Chapter 431: Doubt Seeds (Thanks to Cup Mist for the extra monthly votes)

Lady Ji stared intently at Huo Xing’Er’s fingers, her heart in her throat.

"How is it?"

Huo Xing’Er’s fingers finally stilled, yet she continued to click her tongue with a TSK, TSK sound.

"Rest assured. Your Eldest Son and Eldest Daughter-in-law are blessed with abundant good fortune and will have many children. There shouldn’t be any major issues."

Lady Ji finally heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing this. However, a sliver of worry remained in her heart; after all, Wang Dongxue was carrying her first grandchild.

She wished she could be at the Illusion Sect right now, constantly watching her eldest daughter-in-law. That way, she could always know her condition.

With this thought, Lady Ji firmed her resolve and said, "Second Daughter-in-law, what do you think about us going to the Illusion Sect for the New Year?"

Huo Xing’Er was taken aback by her words and didn’t respond for a long moment.

"Where is the Illusion Sect?" Xiaosuisui piped up in her childlike voice.

"It’s in Luoxia Mountain, east of Yang City," Huo Xing’Er explained. "It’s a beautiful place with lovely mountains and rivers. Xiaosuisui, would you like to go?"

"Are Eldest Maternal Uncle and Eldest Maternal Aunt there?"

"Of course!"

Xiaosuisui vigorously nodded her small head. "Xiaosuisui misses Eldest Maternal Uncle and Eldest Maternal Auntie!"

Lady Ji declared decisively, "Then it’s settled! Our whole family will go to the Illusion Sect for the New Year. I’ll have Steward Liu make the preparations. Second Daughter-in-law, pick an auspicious day for a long journey. We’ll go and spend the New Year with your Eldest Brother and Eldest Sister-in-law!"

Huo Xing’Er felt she had no choice. If Xiaosuisui hadn’t spoken up, there might have been room for discussion. But the crucial point was, Xiaosuisui had already voiced her desire.

So she replied, "Yes, Mother. Your daughter-in-law understands."

As dusk settled, Ji Youzhi and Ji Youze returned home one after another. Lady Ji joyfully invited everyone to her courtyard for supper.

The entire family gathered harmoniously around a single table. Lady Ji was the first to raise her wine cup.

"Eighth Brother! Mother congratulates you on achieving the Juren rank. You’re one step closer to your official career. Mother wishes you a smooth and unimpeded path ahead!"

Ji Youze quickly raised his wine cup and stood up, clinking it with Lady Ji’s. "Thank you, Mother. Your son has not been by your side to serve you filially these past years. This son has been unfilial. I hope Mother will forgive your son."

"Why do you say such things? It’s not just you who hasn’t been by my side all these years; you know your brothers weren’t here either. Fortunately, after your older brothers married, your sisters-in-law have been here, dutifully looking after me, so Mother hasn’t been lonely. What’s more, we have such an adorable precious darling in our family. Isn’t she just delightful!"

Everyone turned to look at this delightful precious darling. The little one was currently gnawing on a chicken drumstick, her mouth glistening with oil. Her oily little lips pouted, and her cheeks puffed in and out as she ate. She was indeed an incredibly endearing sight.

"This son’s only wish in this life is for Mother to be healthy and well, for our entire family to live in peace and safety, and for there to be peace throughout the land!"

Lady Ji nodded, feeling very gratified.

This son of hers had left her side with Seventh Brother when they were very young. She knew he might not feel as close to her or his other brothers.

But hearing his words now, her heart felt a little more at ease.

"What you wish for is also what Mother wishes for."

Lady Ji drained her cup of wine in one gulp. She turned to look at the child eating happily.

Suddenly, something came to her. She replayed what Eighth Brother had just said in her mind, and a seed of suspicion was sown!

"Eighth Brother! I also raise a cup to you!" Ji Youzhi interjected, lifting his wine cup to Ji Youze. "After the New Year, you’ll be participating in the Spring Imperial Examination. Put in extra effort then. Perhaps you’ll achieve a First Grade ranking! Whether you come in first or at the end of the list, you’re bound to be highly valued by His Majesty in the future. Your elder brother congratulates you in advance!"

Ji Youzhi clinked his cup with Ji Youze’s. Before he could drink, they heard Xiaosuisui ask, "What’s ’top rank’?"

Lady Ji, her mind preoccupied with some old, unsettling questions, absently replied, "That’s the Champion Scholar!"