Chapter 39
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Chapter 39: Family Joy
Leaving the Great Elder’s estate, the long-troubling matter that plagued Zhou Luo was finally resolved. His mood improved considerably, and his footsteps became lighter.
"Daddy,"
he had just returned home when a little figure broke free from the maid’s arms, stumbling unsteadily toward Zhou Luo.
As he had only just learned to walk, every few steps he pitched forward, falling toward the ground.
Seeing this, Zhou Luo darted forward and swiftly scooped the child up in his arms, quick as a flash.
"You’re being mischievous again, little Chang An," Zhou Luo said, looking at his eldest son with a fatherly smile.
"My apologies, Master,"
the maid approached nervously, her expression filled with fear.
After his children had multiplied, Zhou Luo had brought in many servants from the clan specifically to look after the youngsters.
After all, Zhou Garden had plenty of rooms, and the monthly resources provided by the clan, plus his alchemy earnings, were more than enough to cover the expenses.
"It’s fine, you may go," Zhou Luo waved his hand.
Once the maid had departed, he looked down at the little one in his arms. "If you’re this mischievous next time, I won’t carry you."
Little Chang An opened his big eyes wide and shook his head vigorously like a toy rattle drum. "No! Daddy promised you’d play with me."
Though Zhou Chang An was only just over a year old now, the abundance of spiritual energy in this world meant children gained understanding early.
Thus, though his voice still carried the soft quality of a baby milk-voice, he expressed himself quite clearly.
Zhou Luo tapped his tiny nose. "Play what?"
"Flying, of course!" Little Chang An mimed an upward soaring motion with his arms.
Earlier that month, Zhou Luo had specifically learned the art of object manipulation. He used it to let the little ones fly through the air by standing on objects.
After trying it once, little Chang An was completely smitten. He pestered Zhou Luo daily to fly with him.
"Alright then. Where’s your little wooden horse?" Zhou Luo asked.
Hearing these words, little Chang An bowed his head, speaking in his soft, babyish voice. "Baby brother’s playing with it."
"Doesn’t he have his own toys?" Zhou Luo asked, puzzled.
The first group of children could all walk by themselves now, so Zhou Luo had crafted various toys according to their preferences.
Zhou Chang An had a wooden horse; Zhou Chang Ping had a toy wagon. There was also a small trampoline, swings, and all sorts of things little children enjoyed.
"Mommy said I’m the big brother, so I need to look out for the younger brothers and sisters. Younger brother wanted it, so I gave it him," little Chang An stated earnestly.
A gratified smile touched Zhou Luo’s lips. "That’s fine. Daddy will make you a new one."
"Yay!" Little Chang An was overjoyed.
Holding him, Zhou Luo went to find Zhou Chang Ping, who was currently playing with the wooden horse.
Little Chang Ping sat perched on the wooden horse, cheerfully yelling, "Charge, charge!"
Beside him, Zhou Chang Shu was waggling his bottom as he fiddled with a toy wagon.
The brothers were thoroughly absorbed in their play, having immense fun.
Seeing Zhou Luo appear, the two brothers hastily set down their toys.
"Father."
They stretched out their little hands for a hug.
Zhou Luo placed little Chang An down, knelt, and looked at his three sons.
"Father’s in a good mood today, how about I take you flying?"
"I want to be first!" little Chang An raised his hand.
"Then I’ll be second!" little Chang Ping blurted out, not to be outdone.
"I… I don’t want to." little Chang Shu wiped his runny nose.
Unlike his excited older brothers, Zhou Chang Shu was always the one wailing during flights.
Zhou Luo had initially hoped to cure the boy’s acrophobia, but contrary to expectations, it only deepened the boy’s profound fear of flying.
Zhou Luo didn’t force him. He helped the two older brothers sit on the hobby horse.
Then he began casting the controlling spell.
Instantly, the horse rose into the air. The two brothers shrieked with excitement, flailing their little arms joyously.
Their commotion drew the attention of the wives and concubines.
Lin Yi Yi, holding the twins, gently laughed, "Husband, don’t forget Chang Rong and Shi Yi."
In her arms, Zhou Chang Rong blinked his large eyes, watching his airborne brothers with a mix of curiosity, anticipation, and fear.
As for Zhou Shi Yi, she clearly showed no interest in flying; she much preferred the Little White cat curled in her arms.
