Chapter 1090: Chapter 1089: Letter from Afar Chapter 1090: Chapter 1089: Letter from Afar From spring to autumn, flowers have bloomed and withered through several seasons of cold and heat.

Time has slipped by in the blink of an eye.

Six years have gone by in a snap of the fingers.

Pages of history have turned one after another; the weeping willows on the shore remain the same, but the hearts of those in the pavilion have changed countless times.

Liu Sisi was sewing a child’s undergarment with her hands, occasionally looking up to discuss with several Madams beside her, full of laughter and life, a warmth radiating from everyone.

For the past six years, Liu Sisi had been living in Marquis Yongping’s Mansion in the capital city.

Time is like water, the ultimate sharpener, polishing away the rough edges of youth and adding a quiet serenity that comes with the passing years,
It also endowed Liu Sisi with an even more graceful and tranquil demeanor.

During these years, Liu Sisi’s life had been exceptionally peaceful. Occasionally, she would gather with some boudoir friends, attend banquets, and visit the Palace from time to time to receive various rewards.

Combined with the frequent good news of Di Yelei’s victories from Xixia Country, she lived even more comfortably and peacefully.

“In previous years, your YingEr had not had children for quite some time, which really broke your heart. Now, three years and two births later, look how happy you are. You’re already sewing this tiny garment for the third time, Madam,” Mrs. Li said, full of envy.

Madam Wang beside her quickly added her own thoughts.

“Indeed! Madam, you are truly fortunate! The Assistant Minister’s wife is overjoyed with her honored child; they will likely have to celebrate grandly this time!”

Liu Sisi originally wanted to keep YingEr with her for a couple more years, but she couldn’t withstand Zhang Yun’s constant persuasion; YingEr had a splendid wedding at 16!

The two of them had always been very close but had been without children for a long time, which worried Liu Sisi deeply.

The year before last, YingEr suddenly announced joyous news, followed by Zhang Yun’s steady rise in position, being promoted to Assistant Minister.

This year, they had a precious child, fulfilling Guihua’s dream, which thrilled Guihua to no end!

She wouldn’t let go of the child!

Even Liu Sisi had only held the child for a little while before Guihua snatched it away, much to her annoyance!

Thankfully, although Guihua valued this child greatly, she was exceptionally kind to YingEr.

She took such meticulous care of her that Liu Sisi finally let go of her worries.

While everyone was chatting and laughing merrily, a spirited young man came sprinting from outside, almost knocking over a maid holding a fruit plate, causing the maid to exclaim in alarm and drawing the attention of the Madams.

With just one look, Liu Sisi’s eyebrows involuntarily knitted together.

Before she could speak, the tall figure had already rushed over, using his adolescent voice to shout at Liu Sisi.

“Mom, mom, your Third Child is back! Have you prepared something delicious for me, Mom?”

This immediately provoked a fit of giggles from the Madams, who covered their mouths and laughed.

Liu Sisi was embarrassed: “This child…is so impetuous; no matter what I say, he doesn’t listen! I don’t know whose temper he’s taken after!”

In the midst of speaking, she shot a glance at Chou Chou, who was just stepping into the pavilion.

“Madam, your boy is bursting with energy; looking at him just makes one feel refreshed all over–and it’s as if my whole spirit is lifted. Unlike my son, who is like an old man all day long and can hardly utter a few words,” one Madam quickly said.

Another Madam eagerly concurred: “If you ask me, we need sons like Chengen. Just look at the Young Master, only 14 years old and already the Martial Arts Primus! Such skill is truly top-notch!”

She couldn’t help but give a thumbs-up.

Liu Sisi’s mouth twitched!

Just mentioning it made her furious!

Initially, Chou Chou had been very prominent, and with Di Yelei’s frequent victories, others were green with envy. There were many critics in the court. Fortunately, although the Father Emperor was becoming increasingly frail, he still had a clear grasp of major affairs in the court. Besides, the Crown Prince was only seventeen years old now and had plenty of time to wait.

Over the past few years, Chou Chou had always been by the Crown Prince’s side, inadvertently turning himself into a prime target.

Her intention was for him to lie low for a while, keeping him locked in the basement, planning to release him after the Martial Arts Exams, forbidding him from participating in this year’s exams.

Unexpectedly, he had managed to escape from her layers of guards and participated in the competition, and what’s more, he actually returned with the title of Martial Arts Primus. How could Liu Sisi contain her anger?

Now that it was brought up again, Liu Sisi felt a mix of emotions and didn’t know how to respond.

“Chengen pays his respects to Mrs. Wang, Mrs. Li, Mrs. Nian… What were you ladies discussing? All seems merry and joyous?”

Chou Chou greeted them with great boldness, deliberately making faces at Liu Sisi.

Mrs. Li, ever so kind-hearted, quickly explained, “We were discussing the high achiever of the Martial Arts Exams who has just returned. People really can’t stand being talked about, can they?” she said, laughing smugly at her own wit.

Quick as a flash, Chou Chou diverted the subject, “Ah! Mom, Chengen is so very hungry, I miss the braised pork feet you make. Mom, did you prepare any?”

“No! All you know is eat, eat, eat; be careful not to eat yourself to death!”

Liu Sisi couldn’t help but retort, and then she smiled at the surrounding ladies.

Seeing this, the ladies rose to take their leave, “At present, it’s not early anymore; we should head back. We’ll come over another time when we’re free.”

“How can you leave now? Everyone should have lunch in the mansion, no need to rush back,” urged Liu Sisi, trying to detain them.

“Someone’s waiting for me back at home, Your Highness. Please don’t trouble yourself, we will definitely stay for a meal another day!”

Everyone took their leave.

What a joke! Seeing a mother and son reunion, who would want to interfere?

Once everyone had gone, Liu Sisi tossed the inner garment in her hand and directly pinched Chou Chou’s ear, saying fiercely, “Run, will you? Thought you knew how to run didn’t you? How come you knew to come back? Eh! I thought you’d decided to live in the Palace and wouldn’t come out at all!”

From that day until today, Chou Chou had been hiding in the Crown Prince’s residence, not daring to come back.

Luckily, Xiao Shitou by his side was truly devoted, reporting Chou Chou’s whereabouts every day; otherwise, she would have been worried to death!

“Ah! It hurts, it hurts… Mom, am I not your own son? My ear, my ear’s about to be twisted off!”

Chou Chou cried out exaggeratedly, howling plaintively.

Although Liu Sisi knew he was pretending, she couldn’t help but let go, “Enough! How hard do you think mom was really twisting? Speak! Did you rush back today because you’ve caused another mess outside, waiting for mom to clean it up?”

“Mom! That’s ancient history, why bring it up?”

Chou Chou complained, towering nearly two heads above Liu Sisi, his stature particularly tall: “Chengen has news of Dad, so I rushed to bring it to you. Since you don’t want to know, then forget it! I’ll take it back.”

With that, he turned to leave.

“Come back here! Who said you could leave?”

Knowing it was an excuse, Liu Sisi still had to press on, “Enough with the nonsense, hand over the letter!”