“Wenshan, you’ve spent nearly ten years at the borderlands. It’s been hard on you.”
After seeing off Wangxuan, the matriarch hosted a welcome banquet, though only the heads of the two households and their primary and secondary wives were allowed at the table.
“To defend the nation’s borders, hardship is nothing worth mentioning,” Zhao Wenshan said with a cupped fist salute.
“Haha! I heard that under General Chen’s command, you led a thousand riders to shatter the Northern Wasteland’s army of ten thousand. Who in the court hasn’t praised your accomplishments?” Xu Zheng said with a smile.
Zhao Wenshan shook his head. “All credit belongs to General Chen. I was merely following orders.”
“You’re too modest, Wenshan,” Qin Ruhai said as he raised a toast to Zhao Wenshan. “And now that you’ve returned to the capital, it just so happens that the position of Deputy Minister of War is vacant—”
“Brother-in-law,” Zhao Wenshan interrupted, “the emperor makes appointments. How can we presume to speculate? I will await the emperor’s orders.”
“Haha, of course, of course! Let’s drink, then,” Qin Ruhai said quickly, realizing he had overstepped. He raised his cup again to smooth over the awkwardness.
“Today is truly a joyous occasion,” the matriarch said cheerfully. “Wenshan has returned, Qingwan has an Innate Sacred Body, and our Xuenuo possesses the Innate Sword Bone. Truly, heaven smiles upon our Xu and Qin households.”
Noticing his serious demeanor, Xu Zheng and the others exchanged glances. The matriarch nodded. “Wenshan, speak freely. We’re all family here. There’s nothing that cannot be said.”
“Then I’ll be frank,” Zhao Wenshan said, rising to his feet.
“Back then, Xu Guogong and Qin Guogong followed the late emperor in conquering the realm and establishing the Wu (Martial) Kingdom. Our nation was founded on martial strength, with every household’s men skilled in the blade.
“But over the past two centuries, the children of the Xu and Qin households have grown too accustomed to wealth and luxury. They’ve lost the blood and grit of their ancestors.
“Even at the borderlands, I hear tales of the disgraceful conduct of our families’ children in the capital.
“The Empress Dowager, out of old affection, continues to favor our families. But what will happen if one day the Empress Dowager ascends to the heavens? What future will there be for the Xu and Qin households then?”
The matriarch’s brows knitted together. “Wenshan, what are you trying to say?”
Taking a deep breath, Zhao Wenshan replied, “The Wu Kingdom now faces enemies on all sides and threats from within. His Majesty seeks reform, and the nation is in dire need of capable individuals.
“Our children of the Xu and Qin households should be studying literature and practicing martial arts, contributing to the nation in its time of need, not wasting their days indulging in debauchery and excess.”
A heavy silence fell over the table, and the matriarch’s expression darkened. Zhao Wenshan had come dangerously close to outright declaring that the Xu and Qin households had lost their virtue.
“Hahaha, Wenshan, you’ve taken this too far,” Xu Zheng said with a laugh, pulling Zhao Wenshan to sit back down.
“Our households have private academies that educate our children, but passing the imperial exams isn’t something that happens just because we wish it.
“As for martial training, you know as well as anyone that not everyone is suited for it.
“Besides, Xu Guogong and Qin Guogong fought their entire lives to secure this wealth and status. Wasn’t it all so their descendants could enjoy a life of ease?”
“Wenshan,” Xu Zheng interrupted again, pulling Zhao Wenshan closer and cutting him off. “Qingwan is already the personal disciple of the National Preceptor. With her standing, our two households are more secure than ever. You’re worrying too much. Now, drink! Drink!”
As Xu Zheng raised his voice, calling to the dancers in the courtyard, “Keep playing! Keep dancing!”
Zhao Wenshan looked around the table at the laughing faces and the extravagantly dressed dancers. His heart grew heavy as he drained his cup in one long gulp.
That afternoon, while his mother napped in her room, Xu Ming continued sparring with the Tianxuan Goose in the courtyard.
