FID – Chapter 921

Chapter 921: Time Stands Still, Years Pass Peacefully

“Mom, you can’t let this matter go so easily. Please don’t soften up so quickly!” Du Juan immediately objected. “Zhiqiu is such a foolish boy! If we don’t teach him a proper lesson, today he dares to jump on a horse, tomorrow he’ll be jumping off a cliff!”

Liu Erlin chimed in, “Exactly! That boy’s got guts growing wild! Something happens and he doesn’t even think to talk to us first. He just goes ahead and does something so reckless, making everyone worry. Dad, Mom, this shows he doesn’t trust his elders. He’s broken the rules, disrupted family harmony—he must be dealt with strictly!”

Liu Yusheng and Liu Muqiu: “……”

Honestly, even if they had six mouths between them, they still couldn’t save that reckless boy this time.

The elders were truly furious. This grudge was likely going to be remembered for a long time.

Which also meant: Liu Zhiqiu’s suffering was far from over.

“Nannan, Muqiu, and you two—whenever something happens, you must tell us. Hiding things only leads to a bigger mess, doesn’t it? In your eyes, are we old folks really that unreasonable? If Muqiu can’t have children because of her health, knowing that would only make us feel even more heartache for her. We’re all women here, and we’ve lived through it. We know how painful it is for a woman to not be able to have children. Do you think we’d be the kind to break up a couple just to force Zhiqiu to marry someone else for the sake of continuing the bloodline?”

“We understand now, Grandma,” the two ladies admitted obediently.

Du Juan took Liu Muqiu’s hand, speaking with heartfelt sincerity, “These past two days, your father and I have thought it through. We only have one child—Zhiqiu. Of course we’re upset that you two can’t have children, but we’re not unreasonable. The reason we wanted you to have kids wasn’t for anything selfish. It was so you’d have someone to rely on when you’re old, so you could have a big, happy family. Your father and I will definitely die before you. Once our eyes are closed, we won’t know anything anymore. Do you think we really care about enjoying the blessings of grandchildren?”

“When we urged you to have children, it was for your own good, not for us old folks. Now that we know the situation, I won’t bring it up again. If you two can’t have your own, there’s still the three little ones and the others in the family. They’re your juniors too. It’s the same. Just keep your heart at ease. As long as you and Zhiqiu live well together, your father and I won’t ask for anything more.”

The woman’s hand was a little rough. It was not soft, but warm.

Liu Muqiu choked up, “Mom…”

“But there’s one thing; you’ve got to stand on my side,” Du Juan’s tone suddenly shifted. “Don’t be fooled by how reckless Zhiqiu acts on the outside. He’s got a deep mind. You never know when he’ll suddenly go and do something that’ll shock you! That foolish boy! From now on, you’ve got to help us keep an eye on him. If he dares to act on impulse again without thinking, you come tell us, and we’ll break his legs!”

“Also, you too, Nannan. From now on you’re not allowed to cover for your second brother anymore!” Liu Dalin and Chen Xiulan put on stern faces and gave a warning.

Liu Yusheng immediately responded like a little bootlicker, “Grandpa, Grandma, Dad, Mom, Second Uncle, Second Aunt—don’t worry! If Second Brother pulls any more stunts, the moment I find out, I’ll report it to you right away!”

Liu Muqiu agreed with gritted teeth. There was no resisting the intense stares from the elders. But she had already betrayed Brother Zhiqiu once. If she did it again, and again after that, how could she face him anymore? Just thinking about it made her feel like her heart had turned bitter as bitter herbs.

After leaving the guest room, Liu Yusheng and Liu Muqiu looked at each other, both a little dazed.

They had come not only to admit fault, but also to plead for leniency on Liu Zhiqiu’s behalf.

Who would’ve thought that in the end, they’d be the ones to get turned? Truly, the older, the wiser.

On the return trip, Liu Zhiqiu was tied to the outside of the carriage. Bruised and swollen beyond recognition. He bared his teeth, but his face hurt with every twitch.

