Selling Cakes: C22

Chapter Twenty-two

This novel was posted on cntranslations [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_{Xiao Ning pinched Xiao Yuan’s cheek at the news while turning his attention to Shen Yunjie to ask, “Do you want to enrol him at the academy, then?”}
On Xiao Ning’s orders, Shen Yunjie was to stay in bed and care for the young one in his stomach. As a result, a small wooden table was set up next to the bed beside the window. There, oftentimes, Xiao Yuan would sit, reading or practising writing characters with his father.

Xiao Ning pinched Xiao Yuan’s cheek at the news while turning his attention to Shen Yunjie to ask, “Do you want to enrol him at the academy, then?”

_{From when his son entered until the boy sat on a stool, picked up his book, and obediently followed along with the teacher, Shen Yunjie stood by and watched, and it was only then that he turned to follow after Xiao Ning.}
As the slanted rays of warm light shone through the window, they scattered like golden flecks on the wooden table on which a father held his son’s hand in his own, guiding him stroke by stroke for the new character being learnt. Having to remain in bed all day, that father’s hair hung loose, the stray strands tucked neatly behind his ear. The outer robe draped over his shoulders, and his inner robe worn loose, giving him a relaxed appearance. Yet the common bamboo brush held between his son’s fingers and encircled by his own, danced across the pages to construct clear and graceful characters.

From when his son entered until the boy sat on a stool, picked up his book, and obediently followed along with the teacher, Shen Yunjie stood by and watched, and it was only then that he turned to follow after Xiao Ning.

_{“Xiao Yuan, did you write these?” Xiao Ning asked while reaching out to pick up a few pieces of the jute paper where Xiao Yuan’s copies were made.}
For a while, Xiao Ning leaned against the doorway and took in the sight. Then, coughing lightly to announce his presence, he interrupted the two and walked in holding a bowl of medicine.

“Xiao Yuan, did you write these?” Xiao Ning asked while reaching out to pick up a few pieces of the jute paper where Xiao Yuan’s copies were made.

_{Shen Yunjie never expected such a thing, so for a short while he was astounded. His son was smart; he knew that well. But he also knew he rarely had the chance to interact with other kids his age, and as a result, his personality was not particularly lively. So if he were to enter that school, he might get to meet more children his age.}Shen Yunjie’s expression slightly darkened at those words, his words coming out with a stutter. “Daddy, um… Daddy won’t always be able to teach Xiao Yuan…”

Shen Yunjie never expected such a thing, so for a short while he was astounded. His son was smart; he knew that well. But he also knew he rarely had the chance to interact with other kids his age, and as a result, his personality was not particularly lively. So if he were to enter that school, he might get to meet more children his age.

Right then, Xiao Ning reached over to lift Xiao Yuan off the bed and told him, “I bought you some tanghulu. They're right downstairs if you want them.”Hearing his favourite snack was some steps away, the little boy left Xiao Ning's arms to sprint down the stairs. With the little bundle now nowhere in sight, the room was instantly left in silence.

_{“Useless.”}“Here’s your medicine.”

“Useless.”

_{So in response, Shen Yunjie responded, “Whatever the young master decides is fine with me.”}
“Here’s your medicine.”

So in response, Shen Yunjie responded, “Whatever the young master decides is fine with me.”

_{So with that, Shen Yunjie ceased his protests and quietly reclined into Xiao Ning’s arms.}On Xiao Yuan’s first day of school, both Xiao Ning and Shen Yunjie got up at the crack of dawn.

So with that, Shen Yunjie ceased his protests and quietly reclined into Xiao Ning’s arms.

_{“They study.” Shen Yunjie caressed his son’s cheek. “It’s a place you go to to learn.”}Thus, with one hand clumsily holding his father’s and the other grasping that no-longer-grumpy uncle, Xiao Yuan arrived at the academy before the sun shone brightly in the sky.

“They study.” Shen Yunjie caressed his son’s cheek. “It’s a place you go to to learn.”

_{“Young Master, I—” But before he could finish, Xiao Ning impatiently cut him off.}“Hush.” Xiao Ning was so annoyed that the crease between his brows could catch a fly.

“Young Master, I—” But before he could finish, Xiao Ning impatiently cut him off.

_{The Confucian scholar stood waiting at the entrance, and Xiao Yuan was nudged towards the portrait of Confucius; tottering a bit, the little one performed a kowtow, then recited a few lines of the Analects with the scholar. After they were done, the scholar used a brush dipped in vermillion ink to place a dot on Xiao Yuan’s forehead, signifying his entrance to the school and the beginning of his studies.}
Shen Yunjie took the bowl. The medicine was warm, clearly already cooled, and just right for him to drink.

The Confucian scholar stood waiting at the entrance, and Xiao Yuan was nudged towards the portrait of Confucius; tottering a bit, the little one performed a kowtow, then recited a few lines of the Analects with the scholar. After they were done, the scholar used a brush dipped in vermillion ink to place a dot on Xiao Yuan’s forehead, signifying his entrance to the school and the beginning of his studies.

_{Making his way over to the bedside, Xiao Ning moved to a pillow behind Shen Yunjie to lie flat.}
“Xiao Yuan, did you write these?” Xiao Ning asked while reaching out to pick up a few pieces of the jute paper where Xiao Yuan’s copies were made.

Making his way over to the bedside, Xiao Ning moved to a pillow behind Shen Yunjie to lie flat.

_{Hearing the conversation about him by the adults, Xiao Yuan, still holding his brush, looked up at his father to ask, “What do people do at an academy, Daddy?”}
The little boy looked up at him and nodded obediently in response.

Hearing the conversation about him by the adults, Xiao Yuan, still holding his brush, looked up at his father to ask, “What do people do at an academy, Daddy?”

_{Shen Yunjie never expected such a thing, so for a short while he was astounded. His son was smart; he knew that well. But he also knew he rarely had the chance to interact with other kids his age, and as a result, his personality was not particularly lively. So if he were to enter that school, he might get to meet more children his age.}
“They’re pretty good.” Xiao Ning patted the boy on the head.

_{Xiao Ning pinched Xiao Yuan’s cheek at the news while turning his attention to Shen Yunjie to ask, “Do you want to enrol him at the academy, then?”}.

Xiao Ning pinched Xiao Yuan’s cheek at the news while turning his attention to Shen Yunjie to ask, “Do you want to enrol him at the academy, then?”

_{“Hush.” Xiao Ning was so annoyed that the crease between his brows could catch a fly.}
Finished with his medicine, Shen Yunjie placed the empty bowl on the nightstand before chiming in, “Xiao Yuan’s reading progress is quite speedy as well. It’s only been a few days, but he already memorised all the lessons in the children’s textbooks.”

“Hush.” Xiao Ning was so annoyed that the crease between his brows could catch a fly.

_{“Young Master, I—” But before he could finish, Xiao Ning impatiently cut him off.}The little boy looked up at him and nodded obediently in response.

“Young Master, I—” But before he could finish, Xiao Ning impatiently cut him off.

_{“Young Master, I—” But before he could finish, Xiao Ning impatiently cut him off.}Finished with his medicine, Shen Yunjie placed the empty bowl on the nightstand before chiming in, “Xiao Yuan’s reading progress is quite speedy as well. It’s only been a few days, but he already memorised all the lessons in the children’s textbooks.”

