At this moment, she brought over a plate of cut fruits. Her cold face seemed to melt like snow at this moment. She smiled and greeted the few of them.
Pei Ruoqing was also very happy to see Song Yuyan." Aunt Yan.”
"You've lost weight." Song Yuyan looked at him from head to toe and said with a frown.
"If Teacher hears this, he will be unhappy. Only you think that I've lost weight. Grandpa said that I've gained weight, right, Grandpa?”Pei Ruoqing blinked her eyes, and there was a rare slyness in them.
Pei Yansong glanced at him." If you know you're going to gain weight, then eat less. You can save food."”After saying that, he lowered his head and went back to playing with the child. Pei Siyi was very respectful and kept laughing.
Pei Ruoqing was speechless. She had indeed forgotten about her eldest grandson.
Song Yuyan also heard the old man's teasing words and found it very funny. Her tensed heart also relaxed. The legendary figure that he had thought was unattainable was not as difficult to get along with as he had imagined.
In the afternoon, Pei Yuan Shao brought his family to the Shi family. When she heard Pei Ruoqing say that the Shi family was approaching, Song Yuyan started to feel uneasy. Even though she was usually experienced and calm, she was still a little nervous at this moment. After all, they were going to Pei Ruoqing's birth mother's house and Pei Yuan Shao's ex-wife's relatives.
Pei Yuan Shao saw her uneasiness and quietly put his arm around her shoulder, silently comforting her." Elder Brother will not make things difficult for you.”
" I'm not afraid of making things difficult for my brother, but this is…" She didn't finish what she meant, but the two people in the car understood.
"Aunt Yan, if my mother knew that you treated me like this, she would also be grateful to you.”Pei Ruoqing's low voice came from the back seat.
Song Yuyan was stunned for a moment. She pursed her lips and looked at the sleeping child in her arms. She sighed.
However, Pei Ruoqing was afraid that Song Yuyan would feel uncomfortable, so she continued to comfort her," You have not let anyone down, let alone my mother. You are here to visit your brother as the mistress of the Pei family. There is nothing to be nervous about.”
Hearing his words, Pei Yuan Shao took a deep look at him from the rearview mirror. There were some things that he couldn't and couldn't say, but he didn't expect this little brat to think of it.
Shi Yuting was a thorn in the Shi family's side and also a pain that Shi Yihong could not let go of. Back then, the reason why he and Pei Yuan Shao were at odds was largely because of Shi Yuting's death.
Shi Yihong was not just blaming himself for not being able to protect his teacher's only daughter. He might have some resentment towards Pei Yuanshao. Otherwise, he would not have treated him coldly for five years and insisted on finding out the truth when they met.
Pei Yuan Shao once said that in the second year, on Yuting's memorial day, he personally came to ask for forgiveness. However, after learning that Qi Xiuzhu was still alive and had something to do with Shi Yanjie's death, Shi Yihong had a rough guess. Thus, this matter was left unsettled and Pei Yuan Shao had not given a definite explanation.
When they arrived at the Shi family home, they were not as cold and distant as Song Yuyan had imagined. They were polite, but more than that, they were passionate. Shi Yihong didn't have any special emotions. He greeted her as if she was his family.
Song Yuyan's worried heart immediately relaxed, and her smile became much more natural.
Pei Siyi was naturally the most popular among the group of people. The moment he arrived, Lin Xiran hugged him and teased him non-stop. Even Shi Yihong could not help but feel an itch in his hand. However, when he saw Pei Ruoqing and Pei Yuanshao's speechless expressions, he resentfully withdrew his hand.
There was nothing she could do. This child was too likable. His voice melted people's hearts, his innocent and clear eyes, and his face that seemed to be made out of milk. She just wanted people to hold her in their hands.
Pei Ruoqing only wanted to roll her eyes. She knew how to act obedient at such a young age. What would happen when she grew up?
He didn't wait for too long before An Chengxi arrived at the Shi family home with Chu Junyi and the rarely seen An Lingze. Instantly, the group of people had one more person to play with. An Lingze was a little boy with a strong head and a very dull appearance. He was two months younger than Pei Siyi, but he wasn't small at all. Although he could speak, he rarely spoke. He was very cold.
Seeing that everyone was exchanging pleasantries, Shi Yunshu very consciously started to brew tea at the side. The movements of distributing tea and pouring water were very pleasing to the eye. For example, Chu Junyi was attracted to him at this moment. She smiled and said," Shouldn't this scene be accompanied by some music?”
