Chapter 348: Bound to the Child-Bearing System and Becoming a Winner in Life Chapter 349: A Passerby Strives to Live (17)

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Main Character:

Shen Yao

"Is it the estate near City West?" Shen Yao had seen the booklet sent over and still had some impression of it.

Liu Jingyan hummed in agreement, "That estate, very large in area; no matter what the future scene is, it's enough for the Liu Clan to arrange life."

There are quite a few Liu clan members; if a special period truly arrives, it's unknown whether too many will survive.

Everything Liu Jingyan is doing now counts as preparing for a rainy day, and naturally he hopes Luojing remains peaceful.

Shen Yao smiled and pushed Liu Jingyan's arm, "What about the estate blueprints?"

Such a large piece of land, with no one around the surroundings, definitely can't be built all at once.

"Naturally need to find someone responsible, do you have ideas?" Liu Jingyan touched Shen Yao's back of hand, "If you like what kind of architecture, tell the attendants serving people," the place is big enough, building one separately for Shen Yao isn't impossible either.

Liu Jingyan's words were spoken lightly, but sounded like they had the flavor of a domineering CEO.

Shen Yao smiled and threw herself into Liu Jingyan's embrace, hugging the other's neck and acting coquettishly for a good while.

Liu Jingyan:...

Liu Jingyan's body went numb, his ears turned red, his whole face looked delicious enough to eat.

Shen Yao:...

Not to mention anything else, Liu Jingyan's shy posture was quite likable.

Shen Yao hurriedly spat twice in her heart, shaking the yellow scrap from her brain.

It wasn't dark yet, and besides, there were two unweaned little dolls beside her; she still had to pay attention to her image.

"Need to ask Mother's side too, and Father and those in Luojing City, can't favor one and slight another."

Partiality is the source of family ruin; besides, Yingchuan this place, barring accidents, will be the Liu Clan's base camp for a period of time in the future.

The place to live definitely needs careful selection, best to suit everyone's intent, so they can be comfortable.

"Rest assured, I've already sent someone back with a letter," Liu Jingyan had long arranged it at full speed, fearing that returning late would miss Liu Xiuwen's departure.

The matter of going on expedition is no small matter; Liu Jingyan only hopes the Court can give strength, able to hold the Emperor back for a while longer.

Heaven is high and the Emperor is far away; Liu Jingyan whispered complaints to Shen Yao about some absurd things the current Holy Emperor did, especially since the Holy Emperor grew old, looking at everything exudes a corrupt and stubborn aura.

Back when someone mentioned reform, before the news even left Luojing it vanished without a trace.

"... This Holy Emperor of ours, loves great achievements and is stubborn and self-willed."

"Grandfather going this time, I don't know how much anger he'll have to endure," in Liu Jingyan's view, this kind of serving-people work isn't easy to do, might even lose his head.

Shen Yao:...

Shen Yao thought, Wei State has only been around for over two hundred years, and it's going to fall this fast?

The Human Race already survives with difficulty; if internal war doesn't stop, there will be no path to survival on this land.

The Demon Race and strange phenomena aren't easy to bully; those mountain spirits and ancient races stay in their corners, by then only the lowest class of the Human Race will remain—when the nest is overturned, how can any egg stay intact?

"Hope the Holy Emperor returns victorious from this expedition," Wei State's foundation is insufficient and can't withstand consumption.

Liu Jingyan's complexion was heavy, "I hope so too," may the Emperor strive for some spirit; normally messing around isn't a big deal, but this time he absolutely cannot act recklessly.

"Alright, let's not talk about these; regarding the mansion matters, Mother's side is too busy for now, I was thinking..." Shen Yao originally didn't plan to lend a hand, but Lady Liu sent someone to deliver part of the account books; Shen Yao couldn't refuse for a moment, so she had Qing Shui keep an eye on some things first.

Liu Jingyan grasped Shen Yao's wrist and gently played with it, "Do as Yao Yao says."

"Mother is older; regarding the mansion side, you still need to help keep watch. Once I handle those messy family affairs, you and Mother can be more relaxed."

"A Yan, since it's family matters, we must also consider sibling affection."

"Not a few clan members returned with us; they've just arrived and are uneasy in their hearts," still can't be too heavy-handed; if they're scared too badly, it's not worth the loss.

The main line and collateral branches are still very different; although they are all Liu clan members, the treatment they enjoy and their responsibilities are completely different.

The concept of clan was very important in ancient times; Liu Jingyan grew up under these concepts since childhood, and the first thing when he went to study was to understand the meaning represented by the words family honor and disgrace.

Pinching neither lightly nor heavily, Liu Jingyan nodded; he wasn't someone who couldn't distinguish importance—only those who went too far would be handed over to the Government Office; the rest, just give them a lesson so they dare not offend again, and the purpose is achieved.

While the young couple was talking, Liu Mingxuan and Liu Mingfei beside them yawned, their round little faces wrinkled, sleepy to the extreme.

