My wife, Wei Gui, was 1.9 meters tall and fought against the Tang dynasty for the throne.

As soon as the carriage stopped in front of the Li residence, Wei Gui saw the familiar blue-curtained carriage.

"It's my cousin's car," she said softly.

Li Ju helped her out of the carriage, and sure enough, they saw Wei Feng standing under the porch, dressed in black casual clothes with a long sword at his waist, talking to the steward.

Wei Nizi was squatting under the old locust tree in the yard, teasing the ants with a twig. Hearing the noise, he suddenly jumped up.

"Sister! Li Huairun!"

Wei Feng turned around and cupped his hands in greeting to Li Ju: "Junior Supervisor Li, I apologize for my intrusion in visiting."

Li Ju returned the greeting: "General Wei, you're too kind. Please come in."

Wei Nizi ran over, grabbed Wei Gui's hand, and looked her up and down: "Sister, you look so beautiful in this outfit today! Li Huairun, did you buy this for me?"

Li Ju said, "She chose it herself."

"And what about your judgment?" Wei Nizi tilted his head.

"I chose her because I had good taste."

Wei Nizi paused for a moment, then covered her mouth and laughed, "Sister, he has such a sweet tongue!"

Wei Gui's ears turned slightly red, and he gently patted Wei Nizi: "Let's go inside and talk."

We took our seats in the main hall, and a maid served us tea.

Wei Feng picked up his teacup, took a sip, and put it down. He looked at Wei Gui, his gaze gentle yet earnest: "Sister, are you settling in well at the Li residence?"

Wei Gui nodded: "Don't worry, cousin, Liu Lang treats me very well."

Wei Feng turned his gaze to Li Ju. The two men looked at each other, not with any tension, but with a tacit understanding.

"Junior Supervisor Li," Wei Feng began, his voice low but each word clear, "my younger sister is the eldest daughter of the Wei family. My uncle entrusted her to you because he trusts you. I've come today for no other reason than to ask one question—has she been mistreated here with you?"

Li Ju put down his teacup and said solemnly, "General Wei, rest assured. I, Li Ju, am in charge of my own residence. No one will allow your sister to suffer any injustice."

Wei Feng looked at him, remained silent for a moment, and then nodded.

"Good. With your words, I am relieved." He picked up his teacup and raised it to Li Ju. "The Wei family will not interfere in the affairs of your household, but if anyone bullies her, the Wei family will not stand idly by."

Li Ju raised his cup and clinked it against his: "That's only right."

They finished their drinks, exchanged a smile, and spoke little, but their words were sufficient.

Wei Nizi hadn't been idle since she came in. She first walked around the courtyard, touched the old locust tree, sat on the stone bench, and then ran into the main hall, looking around.

"Sister, your house is so small!" she said, nestled on Wei Gui's lap. "When are you going to move to a bigger house?"

Wei Gui patted her head: "This house is just right. It's small and exquisite, and comfortable to live in."

"But your old yard at the Wei family's was twice the size of this!"

"That's the Wei family's ancestral home, spacious and large," Wei Gui said softly. "This is my little home with Liu Lang, small and peaceful, unlike ours."

Wei Nizi nodded as if he understood, and kept chattering away.

"Sister, you know what? I have no appetite when you're not home. The maid's cooking is too bland, and Aunt Wang's cooking in the kitchen is too salty." Wei Nizi pouted, "Your cooking is the best."

Wei Gui said, "Then I'll cook for you today."

"Really?" Wei Nizi's eyes lit up.

"Um."

Wei Gui stood up and said to Li Ju, "Sixth Brother, I'm going to the kitchen to prepare the meal. You keep my cousin company."

Li Ju nodded: "Okay."

Wei Gui went to the kitchen. Wei Nizi followed behind her, going in and out, sometimes helping to pass her scallions, sometimes sneaking a sip of soup.

"Sister, this soup is so delicious!" Wei Nizi smacked her lips.

"That was made for everyone, so don't steal any."

"I'll just have a small bite!" Wei Nizi scooped up another spoonful, quickly stuffed it into his mouth, and his breath came out in pain from the heat.

Wei Gui shook his head and continued working.

In the main hall, Li Ju and Wei Feng sat facing each other.

