"The Chen family is going too far! I beg Third Sister to stand up for me!"
Chapter 168
Chu Tianshu rushed back overnight, eager to see Xiao Jin as soon as possible.
The message from Han Guang mentioned that things seemed to be going badly at home. Thinking of how her delicate shoulders had to bear such heavy burdens, and how even when she suffered great injustice, she would only smile and say it was alright, Chu Tianshu felt a dull ache in her heart.
His heart was full of tenderness and affection, but the moment he saw Xiao Jin holding Chu Muyan as they slept peacefully, a small flame of jealousy, which he was unwilling to admit, ignited within him.
Both were dressed in snow-white undergarments. Xiao Jin embraced Chu Muyan, whose small hands were restless, even resting on Xiao Jin's chest. Beneath the slightly open neckline, an infinitely alluring view seemed to be hidden.
But the person sleeping in her arms was Chu Muyan!
Thinking of this, Chu Tianshu couldn't help but grind his teeth.
"Yes." Xiao Jin looked at Chu Tianshu cautiously. She felt that Chu Tianshu's words had a hint of gritted teeth.
"He's a boy!" Chu Tianshu's voice rose unconsciously, sounding somewhat fierce. "It's time he learned to be independent! Spending all day in the backyard and inner quarters, what kind of behavior is that!"
Xiao Jin quickly made a shushing gesture. She tiptoed out of bed, carefully covered Chu Muyan with the blanket, and then pulled Chu Tianshu to the window.
Chu Tianshu's icy expression softened slightly the moment Xiao Jin took his sleeve.
“Yan-ge’er is still too young!” Xiao Jin was completely oblivious to the fact that she had angered the person in front of her, and still defended Chu Muyan, saying, “He’s only three years old, it’s a bit early for him to start his education! I plan to let Yan-ge’er go back after the Second Master returns!”
Chu Tianshu's face behind the mask darkened even further.
He suppressed his anger and said in a harsh voice, "You're just going to sleep with him like this all this time?"
Xiao Jin nodded, and seeing the displeasure in Chu Tianshu's eyes, she suddenly realized and said, "If Third Master thinks it's noisy, I can take Yan-ge'er to sleep on the west side!"
Chu Tianshu was speechless with anger. This was the first time someone had so easily angered him to the point of collapse.
After the start of autumn, the morning breeze was a bit chilly. Xiao Jin was only wearing a thin undergarment, and after standing on the ground for a while, she felt the chill seep into her body. Chu Tianshu was right in front of her, and she couldn't very well go to get her clothes. She could only endure it, but in the end, she couldn't help but shiver.
Chu Tianshu saw all of this. He sighed almost imperceptibly, took off his cloak, and draped it over Xiao Jin.
Xiao Jin blushed instantly, lowered her head, and whispered "Thank you" in a barely audible voice.
Chu Tianshu smiled faintly, said nothing, and turned to leave.
When Xiao Jin changed her clothes and went out with Chu Tianshu's cloak, Chu Tianshu had already changed into casual clothes and was leaning against the window of the large kang in the east side room reading a book.
"Third Master, shall I instruct the kitchen to prepare breakfast?" Xiao Jin handed the cloak to Dong Shuang to put away, her voice as clear and gentle as ever.
Chu Tianshu moved the book aside, nodded, and then looked at Xiao Jin, his brows furrowing slightly.
Xiao Jin wore a pale yellow embroidered jacket with a light green persimmon calyx pattern, paired with a light green silk skirt with flamboyant floral patterns. Her delicate and refined appearance perfectly complemented her picturesque face, but—why did he feel she had become so thin?
Seeing that Chu Tianshu had already made a gesture, Xiao Jin smiled, bowed, and walked out.
In the North, the custom is to "eat dumplings when leaving home and noodles when returning home." Chu Tianshu just returned today, so he asked the kitchen to make noodles.
When Xiao Jin returned, Chu Tianshu was about to speak to her when she walked straight into the inner room. Then, with Chu Tianshu's excellent hearing, he heard Xiao Jin gently coaxing Chu Muyan to get up, and Chu Muyan was being very affectionate with her, acting coquettishly.
