93 Chapter - 93 - Eldest Sister

Upon returning home, Tang Li was delighted to find Yi Minghuan waiting for her. She set her hoe aside and inquired, "The villagers are saying that your eldest sister is back. Have you seen her?"

"No." Yi Minghuan shook his head, hesitated and said. "Let's go see her."

"Okay! I planned to go as well." Tang Li agreed as she went to wash her hands by the well, and they decided to pay Yi Minghuan's sister a visit.

"Do you get along well with your eldest sister? How old is she? I haven't met her yet. She didn't even attend our wedding, and she hasn't visited for the past six months."

Her question was tinged with curiosity, and she secretly wondered if their relationship was strained.

Yi Minghuan, however, spoke fondly of his sister, dispelling any notion of discord. "My eldest sister is really good to me. She's five years older than me, and I regret not being able to see her off when she got married. She only informed me of her marriage through a letter. I thought I would wait for us to settle down these few days before going to see her."

Actually no one from the family had written to him about his eldest sister getting married. When he found out that she was getting married, it was his eldest sister who asked someone to write to him, otherwise, he would have been kept in the dark. 

Tang Li was taken aback by the revelation, surprised that their relationship was so amicable. She became eager to meet this elder sister, especially after learning about the letter incident. Her desire to understand her better was piqued.

After washing her hands and face at the well, she tidied up a little so that she could leave a good first impression on her eldest sister-in-law. 

"Lets go! I am ready." Tang li told him with a smile and they headed to Yi Minghuan's old home together.

To their surprise as soon as they opened the courtyard door, they found a thin woman washing clothes by the well. Her clothing was patchy and her braided hair showing signs of wear and whiteness.

Next to her stood a small, malnourished girl, approximately two or three years old also with yellowing hair.

Yi Minghuan was overjoyed and immediately called out, "Big sister!"

" Xiao...Xiao Ming?!" Upon hearing her brother's voice, Yi Xiu turned around, her eyes filled with surprise and delight.

She quickly rose to her feet, and with tears in her eyes, she rushed toward Yi Minghuan, embracing him tightly. "Oh my God, Xiao Ming! You've grown so tall! I can hardly recognize my little brother!"

After Yi Xiu ran up to Yi Minghuan and hugged him, she looked at him up and down, shocked and happy. 

"Sister, why are you so thin?" Yi Minghuan inquired, looking at her who looked different with the sister from his memory, with concern, his brow furrowed.

"I lost weight after I got sick while giving birth to Jiaojiao," Yi Xiu replied casually. She then turned to Tang Li, gazing at her with curiosity before smiling warmly.

"You must be Xiao Li, right? I'm Minghuan's eldest sister. I apologize for not being there when you married into this family. At that time, Jiaojiao fell seriously ill, and I couldn't leave her. I hope you can understand."

Tang Li quickly reassured her it was okay and understood the circumstances. Observing her closely, she saw a woman who appeared unassuming, yet beneath her simple exterior, she detected a strength and resilience.

She had a gentle but somewhat forlorn demeanor but at the same time was filled with optimism.

It was such a contradiction!

"Sister, is this Jiaojiao?" Yi Minghuan asked, peering at the little girl hiding by the well with a timid expression and who was looking at them while tilting her head shyly.

"Yes!" Yi Xiu beamed and called out to her daughter, "Jiaojiao, come here, dear."

As Jiaojiao approached, she took her into her arms, then pointed at Yi Minghuan, instructing her, "This is your uncle. Say hello uncle, darling."

The little girl glanced at Yi Minghuan with shyness in her eyes but complied with her mother's request and cutely said, "Hello, Uncle."

This was the first time Yi Minghuan had ever been called "uncle" by such a young child, and he was genuinely delighted.

However, he appeared somewhat unsure, and slightly awkward as he showed a slightly stiff smile. He hesitated and extended a hand to pat the child's head and remarked, "You're really small."

But Then----

"Wooo....woooo..."

Jiaojiao stared at him, and suddenly burst into tears. She turned her head and hugged her mother's neck, her small body trembling from crying. 

"....." Yi Minghuan found himself at a loss and somewhat bewildered, his expression reflecting his anxiety.

Amused by the situation, Tang Li couldn't help but burst out laughing as she observed Yi Minghuan's confusion...