Reborn Lady

Chapter 168

Xiao Heng shook his head, saying, “Who wants to bully my mother? Why would anyone want to bully my mother?”

Wei Luo decided to give up, realizing that his son was too young to discern if Yin Hui had been wronged, and that she wouldn’t show it in front of their child.

Yin Hui took her time combing her hair, grabbed a bite to eat, and then the three of them, as a little family unit, made their way to the Qinzheng Hall.

The occasion was a special feast thrown in honor of the father and son. The kitchen had been buzzing with activity all afternoon, with each chef putting their heart and soul into creating a feast fit for royalty. Despite King Yan being a warrior unafraid of the battlefield’s challenges, the prospect of indulging in a hearty meal was too tempting to resist for anyone, let alone him.

The hall was filled with a mix of wives and concubines, each radiating dignity, gentleness, or beauty. The sons were strong defenders of the city and formidable against enemies, and the grandchildren? Well, they were just a bunch of adorable, well-behaved little ones. King Yan couldn’t help but smile, toasting and downing three bowls of wine in quick succession.

Amidst the atmosphere, Concubine Li chimed in with a playful smile, “My lord, don’t get too lost in your cups. Why not share with us how you managed to capture the Khan?”

Eager to regale his family with tales of his exploits, King Yan began recounting his story, starting with the unexpected heavy snowfall during their pursuit of the Golden soldiers.

In the midst of his storytelling, he brought up Guo Xiao’s advice to hold back from chasing in the snow. Concubine Li couldn’t resist a smug look as she glanced over at Concubine Guo. Concubine Guo, ever graceful, simply smiled and listened to the animated narrative.

Mentioning Cui Yu’s suggestion to launch a surprise attack on Jin soldiers, Concubine Li frowned and shot a displeased glance at Madam Cui. Among the five wives and concubines, Mrs. Cui was the youngest and also had a younger brother who was quite handsome. Seeing the prince’s satisfaction with Cui Yu, Mrs. Cui’s influence was on the rise.

Cui Yu’s seat was placed next to Fifth Master Wei Jing, and in response to the attention directed at him, he simply offered a modest smile.

Seizing the moment, Wei Ying shot a few intense glances at her sweetheart, while Yin Hui, seated to Wei Ying’s left, could only sigh upon witnessing the drama.

Feeling sympathy for Wei Ying’s complicated love life, the atmosphere shifted when King Yan mentioned Wei Luo’s initiative in taking the lead in the attack.

Yin Hui’s gaze focused on Wei Luo. Having experienced the harsh northern snow firsthand and heard tales from her grandfather about the snow disasters on the grasslands, she understood the risks involved. Soldiers and horses could lose their way and freeze to death in the cold. Yet, Wei Luo dared to take on such challenges.

In his previous life, neglected by her father for a year, Wei Luo simmered with anger and sought to win back his father’s heart by making significant contributions. In this life, without the bitterness he had faced before, why would Wei Luo still willingly join the mission? The question lingered in Yin Hui’s mind.

King Yan was obviously very satisfied with his youngest’s performance this time. After emphasizing the challenges of the heavy snow, he began to talk about Wei Luo, who led his troops to stand motionless in the freezing cold for an hour, waiting for the best opportunity.

Despite the warmth from the burning charcoal fire in the hall, everyone who heard the story felt a shiver.

“Come on, let’s offer a toast to my third brother first!” The elder son Wei Yang suddenly stood up and proposed, holding a wine bowl.

King Yan was the first to agree, and others also raised their wine bowls or teacups.

Wei Luo explained, “It was my father who made a wise decision, and the scouts who were not afraid of the cold to find out the enemy’s situation. The whole army worked together to complete this battle. It is not my work alone.”

Wei Yan laughed, “Third Brother, don’t be polite, let’s drink!”

Wei Luo had no choice but to drink down a bowl of strong wine.

The wine bowl blocked his face, and Yin Hui could only see his regularly rolling Adam’s apple. Thinking that he didn’t take the risk purely to vent his anger, Yin Hui also felt a little admiration.

“Do you admire your husband more?” Ji Xianxian poked her head over and teased in a low voice.

Yin Hui pretended to be bashful, but in her heart, she thought, “Wei Luo is more pleasing to the eye than the second master.”

King Yan praised his son, finally recounting how Wei Luo led his troops to detour and cut off the Jin soldiers’ retreat. Resulting in the Khan, who was supporting the Jin soldiers, escaping right into their hands.

Although his words were simple, everyone stood up together and toasted to His Royal Highness King Yan, the head of their family, supported and loved by the people of Yan. King Yan smiled and drank another bowl, his face flushed red.

As the banquet came to an end, nearing two o’clock, the cold wind outside howled, freezing to the bone. King Yan chose not to go anywhere, staying at Qinzheng Hall with Princess Xu.

Concubine Li and the four concubines headed back to the west harem with their own thoughts. On the east harem’s side, due to the cold weather, Wei Yang and his brothers quickly parted ways with Wei Luo. Each went their own way, leaving Wei Luo to support Yin Hui, walking slowly.

The children had all retired early to avoid the biting cold. Jinzhan and An Shun’er held the lantern, which swayed in the wind, intensifying the chill.

“I’ll hold you.” Wei Luo supported Yin Hui’s shoulder with one hand and her arm with the other, the two walking closely.

Yin Hui smiled, “Can you carry me?”

Wei Luo stopped, removed the cloak that was in the way, and carefully hugged Yin Hui horizontally.

Surprisingly, she was not as heavy as he expected, perhaps only a dozen catties heavier than before pregnancy.

It was manageable to carry her back in one go, but due to discomfort from holding her for an extended period, Wei Luo put her down twice along the way before embracing her again.

Upon returning to Chengxin Hall smoothly, Yin Hui was doing well, and Wei Luo felt a mix of exhaustion and nervousness. The two bathed separately and then lay down on the bed together.

“Come here,” Yin Hui suddenly said. “Let’s talk again.”

Wei Luo nestled under the blanket, squeezing her arms and legs, and asked, “Why are you so thin?”

He vividly remembered when Xiao Heng was in her womb, she had gained a lot of weight. Her face was rosy and round, and her complexion was particularly good.

Yin Hui’s eyes shifted as she touched her chest and said, “I can’t bear to eat when I think of you only eating wind and swallowing soil at the border.”

It was pure nonsense. She just didn’t want to have another chubby son or daughter, so she deliberately controlled her diet—neither overeating nor going hungry. However, Wei Luo believed it. He tightly held her hand with his big one, remained silent for a while, and finally scolded her, “Stupid.”

Yin Hui snorted, “I’m stupid, but you’re also stupid. No one else dares to go in such heavy snow, but you’re the only one who is both brave and foolish.”

Wei Luo smiled, understanding her sentiment.

“The Jin soldiers run fast even in heavy snow. Once we miss them, we have to continue to chase. I didn’t know when the battle would end.” 

She didn’t know when he could come back. Xiao Heng was too young. She was afraid, and he was also afraid. If he could come back early, he could still accompany her.