Ran Yan knew Ran Yunsheng quite well; he was a very responsible man. Outwardly, he seemed to be the most easy-going, but once he set his heart on certain things, certain people, he might never change for the rest of his life. Er Dong might receive his care and gentleness, but she would likely never have his love.

Even though marriage in the Tang Dynasty was relatively liberal, most people were still swayed by various factors, and how high could the chances be for mutual affection to lead to marriage? Especially for someone like Er Dong, who could only be propelled forward by the hand of fate, floating wherever the tide took her—she was undoubtedly very fortunate. At least, she wouldn't have to worry about food or clothing for the rest of her life, and Ran Yunsheng would certainly not treat her poorly.

"Big uncle is here," Xiao Song, dressed in a casual purple outfit, strode in. He had obviously changed out of his official uniform upon hearing that Ran Yunsheng had arrived.

Ran Yunsheng stood to greet him but was stopped by Xiao Song, "We're family, big uncle, please don't be so formal."

Xiao Song and Ran Yunsheng sat down, and Xiao Song, noticing Ran Yan's mood was off, couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong, who has upset you?"

Ran Yan responded, "I'll discuss this matter with you later. You talk with tenth brother first; I'll go check on the children and also send someone to invite Chief Imperial Doctor Liu and Ah Yun to join us for lunch."

The residence of Liu Qingsong was just across the street from the Xiao's residence, and it would take at most the time of two cups of tea to get here on horseback.

"Hmm," Xiao Song said.

Before marrying Ran Yan, Xiao Song had liked visiting the Ran residence frequently, where it was often Ran Yunsheng who received him. Both men, one excelling in business and the other a seasoned bureaucrat, and both not lacking in learning or insight, naturally did not worry about awkward silence when sitting together.

Ran Yan instructed someone to invite Liu Qingsong, then went next door to play with the children.

The floor was covered with mats, and four children were joyfully playing with the toys made by Liu Qingsong.

Qing'er, unlike the two troublesome boys from Ran Yan's family, was very quiet and well-behaved, sharing a common vibe with Ruoruo. They played building blocks together in harmony. Xiao Lao Da lay sprawled on his belly playing with Wan Lu's garment, bored, while Xiao Lao Er kept making mischief, barreling through the middle of whatever Qing'er and Ruoruo had built like a charging bull, leaving behind a mess.

Ruoruo pouted, her eyes brimming with tears, but Qing'er, patient as always, patiently rebuilt again and again. Seeing Ruoruo about to cry, she took her little hand and helped her build together.

Watching Qing'er, Ran Yan seemed to see Ran Yunsheng as a child, the same good nature, the same persistence.

"Children, your uncle is here!"

The voice was heard before the man was seen, unmistakably Liu Qingsong.

Ran Yan looked up to see Liu Qingsong entering with several packages and couldn't help but remark, "You're quite fast."

Liu Qingsong cheerfully approached Ruoruo, handing out a small package to each child. Clearly, these children had grown under Liu Qingsong's bribes, as they immediately knew to open the packages.

Ran Yan watched the little toy carriages and animals and couldn't help but say, "Aren't you a doctor? Don't you need to work every day?"

"I still have a few days of marriage leave left, and after all, Liu someone has a beauty, married to a money-making wife, you mind your business." Liu Qingsong, holding an orchid finger, flicked a package wrapping like a handkerchief at Ran Yan.

Ran Yan twitched the corner of his mouth, and only breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Ran Yun come in. Just as he was about to speak, Ran Yun cut in, "Sister Seventeen, how do you find these toys my husband made? The children really like them, right? Ha, I told you, I'll order some to be made tonight, and in a couple of days, I'll take up shops in the east and west markets to sell them—I'm sure to make a big profit... Come, Qing'er, tell your aunt, do you like them?"

Ran Yun picked up Qing'er and asked him.

"I like them," Qing'er clung to the toy carriage.

Ran Yan was speechless; this couple was truly a perfect match, not a normal one between them.

"Your wife loves doing business and making money so much, aren't you worried it might affect your career?" Ran Yan, seeing the others playing enthusiastically, took the opportunity to ask Liu Qingsong.

"You think I want to do this Chief Imperial Doctor job? I wish the Imperial Censorate would impeach me already! Impeach me!" Liu Qingsong stroked his temple and raised an eyebrow, "Doing nothing and living off others is what Liu someone likes best, but unfortunately, someone with such a high reputation like me is destined to suffer in high positions. Well, I'll sacrifice myself for everyone else."

"I've noticed you've been a bit off since you got married." Ran Yan used to think Liu Qingsong was odd, but he didn't seem that abnormal!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.