The Butcher's Little Husband - Chapter 57

The next morning, Li Wenxuan and Tian Xiaoman bid farewell to Father Tian and Tian Amu. They had only stayed for one day, and no one could extend their visit. 

Although Tian Amu felt a bit sorry, he didn’t say much.

Tian Xiaoman was also reluctant to leave, but he reminded himself that the New Year was coming soon, and he could return then. Moreover, he could visit Li Wenxuan’s butcher shop, where he’d be able to meet Amu again when he came to buy meat.

Just as they were about to leave, Le-ge’er suddenly grabbed onto the pants of Tian Amu and Father Tian.

The two squatted down to his level.

“Le-ge’er, what’s the matter?” they asked in unison.

“Baji, baji,” Le-ge’er clumsily planted two wet kisses on their faces. “Grandpa, Grandmu, goodbye!”

Tian Amu was flattered, laughing as he kissed Le-ge’er on the face. “Oh, goodbye, little one! Come and play with Momo and Uncle next time!”

Father Tian was stunned, saying nothing, but his heart was filled with warmth, bubbles of joy rising within him. He didn’t snap out of it until Li Wenxuan drove off.

“Come back to your senses! They’re gone!” Tian Amu shook his husband, signaling him to wake up.

Father Tian suddenly blurted, “Give me another son!”

Tian Amu was so amused, he laughed out loud. “You old man, you’re shameless! Can’t you see how old I am? You want another son? Let’s wait for Xiaoman to have one! You’re so old!”

Father Tian’s sudden outburst was partly because, when Tian Xiaoman was young, he had been a lively and mischievous child. Now, seeing Le-ge’er, a loving little one, it stirred his fatherly instincts.

Fucheng

Li Yiran had just returned to the government office when he was sent to patrol the townships below. Today, however, he could finally rest.

After a long day, the first thing he did was ask the servants to prepare a pot of hot water for a much-needed bath to ease his fatigue.

As the water boiled, he didn’t return to his room but sat in the study to read, to avoid the cold air from entering the room.

Once the water was ready, he took a relaxing bath, and when he was finished, he went to the bedroom.

There, he saw his husband lying lazily on the bed. 

When Lian Meng saw him enter, he lazily lifted his eyelids. “You’re back.”

Li Yiran frowned, “Have you been lying in bed this whole time?”

“Yeah, what’s wrong?” Lian Meng asked casually.

“Didn’t the doctor say you should move around a bit? If you don’t get up and walk, how will you have the strength to have a baby later?” Li Yiran tried to advise him.

“Hmph, doctor? I listened to the doctor last time and ended up with dystocia because I ran around with you!” Lian Meng looked indignant at the memory. He had to lie in bed for two or three months after the birth before he could even get up to walk.

“…,” Li Yiran felt helpless. 

The last time, the doctor had cleared him for some movement. But since he often had to investigate various places, Li Yiran insisted on following him, never letting him stay at home. This resulted in the abnormal position of the fetus and led to dystocia. He felt guilty for putting Lian Meng through that.

Now, pregnant with their second child, Lian Meng had been lying in bed all day to take care of the baby. He rarely went anywhere, but he was becoming lazier and his health seemed to be declining.

Li Yiran, wanting to avoid conflict, sat down and began discussing something else. “I’ve decided I want to take the imperial examination next year.”

“What? You don’t want to be a legal advisor anymore? Why take the imperial examination?” Lian Meng sat up, angry.

“Being a legal advisor isn’t a proper government position. I want to take the imperial examination and become a real official.”

“My uncle worked so hard to train you, and now you want to leave? Don’t you know how much he needs your help?” Lian Meng questioned.

“But I can’t be a legal advisor forever! Meng’er, don’t you want to be married to an official? It would be better for both of us if I succeed,” Li Yiran didn’t understand why Lian Meng was so opposed.

“I don’t want to hear it. I won’t agree!” Lian Meng turned away, refusing to look at him. 

He grew up in a family that relied on farming. They were poor but saved everything to support his uncle, who worked his way up to an official position. They had always been taught to respect and follow his uncle.

His uncle’s success was the reason the whole family had risen in status. Growing up, Lian Meng had always believed that his best path was to continue supporting his uncle’s legacy.

Li Yiran sighed, realizing it was not the right time to discuss this. He decided to revisit the topic later.

When they finally returned home, Li Wenxuan was much happier.

They had driven back in a carriage. Li Amu had been waiting for them at the gate, eager to see Le-ge’er. 

“Oh, my Le-ge’er! Come let Grandmu hug you!” Li Amu said as he greeted them. 

Normally, he didn’t think much of it, but after a day or two without Le-ge’er, he realized just how much he had grown accustomed to the lively atmosphere in the house. The quiet had made him realize how lonely it could be without him.