Chapter 30: The Little Sister’s Wish

The reason Lady Hongfu had never paid much attention to Li Yi was that she genuinely wished to see whether Li Yi truly did not want to marry, or if there was already someone he cherished in his heart. Though Lady Hongfu had not openly pressed him about his marriage, Li Yi was certainly of an age that caused her concern. Now, seeing Li Yi take the initiative to agree to this match, the heart she had held in suspense for so long finally settled.

She did not worry that Li Yi had only agreed to the marriage to appease the Du family. After all, Li Yi was her son; she knew his character well—he was never one to be coerced by others. If this match did not suit him, even if Lady Hongfu and Li Jing joined forces to hang him up and give him a beating, Li Yi would never consent so readily.

Yet what surprised Lady Hongfu most was that Li Yi and Du Xiaomei had been harboring mutual feelings for each other all along!

"This is indeed an excellent marriage," she thought secretly. "The master and Minister Du have always gotten along well. This match is perfect in every way, and since both like each other, it truly is a union made in heaven!"

With a smile, Lady Hongfu looked at Li Yi with interest, then turned to Madam Du and said, "Since Xiaomei and Sanlang both feel this way, I think there’s no need to delay. When the master returns from court, I shall tell him, so he may come to your house and formally propose. What do you think, my dear friend?"

Seizing the moment, Lady Hongfu believed in the principle of settling matters the day they arise; if she could resolve Li Yi’s marriage at once, so much the better.

"Your suggestion is perfect," Madam Du replied, nodding with a smile and glancing at Du Xiaomei and Li Yi. Teasingly, she added, "It will put their minds at ease!"

"Indeed, you are absolutely right," Lady Hongfu agreed, and both women turned their gaze upon Li Yi and Du Xiaomei, sharing a laugh.

Du Xiaomei, her cheeks blooming like peach blossoms, sat demurely with her head lowered, overjoyed in her heart.

Li Yi, on the other hand, was momentarily dumbfounded.

"My dear in-law?" Lady Hongfu and Madam Du had already changed their address, publicly calling each other in-laws? Wasn’t this moving a bit too fast? Had anyone bothered to ask the parties involved?

"Mother, I think—" Li Yi had just begun when Lady Hongfu decisively interrupted him, her lips curved in a smile. "Don’t worry, Mother will make sure your wedding is splendid. Xiaomei will never be mistreated."

"Besides, Xiaomei will soon be my daughter-in-law. How could I ever let her suffer?"

With a joyful smile, Lady Hongfu gave Li Yi an affectionate glance, then shifted her gaze to the obediently seated Du Xiaomei, finding herself ever more pleased with the sight.

As for Li Yi, the living soul in the room, Lady Hongfu simply ignored him.

Li Yi was speechless. Indeed, he was her own son, not some bonus with a phone plan.

Well, as long as she was happy…

Li Yi decided to hold his tongue—no matter what he said, his standing in Lady Hongfu’s heart was never as high as that of his future daughter-in-law.

Madam Du, much like Lady Hongfu, wore a broad smile, growing ever more satisfied with her future son-in-law the more she looked at Li Yi.

At that moment, Lady Hongfu issued a gentle ‘order to depart’ to Li Yi. "Sanlang, take Xiaomei for a stroll around the manor. Your in-law and I must discuss your wedding arrangements in detail. Go on, don’t just sit here. You haven’t seen each other for a whole year, so take the opportunity to deepen your feelings."

Li Yi was at a loss for words. His future daughter-in-law hadn’t even entered the household, and already he was being dismissed by his own mother. Ah, nothing less from one’s true parent…

Yet upon reflection, Li Yi realized Lady Hongfu’s words were quite right: he and Du Xiaomei had only met once before. Now that she was to become his wife, it was indeed time to cultivate their bond.

"Yes, Mother!" Li Yi nodded with a wry smile, then saluted Madam Du and turned to Du Xiaomei. "Xiaomei, shall we go for a walk together?"

"Mm…" Du Xiaomei replied softly, her face flushed as she rose, following Li Yi out of the hall.

From that moment on, the two were completely out of Lady Hongfu and Madam Du’s minds, who were eagerly discussing the details of the marriage.

In the long corridor of the Li residence, Li Yi walked ahead, Du Xiaomei following closely behind. From time to time, she stole glances at Li Yi’s back, her adorable face blooming with twin dimples like flowers.

She had lost her earlier liveliness, now appearing somewhat shy and reserved. Since Li Yi said nothing, she too remained silent, simply following him, never too fast or too slow.

After a while, Li Yi noticed Du Xiaomei hadn’t spoken a word. Surprised, he turned, catching her in the act of secretly looking at him, her dimples blossoming with a smile.

"Xiaomei, what are you smiling about?" Li Yi inquired curiously.

"Uh... nothing," Du Xiaomei replied nervously, as if afraid she’d done something wrong and would upset Li Yi. She shook her head and waved her hand, timidly saying, "Sanlang, I wasn’t... I wasn’t smiling..."

Li Yi was amused by her flustered expression and burst into laughter.

"Xiaomei, when did you become so shy?" He gently rubbed her head, his voice doting. "The Xiaomei I like isn’t so timid; a little more natural, and you’re much prettier."

Du Xiaomei lifted her little head and stared at Li Yi for a long moment before nodding with a mischievous smile, sticking out her tongue. "I understand, Sanlang."

"See? Now you’re much prettier," Li Yi smiled softly, rubbing her head again.

"Really...?"

"Of course, more genuine than a pearl!"

"Hee hee..."

Du Xiaomei’s smile grew even brighter as Li Yi patted her head. Playfully, she said, "As long as Sanlang likes it, Xiaomei is happiest!"

"Silly girl!" Li Yi laughed and rubbed her head once more.

The two strolled together, arriving at the rear garden. Li Yi found a spot to sit, and Du Xiaomei nestled close beside him, watching the little fish swim under the bridge.

Suddenly, Du Xiaomei turned to Li Yi, asking earnestly, "Sanlang, just now in the main hall... did you have something on your mind? Can you... would you tell Xiaomei?"

"Hmm...?" Li Yi was momentarily startled.

Yet seeing Du Xiaomei so sincere, he instinctively rubbed her head and smiled, "There’s nothing troubling me. I just never expected that you would become my wife. It feels like time has flown—suddenly it’s time for us to marry!"

Du Xiaomei relaxed instantly, nodding, "Yes, time passes so quickly!"

Yet her face remained aglow with happiness.

She slowly turned her head, her bright eyes watching the pair of fish beneath the bridge. Silently, she thought, "No matter how time flows, as long as I can spend my days with Sanlang, it will always be my heart’s deepest wish..."

As for these words of her heart, Du Xiaomei never spoke them aloud, and Li Yi remained unaware...