Third Master Chu was immediately displeased.
When Xiao Jin carried Chu Muyan out, Chu Muyan didn't find it strange to see Chu Tianshu, presumably because Xiao Jin had already told her.
"Third Uncle!" Chu Muyan's soft childish voice revealed a hint of timidity. Chu Tianshu had been intimidating for a long time, and it had been quite a while since they had last seen each other, so Chu Muyan was still afraid of him.
Xiao Jin patted his head and gave him an approving smile.
At this moment, Bai Wei was already standing outside the curtain, replying, "Third Master, Third Madam, breakfast is ready!"
Chu Tianshu stood up and walked straight to Xiao Jin. Before Xiao Jin could react, he grabbed Chu Muyan and pulled him into his arms. Third Master Chu had never held a child before, so his movements were naturally awkward. Chu Muyan struggled as he was suddenly taken from the soft embrace. His teary-eyed mouth trembled as he looked at Xiao Jin, about to cry, but a single glare from Third Master Chu made him swallow his tears back. Third Master Chu's fierce expression was still quite intimidating. "Don't cry!"
Xiao Jin suppressed a laugh and followed the uncle and nephew towards the side hall.
She did hope that the uncle and nephew would communicate more, but it would be even better if Third Master Chu were more gentle and Chu Muyan were more cooperative!
A steaming hot breakfast was already laid out in the side room. As usual, it consisted of porridge, side dishes, and pastries. Three sets of bowls and chopsticks were already set out, but what was most special was that there was an extra bowl of noodles, sprinkled with bright green scallions, finely shredded chicken, and a poached egg. The noodles were all of uniform thickness and emitted an enticing aroma.
Xiao Jin took Chu Muyan from Chu Tianshu's arms and placed him in the specially prepared chair. She smiled gently and said, "Third Master, I've taken the liberty of having the kitchen prepare chicken noodle soup for you. If you don't like it, I'll have the kitchen make more!"
"No need." Chu Tianshu gave Xiao Jin a deep look, sat down in the chair, picked up the bowl and began to eat noodles.
Xiao Jin breathed a sigh of relief. She first served soup to Chu Tianshu, then served porridge to Chu Muyan, and picked out a few side dishes to place in front of him, coaxing him to eat.
"Let him eat by himself!" Third Master Chu, who had been eating in silence, looked up, his brows furrowed in displeasure. "Sit down and eat!"
Chu Muyan pouted unhappily, but dared not argue back, and continued to pick at the food on her plate. Xiao Jin smiled, picked up her bowl, and ladled out a bowl of plain porridge.
Xiao Jin, thinking about her upcoming visit to Jiashou Courtyard and then to the Flower Hall, quickened her pace while eating. Seeing that Chu Muyan and Chu Tianshu were about to finish, she put down her chopsticks as well. Suddenly, a golden-threaded roll landed on the plate in front of her.
Xiao Jin was slightly taken aback. Following the source of the golden silk roll, she saw that Third Master Chu was very calm. He calmly ladled out a bowl of soup and slowly drank it.
A warmth filled her heart, but she said nothing. She picked up a golden thread roll with her chopsticks, took a small bite, and her eyes stung with tears.
Afterwards, Master Chu only used a little less than half a bowl of soup. Seeing that Xiao Jin had finished eating, he immediately put down the spoon in his hand.
After resting for a while after the meal, the three of them prepared to go to Jiashouyuan together.
Seeing Xiao Jin pick Chu Muyan up again, a hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes, hence his slightly cold tone. "Can't he walk by himself?"
Seeing this, Xiao Jin quickly explained, "Third Master, Yan-ge'er fell into the water a few days ago and hasn't fully recovered yet. I'll carry him myself!"
Chu Tianshu's brow twitched slightly upon hearing this, but he said nothing more. However, given their undeniable blood ties, his gaze revealed concern. Xiao Jin couldn't help but smile.