The Butcher's Little Husband - Chapter 54

After a delicious breakfast, Li Wenxuan’s roast suckling pig was ready. He and Tian Xiaoman prepared to set off for Tian Xiaoman’s family home. It was quite a distance, and since they weren’t just riding horses but bringing a carriage, they needed to arrive before lunchtime.

Le-ge’er had finished eating and was playing nearby. When he saw Li Wenxuan leading the horse and harnessing the carriage, he immediately shouted that he wanted to come along. He still remembered how last time, when Uncle went out with Momo, Momo hadn’t come back. He had missed Momo for a long time since then.

Li Amu didn’t want him to go and tried to bring him back, but Le-ge’er clung tightly to Li Wenxuan’s leg, crying whenever anyone tried to pull him away.

Seeing this, Tian Xiaoman quickly said, “Amu, let him come with us. I’ll take good care of him. Don’t worry!”

“It’s not that I don’t trust you,” Li Amu said with a hint of hesitation, “It’s just—who ever heard of bringing one’s nephew on a return visit to the in-laws? He cried for days when you didn’t come back last time, and since you’re staying the night this time, he’ll probably say his momo lied to him again!”

Tian Xiaoman chuckled. “What’s wrong with bringing him? We’re all family anyway, and my Amu loves children. He’ll be delighted!”

With that, he picked up Le-ge’er and placed him into the carriage, then climbed in himself. “Tell Grand-amu we’re leaving!” he said.

Le-ge’er waved and said softly, “Grand-amu, I’m leaving,” his little heart full of excitement at being able to go out with them.

“Le-ge’er, be good and listen to Momo. Don’t be naughty, okay? And don’t eat too much,” Li Amu instructed gently.

Le-ge’er glanced at him reluctantly but then turned his head proudly, ignoring him entirely.

Li Amu couldn’t help but laugh as he waved them off.

Li Wenxuan drove the carriage, listening jealously to the laughter between Tian Xiaoman and Le-ge’er inside. 

If not for this little rascal tagging along, Tian Xiaoman would probably be leaning against him, chatting as they enjoyed the roadside scenery together. But now? Since the moment they left, Tian Xiaoman hadn’t said a single word to him—just played with the kid the whole way.

Meanwhile, Tian Amu had been restless since early morning. He kept coming out to check, only to walk back inside disappointed, then come out again after a short while.

Father Tian, who was sitting nearby repairing a hoe, finally said, “Can’t you sit still for a bit? Even if they left first thing in the morning, it’s not time yet. Just take a break.”

“Oh, I’m just worried,” Tian Amu replied, still anxious. “Old man, do you think Xiaoman is doing okay? Are the Li family easy to get along with?”

“How would I know?” Father Tian said. “But didn’t you say you trust Wenxuan’s character? He wouldn’t let anyone mistreat Xiaoman.”

He was calm as ever—though, in truth, he was already thinking, If anyone dares mistreat my Xiaoman, I’ll take this hoe and split Wenxuan’s head open.

But Amu didn’t know what was going through his mind. Seeing him so unbothered only made him more frustrated. “Of course you’re not worried! You didn’t give birth to him. He’s the child I carried for ten months—he’s a piece of my own flesh! How can I be at ease?”

“Come on now, without me, could you have had him at all?” Father Tian retorted. “Besides, what’s the use in worrying like this? You might as well think about what to cook for Xiaoman—he’s such a little foodie.”

Tian Amu, muttering to himself, finally went into the kitchen.

By the time Li Wenxuan drove into Xingtian Village, it was just in time for lunch. Tian Amu had already prepared a full table of dishes and was waiting.

As soon as he heard the sound of the horse, he rushed to the door, Father Tian following behind.

“Father, Amu! Xiaoman and I are back!” Li Wenxuan greeted them politely.

“No need to be so formal—come down quickly!” Father Tian replied warmly.

Hearing their voices, Tian Xiaoman leaned out of the carriage. “Father, Amu—I’m home!”

Seeing his parents’ familiar faces again, Tian Xiaoman’s eyes filled with tears, and he choked up as he spoke.

Tian Amu also became emotional. He looked Xiaoman over carefully—his complexion was ruddy, he looked well-fed, and Li Wenxuan’s gaze toward him was still full of affection.

As the two exchanged looks, a small head poked out from inside the carriage and looked curiously at Tian Amu.

Tian Amu’s eyes immediately lit up at the sight of that fair little face, rosy cheeks, a small mole in the center of his forehead, and a neatly tied pigtail. He looked just like a little immortal.

“Oh! Whose child is this? He’s so good-looking—just like Xiaoman when he was little!” he exclaimed.

In truth, every time he saw a cute child, he said they looked like Xiaoman—even though the resemblance wasn’t really there. When Xiaoman was little, he was always covered in dirt from running and jumping around, a real rascal.

Tian Xiaoman led Le-ge’er out and said proudly, “Amu, this is Le-ge’er. I’ve told you about him. Isn’t he adorable?”

“Oh, it’s Le-ge’er! My memory is terrible!” he said, laughing. “Come down—let’s eat. The food is ready!”

Li Wenxuan helped Tian Xiaoman off the carriage and carried Le-ge’er. 

The three of them standing together looked just like a little family.

When they entered the house, sure enough, a big spread was waiting on the table! Tian Xiaoman quickly washed his hands, grabbed a piece of braised pork, and sighed with satisfaction as he began eating happily.

Le-ge’er tugged at his pant leg, signaling he wanted to eat too.

During the meal, Father Tian and Li Wenxuan drank together, while Tian Amu kept picking food for them, and Tian Xiaoman was busy feeding both himself and Le-ge’er.

Everyone was full of smiles, warm and harmonious.