latelenovela Chapter 281 Visiting
Chapter 281 Visiting
The warm winter sun of Nanzhao Kingdom pierced through the thin clouds, casting soft light on the simple courtyard of Feng Hu's old home.
This small courtyard is located on the outskirts of the capital, surrounded by lush bamboo. Although it is winter, it exudes a sense of vitality.
Brand new red Spring Festival couplets were pasted on the entrance to the courtyard, highlighting the joy of the newlyweds.
Xiao Nanyao wore a simple yet elegant light purple brocade robe, paired with a matching cloak. Delicate white plum blossoms were embroidered on the collar and cuffs, and a warm jade hairpin adorned her hair, making her appear gentle and charming. Feng Hu, on the other hand, wore a black casual outfit, which accentuated his tall and upright figure. Hand in hand, the two slowly walked into the courtyard.
"Father, Mother, we're back!" Feng Hu's loud voice rang out in the courtyard.
Inside the house, Feng Hu's parents heard the noise and hurried out to greet him. Old Mr. Feng was hale and hearty; the years had etched deep wrinkles on his face, but they couldn't hide the joy in his eyes. Old Mrs. Feng was slightly plump, with a kind smile and eyes full of love.
"Tiger, Yao'er, come inside quickly!" Old Madam Feng hurried forward, took Xiao Nan Yao's hand, and smiled broadly. "You must have had a long journey."
Xiao Nanyao's cheeks flushed slightly as she sweetly said, "Mom, it's no trouble at all. I'm so happy to be able to visit you and Dad."
The group entered the house, which was simply yet warmly furnished. A portrait of Feng Hu as a child hung on the wall, and several plates of steaming snacks were laid out on the table. As soon as Xiao Nanyao and Feng Hu sat down, Old Madam Feng brought over two cups of steaming tea.
"Yao'er, this is tea that your mother brewed herself. Please try it," said Old Madam Feng with anticipation.
Xiao Nanyao took the teacup with both hands, took a small sip, and the fragrance of the tea spread in her mouth: "Mother, this tea is so delicious, the aroma is wonderful and it warms the heart."
Grandma Feng smiled so much her eyes narrowed into slits: "I'm glad you like it. Ever since Hu'er said he wanted to marry you, we old folks have been looking forward to this day, and finally you've come into our lives."
At this moment, Old Man Feng spoke up: "Yao'er, our Feng family is just an ordinary family, not as luxurious as the palace. If there is anything we haven't done well in our hospitality, please don't take offense."
Xiao Nanyao quickly said, "Father, please don't say that. It's my good fortune to become a daughter-in-law of the Feng family. Although this place doesn't have the splendor of a palace, it's full of the warmth of home, making me feel a sense of intimacy I've never felt before."
To help Xiao Nanyao better understand Feng Hu's upbringing, Grandma Feng took out an old photo album that recorded every little detail of Feng Hu's life from childhood to adulthood. As she flipped through the album, Grandma Feng recounted amusing anecdotes from Feng Hu's childhood.
"Tiger was very mischievous when he was little. Once he climbed up a tree to steal a bird's nest, but he couldn't get down and cried loudly in the tree," Grandma Feng recalled with a smile.
Xiao Nanyao couldn't help but laugh out loud as she listened, turning to look at Feng Hu with eyes full of love: "I never imagined you were so mischievous when you were little."
Feng Hu scratched his head sheepishly: "Mom, please stop teasing me about things from when I was little."
In the relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, time flew by. Soon, it was lunchtime. Grandma Feng and Grandpa Feng prepared a sumptuous table of home-cooked dishes, including braised pork, sweet and sour carp, and stir-fried seasonal vegetables, each dish emitting an enticing aroma.
"Yao'er, these are all Tiger's favorite foods. I wonder if they suit your taste?" Old Madam Feng asked with concern.
Xiao Nanyao picked up a piece of braised pork, put it in her mouth, and exclaimed, "Mother, it's so delicious! These dishes are even more delicious than the delicacies in the palace!"
Hearing Xiao Nanyao's praise, Grandpa Feng and Grandma Feng's faces beamed with happy smiles. During the meal, they kept putting food on Xiao Nanyao's plate, urging her to eat more. Xiao Nanyao felt the meticulous care of her elders and was deeply moved.
