Joyful Motherhood in a Rural Family

Chapter 490: Signs
“What’s wrong? Ye Lei.”

Liu Sisi, having sensed something amiss, instinctively held him in her arms.

Di Yelei stayed silent, merely clinging to her in silence.

Liu Sisi didn’t persist in probing him. Instead, she encircled his broad waist and gently held him.

Both of them stayed quietly in each other’s arms, absorbing the shared warmth.

After a while, Liu Sisi, tilting her head, gently nuzzled his cheek.

“Today, Xuan’er has earned praise from Elder Mr. Xu at the village school. Elder Mr. Xu even rewarded him with a piece of glutinous rice sugar. He brought it back from school and gave it to YingEr, who said it was very sweet.”

Her voice was as gentle as a softly rippling brook, evoking a sense of relaxation in the heart.

Di Yelei managed to lift his head with difficulty, “Really? Xuan’er is becoming more capable.”

He laughed lightly and sat up to gently touch her belly, “Was the little guy behaving today?”

“He was very well-behaved. Today, I went to the manor. It was rare that I didn’t feel nauseous, so I indulged in some preserved fruit.”

Ever since she got pregnant, she couldn’t ride in a carriage without feeling motion sick – a problem she never had before. So, feeling well enough to enjoy preserved fruit was something vastly out of the ordinary.

“Really? Little bastard, you’d better behave yourself, understand? If you make a fuss that troubles your mother, when you come out, I’ll spank your small buttocks.”

As he spoke, his large hand gently covered her belly, his heart felt lighter, and his body felt full of energy.

“Let’s go! Let’s go eat, time for dinner!”

He laughed heartily and effortlessly scooped Liu Sisi into his arms, striding out of the inner room.

Liu Sisi, contentedly wrapped her arms around his neck, unprecedentedly not resisting his embrace, and allowed him to carry her to the dining hall. She accompanied him in a cheerful and chatty dinner.

Di Yelei didn’t mention the problem he encountered, and Liu Sisi didn’t ask.

The two simply accompanied each other, and then went to sleep in each other’s arms, as if nothing had happened.

For several days following, Di Yelei, with boosted morale, went out early and returned late. Despite being tired, he was rejuvenated each morning.

Watching all this, Liu Sisi finally put her mind at ease.

On this day, while Di Yelei was out, she got herself ready and decided to go to the county town.

For this trip to the county, she didn’t bring YingEr, but instead took Granny Hu and Xue Yi. Old Cheng drove the carriage straight to the county town.

Recently, Liu Sisi wasn’t at ease with Di Yelei’s situation. So, she bought two horses specially, and had Da Niu and Er Niu follow him. After all, Di Yelei was a minor official now, and it was necessary to prepare sufficient manpower.

She first went to the Drunken Fairy Restaurant and the Silver Pavilion to check the accounts and collect the new account books, then casually inquired to a shopkeeper by her side.

“Why haven’t I seen Brother Nan recently? What’s he busy with?”

“Replying to Boss Liu, Boss has not been here lately, it’s said that he went to the capital. Subordinates don’t know the exact situation.”

“So that was why.”

Liu Sisi finally understood why Nan Tianzong had not been seen recently: “If he comes back, tell him that I have something to discuss with him.”

“Yes, Boss Liu.”

After Liu Sisi instructed a few more things, she left the Silver Pavilion and had Old Cheng drive straight to the county government.

The County Magistrate Su received a report and hurriedly walked out from the inside to greet the guests.

“A visit from Miss Gan is a three-fold honor to our humble residence. It brightens up the entire place! Come inside, please, Miss Gan!”

“Sir Su, it would be better for you to call me Mrs. Di.” Liu Sisi smirked before she took a step forward.

County Magistrate Su chuckled, “Please, Mrs. Di.”

When they reached the back hall of the county government office, the maid served fragrant tea.

“I have already sent for my wife, she will arrive shortly.”

“No problem, Magistrate Su, let’s not beat around the bush. Sisi came here today actually to inquire about a matter from Lord Su.” Liu Sisi said with a smile.

County Magistrate Su blinked, “That’s a coincidence! I am unfortunately caught up with official duties and can’t spare any time to accompany you. Since my wife enjoys idle chit-chat, having Mrs. Di around is just perfect!”

As he was talking, he turned to a runner behind him and ordered, “Run to the backyard and call for my wife. Tell her that Mrs. Di is here and I want her to come and entertain our esteemed guest immediately.”

“Yes, Sir.”

The runner accepted and hurried off.

“Lord Su, I came to see you today.” Liu Sisi’s face turned solemn.

“To be thought about by Mrs. Di is an honor for me. Unfortunately, as a man, I must prioritize my duties. As soon as I am free, I will definitely invite Mrs. Di for a grand reception along with my wife.”

Liu Sisi frowned, “But, I…”

Just as she was speaking, Lady Su came out from the inside, “I heard the magpies chattering since early this morning, I knew a distinguished guest was coming. Indeed it’s Mrs. Di!” Lady Su curtsied towards Liu Sisi as she spoke.

This Lady Su had a smiling face, appearing far more sophisticated compared to Magistrate Su.

Both were naturally courteous to each other. When Magistrate Su took advantage of their conversation to slip away, Liu Sisi felt as if someone punched her right in the softridge, for quite a while, she was speechless.

Meanwhile, Lady Su looked delighted, but as Liu Sisi had something on her mind, she could only respond half-heartedly.

After sitting for a while, Liu Sisi stood up to bid farewell.

Lady Su naturally tried to persuade her to stay: “Sisi, don’t you want to give your elder sister some face? We’re just about to have lunch. It’s not right to let a guest leave. You must stay for lunch today.”

“Really, I don’t need to. I feel tired and want to get some sleep. I won’t bother you any longer, Lady Su. I will definitely come over and catch up another day. I take my leave now.”

Liu Sisi was determined to leave. After a moment of back and forth, Liu Sisi finally exited the governmental office and got onto the carriage to head back home.

As she passed by the bustling market, Liu Sisi gently lifted the curtain, “Old Cheng, drive a bit slower. Be careful not to hit anyone.”

“Alright!”

Old Cheng agreed and drove the carriage slowly forward.

Liu Sisi was actually hungry, but the attitudes of County Magistrate Su and Lady Su made her understand that her sudden appearance wasn’t welcomed. No wonder Di Yelei came home every day looking extremely tired, it seemed there were many undertones involved.

She sighed quietly, looked around into the crowd on the side, and suddenly saw the figure of Di Yelei.

It was indeed Di Yelei!

Behind him were Da Niu and Er Niu. The three of them were hurrying from the south side and rushed into the small path on the north side.

The trio seemed to be talking about something. They didn’t even glance in her direction. Instead, they sped up their steps and their figures soon disappeared at the intersection.