“Young Master, I—” But before he could finish, Xiao Ning impatiently cut him off.

_{“Lie down,” he instructed, to which Shen Yunjie obliged.}Right then, Xiao Ning reached over to lift Xiao Yuan off the bed and told him, “I bought you some tanghulu. They're right downstairs if you want them.”Hearing his favourite snack was some steps away, the little boy left Xiao Ning's arms to sprint down the stairs. With the little bundle now nowhere in sight, the room was instantly left in silence.

“Lie down,” he instructed, to which Shen Yunjie obliged.

_{“They study.” Shen Yunjie caressed his son’s cheek. “It’s a place you go to to learn.”}
Xiao Ning pinched Xiao Yuan’s cheek at the news while turning his attention to Shen Yunjie to ask, “Do you want to enrol him at the academy, then?”

“They study.” Shen Yunjie caressed his son’s cheek. “It’s a place you go to to learn.”

_.On Xiao Ning’s orders, Shen Yunjie was to stay in bed and care for the young one in his stomach. As a result, a small wooden table was set up next to the bed beside the window. There, oftentimes, Xiao Yuan would sit, reading or practising writing characters with his father.

_{N/AChapter Twenty-two}
Shen Yunjie never expected such a thing, so for a short while he was astounded. His son was smart; he knew that well. But he also knew he rarely had the chance to interact with other kids his age, and as a result, his personality was not particularly lively. So if he were to enter that school, he might get to meet more children his age.

N/AChapter Twenty-two

_{Finished with his medicine, Shen Yunjie placed the empty bowl on the nightstand before chiming in, “Xiao Yuan’s reading progress is quite speedy as well. It’s only been a few days, but he already memorised all the lessons in the children’s textbooks.”}Before Xiao Ning and Xiao Yuan left home, Shen Yunjie kept bending down to straighten his son’s collar and imparting instructions. Standing beside them, and holding the boy’s book bag in his hand, Xiao Ning carefully lifted Shen Yunjie to his feet and said with a frown, “If you’re going to fuss this much, then just come drop him off with me.”

Finished with his medicine, Shen Yunjie placed the empty bowl on the nightstand before chiming in, “Xiao Yuan’s reading progress is quite speedy as well. It’s only been a few days, but he already memorised all the lessons in the children’s textbooks.”

_N/AShen Yunjie never expected such a thing, so for a short while he was astounded. His son was smart; he knew that well. But he also knew he rarely had the chance to interact with other kids his age, and as a result, his personality was not particularly lively. So if he were to enter that school, he might get to meet more children his age.

N/A

_.
So in response, Shen Yunjie responded, “Whatever the young master decides is fine with me.”

_..

_{So in response, Shen Yunjie responded, “Whatever the young master decides is fine with me.”}Hearing those frosty words from that man’s thin lips, Shen Yunjie was about to apologise while uncomfortably holding his stomach, but before he could utter a word, his body was carefully lifted by Xiao Ning.

So in response, Shen Yunjie responded, “Whatever the young master decides is fine with me.”

_{“But I already study with you, Daddy.” Xiao Yuan pointed to the book on the table as he spoke.}
Hearing the conversation about him by the adults, Xiao Yuan, still holding his brush, looked up at his father to ask, “What do people do at an academy, Daddy?”

“But I already study with you, Daddy.” Xiao Yuan pointed to the book on the table as he spoke.

_{Making his way over to the bedside, Xiao Ning moved to a pillow behind Shen Yunjie to lie flat.}The path home was a reasonable distance away, and Xiao Ning walked ahead with unhurried steps. But even at such a moderate pace, Shen Yunjie found it difficult to keep up with him. Lacking the strength to do so made him involuntarily start clutching his aching back.

Making his way over to the bedside, Xiao Ning moved to a pillow behind Shen Yunjie to lie flat.

_{So in response, Shen Yunjie responded, “Whatever the young master decides is fine with me.”}
“They study.” Shen Yunjie caressed his son’s cheek. “It’s a place you go to to learn.”

So in response, Shen Yunjie responded, “Whatever the young master decides is fine with me.”

_.“But I already study with you, Daddy.” Xiao Yuan pointed to the book on the table as he spoke.

_.Shen Yunjie never expected such a thing, so for a short while he was astounded. His son was smart; he knew that well. But he also knew he rarely had the chance to interact with other kids his age, and as a result, his personality was not particularly lively. So if he were to enter that school, he might get to meet more children his age.

_{On Xiao Ning’s orders, Shen Yunjie was to stay in bed and care for the young one in his stomach. As a result, a small wooden table was set up next to the bed beside the window. There, oftentimes, Xiao Yuan would sit, reading or practising writing characters with his father.}
“But I already study with you, Daddy.” Xiao Yuan pointed to the book on the table as he spoke.

On Xiao Ning’s orders, Shen Yunjie was to stay in bed and care for the young one in his stomach. As a result, a small wooden table was set up next to the bed beside the window. There, oftentimes, Xiao Yuan would sit, reading or practising writing characters with his father.

_{Hearing those frosty words from that man’s thin lips, Shen Yunjie was about to apologise while uncomfortably holding his stomach, but before he could utter a word, his body was carefully lifted by Xiao Ning.}
Shen Yunjie’s expression slightly darkened at those words, his words coming out with a stutter. “Daddy, um… Daddy won’t always be able to teach Xiao Yuan…”

Hearing those frosty words from that man’s thin lips, Shen Yunjie was about to apologise while uncomfortably holding his stomach, but before he could utter a word, his body was carefully lifted by Xiao Ning.

_{Hearing those frosty words from that man’s thin lips, Shen Yunjie was about to apologise while uncomfortably holding his stomach, but before he could utter a word, his body was carefully lifted by Xiao Ning.}
Right then, Xiao Ning reached over to lift Xiao Yuan off the bed and told him, “I bought you some tanghulu. They're right downstairs if you want them.”Hearing his favourite snack was some steps away, the little boy left Xiao Ning's arms to sprint down the stairs. With the little bundle now nowhere in sight, the room was instantly left in silence.

_{Shen Yunjie would, of course, agree.}Shen Yunjie never expected such a thing, so for a short while he was astounded. His son was smart; he knew that well. But he also knew he rarely had the chance to interact with other kids his age, and as a result, his personality was not particularly lively. So if he were to enter that school, he might get to meet more children his age.

Shen Yunjie would, of course, agree.

_{It was still early in the morning, so the street around them was bustling. With this in mind, Shen Yunjie cautiously leaned closer to Xiao Ning’s ear and whispered, “Please let me down, young master. This will attract too many eyes.”}On Xiao Ning’s orders, Shen Yunjie was to stay in bed and care for the young one in his stomach. As a result, a small wooden table was set up next to the bed beside the window. There, oftentimes, Xiao Yuan would sit, reading or practising writing characters with his father.

It was still early in the morning, so the street around them was bustling. With this in mind, Shen Yunjie cautiously leaned closer to Xiao Ning’s ear and whispered, “Please let me down, young master. This will attract too many eyes.”

