Although he did not tell Yang Chuxia, she knew that life in the palace was definitely not as good as he described it to be.
Otherwise, why would they need someone to help him look after the house when he left the palace?
"Since thatâs the case, when you go back, mother will prepare some things for you."
After thinking it over, Yang Chuxia added, "Your father will also come to the Capital City in a few days, and then mother will have him speak to the Emperor to take you out of the palace. Your father and I worry about you when youâre not here, fearing something might happen to you in the palace. Those people in the palace have hearts as sieve-like as their brains; seeing the Emperor favor you, they would surely be jealous. Some people will provoke you even if you do not provoke them first."
"Mhm, mother, I understand," Lele nodded in agreement.
"Exactly, brother, Iâve missed you a lot too," Yangyang clung to Yang Chuxiaâs legs and nodded vigorously.
Hearing this, Lele smiled and patted his younger brotherâs hair, feeling that being with family was such a good feeling, not having to be constantly wary of others.
"But, mother, will it work if father steps in?" Lele was rather worried about this.
"If your father canât do it, isnât there still your cousin uncle and the others?" Yang Chuxia smiled. "Alright, leave these matters to the adults to worry about. You and Yangyang go play with your younger brothers and sisters, mother will go to the kitchen to make dinner for you."
"Wow, mother, are you going to cook?" Upon hearing this, Yangyang exclaimed in surprise, "Mother, itâs been so long since Iâve had a meal youâve made. Brother has it good with you, I canât even get it when I want to."
Yang Chuxia laughed, "Didnât you say that you didnât like what mother cooked?"
"Did I say that? How come I donât know about that?" Yangyang shook his head left and right.
Ignoring his playful antics, Yang Chuxia went on ahead. Actually, Yangyang was not wrong, her cooking really wasnât very tasty, but with her precious son returning, she still wanted to personally cook a meal for him.
Upon arriving in the kitchen, Yang Chuxia found everything quite well-prepared, so she chose a piece of fresh pork belly.
She took some flour, eggs, spring onions, and other ingredients, planning to make Leleâs favorite, steamed pork with rice flour. However, once it was done, she sighed again, worrying whether her sonâs tastes had changed after being away for more than half a year and whether he still liked sugar in it.
After preparing for her eldest son, seeing there was also a duck, she made a dish of old duck soup, as Yangyang, the youngster, had always liked old duck soup and his preference never changed.
By the time she finished preparing dinner, it was already somewhat late, but that did not dampen the high spirits in which her two sons awaited the meal.
"Mother, I want to sleep with you tonight!" After dinner, Lele clung to her clothes and begged.
"Of course, mother wants to sleep with you too," Yang Chuxia stroked his head. "Go wash up with Mingcui."
Upon seeing this, Yangyang quickly joined in, "Youâre not thinking of leaving me behind, are you? That wonât do, I want to sleep with you both too."
"You just love the hustle and bustle," Yang Chuxia flicked his little forehead, "Iâd forget no one but you. Tonight the three of us will sleep together. Hurry and go wash up with your brother."
"Yay, brother, letâs hurry up," Yangyang cheered.
The little ones moved quickly, and by the time Yang Chuxia got ready and came over, the two children were already wrapped in blankets, peering out.
"Mother, come quick!"
Yangyang beckoned with his little hand.
Seeing her two sons lying side by side, each with their little heads sticking out, Yang Chuxiaâs heart melted instantly.
She smiled gently, "Do you two want to sleep on one side, or should mother sleep in the middle, and the two of you on either side of her?"