CHAPTER 156: CHAPTER 156: WHAT KIND OF FAIRY-TALE LOVE IS THIS

The sound of horse hooves came from beyond the alley wall, urgent like a sudden rain, swiftly approaching.

When half of the man’s hair crown appeared over the wall, Gu Ning released her two daughters, taking a few quick steps forward before forcing herself to stop.

At that moment, a figure on horseback leaped over the wall, coming to a halt in the middle of the east gate, while the man on the horse turned and looked toward the Duke Yan Mansion gate, pulling at the reins.

The man on the horse was tall and imposing, wearing a purple robe, a jade belt, and ornate accessories, all indicating noble stature.

His gaze found Gu Ning and fixed on her.

His face was covered with a thick beard that somewhat hid his expression, but his eyes glimmered with tears.

He stared fixedly for a moment, then leaped off his horse with a swift movement, rushing towards her. In Gu Ning’s exclamation, he lifted her and strode toward the Duke Yan Mansion gate.

Tang Xiaobai hurriedly followed, retreating to the side along with her brother and sister to make way.

Tang Shigong walked in without so much as a glance to the side, disappearing from everyone’s sight before long...

Tang Xiaobai stood there dazed for a long time, covering her face.

Ah...this...

What kind of divine love story is this?

It almost seems a bit inappropriate for children...

"Second Miss?" Li Mu looked puzzled at the little girl who was covering her face and making a "woo-woo" sound, wondering if she was upset because Tang Shigong hadn’t noticed her just now?

He had indeed heard that Tang Shigong cherished his wife above all else, more so than his own children.

The eldest son and daughter were fine, having spent some years under Tang Shigong’s care.

However, this little girl had hardly seen her father since she was born, and now upon finally seeing him, he didn’t even spare her a glance, which seemed a bit too much.

Thinking of this, Li Mu frowned with displeasure.

At this time, she put down her hand, her face flushed, her eyes red and watery as if about to cry.

Li Mu couldn’t help but feel even more annoyed.

But there was nothing he could do, so he racked his brains to comfort her: "The eldest son and eldest daughter have already gone in, and the Duke didn’t greet them either."

Tang Xiaobai wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and nodded.

So touching...

She thought she’d have to ponder and act out the mixed emotions of a father-daughter reunion, but it turned out Tang Shigong didn’t even see her.

It wasn’t just her; Tang Ziqian and Tang Jiaojiao were also ignored.

His eyes were filled only with his wife, whom he hadn’t seen for years...

Ahhh! What kind of divine love is this!

A domineering general’s little wifey?

The war god general’s beloved?

The war god returns, yet sees his wife... (this line is crossed out)

Whatever the case, she’s shipping this couple!

"Let’s go in, too!" Tang Xiaobai sniffled, finally calming her emotions.

Li Mu felt even more heartache looking at her.

Unexpectedly, as the youngest in the family, Second Miss was so overlooked by the family head!

In the future, if he were to come back from outside, he would make sure to see her first!

...

Tang Xiaobai saw Tang Shigong again two hours later at a family banquet.

It was truly a family banquet; even Zhou Xun wasn’t there, just the five of them around the table.

The dishes were all served when Tang Shigong finally arrived, holding Gu Ning’s hand, fashionably late.

By now, Tang Shigong had already washed up and changed clothes, and he had shaved off his beard.

With his sharp eyebrows, bright eyes, and straight nose, he was a handsome middle-aged man!

Though smiling, perhaps due to long years on the battlefield, there was an implicit air of threat when his gaze shifted.

Tang Xiaobai, feeling a bit shy, followed her sister’s lead in greeting, not daring to look at Tang Shigong directly.

Tang Shigong nodded at his eldest son, helped Tang Jiaojiao to her feet with a raised hand, and finally set his gaze on Tang Xiaobai.

"Eleven years old?" His tone was gentle, somewhat reminiscent, not knowing if he was asking himself or speaking to others.

Tang Xiaobai glanced at him and responded with a soft "Hmm."

Suddenly she felt his hand resting on her head.

It was light yet carried a sense of weight.

The hand moved from her head to her shoulder, pressing gently as he knelt slightly to look at her.

Being so close made Tang Xiaobai a bit uncomfortable, and she instinctively took half a step back, stepping on Tang Jiaojiao’s foot.

"What are you dodging for!" Tang Jiaojiao murmured softly and explained for her, "Xiao Bai hasn’t seen A-Da for a long time. She’s timid, A-Da, don’t blame her."

Tang Shigong chuckled softly and said warmly, "Don’t be afraid."

His eyes were bright, and when he smiled gently, his face was more scholarly, quite different from the heroic air when they first met.

His broad hand patted her shoulder twice in a comforting manner, then seemed about to stroke her hair, but for some reason stopped short and retracted.

Standing up, he smiled and said to Gu Ning, "Xiao Bai takes after me, both Xiao Bai and Jiaojiao take after me!" These words were spoken with great joy and pride.

Tang Xiaobai touched her own face and then looked back at Tang Jiaojiao.

"What are you looking at?" Tang Jiaojiao pulled her to the table.

"If both Sister and I resemble Dad, does that mean I can be as beautiful as Sister in the future?"

The little girl asked seriously, drawing laughter from everyone in the house...

...

After the evening meal, as soon as they put down their chopsticks, Tang Shigong had people bring in more than a dozen large chests.

"These are little trinkets seized from the Turks during battle. Take a look and see if there’s anything you like."

The dozen or so chests were opened, all packed full, the jewels and treasures lighting up the room.

But the more one sees of gold, silver, and jewels, the less impressive they seem.

Tang Xiaobai, now having seen the world as the Second Miss of the Duke Yan Mansion, didn’t lack these at home.

She glanced around the room, walking to a nondescript box.

Tang Shigong was surprised and said, "Our Xiao Bai is so studious?"

The box she chose was filled with old book bundles, clearly aged collections.

Tang Jiaojiao glanced at it, humming lightly, "Isn’t she? She’s so diligent at school every day, you’d think our family is about to produce a top scholar."

Tang Shigong laughed and said, "Girls may not be able to become top scholars, but they can still pursue learning. There was once a talented woman from the Lu Family who not only wrote books but also entered the court as an official—"

"Really?" Tang Xiaobai asked with surprise and joy.

She read mainly to guide her little ancestor, but also for some spiritual solace.

After all, being a traditional well-bred lady in ancient times could be quite boring. Her family neither farmed nor engaged in business, and there wasn’t any intriguing palace intrigue. Without reading, was she to chase butterflies?

It was truly delightful to hear that women could also hold office!

She suddenly felt a sense of direction in life!

"True, of course, it’s true. But in the hundred years since this dynasty was established, there has only been one female official; do you think everyone is like that Mr. Lu?" Tang Jiaojiao said.

Unsurprisingly, as her own sister, she held back nothing when it came to dispelling illusions.

"Who knows, our Xiao Bai is still young," Tang Shigong laughed.

Tang Xiaobai wasn’t bothered.

She didn’t necessarily want to become an official, but she liked having this idea in mind.

She continued to look through the books.

After examining the books, she moved on to stationery sets and scroll stamps.

Tang Shigong watched with amusement at first, but before long, he began whispering to Gu Ning.

After only exchanging a few words, he cleared his throat and said, "You all take your time looking; I’ll return to rest with your mother." He then left with Gu Ning.

Tang Xiaobai couldn’t help but click her tongue twice and said, "Dad and Mom are really affectionate."

Tang Jiaojiao gave her a sideways glance and smiled, "You little rascal—what’s going on?" Her tone changed as she frowned at the hesitant maid peeking in at the courtyard door.