_{“Take it easy.” Xiao Ning offered him some support.}
Making his way over to the bedside, Xiao Ning moved to a pillow behind Shen Yunjie to lie flat.

“Take it easy.” Xiao Ning offered him some support.

_{“Here’s your medicine.”}Hearing those frosty words from that man’s thin lips, Shen Yunjie was about to apologise while uncomfortably holding his stomach, but before he could utter a word, his body was carefully lifted by Xiao Ning.

“Here’s your medicine.”

_{“They study.” Shen Yunjie caressed his son’s cheek. “It’s a place you go to to learn.”}Making his way over to the bedside, Xiao Ning moved to a pillow behind Shen Yunjie to lie flat.

“They study.” Shen Yunjie caressed his son’s cheek. “It’s a place you go to to learn.”

_{“Here’s your medicine.”}
“Lie down,” he instructed, to which Shen Yunjie obliged.

“Here’s your medicine.”

_{Shen Yunjie’s expression slightly darkened at those words, his words coming out with a stutter. “Daddy, um… Daddy won’t always be able to teach Xiao Yuan…”}Right then, Xiao Ning reached over to lift Xiao Yuan off the bed and told him, “I bought you some tanghulu. They're right downstairs if you want them.”Hearing his favourite snack was some steps away, the little boy left Xiao Ning's arms to sprint down the stairs. With the little bundle now nowhere in sight, the room was instantly left in silence.

Shen Yunjie’s expression slightly darkened at those words, his words coming out with a stutter. “Daddy, um… Daddy won’t always be able to teach Xiao Yuan…”

_{The Confucian scholar stood waiting at the entrance, and Xiao Yuan was nudged towards the portrait of Confucius; tottering a bit, the little one performed a kowtow, then recited a few lines of the Analects with the scholar. After they were done, the scholar used a brush dipped in vermillion ink to place a dot on Xiao Yuan’s forehead, signifying his entrance to the school and the beginning of his studies.}
A gentle breeze wafted through the window, brushing over the inkstone on the table, mixing with the fragrance of the just-ground ink. As Shen Yunjie lay there, Xiao Ning sat by his side until he drifted off to sleep. Once out, Xiao Ning pulled his blanket over him and pulled that window shut before quietly making his exit.

_{Right then, Xiao Ning reached over to lift Xiao Yuan off the bed and told him, “I bought you some tanghulu. They're right downstairs if you want them.”Hearing his favourite snack was some steps away, the little boy left Xiao Ning's arms to sprint down the stairs. With the little bundle now nowhere in sight, the room was instantly left in silence.}It was still early in the morning, so the street around them was bustling. With this in mind, Shen Yunjie cautiously leaned closer to Xiao Ning’s ear and whispered, “Please let me down, young master. This will attract too many eyes.”

_{Shen Yunjie would, of course, agree.}
.

Shen Yunjie would, of course, agree.

_{“Xiao Yuan, did you write these?” Xiao Ning asked while reaching out to pick up a few pieces of the jute paper where Xiao Yuan’s copies were made.}It was still early in the morning, so the street around them was bustling. With this in mind, Shen Yunjie cautiously leaned closer to Xiao Ning’s ear and whispered, “Please let me down, young master. This will attract too many eyes.”

“Xiao Yuan, did you write these?” Xiao Ning asked while reaching out to pick up a few pieces of the jute paper where Xiao Yuan’s copies were made.

_N/A“But I already study with you, Daddy.” Xiao Yuan pointed to the book on the table as he spoke.

N/A

_{On Xiao Yuan’s first day of school, both Xiao Ning and Shen Yunjie got up at the crack of dawn.}
.

On Xiao Yuan’s first day of school, both Xiao Ning and Shen Yunjie got up at the crack of dawn.

_{Hearing the conversation about him by the adults, Xiao Yuan, still holding his brush, looked up at his father to ask, “What do people do at an academy, Daddy?”}As the slanted rays of warm light shone through the window, they scattered like golden flecks on the wooden table on which a father held his son’s hand in his own, guiding him stroke by stroke for the new character being learnt. Having to remain in bed all day, that father’s hair hung loose, the stray strands tucked neatly behind his ear. The outer robe draped over his shoulders, and his inner robe worn loose, giving him a relaxed appearance. Yet the common bamboo brush held between his son’s fingers and encircled by his own, danced across the pages to construct clear and graceful characters.

Hearing the conversation about him by the adults, Xiao Yuan, still holding his brush, looked up at his father to ask, “What do people do at an academy, Daddy?”

_{“Take it easy.” Xiao Ning offered him some support.}For a while, Xiao Ning leaned against the doorway and took in the sight. Then, coughing lightly to announce his presence, he interrupted the two and walked in holding a bowl of medicine.

“Take it easy.” Xiao Ning offered him some support.

_{Right then, Xiao Ning reached over to lift Xiao Yuan off the bed and told him, “I bought you some tanghulu. They're right downstairs if you want them.”Hearing his favourite snack was some steps away, the little boy left Xiao Ning's arms to sprint down the stairs. With the little bundle now nowhere in sight, the room was instantly left in silence.}Compared to before, Shen Yunjie’s overall strength had gotten weaker over the past few weeks as a result of his bed rest. Furthermore, he was far enough along that even his widest robe no longer concealed his growing and rounded belly. So in this condition, such a short trek had him wiping sweat from his brows, feeling dizzy under the sunlight, and ultimately almost bumping into Xiao Ning, who suddenly halted his steps.

_{“Young Master, I—” But before he could finish, Xiao Ning impatiently cut him off.}
.

“Young Master, I—” But before he could finish, Xiao Ning impatiently cut him off.

_{Shen Yunjie took the bowl. The medicine was warm, clearly already cooled, and just right for him to drink.}.

Shen Yunjie took the bowl. The medicine was warm, clearly already cooled, and just right for him to drink.

_N/AThe path home was a reasonable distance away, and Xiao Ning walked ahead with unhurried steps. But even at such a moderate pace, Shen Yunjie found it difficult to keep up with him. Lacking the strength to do so made him involuntarily start clutching his aching back.

N/A

_{“Take it easy.” Xiao Ning offered him some support.}
On Xiao Yuan’s first day of school, both Xiao Ning and Shen Yunjie got up at the crack of dawn.

“Take it easy.” Xiao Ning offered him some support.

_{“Lie down,” he instructed, to which Shen Yunjie obliged.}On Xiao Ning’s orders, Shen Yunjie was to stay in bed and care for the young one in his stomach. As a result, a small wooden table was set up next to the bed beside the window. There, oftentimes, Xiao Yuan would sit, reading or practising writing characters with his father.

“Lie down,” he instructed, to which Shen Yunjie obliged.

_{“Here’s your medicine.”}Before Xiao Ning and Xiao Yuan left home, Shen Yunjie kept bending down to straighten his son’s collar and imparting instructions. Standing beside them, and holding the boy’s book bag in his hand, Xiao Ning carefully lifted Shen Yunjie to his feet and said with a frown, “If you’re going to fuss this much, then just come drop him off with me.”

“Here’s your medicine.”

