Thirteenth Lady's Comback: Her Everyday Life as a Bystander-Chapter 285 - 37: Reunion (3) (First Update)

Although Ruan Ninth and Tie Dan are young, they are genuine soldiers. Hong Sheng might have brought them near to listen to him, but he didn’t treat them as servants, so the two children sat together with Hong Sheng’s four trusted aides.

Even though Ruan Ninth is a boy beyond his years, he is quite excited, not to mention Tie Dan.

Actually, if we talk about which of the five sons of the Ruan family adapted better to the current way of life, it would be Ruan Ninth.

During the family’s downfall and exile, he was still under three years old. Although very smart, he hardly retains any memories from his early childhood.

Though, because he was young, his three brothers and nephews tried their best to give him the best, back then the eldest among the five children was only twelve years old. What best things could they provide? Ruan Ninth also went through some hardships.

When they reached the Northwest, even though protected in secret by Qin Dusi, it was only enough to ensure their survival.

Not mentioning others, even Ruan Ninth was once beaten over the head by some older children.

That was the time when the sons of the Ruan family discarded the graceful manner of noble children and learned to deal with things ruthlessly.

This wasn’t a gentlemanly duel between two parties, but rather a life-and-death struggle.

Ruan Ninth had long forgotten the luxuriant life in Duke Li’s Mansion, but now, looking at Susu, a scene flashed across his mind.

A gentle, kind, and beautiful lady was by the bed coaxing a little child one or two years old.

"Be good, Ninth Son, take the medicine, and you will recover. Drink a spoonful of medicine, and mama will give you a candy treat, okay? After the medicine, there’s your favorite yams and cherry cake!"

A buzzing sounded in Ruan Ninth’s mind, "My favorite turned out to be yam cherry cake, huh!"

Leng Xiao was sitting beside Ruan Ninth, and witnessing his daze when Susu arrived, he hastily nudged him, secretly glancing at Susu, contemplating whether to remind Boss Hong to ensure his sister-in-law wears a veil when going out. Seeing such women often might cause the brothers to remain bachelors; lacking comparison results in no hurt!

While thinking this, he overhears Ruan Ninth mumbling to himself, simply amused: Exactly what provided you with such a peculiar thought process, seeing sister-in-law and thinking of yam cherry cake, you’re indeed unique!

Also, what is this high-end yam cherry cake? Poverty has limited his imagination, for he had only heard of date and yam cake.

Even though there are still a few steps away, Susu overheard Ruan Ninth’s mutter to himself, and a scene jumped into her mind; it was Thirteenth Lady’s memory.

When all the female kin of Duke Li’s Mansion paid respect to Old Madam, a beautiful and charming young lady personally brought some dessert to Old Madam, smiling: "This is Ninth Son’s offering for Grandmother. Ninth Son said it’s his favorite dessert, and invited ancestors to give it a try. Unlike ordinary yam cake, the filling here is this year’s newly ripened cherries, pitted, steamed, added with candied sugar, a touch of mint water, rose petals, mashed together into a paste, blended with snowy white yam paste, it’s more appetizing than the date paste version!"

Susu knew, that beautiful young lady was indeed Ninth Son’s mother, his Fifth Aunt.

Before coming, Susu was afraid that the brothers and nephews would want to know about their mother’s sisters, so she specifically asked Seventh Sister.

Except for Long Sister and her mother, other female relatives were secretly purchased by their families. Even Eleventh Lady and Twelfth Lady who were bought alongside Susu by Mrs. Zhao, were taken by relatives and settled far away; if not publicized, they were assumed as widowed wives living with their daughters.

When the Ruan family title was restored, they shed the label of official slaves and remained as noble ladies of high standing.

Only Fifth Aunt and Fifth Uncle married as youths and loved deeply. Previously, Fifth Aunt hadn’t conceived for five years; Fifth Uncle resisted all pressures and refused any concubines, sincerely maintaining a lifetime of devoted love.

In the entire Duke Li’s Mansion, only the First and Second Wives truly engaged in the rivalry for the eldest son, yet all adult males sacrificed their lives.

Upon learning about Fifth Uncle’s beheading, despite the expectation that "Greater sorrow surpasses heart death," no one anticipated as soon as they received the news of Ninth Son and the others arriving safely to the Northwest, Fifth Aunt, using a thick hemp rope, followed Fifth Uncle to the afterlife.

She fulfilled her own destiny of love, which only led to "pain for loved ones, joy for foes!"

Recalling this, Susu genuinely felt unsure how to face Ninth Son, lest he inquiries about Fifth Aunt.

Thinking about this, Susu refrained from approaching, speaking to Hong Sheng through the screen: "There are children at the table, let’s skip the alcohol. After eating, let the children come over; I’ll have someone take their measurements so new summer clothes can be made for them."

Hearing this, several trusted aides intend to cheer, but Hong Sheng quieted them, "That is from your sister-in-law’s private savings. If you want to be shameless, go ask for yourself."

The four trusted aides were unmarried, with accommodations arranged at the front courtyard, but after dinner, they were chased by Hong Sheng back to their homes, only mentioning if the night darkened, let the two children stay at their place.

Before the four trusted aides could refuse, Hong Sheng took the two children to the inner courtyard.

In the floral hall, Qi Qiao’s mother personally took measurements for the two children, along with Chang Sheng’s and Bai Yue’s. Susu watched as the four children quickly became familiar with each other, finally Ruan Ninth exhibited a little childlike exuberance.

After measurements were taken, Susu asked Chang Sheng and Bai Yue to escort Ruan Ninth and Tie Dan to their room to play.

Now it’s just waiting for elder brother to arrive!

Hong Sheng observed Susu’s anxiety and anticipation, firmly gripping her hand: "Don’t worry, I’m here for everything!"

Su Shi nodded, tenderly looking at Hong Sheng: "Thank you, Brother Sheng!"

Brother Sheng was the affectionate nickname Hong Sheng demanded Susu to call during their intimacy. Speaking it now, it conveyed less romance, more tenderness.

Hong Sheng felt that his wife surely liked him more, a little more each day, maybe one day it would turn to love.

Yes, Red Rope understood Susu’s feelings mostly contained gratitude, perhaps a portion of liking.

But it wasn’t love, at least not the kind he held for her.

However, what does it matter? She belonged to him, someday she too would love him.

In Hami’s June days, the sun doesn’t set until after nine PM. Both Ruan Ninth and Tie Dan began nodding off as Ruan Yu arrived at Hong Mansion.

Ruan Seventh Son also came along, both didn’t hide the fact, expressing gratitude to Hong Sheng along the way, making the two members secretly tailing them honestly believe "Commander Hong is such a kind person" was absurd!

Then the two spies returned to rest, grumbling about having to work late, sans overtime pay, making for unhappy babies!

Actually, Ruan Yu and Seventh Son didn’t know if someone was following them, but were wary of possibilities. Upon reaching Hong Mansion’s entrance, they exhaled in relief but immediately grew tense again!

Seventh Son nudged the hesitant to knock Sixth Son, softly: "Look at you, that’s our sister, what are you afraid of? Since you’ve come, you must meet at least once."

Sixth Son took a deep breath and knocked on the Hong Family’s door.