Climbing on the Sparrow Branch – CH 925

Chapter 925: Side Story : Li Sihui vs. Li Ji : Lingering Feelings

Having been married and living in Yuzhou for several years, Li Sihui felt somewhat unaccustomed to returning to the capital.

Lying down at night, Li Sihui held Li Ji’s hand. Although it was pitch black, it felt reassuring. “When I first married into Yuzhou, I was prepared never to return to the capital. Back then, I could not imagine how I would ever have the chance to come back.”

Li Sihui was not truly attached to the capital. It was more about the longing for her family here.

Li Ji turned over, facing Li Sihui, feeling the warmth beside him, which comforted him. “Life is unpredictable. No one can guarantee what tomorrow will bring.”

“Yes,” Li Sihui smiled. “None of us can foresee tomorrow’s events, so it’s better not to think about it too much. Li Ji, I’m lucky to have met you.”

Li Ji pulled her into his arms. “Me too.”

After a good night’s sleep, Li Ji got up first. As a prince, Li Ji had many social obligations to attend to. Although he had turned down most of them, some were still unavoidable.

Li Sihui got up a little later. After washing up, she went to the Pei family with gifts.

The Pei family was now arguably the most prestigious family in the capital. Pei Que held the position of Prime Minister, and An Zhi’s Zhilan Academy was thriving. Countless people wanted to curry favor with the Pei family.

When Li Sihui arrived at the Pei Mansion, a maidservant from An Zhi’s household was already waiting at the gate and led her to the back courtyard.

The Pei Mansion had not changed much, except that the maidservant mentioned that the two young masters had grown up, making the place increasingly lively.

When Li Sihui saw her cousin, An Zhi was watching the two children practice writing. Although Pei Lin was only four years old, he sat more upright than his older sister.

“Sihui, you’ve finally arrived!” An Zhi greeted her cousin, whom she had not seen in a long time. “I heard you were back yesterday, and I’ve been wanting to see you ever since. Where’s your child? Why did you not bring him along?”

“He’s too young. It’s inconvenient to take him on such a long journey. I will bring him to the capital to see you in a couple of years when he’s a little older.” As she spoke, Li Sihui looked at An Zhi’s two children. Pei Lin was still diligently writing, while the older Pei Yue was already smiling at her. “Yue’er is three years older now, and she’s become even more beautiful.”

Upon hearing this, Pei Yue immediately put down her pen. “Aunt, you’ve become even younger and more beautiful, too.”

An Zhi snorted. “Stop praising her. The older she gets, the harder it is to control her. Let’s go inside and talk.” Turning to her daughter, she said, “Finish writing that page obediently. Your father will not be back until dark today, and there will be no one to back you up.”

Pei Yue puffed out her cheeks and reluctantly picked up the pen. Pei Lin slowly raised his head and said in a soft, childish voice, “Sister, you put it down; I will help you write it later.”

“Forget it, you’re such a little adult; how could your handwriting be the same as mine?” Pei Yue knew her mother’s temperament well; as long as she obediently finished her homework, everything else was fine. “Hurry up and write it. Aunt is visiting today, and Mother will be busy entertaining her. After you finish writing, I will take you out of the residence to eat osmanthus cake and braised pork knuckles from the south of the city.”

Pei Lin’s big eyes blinked as he looked at his sister. “Sister,” Pei Lin hesitated, swallowing hard. “But last time you took me out, Mother scolded us. Are you not afraid, sister?”

“Mother’s sharp tongue does not hide her kindness. Do not worry; with your sister here, I will not let you get a beating,” Pei Yue said boldly. “Besides, let’s hurry out the door. Even if Mother comes looking for us, we can go to Father. He will definitely protect us.”

Although Pei Lin was young, he had been taken out by his sister several times, and with the rules in mind, his writing had become much faster.

In the inner room, An Zhi was talking about their children. “Ah, you do not know, becoming a parent makes you realize how difficult it is to raise children. Pei Que is easily swayed, especially by Yue’er. Whenever Yue’er begs for something, he never refuses.”

“But I think both children are very polite and well-behaved. It’s normal for children to be playful,” Li Sihui said with a smile.

“Yes, I was too restricted when I was little, so I never stopped Yue’er from going out. She thinks I do not know, but I always have people secretly protecting her,” An Zhi said. “You do not know; that girl is incredibly bold and stubborn. I do not know who she takes after.”

Li Sihui took a sip of tea, glanced at her cousin who was speaking, and smiled without saying a word.