_{Right then, Xiao Ning reached over to lift Xiao Yuan off the bed and told him, “I bought you some tanghulu. They're right downstairs if you want them.”Hearing his favourite snack was some steps away, the little boy left Xiao Ning's arms to sprint down the stairs. With the little bundle now nowhere in sight, the room was instantly left in silence.}
Before Xiao Ning and Xiao Yuan left home, Shen Yunjie kept bending down to straighten his son’s collar and imparting instructions. Standing beside them, and holding the boy’s book bag in his hand, Xiao Ning carefully lifted Shen Yunjie to his feet and said with a frown, “If you’re going to fuss this much, then just come drop him off with me.”

_.“But I already study with you, Daddy.” Xiao Yuan pointed to the book on the table as he spoke.

_{Before Xiao Ning and Xiao Yuan left home, Shen Yunjie kept bending down to straighten his son’s collar and imparting instructions. Standing beside them, and holding the boy’s book bag in his hand, Xiao Ning carefully lifted Shen Yunjie to his feet and said with a frown, “If you’re going to fuss this much, then just come drop him off with me.”}“Young Master, I—” But before he could finish, Xiao Ning impatiently cut him off.

Before Xiao Ning and Xiao Yuan left home, Shen Yunjie kept bending down to straighten his son’s collar and imparting instructions. Standing beside them, and holding the boy’s book bag in his hand, Xiao Ning carefully lifted Shen Yunjie to his feet and said with a frown, “If you’re going to fuss this much, then just come drop him off with me.”

_{“Useless.”}So in response, Shen Yunjie responded, “Whatever the young master decides is fine with me.”

“Useless.”

_{On Xiao Yuan’s first day of school, both Xiao Ning and Shen Yunjie got up at the crack of dawn.}
Shen Yunjie would, of course, agree.

On Xiao Yuan’s first day of school, both Xiao Ning and Shen Yunjie got up at the crack of dawn.

The path home was a reasonable distance away, and Xiao Ning walked ahead with unhurried steps. But even at such a moderate pace, Shen Yunjie found it difficult to keep up with him. Lacking the strength to do so made him involuntarily start clutching his aching back.

_.Compared to before, Shen Yunjie’s overall strength had gotten weaker over the past few weeks as a result of his bed rest. Furthermore, he was far enough along that even his widest robe no longer concealed his growing and rounded belly. So in this condition, such a short trek had him wiping sweat from his brows, feeling dizzy under the sunlight, and ultimately almost bumping into Xiao Ning, who suddenly halted his steps.

_{“But I already study with you, Daddy.” Xiao Yuan pointed to the book on the table as he spoke.}Xiao Ning pinched Xiao Yuan’s cheek at the news while turning his attention to Shen Yunjie to ask, “Do you want to enrol him at the academy, then?”

“But I already study with you, Daddy.” Xiao Yuan pointed to the book on the table as he spoke.

_.
Thus, with one hand clumsily holding his father’s and the other grasping that no-longer-grumpy uncle, Xiao Yuan arrived at the academy before the sun shone brightly in the sky.

_.“Useless.”

_{So with that, Shen Yunjie ceased his protests and quietly reclined into Xiao Ning’s arms.}
The Confucian scholar stood waiting at the entrance, and Xiao Yuan was nudged towards the portrait of Confucius; tottering a bit, the little one performed a kowtow, then recited a few lines of the Analects with the scholar. After they were done, the scholar used a brush dipped in vermillion ink to place a dot on Xiao Yuan’s forehead, signifying his entrance to the school and the beginning of his studies.

So with that, Shen Yunjie ceased his protests and quietly reclined into Xiao Ning’s arms.

_{Hearing the conversation about him by the adults, Xiao Yuan, still holding his brush, looked up at his father to ask, “What do people do at an academy, Daddy?”}On Xiao Yuan’s first day of school, both Xiao Ning and Shen Yunjie got up at the crack of dawn.

Hearing the conversation about him by the adults, Xiao Yuan, still holding his brush, looked up at his father to ask, “What do people do at an academy, Daddy?”

_{“Lie down,” he instructed, to which Shen Yunjie obliged.}Shen Yunjie’s expression slightly darkened at those words, his words coming out with a stutter. “Daddy, um… Daddy won’t always be able to teach Xiao Yuan…”

“Lie down,” he instructed, to which Shen Yunjie obliged.

_{Chapter Twenty-two}
From when his son entered until the boy sat on a stool, picked up his book, and obediently followed along with the teacher, Shen Yunjie stood by and watched, and it was only then that he turned to follow after Xiao Ning.

Chapter Twenty-two

_{“Hush.” Xiao Ning was so annoyed that the crease between his brows could catch a fly.}From when his son entered until the boy sat on a stool, picked up his book, and obediently followed along with the teacher, Shen Yunjie stood by and watched, and it was only then that he turned to follow after Xiao Ning.

“Hush.” Xiao Ning was so annoyed that the crease between his brows could catch a fly.

_{As the slanted rays of warm light shone through the window, they scattered like golden flecks on the wooden table on which a father held his son’s hand in his own, guiding him stroke by stroke for the new character being learnt. Having to remain in bed all day, that father’s hair hung loose, the stray strands tucked neatly behind his ear.}
The path home was a reasonable distance away, and Xiao Ning walked ahead with unhurried steps. But even at such a moderate pace, Shen Yunjie found it difficult to keep up with him. Lacking the strength to do so made him involuntarily start clutching his aching back.

As the slanted rays of warm light shone through the window, they scattered like golden flecks on the wooden table on which a father held his son’s hand in his own, guiding him stroke by stroke for the new character being learnt. Having to remain in bed all day, that father’s hair hung loose, the stray strands tucked neatly behind his ear. The outer robe draped over his shoulders, and his inner robe worn loose, giving him a relaxed appearance. Yet the common bamboo brush held between his son’s fingers and encircled by his own, danced across the pages to construct clear and graceful characters.

_{On Xiao Yuan’s first day of school, both Xiao Ning and Shen Yunjie got up at the crack of dawn.}Hearing those frosty words from that man’s thin lips, Shen Yunjie was about to apologise while uncomfortably holding his stomach, but before he could utter a word, his body was carefully lifted by Xiao Ning.

On Xiao Yuan’s first day of school, both Xiao Ning and Shen Yunjie got up at the crack of dawn.

_{“Young Master, I—” But before he could finish, Xiao Ning impatiently cut him off.}On Xiao Yuan’s first day of school, both Xiao Ning and Shen Yunjie got up at the crack of dawn.

“Young Master, I—” But before he could finish, Xiao Ning impatiently cut him off.

_{The little boy looked up at him and nodded obediently in response.}Thus, with one hand clumsily holding his father’s and the other grasping that no-longer-grumpy uncle, Xiao Yuan arrived at the academy before the sun shone brightly in the sky.

The little boy looked up at him and nodded obediently in response.

_{Shen Yunjie would, of course, agree.}
Compared to before, Shen Yunjie’s overall strength had gotten weaker over the past few weeks as a result of his bed rest. Furthermore, he was far enough along that even his widest robe no longer concealed his growing and rounded belly. So in this condition, such a short trek had him wiping sweat from his brows, feeling dizzy under the sunlight, and ultimately almost bumping into Xiao Ning, who suddenly halted his steps.

Shen Yunjie would, of course, agree.

_{The little boy looked up at him and nodded obediently in response.}N/A

The little boy looked up at him and nodded obediently in response.

