Chapter 16: The Youngest Daughter of the Du Family

"Little Sister, you’re finally back! I’ve missed you so much I thought I’d die! Did you miss me?” At the very first sight of his little sister, Du Gou burst out with a joyful shout, utterly forgetting there were others in the room.

But the girl paid him no heed, simply casting him a cold, pretty glance and rolling her eyes mercilessly. “Heh…”

Du Gou had always loved to tease her, so she didn’t believe a word he said.

Yet Du Gou didn’t mind in the least—on the contrary, his mood brightened in an instant, his grin blooming like a sunflower, though it carried a faintly mischievous air.

Li Yi came over as well, reaching out almost unconsciously to ruffle her hair, laughing. “Little Sister, I can hardly believe it’s only been a year—look how much you’ve grown, and how beautiful you’ve become…”

He remembered vaguely that just a year ago, she’d been a tiny thing of twelve. Back then, the family had sent her to the Daoist Academy to cultivate—partly because she’d volunteered to go, wishing to perform rituals for Du Ruhui’s health, and partly because Lady Du herself had harbored this wish. Thus, both mother and daughter had agreed.

Looking back now, Li Yi realized that he hadn’t seen her for an entire year. But as he beheld her again, he was struck by how the little girl had transformed—she was even more lovely and graceful, standing almost as tall as his chest, poised like a lotus blossom.

Li Yi couldn’t help but marvel inwardly, “It’s true what the ancients say—no one changes more than a girl growing up!”

“Heehee, Third Brother!” Though she’d always been indifferent to Du Gou, the girl had a soft spot for Li Yi. She broke into a wide grin just for him.

And when he praised her beauty and patted her head, as he’d always done, she moved her head contentedly, clearly enjoying the gesture. Besides, she’d heard it was Li Yi who’d saved her father—her joy was doubled.

“Such a good girl!” Li Yi withdrew his hand, smiling broadly, then glanced toward Du Gou with a shake of his head. “Now look at that rascal—not a shred of manners!”

The girl nodded solemnly, pursing her lips. “Mmm, he really is always like that!”

Du Gou nearly tripped over his own feet.

Hey, Third Brother, what did I ever do to you? I haven’t spoken a word to you since we left the study, and still I get caught in the crossfire? And as for you, Little Sister, you may not like me, but must you side with him so perfectly?

Du Gou’s mouth twitched, suddenly feeling the world was bleak and people’s hearts treacherous.

Just then, his younger brother, Du He, nodded along in apparent agreement, further deepening Du Gou’s sense of desolation.

Within the room, seeing such harmony among Li Yi and the Du brothers, everyone—even Li Jing—couldn’t help but smile. Lady Du, watching her daughter and Li Yi, her eyes shining with a subtle light, grew more resolute in her thoughts and nodded to herself, “It seems I should find an opportunity to discuss Little Sister’s marriage with my husband soon…”

At that moment, Du Chuke interrupted their merriment with a beaming expression, “Bo’an, is the prescription ready?”

At once, all eyes turned to Li Yi. Du Gou merely lowered his head, pouting in displeasure, but the girl stood obediently to the side, secretly amused—and stealing glances at Li Yi, her eyes full of meaning and her cheeks tinged pink.

“It’s ready, Second Uncle.” Li Yi strode into the sickroom, bowed to everyone, and addressed Lady Du and Du Chuke, “This prescription was taught by my master. It’s specifically for consumption. If Uncle Du takes it and rests for a few months, he’ll be cured.”

“Excellent! I won’t waste words on thanks—if ever you need help, you know to come find me!” Du Chuke nodded in satisfaction, took the prescription, glanced at it, and ordered the servants to prepare the medicine. He’d doubted Li Yi’s abilities at first, but now, seeing Du Ruhui snatched from death’s door, he had no doubts at all.

“Second Uncle, that’s only right. It’s what I should do,” Li Yi replied warmly.

Afterward, Li Yi and his father stayed for a simple dinner with the Du family before taking their leave. On the way home, although Li Jing said nothing, Li Yi sensed a peculiar tension in the air. Only upon returning to the Minister’s residence did he feel at ease.

The moment they stepped inside, a servant hurried off to inform Lady Hongfu, while the rest of the household was gripped by curiosity.

“I wonder if Lord Du’s illness has truly been cured?”

“Could it be that the treatment failed…”

“Such a pity, if a good official is lost!”

“I fear the master will be heartbroken…”

Though all were filled with questions, none dared ask; observing Li Jing’s inscrutable expression, they all guessed silently that the outcome had likely not been favorable.

For now, no answers were forthcoming.

Li Jing glanced at Li Yi, then called, “Third Son, come with me to the study.”

“Yes, Father.” Li Yi obeyed, following his father in silence, the atmosphere thick with unspoken words.

As soon as the study door opened, Lady Hongfu appeared before them. Li Yi looked at her as though she were his savior, pleading silently for help.

“My lord, is something the matter?” Lady Hongfu, a touch flustered, looked at Li Yi, then turned to Li Jing.

But this time, Li Jing seemed changed—no longer yielding as before, but stern and resolute. “Don’t worry, dear. Kemin is out of danger. I have something to discuss with Third Son; I won’t scold him.”

He gave Li Yi a rather odd look, which left the boy puzzled.

“Oh, very well.” Relieved, Lady Hongfu nodded with a faint smile. “I’ll go make some tea.”

Li Jing nodded, then, after she’d left, called out, “Come in, Third Son.”

“Yes, Father.” Li Yi entered the study. Now, only the two of them remained.

Once seated, Li Jing looked at his son and suddenly asked, “Third Son, do you wish to enter court and become an official?”