Shi Yunshu was helpless, but the corners of his lips curled up." It's a shame that I only have two hands. Otherwise, I might have been able to satisfy Sister Junyi's request."”
Chu Junyi's eyes lit up when she heard him speak. It couldn't be helped. For a voice-activated person, talking to someone like Shi Yunshu was really a kind of enjoyment.
An Chengxi, who had just gotten away from his teacher's 18 questions, saw the scene and quietly leaned over." What's there to see? I'll show you when we get home."
Chu Junyi didn't even look at him. She took off her bag and sat beside Shi Yunshu. She continued to make him talk." You don't have to play the zither. You can sing a song."”
Seeing his senior brother's face darken, Shi Yunshu lowered his head and smiled lightly. He rejected Chu Junyi's suggestion without thinking. It was obvious that Chu Junyi and his senior brother were at odds, even if he didn't know how to sing. He didn't want to be involved in their battle.
An Chengxi glanced at him as if to say,"At least you know what's good for you!"
On the other side, the two kids who were on the ground were having a great time. To be exact, Pei Siyi was running around happily with the bell Shi Yihong gave him. Meanwhile, An Lingze stood firmly on the spot and stared at a certain someone who was running from one end to the other. His obsidian-like eyes were filled with disdain and he had no intention of moving his feet.
Pei Ruoqing had not seen An Lingze for a long time. Seeing that he was standing still, she walked over and squatted down to rub his head." Why isn't Little Ze playing?”
Unexpectedly, An Lingze suddenly wrapped his arms around his neck and buried his little head in his neck. He spat out three words that stunned everyone." He's so silly!”
Pei Ruoqing did not know what expression she should put on. She had long heard that this Martial Nephew had a high IQ, but he was only two years old, and his mouth was so poisonous. He suddenly felt a little pity for his little brat. His IQ had been thrown 18 streets away. He wondered if he would have a psychological trauma in the future.
At this moment, Young Master Pei ran over excitedly and picked up the two ancient copper bells and shook them crazily in their ears. Pei Ruoqing's mouth twitched. She seemed a little silly?
One day in the future, the grown-up Mr. Pei accidentally learned from his brother about An Lingze's evaluation of him when he was two years old. He was so angry that he almost set An Lingze's bedroom on fire.
From then on, Young Master Pei declared war on Student An, who had already made a name for himself at that time. He would not stop until he pulled him down from the altar.
As a result, the two of them formed a twisted revolutionary friendship in the "love and murder", which later caused half of the business circle in Kyoto to be in chaos.
Of course, it was still too early to say that. Seeing that no one was paying attention to him, Pei Siyi pursed his lips in grievance. He rolled his eyes and placed the copper bell next to An Lingze's ear, shaking it even harder.
An Lingze rolled his eyes and reached out his little hand to look at Pei Ruoqing. He said in a clear child's voice," Little Uncle-Master, hug."”
It seemed like he didn't want to bother with the arrogant person at all.
Pei Ruoqing found it very funny, but she still carried the child as she wished. How could Young Master Pei allow other 'flirtatious sluts' to occupy his brother's arms? He immediately gave up, not even wanting the bell. She tugged at Pei Ruoqing's pants and shouted," Brother, hug…"
Pei Ruoqing was speechless.
Pei Ruoqing had no choice but to carry one in each hand. Fortunately, he was strong enough to carry two two-year-old children without any problems. An Lingze buried his head in Pei Ruoqing's shoulder as if he didn't want to see anyone. On the other hand, Young Master Pei was the kind of person who wanted to see him the more he avoided him. Hence, Young Master Pei reached out his fair and tender hand to tug An Lingze. He failed and continued to tug, completely forgetting that he was still on someone else.
Pei Ruoqing's eyebrows twitched. Just as Pei Siyi was about to pounce on An Lingze, Pei Ruoqing finally got angry and shouted," Stop, or I'll throw you down."”
The courtyard was silent for a second, two seconds, three seconds, and then an earth-shattering cry sounded.
"Wa…Wa…"
Everyone in the courtyard turned around to look at the three of them. Pei Ruoqing only felt her head ache even more. Song Yuyan and Chu Junyi immediately came over and carried the two children down. Song Yuyan squatted down and removed Pei Siyi's hand that was covering her eyes. She coaxed," Yi 'er, be good. Don't cry…"
Who knew that the child would cry even more sadly.
Pei Yuanshao, who was chatting with Shi Yihong, came back to his senses and looked at Pei Ruoqing with a dark face." Why are you shouting at him?”