Compared to before, Shen Yunjie’s overall strength had gotten weaker over the past few weeks as a result of his bed rest. Furthermore, he was far enough along that even his widest robe no longer concealed his growing and rounded belly. So in this condition, such a short trek had him wiping sweat from his brows, feeling dizzy under the sunlight, and ultimately almost bumping into Xiao Ning, who suddenly halted his steps.

_{“Useless.”}N/AChapter Twenty-two

“Useless.”

_{Making his way over to the bedside, Xiao Ning moved to a pillow behind Shen Yunjie to lie flat.}
Hearing those frosty words from that man’s thin lips, Shen Yunjie was about to apologise while uncomfortably holding his stomach, but before he could utter a word, his body was carefully lifted by Xiao Ning.

Making his way over to the bedside, Xiao Ning moved to a pillow behind Shen Yunjie to lie flat.

_{“Useless.”}
It was still early in the morning, so the street around them was bustling. With this in mind, Shen Yunjie cautiously leaned closer to Xiao Ning’s ear and whispered, “Please let me down, young master. This will attract too many eyes.”

“Useless.”

_N/AShen Yunjie took the bowl. The medicine was warm, clearly already cooled, and just right for him to drink.

N/A

_{“Hush.” Xiao Ning was so annoyed that the crease between his brows could catch a fly.}Finished with his medicine, Shen Yunjie placed the empty bowl on the nightstand before chiming in, “Xiao Yuan’s reading progress is quite speedy as well. It’s only been a few days, but he already memorised all the lessons in the children’s textbooks.”

“Hush.” Xiao Ning was so annoyed that the crease between his brows could catch a fly.

_N/A
“Hush.” Xiao Ning was so annoyed that the crease between his brows could catch a fly.

N/A

_.
So with that, Shen Yunjie ceased his protests and quietly reclined into Xiao Ning’s arms.

_{“Young Master, I—” But before he could finish, Xiao Ning impatiently cut him off.}Hearing the conversation about him by the adults, Xiao Yuan, still holding his brush, looked up at his father to ask, “What do people do at an academy, Daddy?”

“Young Master, I—” But before he could finish, Xiao Ning impatiently cut him off.

_{“Lie down,” he instructed, to which Shen Yunjie obliged.}From when his son entered until the boy sat on a stool, picked up his book, and obediently followed along with the teacher, Shen Yunjie stood by and watched, and it was only then that he turned to follow after Xiao Ning.

“Lie down,” he instructed, to which Shen Yunjie obliged.

_{“Useless.”}“Xiao Yuan, did you write these?” Xiao Ning asked while reaching out to pick up a few pieces of the jute paper where Xiao Yuan’s copies were made.

“Useless.”

_{Hearing the conversation about him by the adults, Xiao Yuan, still holding his brush, looked up at his father to ask, “What do people do at an academy, Daddy?”}
N/AChapter Twenty-two

Hearing the conversation about him by the adults, Xiao Yuan, still holding his brush, looked up at his father to ask, “What do people do at an academy, Daddy?”

_{“They study.” Shen Yunjie caressed his son’s cheek. “It’s a place you go to to learn.”}
On Xiao Ning’s orders, Shen Yunjie was to stay in bed and care for the young one in his stomach. As a result, a small wooden table was set up next to the bed beside the window. There, oftentimes, Xiao Yuan would sit, reading or practising writing characters with his father.

“They study.” Shen Yunjie caressed his son’s cheek. “It’s a place you go to to learn.”

_{For a while, Xiao Ning leaned against the doorway and took in the sight. Then, coughing lightly to announce his presence, he interrupted the two and walked in holding a bowl of medicine.}Finished with his medicine, Shen Yunjie placed the empty bowl on the nightstand before chiming in, “Xiao Yuan’s reading progress is quite speedy as well. It’s only been a few days, but he already memorised all the lessons in the children’s textbooks.”

For a while, Xiao Ning leaned against the doorway and took in the sight. Then, coughing lightly to announce his presence, he interrupted the two and walked in holding a bowl of medicine.

_{Finished with his medicine, Shen Yunjie placed the empty bowl on the nightstand before chiming in, “Xiao Yuan’s reading progress is quite speedy as well. It’s only been a few days, but he already memorised all the lessons in the children’s textbooks.”}
As the slanted rays of warm light shone through the window, they scattered like golden flecks on the wooden table on which a father held his son’s hand in his own, guiding him stroke by stroke for the new character being learnt. Having to remain in bed all day, that father’s hair hung loose, the stray strands tucked neatly behind his ear. The outer robe draped over his shoulders, and his inner robe worn loose, giving him a relaxed appearance. Yet the common bamboo brush held between his son’s fingers and encircled by his own, danced across the pages to construct clear and graceful characters.

_.So in response, Shen Yunjie responded, “Whatever the young master decides is fine with me.”

_{The Confucian scholar stood waiting at the entrance, and Xiao Yuan was nudged towards the portrait of Confucius; tottering a bit, the little one performed a kowtow, then recited a few lines of the Analects with the scholar. After they were done, the scholar used a brush dipped in vermillion ink to place a dot on Xiao Yuan’s forehead, signifying his entrance to the school and the beginning of his studies.}A gentle breeze wafted through the window, brushing over the inkstone on the table, mixing with the fragrance of the just-ground ink. As Shen Yunjie lay there, Xiao Ning sat by his side until he drifted off to sleep. Once out, Xiao Ning pulled his blanket over him and pulled that window shut before quietly making his exit.

_{Shen Yunjie took the bowl. The medicine was warm, clearly already cooled, and just right for him to drink.}
For a while, Xiao Ning leaned against the doorway and took in the sight. Then, coughing lightly to announce his presence, he interrupted the two and walked in holding a bowl of medicine.

Shen Yunjie took the bowl. The medicine was warm, clearly already cooled, and just right for him to drink.

_{“Young Master, I—” But before he could finish, Xiao Ning impatiently cut him off.}The Confucian scholar stood waiting at the entrance, and Xiao Yuan was nudged towards the portrait of Confucius; tottering a bit, the little one performed a kowtow, then recited a few lines of the Analects with the scholar. After they were done, the scholar used a brush dipped in vermillion ink to place a dot on Xiao Yuan’s forehead, signifying his entrance to the school and the beginning of his studies.

“Young Master, I—” But before he could finish, Xiao Ning impatiently cut him off.

_{“Useless.”}Shen Yunjie took the bowl. The medicine was warm, clearly already cooled, and just right for him to drink.

“Useless.”

_{“But I already study with you, Daddy.” Xiao Yuan pointed to the book on the table as he spoke.}
Shen Yunjie took the bowl. The medicine was warm, clearly already cooled, and just right for him to drink.

“But I already study with you, Daddy.” Xiao Yuan pointed to the book on the table as he spoke.

_{“Lie down,” he instructed, to which Shen Yunjie obliged.}As the slanted rays of warm light shone through the window, they scattered like golden flecks on the wooden table on which a father held his son’s hand in his own, guiding him stroke by stroke for the new character being learnt. Having to remain in bed all day, that father’s hair hung loose, the stray strands tucked neatly behind his ear. The outer robe draped over his shoulders, and his inner robe worn loose, giving him a relaxed appearance. Yet the common bamboo brush held between his son’s fingers and encircled by his own, danced across the pages to construct clear and graceful characters.