After the meal, Xiao Nanyao offered to help Grandma Feng clear the dishes. Grandma Feng initially disagreed, but after Xiao Nanyao's insistence, she had no choice but to agree. The two went into the kitchen together, and Xiao Nanyao skillfully washed the dishes, while Grandma Feng watched from the side, secretly admiring her.
"Yao'er, I never expected that you, as a princess, would do these household chores," said Old Madam Feng.
Xiao Nanyao smiled and said, "Mother, although I grew up in the palace, I don't want to be a princess who only knows how to enjoy life. I hope to be like an ordinary woman, taking care of my family and contributing to our well-being."
Old Mrs. Feng held Xiao Nanyao's hand with emotion: "Yao'er, it is our Feng family's blessing to have a daughter-in-law like you."
After cleaning up the kitchen, Xiao Nanyao and Feng Hu accompanied Grandpa and Grandma Feng to bask in the sun in the yard. The winter sun felt warm on their skin. As Grandpa Feng recounted the hardships and efforts Feng Hu had made growing up, Xiao Nanyao gained a deeper understanding of him.
"Tiger was sensible from a young age. Knowing that his family was poor, he always worked hard to improve himself. In order to become a guard, he would get up before dawn every day to practice his skills and endured a lot of hardship," Old Man Feng said with emotion.
Xiao Nanyao looked at Feng Hu with eyes full of heartache and admiration: "Brother Hu, you've never told me any of this before."
Feng Hu looked at Xiao Nanyao tenderly: "All of that is in the past. Now that you are by my side, everything is worth it."
Before they knew it, the sun was gradually setting in the west, and Xiao Nanyao and Feng Hu were about to return to the palace. Old Man Feng and Old Woman Feng saw them off to the gate of the courtyard, their eyes filled with reluctance.
"Yao'er, Hu'er, come back and visit often when you have time," Old Madam Feng instructed.
Xiao Nanyao's eyes were slightly red as she nodded and said, "Mother, we will definitely come back often. You and Father should also take good care of yourselves."
On the way back, Xiao Nanyao leaned on Feng Hu's shoulder, feeling happy.
Ever since Xiao Nanyao and Feng Hu first returned to Feng Hu's hometown to pay their respects, Xiao Nanyao had been unable to forget the warm, rustic courtyard. Life in the palace, though luxurious, couldn't compare to the simple comfort it offered. After that, every so often, Xiao Nanyao would take Feng Hu to the outskirts of the city to visit her in-laws.
One spring morning, the sky was a clear, deep blue, and sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains, gently illuminating the bed where Xiao Nanyao and Feng Hu lay. Xiao Nanyao slowly awoke, looked at Feng Hu who was still fast asleep beside her, and a gentle smile appeared on her face. She gently nudged him, saying, "Brother Hu, the weather is so nice today, let's go back to our parents' place. Maybe the peach blossoms in the yard will be in bloom."
Feng Hu slowly opened his eyes, reached out and pulled Xiao Nanyao into his arms, his voice languid: "I'll listen to you, I'll arrange the carriage later."
After breakfast, the two traveled light and quickly headed towards the outskirts of the city. Along the way, Xiao Nanyao gazed at the picturesque spring scenery outside the window, feeling exceptionally cheerful. Tender green wheat seedlings swayed gently in the breeze, unknown wildflowers bloomed freely, and the air was filled with the fragrance of earth and grass.
The carriage stopped at the entrance of the courtyard. As soon as Xiao Nanyao and Feng Hu got out of the carriage, they heard laughter coming from inside the courtyard. Pushing open the door, they saw Old Man Feng sitting under a tree, teaching the neighbor's child how to weave bamboo baskets, while Old Woman Feng stood beside him with a kind smile on her face.
"Dad, Mom, we're back!" Xiao Nanyao's cheerful voice rang out.
Upon hearing the sound, Old Man Feng and Old Man Feng got up. Seeing Xiao Nanyao and Feng Hu, their smiles grew even brighter. "Yao'er, Hu'er, you've finally arrived! I got up early this morning to make your favorite osmanthus cake." Old Man Feng quickly stepped forward, took Xiao Nanyao's hand, and her eyes were full of joy.
Stepping into the courtyard, Xiao Nanyao was pleasantly surprised to find that the peach blossoms were in full bloom, their pink petals fluttering down like snowflakes. "Mother, these peach blossoms are so beautiful, it's like a fairyland," Xiao Nanyao exclaimed excitedly.
