The man looked down at Da Bao helplessly, crouched down to meet his gaze, and said as calmly as possible, "What's wrong? Aren't you going to play with your brother?"
"Brother... pooped..."
Upon hearing this, Ling Mo Han felt as if a bolt of lightning had struck his head, and he was completely stunned.
This was his first time encountering such a situation, and he suddenly didn't know what to do. He was lost in thought for a long time before Da Bao's voice brought him back.
"Daddy, brother... smells bad, wipe... wipe..."
Ling Mo Han took a deep breath and scanned his surroundings, not seeing a single person. At this point... he would probably have to do it himself.
Having made up his mind, he walked over to Er Bao. This brat was clearly tormenting him. When Feng Jin was around, he didn't say a word about needing to go to the toilet, but as soon as she left, he started. It was too coincidental.
The father and son stared at each other, one big and one small, neither speaking first. This made Da Bao, who was watching from the side, anxious. He quickly tugged at Ling Mo Han's clothes, signaling him to quickly clean up Er Bao's mess because it was unbearable.
"Wipe... wipe..." Da Bao kept pulling Ling Mo Han's hand, pointing at Er Bao with the other.
The man sighed helplessly and had no choice but to pick up Er Bao. As soon as he pulled down Er Bao's pants, he smelled a stench that almost made him gag.
"Hurry... wipe..."
Under Da Bao's insistent urging, Ling Mo Han reluctantly cleaned Er Bao's bottom.
He busied himself with putting his pants back on, and the battle was finally over. It was truly exhausting.
Having his pants taken down in front of everyone, a hint of embarrassment flickered across Er Bao's face. He lowered his head and remained silent. After a while, he simply turned and ran back into the house.
"Brother... wait..."
Da Bao shouted loudly and toddled after him with his little legs.
Ling Mo Han supported his aching back, sighing helplessly, a bead of sweat on his forehead. Taking care of this brat was utterly exhausting.
...
Feng Jin stared at the invitation in her hand. This child was only a few days old, and they were already planning a grand banquet. Was Chu Yan Xi trying to show off that he had an eldest son, or was Feng Ruo Yan trying to flaunt how favored she was by Chu Yan Xi and that she had successfully given birth to an eldest son?
If that were the case, it would be utterly disregardful of Liu Meng Han's feelings. It was quite rare for the Empress to agree to such a banquet.
"Young Madam, you've been staring at this invitation for a long time. Have some ginseng soup to nourish yourself." Cai Qing placed the freshly brewed ginseng soup in front of Feng Jin.
"Go and inform the Second Miss that there's a banquet at the Third Prince's manor tomorrow and ask her to accompany me. Also, send her the pearl dragonfly gemstone hairpin that was just delivered to the manor the other day."
"Yes, Young Madam. I will go now."
Ling Wan was also growing up and it was time for her to be considered for marriage. As her elder sister-in-law and the mistress of the household, she needed to expedite these matters.
The banquet at the Third Prince's manor would be attended by influential figures from all over the capital. It would be good for Ling Wan to go and gain some experience.
Besides, it would be boring for her to go alone. Ling Wan accompanying her could keep her company and alleviate boredom.
...
"Second Miss, this hairpin is from the Young Madam. She asked me to inform you to prepare yourself to accompany her to the Third Prince's manor tomorrow for the banquet," Cai Qing conveyed Feng Jin's instructions to Ling Wan.
"Eldest Sister-in-law, why should I go? I've never been anywhere before. What if... what if I embarrass you..."
Ling Wan's heart suddenly fluttered with panic. She had only been out a handful of times, and she had never attended a banquet in her life. The banquet at the Third Prince's manor would undoubtedly be filled with royalty and nobility. Her attending as a concubine-born daughter would surely be a subject of ridicule, bringing shame to the Ling family.
After much hesitation, Ling Wan finally said, "Cai Qing, please tell Eldest Sister-in-law that I won't be going. I'll only bring shame."
"Please forgive me, Second Miss. I am merely conveying the Young Madam's wishes. If you truly do not wish to go, you should tell the Young Madam yourself. I dare not make decisions for the Young Madam. I have already delivered the item. If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave."
Cai Qing bowed slightly to Ling Wan and Concubine Bai, then walked away.
Ling Wan looked at the luxurious and precious hairpin on the table, and couldn't help but reach out and touch it. This was the first time she had ever seen such an opulent piece of jewelry.
As she touched it, it felt bone-chillingly cold. Such a hairpin must be heavy when worn on the head.
"Mother, perhaps I shouldn't go. If I make a fool of myself, I'll embarrass Eldest Sister-in-law and the Ling family."
Ling Wan felt timid. Just looking at the hairpin made her tremble.
Concubine Bai sighed slightly, stepped forward, and took Ling Wan's hand, sitting her down. "It's all my fault. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't be of concubine birth. It's my fault for being incompetent and unable to give you the same opportunities as a legitimate daughter."
"No... this is not Mother's fault. If Mother hadn't given birth to me and raised me with such hardship, where would I be? My gratitude to Mother for her kindness is something I will never forget. It is I, your daughter, who is unaccomplished and unable to give Mother a good life."
Ling Wan shook her head, refuting her. If her mother hadn't protected her all these years, she would have lost her life long ago. From childhood, her mother always prioritized the best for her.
Even the scarce charcoal fire in the harsh winter was saved for her, and she was always covered with thick cotton quilts. Her gratitude for her mother's kindness was something she would never forget.
Concubine Bai wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes and sighed helplessly, "Wan'er, if you truly don't want to go, then I will go and speak to the Young Madam for you."
"No, Mother..." Ling Wan shook her head, her hand resting on the gemstone of the hairpin. It seemed she had made up her mind. "Mother, I'll go. I know Eldest Sister-in-law's good intentions for me. She wants me to go out and see the world. I'm this old already, and I'll have to get married eventually. After marriage, it will be a different world, and no one will be able to protect me. I'll have to bear all responsibilities myself."
"Wan'er... good child, it's my uselessness that makes you go through so much suffering."
Concubine Bai hated her own incompetence even more, unable to give Ling Wan the best life or protect her.
"Mother, don't say that anymore. I am very happy to be your daughter in this lifetime. With you by my side, even if life is difficult, I feel every moment is sweet."