“Lie down,” he instructed, to which Shen Yunjie obliged.

_{A gentle breeze wafted through the window, brushing over the inkstone on the table, mixing with the fragrance of the just-ground ink. As Shen Yunjie lay there, Xiao Ning sat by his side until he drifted off to sleep. Once out, Xiao Ning pulled his blanket over him and pulled that window shut before quietly making his exit.}“Young Master, I—” But before he could finish, Xiao Ning impatiently cut him off.

A gentle breeze wafted through the window, brushing over the inkstone on the table, mixing with the fragrance of the just-ground ink. As Shen Yunjie lay there, Xiao Ning sat by his side until he drifted off to sleep. Once out, Xiao Ning pulled his blanket over him and pulled that window shut before quietly making his exit.

_{“Hush.” Xiao Ning was so annoyed that the crease between his brows could catch a fly.}
“Xiao Yuan, did you write these?” Xiao Ning asked while reaching out to pick up a few pieces of the jute paper where Xiao Yuan’s copies were made.

“Hush.” Xiao Ning was so annoyed that the crease between his brows could catch a fly.

_{On Xiao Ning’s orders, Shen Yunjie was to stay in bed and care for the young one in his stomach. As a result, a small wooden table was set up next to the bed beside the window. There, oftentimes, Xiao Yuan would sit, reading or practising writing characters with his father.}“They study.” Shen Yunjie caressed his son’s cheek. “It’s a place you go to to learn.”

_{Shen Yunjie never expected such a thing, so for a short while he was astounded. His son was smart; he knew that well. But he also knew he rarely had the chance to interact with other kids his age, and as a result, his personality was not particularly lively. So if he were to enter that school, he might get to meet more children his age.}
The little boy looked up at him and nodded obediently in response.

_{“Hush.” Xiao Ning was so annoyed that the crease between his brows could catch a fly.}So in response, Shen Yunjie responded, “Whatever the young master decides is fine with me.”

“Hush.” Xiao Ning was so annoyed that the crease between his brows could catch a fly.

_{Shen Yunjie would, of course, agree.}.

Shen Yunjie would, of course, agree.

For a while, Xiao Ning leaned against the doorway and took in the sight. Then, coughing lightly to announce his presence, he interrupted the two and walked in holding a bowl of medicine.

_{The little boy looked up at him and nodded obediently in response.}
“They’re pretty good.” Xiao Ning patted the boy on the head.

The little boy looked up at him and nodded obediently in response.

_{Xiao Ning pinched Xiao Yuan’s cheek at the news while turning his attention to Shen Yunjie to ask, “Do you want to enrol him at the academy, then?”}Thus, with one hand clumsily holding his father’s and the other grasping that no-longer-grumpy uncle, Xiao Yuan arrived at the academy before the sun shone brightly in the sky.

Xiao Ning pinched Xiao Yuan’s cheek at the news while turning his attention to Shen Yunjie to ask, “Do you want to enrol him at the academy, then?”

_N/A
Finished with his medicine, Shen Yunjie placed the empty bowl on the nightstand before chiming in, “Xiao Yuan’s reading progress is quite speedy as well. It’s only been a few days, but he already memorised all the lessons in the children’s textbooks.”

N/A

_{On Xiao Ning’s orders, Shen Yunjie was to stay in bed and care for the young one in his stomach. As a result, a small wooden table was set up next to the bed beside the window. There, oftentimes, Xiao Yuan would sit, reading or practising writing characters with his father.}
Xiao Ning pinched Xiao Yuan’s cheek at the news while turning his attention to Shen Yunjie to ask, “Do you want to enrol him at the academy, then?”

_{“Xiao Yuan, did you write these?” Xiao Ning asked while reaching out to pick up a few pieces of the jute paper where Xiao Yuan’s copies were made.}
Shen Yunjie never expected such a thing, so for a short while he was astounded. His son was smart; he knew that well. But he also knew he rarely had the chance to interact with other kids his age, and as a result, his personality was not particularly lively. So if he were to enter that school, he might get to meet more children his age.

“Xiao Yuan, did you write these?” Xiao Ning asked while reaching out to pick up a few pieces of the jute paper where Xiao Yuan’s copies were made.

_{“Young Master, I—” But before he could finish, Xiao Ning impatiently cut him off.}
So in response, Shen Yunjie responded, “Whatever the young master decides is fine with me.”

“Young Master, I—” But before he could finish, Xiao Ning impatiently cut him off.

_{So with that, Shen Yunjie ceased his protests and quietly reclined into Xiao Ning’s arms.}
Hearing the conversation about him by the adults, Xiao Yuan, still holding his brush, looked up at his father to ask, “What do people do at an academy, Daddy?”

So with that, Shen Yunjie ceased his protests and quietly reclined into Xiao Ning’s arms.

_{“Useless.”}Before Xiao Ning and Xiao Yuan left home, Shen Yunjie kept bending down to straighten his son’s collar and imparting instructions. Standing beside them, and holding the boy’s book bag in his hand, Xiao Ning carefully lifted Shen Yunjie to his feet and said with a frown, “If you’re going to fuss this much, then just come drop him off with me.”

“Useless.”

_{For a while, Xiao Ning leaned against the doorway and took in the sight. Then, coughing lightly to announce his presence, he interrupted the two and walked in holding a bowl of medicine.}On Xiao Ning’s orders, Shen Yunjie was to stay in bed and care for the young one in his stomach. As a result, a small wooden table was set up next to the bed beside the window. There, oftentimes, Xiao Yuan would sit, reading or practising writing characters with his father.

For a while, Xiao Ning leaned against the doorway and took in the sight. Then, coughing lightly to announce his presence, he interrupted the two and walked in holding a bowl of medicine.

_{“Useless.”}
“They study.” Shen Yunjie caressed his son’s cheek. “It’s a place you go to to learn.”

“Useless.”

_N/A
“But I already study with you, Daddy.” Xiao Yuan pointed to the book on the table as he spoke.

N/A

_{Thus, with one hand clumsily holding his father’s and the other grasping that no-longer-grumpy uncle, Xiao Yuan arrived at the academy before the sun shone brightly in the sky.}
Shen Yunjie’s expression slightly darkened at those words, his words coming out with a stutter. “Daddy, um… Daddy won’t always be able to teach Xiao Yuan…”

Thus, with one hand clumsily holding his father’s and the other grasping that no-longer-grumpy uncle, Xiao Yuan arrived at the academy before the sun shone brightly in the sky.

_.“Take it easy.” Xiao Ning offered him some support.

_{“Xiao Yuan, did you write these?” Xiao Ning asked while reaching out to pick up a few pieces of the jute paper where Xiao Yuan’s copies were made.}Finished with his medicine, Shen Yunjie placed the empty bowl on the nightstand before chiming in, “Xiao Yuan’s reading progress is quite speedy as well. It’s only been a few days, but he already memorised all the lessons in the children’s textbooks.”

“Xiao Yuan, did you write these?” Xiao Ning asked while reaching out to pick up a few pieces of the jute paper where Xiao Yuan’s copies were made.