Grandma Feng smiled and said, "Your father planted these peach blossoms last year, hoping you would come back and see them."
Xiao Nanyao walked to the peach tree, gently stroked the trunk, and turned to Feng Hu, saying, "Brother Hu, let's take a picture with Mom and Dad under the tree to remember this moment." Feng Hu nodded in agreement, and the family gathered under the peach tree, their faces beaming with happiness. This moment was forever captured in the picture.
Afterwards, Xiao Nanyao followed Granny Feng into the kitchen to help her prepare lunch. "Mom, I'll help you today. Can you teach me to cook a few simple dishes?" Xiao Nanyao said as she tied her apron.
Grandma Feng smiled and nodded: "Okay, Yao'er, I'll teach you how to make Tiger's favorite sweet and sour pork ribs."
Under Grandma Feng's patient guidance, Xiao Nanyao busied herself with the task with great enthusiasm. She carefully cut the ribs, while Grandma Feng reminded her to be careful from time to time. The oil in the pot heated up and made a sizzling sound. Xiao Nanyao nervously put the ribs into the pot, and Grandma Feng encouraged her from the side: "Don't be afraid, Yao'er, take your time."
With their combined efforts, a variety of delicious dishes were laid out on the table. The sweet and sour pork ribs were a vibrant red, with an irresistible aroma; the stir-fried vegetables were tender and refreshing, whetting the appetite. The family sat together, enjoying this warm and cozy lunch.
"Yao'er, I didn't expect you to make such delicious sweet and sour pork ribs on your first try." Feng Hu picked up a piece of pork rib and praised it highly.
Xiao Nanyao's cheeks flushed slightly as she smiled and said, "This is all thanks to Mother's teachings. I still have so much to learn."
After dinner, Old Man Feng suggested that the family take a walk along the nearby river. In springtime, the willows along the riverbank sprouted tender green buds, their slender branches swaying gently in the breeze, like a young girl's hair. The river water was crystal clear, and fish swam freely within it.
Little Nanyao ran happily along the riverbank like a child, occasionally picking up a pretty stone and excitedly showing it to Feng Hu. Old Man Feng and Old Man Feng watched Little Nanyao with doting smiles on their faces.
"Yao'er is like the warm sun in spring, bringing endless joy to our family," said Old Madam Feng with emotion.
Old Man Feng nodded in agreement: "Yes, it's Hu'er's good fortune to be able to marry Yao'er."
As the sun set, the sky was dyed a magnificent orange-red, like a breathtaking painting. Xiao Nanyao and Feng Hu bid farewell to her parents-in-law and embarked on their journey back to the palace. Sitting in the carriage, Xiao Nanyao leaned on Feng Hu's shoulder, reminiscing about the day's events, her heart filled with happiness.
"Brother Tiger, I'm so happy today. I love the time I spend with Mom and Dad; it makes me feel so at ease," Xiao Nanyao said softly.
Feng Hu gently held Xiao Nanyao's hand and said tenderly, "Me too. As long as you're here, anywhere is home. Let's come back often in the future."
As time went by, Xiao Nanyao became pregnant. Upon hearing the news, Old Man Feng and Old Man Feng were overjoyed and would frequently bring various nourishing ingredients to the palace to visit Xiao Nanyao.
"Yao'er, this is chicken soup that your mother made herself. It's very nutritious, so you should drink more of it." As she spoke, Old Madam Feng brought the chicken soup to Xiao Nanyao.
Looking at Grandma Feng's concerned eyes, Xiao Nanyao felt a warmth in her heart: "Mom, you've worked so hard, coming all this way."
Under Granny Feng's meticulous care, Xiao Nanyao gave birth to a lovely boy. On the day the child turned one month old, the palace was brightly decorated and bustling with activity. Grandpa Feng and Grandma Feng also came to the palace, beaming with joy as they looked at their grandson in swaddling clothes.
"This child looks just like Tiger; he's sure to amount to something in the future," Old Man Feng said with a broad smile.
Looking at her family's harmonious scene, Xiao Nanyao was filled with emotion. She knew that this precious family bond would accompany her throughout her life, becoming her strongest support. In the days to come, no matter what difficulties she encountered, just thinking of her family's warm smiles would fill her with courage and strength.