Calling the wet nurse to take them down to feed milk and coax them to sleep, Shen Yao took off her shoes, lay on her side in Liu Jingyan's embrace, and the two chatted about some chaotic things outside.

Earlier when leaving Luojing, because of the Secret Realm matter, quite a few people were lost; after coming out, they were attacked by the Demon Race several times.

This time, the Demon Race side heard the Wei monarch was personally leading the expedition, and is now rallying Demon Race manpower, gathering combat power, planning to fight the Human Race army for real.

"... Apart from the Demon Immortals in the rumors, the Demon Saint will also appear this time."

The Demon Saint is equivalent to a Human Race Eighth Rank Martial Artist or Cultivator; the Royal Family has such combat power.

The Emperor personally leads the expedition; there definitely are Eighth Rank Experts personally protecting him by his side.

Naturally, the Demon Race doesn't want to suffer a loss, so a Demon Saint will appear.

"If fighting really starts, Grandfather's side..." Liu Xiuwen is a Seventh Rank Cultivator, equivalent to the Demon God rank among the Demon Race.

Shen Yao turned to look at Liu Jingyan behind her, thinking the higher the combat power, the greater the harm when they start fighting.

Liu Xiuwen has self-preservation ability among the same rank, but facing an Eighth Rank higher than him, he can only passively defend.

The Eighth Rank Expert supported by the Royal Family will definitely stay by the Emperor's side to protect him then; Liu Xiuwen? Liu Xiuwen can only pray he isn't too unlucky, to be targeted by a Demon Race expert.

"This is unavoidable," Liu Jingyan sighed; he had analyzed privately that the Liu Family in the Court is neither high nor low; Liu Xiuwen's martial force is high but he isn't the Emperor's confidant; if the crisis isn't big, it's still fine, but once it's a matter of life and death, the Emperor will definitely abandon him.

If it truly comes to that, there's no need to struggle; Wei State is finished.

Thinking of this, Liu Jingyan suddenly lost interest in continuing to lie down.

Getting up, he exchanged a few words with Shen Yao, then hurriedly left the Small Courtyard.

Shen Yao saw this and glanced at the open System window, only seeing Liu Jingyan's back.

Knowing she was off to handle serious business, she shifted position and continued lying on her side.

Sigh

When will I be able to soak in the hot spring? I want to go live at the manor outside the city.

…………

Before leaving Luojing, Liu Xiuwen finally received the urgent letter Liu Jingyan sent.

Writing down everything he needed to entrust in the letter, Liu Xiuwen then summoned Liu Jingsheng to give instructions.

"After I leave, Luojing will be empty, the easiest time for trouble to break out.

You decide based on the situation then; if Luojing becomes untenable, take people and leave immediately."

The situation in Yingchuan is basically stable; they won't face harassment if they go there.

"Jingsheng, remember you are not alone; behind you stand many clansmen."

"Go, and speak nicely to your family," Liu Xiuwen said, his gaze deep and unfathomable like a deep pool.

Liu Jingsheng listened seriously, took the words to heart, turned around, and left.

In less than three days, Liu Xiuwen changed into court robes and left Luojing with the Emperor.

Everyone watched the situation in Luojing; once the Emperor truly left, they all breathed a sigh of relief.

Like a taut string suddenly loosened, there was still some rebound afterward.

The Liu Family gate was tightly closed; Liu Jingsheng claimed illness and did not go out, not even receiving Wei Zhaoling's visit from the inner chambers women.

Others acted similarly to the Liu Family, but even more went out to receive guests, livelier than when the Emperor was in Luojing.

"Master, several women claiming to be clanswomen and relatives brought children to the door to cry their grievances; I had servants send them clothes and silver, but they still won't leave."

At the Yingchuan ancestral home, Qing Shui lifted her skirt into the courtyard, her tone dissatisfied as she spoke of the troublemakers outside the door.

No one knew when this trend started; most were inner chambers women and children, dressed in rags, crying their hearts out.

Shen Yao and Lady Liu were not soft-hearted, nor did they care too much about reputation, but whoever let them currently wear the Liu Clan shell.

Helpless, they could only give the other party some clothes and silver money with kind words, then send them away.

They had shown themselves to be too easy to deal with; now they were being treated as suckers and pestered.

"Have you investigated privately? What exactly is going on? Are there poor people among the Liu Clan? It's just an act; don't fool yourselves."

Shen Yao had not forgotten that batch previously caught crying miserably, while the silver they actually spat out was enough for their expenses for half a year.

Qing Shui nodded, "They are Liu Clan members, but they also exploited other loopholes."

For example, widows remarrying, changing the surname of the children previously brought in; if there's a cheap advantage not taken, one is a fool.

Shen Yao: ……

Shen Yao massaged her forehead, "Tell them to leave as soon as possible; since things have been given, don't think about anything else. Taking advantage of the Liu Family comes at a price; do you think these cloth and money are for what? To comfort the frightened clansmen."

After killing a batch of clansmen, the Government Office also detained many; this branch of the Yingchuan Liu Clan was frightened like a quail.

