Chapter 427: Chapter 411: Daily Life 2
As soon as Ruyi gets ready for bed, he cries inconsolably and will only settle down if Xie Jue comforts him. No matter how much the wet nurse and the maids try, it doesn’t work; even Fengyu can’t soothe him. Crying so hard he’s gasping for air, Fengyu has no choice but to carry Ruyi to find Xie Jue.
Xie Jue and Xie Xun are in the middle of a chess game when they hear the crying and immediately know it’s Ruyi causing a fuss. The year-end is approaching, and the courtyard is blanketed in deep snow. Compared to Jiaozhou, the snowfall and wind in West State are much heavier. Fengyu had just bathed Ruyi and, afraid he might catch a cold, wrapped him up in thick layers, only removing the heavy coat after entering the study. When Ruyi sees Xie Jue, he wriggles to get down, wobbling as he runs over with outstretched arms, calling out, "Daddy..."
Xie Jue and Xie Xun resemble each other a great deal. Sitting in the study and chatting idly, they wear identical pale moon-colored robes, their hair tied up in simple styles, and they look almost eighty percent alike. Yet Ruyi doesn’t make any mistakes, running straight toward Xie Jue with pinpoint accuracy, and is immediately scooped up by him.
Xie Xun, full of concern, asks, "Ruyi, how pitiful you sound! What’s going on?"
Ruyi buries his head in Xie Jue’s embrace, his plump little hands holding him tightly, sobbing in hiccups as pitifully as can be. Xie Xun considers retrieving his usual trick—the malt sugar.
Xie Jue interjects, "It’s too late; no sugar for him now."
Fengyu sits on the side beside Xie Xun, looking at Ruyi with sympathy. "The wet nurse said he gets upset in unfamiliar places. He insists on having Second Brother hold him to sleep."
"Mm, spoiled rotten," Xie Jue says faintly but tenderly, gently wiping away the tear tracks on Ruyi’s chubby cheeks. With the window partially open, the wind and snow sweep inside. Xie Jue reaches out and shuts the window, blocking out the cold.
Xie Xun can’t help but retort, "Second Brother, that’s a bit much, isn’t it? Ruyi’s not even two years old—how can you say he’s spoiled?"
"Ruyi, do you want some sugar?" Xie Xun acts as if he didn’t hear Xie Jue’s earlier words.
Ruyi glances at the candy in his hand but remains silent, cautiously gazing at Xie Jue. Once Xie Jue wipes his tears dry, he helps Ruyi steady himself on the warm couch. "Ruyi, if you want something, tell Daddy. No more crying."
Ruyi puckers his lips, looking as though he’s about to cry again, before throwing himself back into his father’s arms. Xie Xun can’t take it anymore and says, "Second Brother, apart from calling ’Daddy,’ he can’t say anything else yet. You’re being unrealistic."
"He understands," Xie Jue replies quietly. "Ruyi is very clever."
Fengyu laughs and chimes in, "I agree—Ruyi is so smart; he understands everything."
Praised, Ruyi giggles happily. Fengyu exchanges a glance with Xie Xun, unable to contain their amusement. Xie Jue, holding Ruyi, gently soothes him. Ruyi, already somewhat drowsy, yawns obediently in his embrace, trying hard to keep his eyes on Xie Jue but unable to resist falling asleep.
Xie Xun remarks, "Second Brother, Ruyi’s really attached to you."
He would never have guessed that Second Brother would be so appealing to children. Ruyi is a little afraid of him but also clings to him, even throwing tantrums around him. According to the wet nurse, Ruyi is usually very obedient and seldom fusses.
Children are the smartest—they know exactly who loves them and who doesn’t!
Outside, the wind and snow grow fiercer, but the study remains warm and cozy. Fengyu smiles lightly and says, "Second Brother, you take care of Ruyi. We’ll be leaving now."
"You should be practicing your swordsmanship!"
Fengyu protests, "In this weather? It’s snowing so heavily—do I still have to practice?"
"You must practice!"
Xie Jue chimes in, "The snow is too heavy. Be careful not to catch a chill."
"I know what I’m doing!"
Fengyu privately thinks, "What do you know? It’s so cold—I’m definitely going to catch a cold."
But Xie Xun remains stern and impartial, insisting that training must not be abandoned halfway.
Thus, Fengyu is forced to practice her swordsmanship in the snow, and Xie Xun accompanies her. Despite his strict demands, he continuously monitors her physical condition. If she shows even the slightest sign of overheating, he doesn’t push her further.
"Tomorrow morning, we’ll go mountain climbing."
"Enough already! The snow accumulation is so deep—why climb a mountain?"
"To admire the snow, of course."
"Can’t we admire it from the mansion?"
"The scenery in the mountains is far more stunning than anything within the mansion!"