The two chatted for a while about court affairs, and then the topic turned to the Three Expeditions.

Wei Feng said, "With the Third Expedition imminent, Li Shaojian will be busy again."

"It's my duty," Li Ju said. "Would General Wei be able to accompany us on this campaign?"

Wei Feng shook his head: "Stay in Luoyang. My uncle believes the Wei family should no longer be in the limelight."

Li Ju nodded: "That's a safe bet."

The two remained silent for a moment. Wei Feng suddenly said, "My younger sister lost her parents at a young age and was raised by my uncle. She appears dignified and calm, but she is actually very thoughtful and keeps everything to herself. Li Shaojian, please bear with her."

Li Ju said, "She is my wife, and I will naturally cherish her."

Wei Feng glanced at him but didn't say anything more.

At noon, the food was served.

The four dishes and one soup were all prepared by Wei Gui himself. They included steamed sea bass, braised mutton, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, cold black fungus salad, and a pot of chicken soup. There weren't many dishes, but each one was exquisite.

Wei Feng took a bite of the fish and nodded: "Ah Mei's cooking is even better than before."

Wei Ni Zi buried his head in his rice and mumbled, "Everything my sister makes is delicious!"

Li Ju picked up a piece of braised pork and placed it in Wei Gui's bowl, saying, "Thank you for your hard work."

Wei Gui glanced at him, a slight smile playing on his lips, and then lowered his head to eat.

The four chatted and ate in a warm atmosphere. Wei Nizi's mouth couldn't stop, talking about the Wei family's cat, the neighbor's dog, and then about her new sugar figurine.

Wei Feng would occasionally tell her "don't talk while eating," and she would pout and remain quiet for a moment before she couldn't help but start talking again.

After the meal, Wei Feng got up to say goodbye.

"Junior Supervisor Li, I apologize for disturbing you." He cupped his hands in greeting. "Sister, take good care of yourself. If you suffer any grievances in the household, do not endure them. Immediately send someone to inform your cousin."

Wei Gui bowed deeply: "Brother, please take care."

Wei Nizi held Wei Gui's hand, reluctant to part: "Sister, when can I come again next time?"

"Come anytime," Wei Gui said.

Wei Nizi ran up to Li Ju again, looked up at him, and said in a serious tone, "Li Huairun, I want to lay down three rules for you!"

Li Ju leaned forward slightly: "Which three chapters?"

"First, you are not allowed to bully your older sister!"

"Secondly, you are not allowed to make your older sister angry!"

"Third—" she thought for a moment, "You're not allowed to refuse to make us milk custard!"

Li Ju chuckled and held up a finger: "Alright. I agree to all three conditions."

Wei Nizi beckoned to him with his finger, nodded in satisfaction, and turned to run towards the carriage.

Wei Feng helped her into the car, glanced back at Li Ju, and nodded slightly.

The carriage drove out of the alley and gradually disappeared into the distance.

Wei Gui stood at the door, gazing in the direction the carriage had disappeared, remaining motionless for a long time.

Li Ju walked to her side and took her hand.

"What's wrong?"

"It's nothing," Wei Gui said softly. "I just feel...it's so nice to have them around."

Li Ju tightened his grip on her hand: "You have me too."

Wei Gui turned his head and looked at him. The autumn sun shone warmly on the two of them.

She gently nestled into his arms.

"Mukuro."

"Um."

"Thank you."

"What are you thanking me for?"

"Thank you for making me feel that this home is wonderful."

Li Ju reached out and smoothed the hair at her temples, then hugged her tighter.

Wei Gui lowered his head slightly and gently brushed a fallen leaf off Li Ju's shoulder.

The two embraced for a moment before turning and returning to the courtyard.

In the courtyard, most of the leaves of the old locust tree had fallen, and sunlight filtered through the branches and leaves, scattering golden fragments on the ground.

Looking at the locust tree, Wei Gui suddenly said, "Sixth Brother, what do you think? Should we set up a chessboard under the tree?"

"it is good."

"Plant some more flowers."

"What to plant?"

"Magnolia," Wei Gui said, "I like magnolias."

Li Ju smiled and said, "Then let's plant magnolias."