One can't always let them idle and eat free rice; that's why the Liu Family now has such good words and treatment.

"Yes"

Qing Shui lowered her head in acknowledgment, turned around, and called several sturdy followers to go with her to the doorway to handle it.

There was no need to say much; just standing there, those crying their grievances naturally wouldn't dawdle, otherwise being pushed and falling would be an extra expense.

Yingchuan is located in the Northeast, with a dry cold climate; the wind blowing is painful enough to sting.

Shen Yao put on a thick cape early, with animal fur trim at the collar and cuffs of her clothes, just to better withstand the freezing cold.

Lady Liu took out a coat she had treasured for a long time but had no chance to wear; the snow-white animal fur without a speck of mixed color looked very valuable.

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law sat in the room, with a lit charcoal basin placed beside them.

They had lived in Yingchuan for several months, from initial discomfort to gradually adapting; time is the best catalyst.

"Usually, I was still in Luojing receiving visiting inner chambers women; how could it be like now, with a cup of tea and a book, able to quietly stay until dark."

It's not that there are no social interactions on the Yingchuan side; it's just that Lady Liu's status is too high, and ordinary people can't reach the threshold to come and pay respects.

Naturally, Lady Liu became leisurely, reading books and drinking tea daily, carefree and at ease.

Correspondingly, Shen Yao became increasingly busy after coming here.

Liu Jingyan made many friends through external socializing; as an elder, Lady Liu couldn't show her face, so some interactions with inner chambers women were handled by Shen Yao.

Fortunately, Shen Yao often did such things before and had experience; now, eight or nine out of ten people coming to the Liu residence were visiting Shen Yao.

"Mother, I heard A Yan say the manor outside the city is basically repaired; once spring warms up, our family can move there."

Living in the ancestral home is fine, but the area isn't large; staying two more days and there's nothing new.

Unlike the manor being repaired, even riding a horse takes several quarters of an hour to cross.

Lady Liu's expression was gentle; she also looked forward to the manor outside the city.

Everything in Yingchuan is good, except the climate is truly annoying; her body can't withstand it.

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law chatted intermittently; before they finished speaking, footsteps suddenly came from outside, and both turned back to see Liu Jingyan rushing in, sweating on his forehead and breathing heavily.

Lady Liu quickly waved her hand, first letting the servants waiting in the room go out.

Shen Yao lifted her teacup and handed it to Liu Jingyan, taking out a handkerchief to wipe his sweat.

Liu Jingyan raised his hand to stop Shen Yao's movement; his whole body was too dirty, wiping had no effect; better to bathe and clean his whole body later.

"Rushing back in such a hurry, is it about Luojing?" Lady Liu's expression was serious.

Liu Jingyan pursed his lips and nodded, "The Ye Family in Luojing has trouble."

The Ye Family?

Shen Yao thought only of that Ye Er, who had spoken with Liu Jingyan at the Mangshan Secret Realm; as for the Tang Family youth who fought with Ye Er, grass had grown on his grave mound.

"The Ye Family produced two Royal Consorts; the Emperor is currently not in Luojing; what trouble could there be?"

Lady Liu frowned, suspecting in her heart whether the Ye Family juniors had caused trouble.

"Both Royal Consorts have gone, and the Ye Family juniors wanted an explanation, but the Third Prince threw them straight into Prison," Liu Jingyan said, lowering his head to clench his fist. "The latest news is that the juniors locked up have been tortured, and the Ye Family's in-laws are all hesitating."

As for what they're hesitating about? Of course it's the Ye Family's ties to the two Royal Consorts, and whether these things happening to the Ye Family are still worth maintaining.

Lady Liu rested her chin on her hand. "The Ye Family's two daughters married well—are they both finished?"

It caught people off guard, like the one married to the Third Prince, who bore two sons in succession and was full of confidence.

Liu Jingyan lifted his teacup and drank it down. "On the Third Prince's side, the two children fell ill, and the Ye Family juniors kicked up a fuss mainly for the children's sake, but they didn't see the children and ended up caught up themselves."

Shen Yao tilted her head. "Did something go wrong on the Ye Family's front-line side?" With the two Royal Consorts and their children involved, even with so many Royal Family members, they couldn't withstand this kind of killing.

Liu Jingyan didn't know; news from the front line could only reach him through Liu Jingsheng, Liu Xiuwen rarely dared to write letters, and as for his father, Liu Jingyan acted as if that person didn't exist, too lazy to even write a letter to maintain ties.

"The Ye Family isn't the last one. Wait and see—other families will run into trouble too."

Lady Liu patted the table. From the existing information, nothing useful could be analyzed, but the Ye Family's situation was strange and inexplicable; there must be important insider info they didn't know.

"Jingyan, how is your Eldest Young Master's side?" Lady Liu asked, concerned about her eldest son.

"Eldest Young Master is fine, it's just that Eldest Sister-in-law recently caught a chill and fell seriously ill," Liu Jingyan said, shaking his head coldly, still pondering the Ye Family matter in his heart.