Along the way, they were constantly surrounded and gawked at by curious onlookers.

Little White Lotus leaned against the carriage window the whole way, watching her man with red-rimmed eyes and a pitiful voice, “Brother Zhiqiu, is it uncomfortable being tied up like that?”

Liu Zhiqiu gave her a sideways look, “Too little too late. You sold your man out, and now you’re trying to be sweet? Just wait. Once I’m free, I’m settling the score with you!”

A large palm suddenly shot out from inside the carriage window and smacked the back of his head with a loud thwack! “What? Are you still thinking of bullying Muqiu in front of your elders? Clearly we didn’t beat you hard enough!”

Liu Zhiqiu instantly wilted, “Grandpa, I was wrong.”

“You’re tied outside to reflect properly!”

“I’ll reflect real hard! This second grandson of yours will never do something brainless again!” Liu Zhiqiu answered loudly through the pain, flashing a forced smile at Little White Lotus that didn’t reach his eyes.

The most brainless thing he’d ever done was encouraging Little White Lotus to drop the act and show her true colors. And the first thing she did was sell him out! That was betrayal by someone close!

After the old man finished scolding him, the woman leaned back out the carriage window again, reached out, and gently rubbed his forehead. “Does it hurt?”

“Still trying to be sweet now?”

The woman bit her lip, gave him a sideways glare, and muttered, “So what do you want—get this beating now and live guilt-free later, or keep lying to Grandpa and Grandma and carry that weight on your conscience?”

Liu Zhiqiu raised an eyebrow, narrowing his eyes at her.

Her soft little finger poked his shoulder lightly. “Still mad?”

“Come here.”

Liu Muqiu was a bit confused but leaned her head out toward him as told.

The man tilted his head ever so slightly, brushing a quick kiss on her cheek.

“This time, I’ll admit you had a point,” he said.

Liu Muqiu covered her mouth, her brows arching as her eyes curved with a hidden smile, sweet warmth blooming quietly in her heart.

“Just this once. Don’t expect it again,” the man added. Then, still not reassured, he asked again, “If something happens again in the future, whose side are you on? Mine or Grandpa and Grandma’s?”

“Their side, of course.”

“…” Liu Zhiqiu gritted his teeth at this ungrateful white-eyed wolf. “Are you sure you truly love your Brother Zhiqiu?”

“It’s true love, but I have to stand on Grandpa and Grandma’s side.” Facing his pressure, the woman replied firmly without hesitation.

This angered Liu Zhiqiu so much that smoke seemed to come out of his seven orifices.

Lowering the carriage curtain beside his head to block the view inside, Liu Muqiu leaned close to the man and quickly pecked his cheek. “I love you, Brother Zhiqiu!”

That was why she wanted to honor Grandpa and Grandma even more.

The woman retreated into the carriage, leaving Liu Zhiqiu alone to eat dust all the way back.

Using his tied-up position, Liu Zhiqiu climbed up onto the roof of the carriage, sat on the top, and looked far ahead. A faint smile lingered at the corner of his mouth, his heart filled with peace.

Above him was bright, proud sunshine and a gentle summer breeze. Below were his grandparents and parents chatting and laughing heartily, their laughter loud and clear, occasionally mixed with baby babble.

Time does not leave, and the years are peaceful. This was the most beautiful thing in the world.

Inside the carriage, the curtain on the front door was half-open, letting in occasional cool summer breezes. The Liu family elders held Badou and Hongdou, teasing them while chatting loudly, with no trace of previous gloom.

Liu Yusheng leaned half against Feng Qingbai, her lips also curved in a relaxed smile.

In this world, there was no hurdle one could not cross; it depended on whether you could see it clearly and let it go.

It also depended on what you pursue and what you insist on.

—————-

TL Note: Poor Zhiqiu (˃̣̣̥ᯅ˂̣̣̥), at least we can see how the Lius view childless marriage