Pei Ruoqing could not refute and could only lower her head." I'm sorry.”
As if knowing that his brother was going to be scolded, Pei Siyi put down his hands that were covering his eyes. He turned around and tugged at Pei Ruoqing's pants. He tilted his head and looked at his father. His eyes were red, and his voice was a little choked." Don't…scold…Brother."”
Pei Yuan Shao almost laughed out of anger at this little brat. He was the one who was crying his heart out just now, and now he was the one who was protecting him.
Pei Ruoqing's heart softened when she saw the child subconsciously defending her. She squatted down and wiped the tears off his face." It's my fault. Yi 'er, stop crying, okay?”
Pei Siyi nodded and hugged Pei Ruoqing's neck." Brother, hug."”
Pei Ruoqing could not understand why the child was so dependent on him. Although she was annoyed at this annoying little brat sometimes, she felt her heart was filled with softness.
There were still more than two hours before dinner. Shi Yihong and the others obviously had something to discuss. Lin Xiran was very perceptive as she pulled Chu Junyi and Song Yuyan out of the courtyard. She also brought along the two little ones who disliked each other.
Song Yuyan glanced at Pei Yuanshao and was a little worried. Before she came, she already knew his plans. Some things were not only the Shi family's wound, but also his wound!
Pei Yuan Shao seemed to know her worries and gave her a comforting smile.
More than half of the people in the courtyard were gone, and the air became quieter. Shi Yunshu stopped what he was doing and stood up. His action seemed to be a signal, and the atmosphere instantly became heavy.
Shi Yihong sat in Shi Yunshu's seat and looked at Pei Yuanshao." Tell me about it. Since you've brought your sister-in-law here, it means that you intend to explain what happened back then.”
Pei Yuan Shao lowered his eyelids and knelt down on the spot. Just as Shi Yunshu and the others were about to step back and kneel down, Pei Yuan Shao shouted," This matter has nothing to do with you. All of you stand still."”
An Chengxi and Shi Yunshu stopped their movements, while Pei Ruoqing still knelt firmly behind him. There was no reason for her son to stand when the father was kneeling. The Pei family did not have such a rule, let alone the Shi family.
Pei Yuan Shao didn't care about him. What he was about to say was closely related to the little cub.
"Get up." Shi Yihong knocked on the table and said calmly.
Pei Yuan Shao frowned and did not move. His tone was as light as dust," Brother, you hated me back then, right?”
Shi Yihong curled his lips and lifted his eyelids. His oppressive aura instantly dissipated." Do I have a reason not to complain? Yuting passed away for no reason, and you insisted on not letting him enter the Pei family's ancestral grave. In the end, you didn't even give an explanation. Why wouldn't I resent you?”
Faced with Shi Yihong's accusation, Pei Yuanshao felt as if a huge rock had pressed down on his heart, and he felt uncomfortable. However, even though Shi Yihong had a grudge against him, he still tried his best to support him in the three years after their reunion.
He closed his eyes and said softly," Yuting's death was my fault. In the early years, I suspected that Xiao Ruo was not my child. I was not close to them and only took care of them as guests. He didn't notice the change in Yuting's mental state, causing her to die of depression.”
It was just a few words, but it was like throwing a huge rock into a calm lake. Pei Ruoqing raised her head and looked at the back of the man who stood like a mountain in front of her, her heart trembling slightly.
" Back then, Yuting and I weren't willing. We were drugged that night…" It was another bombshell that made everyone's minds go blank.
The past that had never been revealed seemed to have been torn open, and the darkness was corroding people's hearts. Shi Yihong had never thought that he would hear such an answer. His gaze landed on Pei Yuan Shao as if it was real." Why didn't you say it back then?”
Pei Yuan Shao suddenly closed his eyes and his tone was filled with depression and pain." I wanted to tell Teacher about this and ask for forgiveness before expelling myself from the sect. However, Second Senior Brother found out about this and stopped me. After that, Yuting got pregnant and I had no choice but to marry her.”
"You said Qi Xiu Zhu stopped you?”Shi Yihong's eyes were filled with coldness. As if he had thought of something, he narrowed his eyes and asked," Why do you suspect that Xiao Ruo isn't your child?”
Since he had decided to reveal the truth, Pei Yuan Shao did not intend to hide it anymore." Not long after Xiao Ruo was born, someone sent me a photo. In the photo…it was Yuting and someone…" He seemed to be unable to continue speaking, and his voice trembled slightly."…The scene of her having sex with someone.”
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]