Every punch and kick from Xu Ming stirred up a flurry of wind and snow.
But after half a stick of incense, Xu Ming was still pinned to the ground by the Tianxuan Goose.
[You fought the Tianxuan Goose: Agility +20, Strength +20, Combat Experience Against Birds +20.]
“Get up, get up. I need to go for a run,” Xu Ming said, shooing the goose off and brushing snow off his clothes as he stood.
The Tianxuan Goose stood with its wings on its hips, head held high. “Honk honk honk (So, do you admit defeat?)”
“Admit it for now, but not next time,” Xu Ming muttered. He still didn’t understand how he could comprehend the goose’s honking, but it felt oddly natural. “I’m off for a run. Let me know when my mother wakes up.”
“Honk~ (Got it),” the goose replied, then waddled back to its nest to rest.
Xu Ming started running toward the courtyard gate.
Whenever his mother napped, Xu Ming would usually run about 500 meters from Xiaochun Courtyard’s entrance, then run back, repeating the laps. When his mother woke up, the goose would notify him, and he’d return in time to avoid getting scolded.
As he was running, Xu Ming suddenly noticed Xu Xuenuo sitting by the lake.
She was tossing snowballs at the lake’s surface, her red-tipped nose sniffing as big tears rolled down her cheeks.
Xu Ming decided to quietly turn back, but Xu Xuenuo glanced over and caught sight of him.
Their eyes met awkwardly.
Startled, Xu Xuenuo quickly stood, wiping her tears hastily, her little mouth pouting stubbornly. “I-I wasn’t crying!”
“I didn’t say you were,” Xu Ming replied dryly.
Xu Ming walked over. “Weren’t you supposed to be at the family banquet with your mother?”
Xu Xuenuo turned her head away. “The banquet’s over. I was just taking a walk.”
“Well, you’ve walked pretty far,” Xu Ming thought to himself.
“Want to come sit at Xiaochun Courtyard?” Xu Ming offered.
“No,” Xu Xuenuo huffed.
“Alright then.” Xu Ming didn’t push her and turned to leave, planning to resume his run.
“Xu Ming,” Xu Xuenuo called out just as he was about to go.
“What is it?” he asked.
“Aren’t you upset?” she asked.
“Your lack of aptitude,” Xu Xuenuo said, pouting. “That you can’t cultivate.”
“What’s there to be upset about? Life isn’t just about cultivation. If anything, it’s you. That elder sister said you’re an incredible Innate Sword Bone, so why are you crying?” Xu Ming asked curiously.
“I wasn’t crying,” Xu Xuenuo muttered, fiddling with her fingers.
“Alright, alright, you weren’t crying,” Xu Ming said, humoring her.
Xu Xuenuo lowered her head, biting her lip. “What’s the point of being an Innate Sword Bone? It doesn’t help my brother get the Duke title, and now I’m being forced to leave the family.”
“You’re not being kicked out of the family; you’re just being removed from the Xu household registry so you won’t be affected by the Wu Kingdom’s national fortune.” Xu Ming paused, rubbing his chin. “Although… yeah, it’s basically the same thing.”
“You—” Xu Xuenuo’s eyes brimmed with tears again, threatening to fall.
“Alright, alright, calm down. You’re going to be a great sword immortal in the future. And what does your brother not inheriting the title have to do with you? That’s on him for being useless,” Xu Ming said, trying to comfort her.
“Of course it matters!” Xu Xuenuo wiped her eyes. “If I were stronger, my brother could get the title, and Mother would like me. Now neither my brother nor Mother likes me. Nobody likes me!”
“Who says nobody likes you?” Xu Ming began counting on his fingers. “Look, Madam Qin likes you, Qingwan likes you, my mother likes you, and even the big white goose likes you.”
Xu Xuenuo blinked at him, her wide eyes unblinking.
“What?” Xu Ming asked, confused.
She stayed silent, staring at him.
“…” Xu Ming’s brow twitched. “Fine, I like you too.”
“Hmph.” Xu Xuenuo turned her head, wiping away her tears. “Who wants you to like me?”