_{Shen Yunjie’s expression slightly darkened at those words, his words coming out with a stutter. “Daddy, um… Daddy won’t always be able to teach Xiao Yuan…”}
Right then, Xiao Ning reached over to lift Xiao Yuan off the bed and told him, “I bought you some tanghulu. They're right downstairs if you want them.”Hearing his favourite snack was some steps away, the little boy left Xiao Ning's arms to sprint down the stairs. With the little bundle now nowhere in sight, the room was instantly left in silence.

Shen Yunjie’s expression slightly darkened at those words, his words coming out with a stutter. “Daddy, um… Daddy won’t always be able to teach Xiao Yuan…”

_{Before Xiao Ning and Xiao Yuan left home, Shen Yunjie kept bending down to straighten his son’s collar and imparting instructions. Standing beside them, and holding the boy’s book bag in his hand, Xiao Ning carefully lifted Shen Yunjie to his feet and said with a frown, “If you’re going to fuss this much, then just come drop him off with me.”}
Making his way over to the bedside, Xiao Ning moved to a pillow behind Shen Yunjie to lie flat.

_{Shen Yunjie’s expression slightly darkened at those words, his words coming out with a stutter. “Daddy, um… Daddy won’t always be able to teach Xiao Yuan…”}It was still early in the morning, so the street around them was bustling. With this in mind, Shen Yunjie cautiously leaned closer to Xiao Ning’s ear and whispered, “Please let me down, young master. This will attract too many eyes.”

Shen Yunjie’s expression slightly darkened at those words, his words coming out with a stutter. “Daddy, um… Daddy won’t always be able to teach Xiao Yuan…”

_{A gentle breeze wafted through the window, brushing over the inkstone on the table, mixing with the fragrance of the just-ground ink. As Shen Yunjie lay there, Xiao Ning sat by his side until he drifted off to sleep. Once out, Xiao Ning pulled his blanket over him and pulled that window shut before quietly making his exit.}
“Lie down,” he instructed, to which Shen Yunjie obliged.

_{Hearing the conversation about him by the adults, Xiao Yuan, still holding his brush, looked up at his father to ask, “What do people do at an academy, Daddy?”}A gentle breeze wafted through the window, brushing over the inkstone on the table, mixing with the fragrance of the just-ground ink. As Shen Yunjie lay there, Xiao Ning sat by his side until he drifted off to sleep. Once out, Xiao Ning pulled his blanket over him and pulled that window shut before quietly making his exit.

Hearing the conversation about him by the adults, Xiao Yuan, still holding his brush, looked up at his father to ask, “What do people do at an academy, Daddy?”

_{The little boy looked up at him and nodded obediently in response.}
A gentle breeze wafted through the window, brushing over the inkstone on the table, mixing with the fragrance of the just-ground ink. As Shen Yunjie lay there, Xiao Ning sat by his side until he drifted off to sleep. Once out, Xiao Ning pulled his blanket over him and pulled that window shut before quietly making his exit.

The little boy looked up at him and nodded obediently in response.

_{Shen Yunjie never expected such a thing, so for a short while he was astounded. His son was smart; he knew that well. But he also knew he rarely had the chance to interact with other kids his age, and as a result, his personality was not particularly lively. So if he were to enter that school, he might get to meet more children his age.}“Hush.” Xiao Ning was so annoyed that the crease between his brows could catch a fly.

_N/A.

N/A

_{Xiao Ning pinched Xiao Yuan’s cheek at the news while turning his attention to Shen Yunjie to ask, “Do you want to enrol him at the academy, then?”}
.

Xiao Ning pinched Xiao Yuan’s cheek at the news while turning his attention to Shen Yunjie to ask, “Do you want to enrol him at the academy, then?”

_{Hearing the conversation about him by the adults, Xiao Yuan, still holding his brush, looked up at his father to ask, “What do people do at an academy, Daddy?”}Shen Yunjie would, of course, agree.

Hearing the conversation about him by the adults, Xiao Yuan, still holding his brush, looked up at his father to ask, “What do people do at an academy, Daddy?”

Thus, with one hand clumsily holding his father’s and the other grasping that no-longer-grumpy uncle, Xiao Yuan arrived at the academy before the sun shone brightly in the sky.

_{Shen Yunjie’s expression slightly darkened at those words, his words coming out with a stutter. “Daddy, um… Daddy won’t always be able to teach Xiao Yuan…”}
Before Xiao Ning and Xiao Yuan left home, Shen Yunjie kept bending down to straighten his son’s collar and imparting instructions. Standing beside them, and holding the boy’s book bag in his hand, Xiao Ning carefully lifted Shen Yunjie to his feet and said with a frown, “If you’re going to fuss this much, then just come drop him off with me.”

Shen Yunjie’s expression slightly darkened at those words, his words coming out with a stutter. “Daddy, um… Daddy won’t always be able to teach Xiao Yuan…”

_{“Hush.” Xiao Ning was so annoyed that the crease between his brows could catch a fly.}The Confucian scholar stood waiting at the entrance, and Xiao Yuan was nudged towards the portrait of Confucius; tottering a bit, the little one performed a kowtow, then recited a few lines of the Analects with the scholar. After they were done, the scholar used a brush dipped in vermillion ink to place a dot on Xiao Yuan’s forehead, signifying his entrance to the school and the beginning of his studies.

“Hush.” Xiao Ning was so annoyed that the crease between his brows could catch a fly.

_{Compared to before, Shen Yunjie’s overall strength had gotten weaker over the past few weeks as a result of his bed rest. Furthermore, he was far enough along that even his widest robe no longer concealed his growing and rounded belly.}The Confucian scholar stood waiting at the entrance, and Xiao Yuan was nudged towards the portrait of Confucius; tottering a bit, the little one performed a kowtow, then recited a few lines of the Analects with the scholar. After they were done, the scholar used a brush dipped in vermillion ink to place a dot on Xiao Yuan’s forehead, signifying his entrance to the school and the beginning of his studies.

For a while, Xiao Ning leaned against the doorway and took in the sight. Then, coughing lightly to announce his presence, he interrupted the two and walked in holding a bowl of medicine.

_{Shen Yunjie would, of course, agree.}“Lie down,” he instructed, to which Shen Yunjie obliged.

Shen Yunjie would, of course, agree.

_{So in response, Shen Yunjie responded, “Whatever the young master decides is fine with me.”}Thus, with one hand clumsily holding his father’s and the other grasping that no-longer-grumpy uncle, Xiao Yuan arrived at the academy before the sun shone brightly in the sky.

So in response, Shen Yunjie responded, “Whatever the young master decides is fine with me.”

_{Shen Yunjie would, of course, agree.}Hearing the conversation about him by the adults, Xiao Yuan, still holding his brush, looked up at his father to ask, “What do people do at an academy, Daddy?”

Shen Yunjie would, of course, agree.

_{Before Xiao Ning and Xiao Yuan left home, Shen Yunjie kept bending down to straighten his son’s collar and imparting instructions. Standing beside them, and holding the boy’s book bag in his hand, Xiao Ning carefully lifted Shen Yunjie to his feet and said with a frown, “If you’re going to fuss this much, then just come drop him off with me.”}
Thus, with one hand clumsily holding his father’s and the other grasping that no-longer-grumpy uncle, Xiao Yuan arrived at the academy before the sun shone brightly in the sky.