Since the Snow Mountain Spirit Cat came under Lin Yi Yi’s care, it had essentially become Shi Yi’s little pet.
The little one played with it every day, even considering it her dearest friend.
Beside them, Lin Zi Er approached and scooped up Zhou Chang Shu.
Thinking his mother also intended to make him fly, Chang Shu instantly burst into loud sobs and began fierce struggling, "No! I don’t want to!"
His outburst elicited merry laughter from all the women.
Even Lin Qing Han was amused, cracking a smile.
"What a silly child," Lin Zi Er scolded without malice, brushed the dirt off his clothes, and set him back down.
"Chang An! Chang Ping! Stop wriggling so much, you’ll fall!" Lin Fei Ying couldn’t help calling out as she tilted her head upwards.
But could two such playful little ones possibly listen?
Witnessing this heartwarming scene, Zhou Luo felt a renewed tenderness stir within him.
This must be the "enjoying family happiness" written about in the books.
Wait… but he wasn’t really old yet, was he?
But so what?
With a smile, Zhou Luo happily manipulated the hobby horse.
Simultaneously, it strengthened his resolve to protect his family.
If this internal family strife were to affect his loved ones, he could no longer avoid it.
Zhou Luo thought inwardly.
After playing for a while, Zhou Luo finally set both little ones down.
Following some more playtime with the children, he handed them over to the maid.
Returning to the main hall, Lin Qing Han, her belly rounded, seated herself beside him.
"Your demeanor differs greatly from previous days."
She referred to his earlier serious expression in the hall.
At that time, she had hoped he wouldn’t bear undue pressure.
"All is resolved now," Zhou Luo replied with a slight laugh.
"That pleases me," Lin Qing Han nodded.
"Incidentally, another matter requires your insight," Zhou Luo abruptly inquired, a thought occurring to him.
"Speak freely," Lin Qing Han affirmed, her gaze meeting his.
"If circumstances someday displaced you as main wife, would resentment stir within you?" Zhou Luo probed.
"Why pose such a question?" Lin Qing Han asked, visibly startled.
Zhou Luo then recounted how his master and the Great Elder had presented their granddaughters as prospective brides.
Upon hearing this, profound astonishment washed over Lin Qing Han.
Her surprise lay not in the threat to her position as main wife.
She understood her current standing held little match for Zhou Luo’s stature. Should powerful family figures offer their daughters in marriage, she possessed no grounds for contention.
What truly stunned her was Zhou Luo’s willingness to consult her on such a matter.
In the world of cultivation, might makes right; strength commands utmost respect.
Given his standing, Zhou Luo owed her no explanation, needing not weigh her feelings.
Yet his decision to confide in her signaled he regarded her as an equal.
This moved Lin Qing Han deeply, her eyes welling with unshed tears.
Observing her response, Zhou Luo frowned. "What troubles you? Should this displease you, we may dismiss it."
The notion of "the strong deserving precedence" held no sway in his thinking.
To him, true partnership meant equality — this principle extended not only to Lin Qing Han but equally to their concubines like Lin Yi Yi. Hence, he sought her counsel on matters of such import.
"Nay," Lin Qing Han turned her face away briefly, dabbing at her eyes before meeting his gaze anew with earnest conviction. "I care nothing for the title of main wife. Merely walking beside you suffices utterly."
Deeply touched, Zhou Luo clasped her hand, sincerity etched upon his features. "Set your heart at ease. I shall shield you all, steadfastly."
"Mmm," Lin Qing Han nodded with profound gravity.
Following his exchange with Lin Qing Han, Zhou Luo found clarity settling within.
Seizing opportunities amidst moments shared with his other concubines, he broached the possibility of another marriage.
To this, the gathered women voiced unanimous support.
Thus reassured, Zhou Luo perceived he might tentatively consent to the Great Elder’s proposal.
Yet undue haste would serve no purpose.
He resolved to further observe the family’s unfolding political landscape.
The ensuing days found him primarily immersed in cultivation, pill-refining, and nurturing his children.
Then came a day, while tending the alchemical cauldron, the System’s chime suddenly resounded in his consciousness:
[Congratulations, Host. Through unwavering diligence, you have successfully impregnated your partner. A new draw opportunity is granted.]
