Joyful Motherhood in a Rural Family

Chapter 828: Chapter 828: Retreat Path
 

Di Hongyuan, however, disagreed, “At the moment, entering the palace would be of no help. But we still need to make the appropriate gestures. Let’s get the affairs of the mansion in order before we go—it won’t be too late.”

Di Hongyuan’s words instantly reminded Liu Sisi; her body shuddered slightly, and her face turned even paler.

Entering the palace now would be like sending sheep into the tiger’s mouth. Once inside, it’s likely that one would never be able to come out again. And, given their status, there was simply no way to avoid it.

“Is there any way to avoid it now that things have come to this?”

This was a matter of life and death that could implicate the entire extended family—who would dare to provoke it?

“A way? When a mountain falls, the support is gone; when a tree collapses, it scatters. Now, I fear no one can be relied on. Ye Lei and I will enter the palace first. Third Sister-in-law, while you are at home, you should…”

Having detailed a few more specifics, Di Hongyuan then hastily rearranged for the servants to ready the carriage to enter the palace.

Leaving Liu Sisi standing in a daze for a while, she sighed. To ‘arrange the affairs of the mansion’ was nothing more than to plan the future for a few children.

“Ms. Gao, quickly bring all the children here. And call for Di Cheng as well.”

“Yes, Princess.”

Ms. Gao swiftly set off, and within a short time equivalent to brewing a pot of tea, all the children of the mansion were gathered here.

“Third Aunt, I heard His Majesty has passed away. Is this true?”

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Di Cheng was the eldest of his generation within the family. Given the rapidly changing circumstances, of all the children in the mansion, only Di Cheng was married. Liu Sisi did not hide the truth from him, nor did she plan to conceal it from the younger ones.

She glanced at everyone, and meeting Di Ying’s big watery eyes, she proceeded to tell the children about the gravity of the situation.

“… Initially, bringing you into the capital was meant to evade disaster, but it turned out to be like escaping the wolf’s den only to enter the tiger’s mouth. At present, there might be turmoil in the capital city, and for your safety, mom will arrange for someone to escort you out of the mansion later. You all need to be sensible and obey, leave the city for a while, and come back once things settle down. Understand?”

After Liu Sisi had finished speaking, she carefully observed each child.

Having just reunited for a few days, now they were to be separated again—her unspeakable reluctance welled up, with tears swirling in her eyes.

“Mom, are those thieves who came that night going to come after us again?”

It was Niuniu, with her childlike way of speaking, who was the first to speak, almost causing Liu Sisi to be unable to hold back her tears.

She bent down to pick up Niuniu and kissed her over and over again: “Our Niuniu is so smart, so understanding, mom is so happy… happy…”

Before long, a few people who had been prearranged arrived, including Da Niu, Er Niu, and Zuo Xingyu.

Liu Sisi reluctantly let go of Niuniu, then hugged Chou Chou who was nearby and kissed him, proceeding to do the same with each child in turn. When she reached Di Xuan, she treated him no differently, pecking both his cheeks and leaving Di Xuan with a red face, embarrassingly at a loss.

Liu Sisi gazed at each child with growing sorrow in her eyes, “It’s better to act sooner rather than later. Big Brother Zuo, I entrust YingEr to you. Leave through the North City Gate, and once you’re out of the city, the farther you go the better. Don’t worry about us. Come back after the capital settles down.”

Liu Sisi’s first words were to make arrangements for Di Ying, and to entrust Di Ying to Zuo Xingyu, which surprised everyone.

Zuo Xingyu was evidently taken aback as well, asking reflexively, “Am I only taking YingEr? No, I mean… Should I take one more with me?” He modified his words mid-sentence, casting an involuntary glance at the triplets.

After all, these three were Liu Sisi’s own flesh and blood!

“No need. Just take YingEr with you. Your chances are better that way!”

Liu Sisi said with determination.

If someone intercepted them, one of the triplets would undoubtedly be a primary target. Zuo Xingyu’s chances of escape would be much lower if he took them along.

Liu Sisi’s gaze fell on Di Xuan again, “Da Niu, take Xuan’er and leave through the West City Gate. Xuan’er is still young. Dress him as a girl and pretend to be father and daughter leaving the capital.”

Beside her, Di Xuan’s face turned pale as he kneeled before Liu Sisi with a thud, crying out in anguish.

“Mom…”

The rest of his words were choked back by sobs.

Recalling his thoughtless actions from his youth, which had even caused YingEr to suffer a lifelong ailment, his face burned with shame, and he wished he could slap himself.

“No tears! The situation at present doesn’t allow for crying. You are the older brother, remember to set an example for your younger brothers and sister, understand?” Liu Sisi personally helped Di Xuan to his feet.

Di Xuan nodded vigorously, “Yes, I understand! I won’t cause any trouble for the family…”

He had secretly made his decision a while back.

Liu Sisi continued giving orders: “Er Niu, you take Chou Chou and leave through the South City Gate. Just like them, come back when it’s safe in the capital. As for Cheng’er, you take Xiao Feng and Di Qiu and leave from the East City Gate. Go as far as you can…”

“No! Third Aunt, Cheng’er can’t leave!”

Di Cheng firmly objected, “If I leave at a moment like this, there will be no one to take care of Third Aunt. How can this be good? What if we do it this way? Let Xiao Feng take Qiu’er and Niuniu and leave together, and I’ll stay behind. What do you think?”

“Cheng’er, Third Aunt understands your kindness. However, Di Qiu is the eldest grandson, and your responsibility is tremendous. There’s no time to delay, everyone should leave quickly! I need to continue making arrangements.”

Di Cheng wanted to say more, but Liu Sisi didn’t want to listen any longer, she had already called the servants to send them off with provisions and forced them to leave.

Now, the only ones left in the house were Liu Sisi and the triplets.

“Mom…”

Niuniu snuggled up to Liu Sisi, softly calling out.

Liu Sisi gently stroked her head, then embraced Chou Chou tightly, “Good children, are you afraid?”

Chou Chou, still stuffing osmanthus cake into his mouth, with cheeks puffed out, nodded then shook his head, “Mom, Chou Chou was scared before, but with Mom here to protect Chou Chou, Chou Chou isn’t afraid anymore.”

“Pfft!”

Liu Sisi burst into laughter, but in the next moment, her tears flowed. This time she not only couldn’t protect him, but she might also be leading them to a dead end…

“Chou Chou, if… if mom can no longer protect Chou Chou, would you blame mom?”

Chou Chou tilted his head and glanced at Niuniu and Xiao Xiao beside him, “Then will you abandon Chou Chou, Mom?”

“Never, Mom will never abandon Chou Chou… never…”

Their children, whom she had carried for ten months! How could she bear to leave them behind!

“Chou Chou won’t leave mom behind either.”

Chou Chou said earnestly.

“Mom, we won’t leave you behind, either,” Niuniu and Xiao Xiao also nodded repeatedly.

“You really are Mom’s good children…”

Liu Sisi touched the tops of the three children’s heads and sighed, looking at Xiao Xiao, “Let’s go! We’re going to find Taoist Master Zhu, to ask him to take you as his disciple!”