_{The path home was a reasonable distance away, and Xiao Ning walked ahead with unhurried steps. But even at such a moderate pace, Shen Yunjie found it difficult to keep up with him. Lacking the strength to do so made him involuntarily start clutching his aching back.}
The Confucian scholar stood waiting at the entrance, and Xiao Yuan was nudged towards the portrait of Confucius; tottering a bit, the little one performed a kowtow, then recited a few lines of the Analects with the scholar. After they were done, the scholar used a brush dipped in vermillion ink to place a dot on Xiao Yuan’s forehead, signifying his entrance to the school and the beginning of his studies.

_{As the slanted rays of warm light shone through the window, they scattered like golden flecks on the wooden table on which a father held his son’s hand in his own, guiding him stroke by stroke for the new character being learnt. Having to remain in bed all day, that father’s hair hung loose, the stray strands tucked neatly behind his ear.}Shen Yunjie never expected such a thing, so for a short while he was astounded. His son was smart; he knew that well. But he also knew he rarely had the chance to interact with other kids his age, and as a result, his personality was not particularly lively. So if he were to enter that school, he might get to meet more children his age.

_{“Lie down,” he instructed, to which Shen Yunjie obliged.}
From when his son entered until the boy sat on a stool, picked up his book, and obediently followed along with the teacher, Shen Yunjie stood by and watched, and it was only then that he turned to follow after Xiao Ning.

“Lie down,” he instructed, to which Shen Yunjie obliged.

_{“Here’s your medicine.”}
The path home was a reasonable distance away, and Xiao Ning walked ahead with unhurried steps. But even at such a moderate pace, Shen Yunjie found it difficult to keep up with him. Lacking the strength to do so made him involuntarily start clutching his aching back.

“Here’s your medicine.”

_{For a while, Xiao Ning leaned against the doorway and took in the sight. Then, coughing lightly to announce his presence, he interrupted the two and walked in holding a bowl of medicine.}
Compared to before, Shen Yunjie’s overall strength had gotten weaker over the past few weeks as a result of his bed rest. Furthermore, he was far enough along that even his widest robe no longer concealed his growing and rounded belly. So in this condition, such a short trek had him wiping sweat from his brows, feeling dizzy under the sunlight, and ultimately almost bumping into Xiao Ning, who suddenly halted his steps.

For a while, Xiao Ning leaned against the doorway and took in the sight. Then, coughing lightly to announce his presence, he interrupted the two and walked in holding a bowl of medicine.

_N/AA gentle breeze wafted through the window, brushing over the inkstone on the table, mixing with the fragrance of the just-ground ink. As Shen Yunjie lay there, Xiao Ning sat by his side until he drifted off to sleep. Once out, Xiao Ning pulled his blanket over him and pulled that window shut before quietly making his exit.

N/A

_{“Xiao Yuan, did you write these?” Xiao Ning asked while reaching out to pick up a few pieces of the jute paper where Xiao Yuan’s copies were made.}Xiao Ning pinched Xiao Yuan’s cheek at the news while turning his attention to Shen Yunjie to ask, “Do you want to enrol him at the academy, then?”

“Xiao Yuan, did you write these?” Xiao Ning asked while reaching out to pick up a few pieces of the jute paper where Xiao Yuan’s copies were made.

_{“Lie down,” he instructed, to which Shen Yunjie obliged.}
“Take it easy.” Xiao Ning offered him some support.

“Lie down,” he instructed, to which Shen Yunjie obliged.

_{“Take it easy.” Xiao Ning offered him some support.}Hearing the conversation about him by the adults, Xiao Yuan, still holding his brush, looked up at his father to ask, “What do people do at an academy, Daddy?”

“Take it easy.” Xiao Ning offered him some support.

_{“Young Master, I—” But before he could finish, Xiao Ning impatiently cut him off.}So in response, Shen Yunjie responded, “Whatever the young master decides is fine with me.”

“Young Master, I—” But before he could finish, Xiao Ning impatiently cut him off.

_.
“Young Master, I—” But before he could finish, Xiao Ning impatiently cut him off.

_{“But I already study with you, Daddy.” Xiao Yuan pointed to the book on the table as he spoke.}N/AChapter Twenty-two

“But I already study with you, Daddy.” Xiao Yuan pointed to the book on the table as he spoke.

_{Thus, with one hand clumsily holding his father’s and the other grasping that no-longer-grumpy uncle, Xiao Yuan arrived at the academy before the sun shone brightly in the sky.}
“Useless.”

Thus, with one hand clumsily holding his father’s and the other grasping that no-longer-grumpy uncle, Xiao Yuan arrived at the academy before the sun shone brightly in the sky.

_{The little boy looked up at him and nodded obediently in response.}“Useless.”

The little boy looked up at him and nodded obediently in response.

“Lie down,” he instructed, to which Shen Yunjie obliged.

_.“They study.” Shen Yunjie caressed his son’s cheek. “It’s a place you go to to learn.”

_.
Hearing those frosty words from that man’s thin lips, Shen Yunjie was about to apologise while uncomfortably holding his stomach, but before he could utter a word, his body was carefully lifted by Xiao Ning.

_{On Xiao Ning’s orders, Shen Yunjie was to stay in bed and care for the young one in his stomach. As a result, a small wooden table was set up next to the bed beside the window. There, oftentimes, Xiao Yuan would sit, reading or practising writing characters with his father.}So in response, Shen Yunjie responded, “Whatever the young master decides is fine with me.”

_{“Xiao Yuan, did you write these?” Xiao Ning asked while reaching out to pick up a few pieces of the jute paper where Xiao Yuan’s copies were made.}.

“Xiao Yuan, did you write these?” Xiao Ning asked while reaching out to pick up a few pieces of the jute paper where Xiao Yuan’s copies were made.

_{Shen Yunjie took the bowl. The medicine was warm, clearly already cooled, and just right for him to drink.}
It was still early in the morning, so the street around them was bustling. With this in mind, Shen Yunjie cautiously leaned closer to Xiao Ning’s ear and whispered, “Please let me down, young master. This will attract too many eyes.”

Shen Yunjie took the bowl. The medicine was warm, clearly already cooled, and just right for him to drink.

_.Making his way over to the bedside, Xiao Ning moved to a pillow behind Shen Yunjie to lie flat.

_{“Useless.”}“Young Master, I—” But before he could finish, Xiao Ning impatiently cut him off.

“Useless.”

_N/A“Useless.”

N/A

_N/A“Useless.”

N/A

_{A gentle breeze wafted through the window, brushing over the inkstone on the table, mixing with the fragrance of the just-ground ink. As Shen Yunjie lay there, Xiao Ning sat by his side until he drifted off to sleep. Once out, Xiao Ning pulled his blanket over him and pulled that window shut before quietly making his exit.}“But I already study with you, Daddy.” Xiao Yuan pointed to the book on the table as he spoke.

_.
So with that, Shen Yunjie ceased his protests and quietly reclined into Xiao Ning’s arms.

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

N/A

Selling Cakes: C22

Chapter Twenty-two

Author's Note:

Notes:

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