Chapter 356

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Main Character:

Shen Yao

Until Liu Jingyan returned from Liyuan, Liu Jingsheng was still drifting about outside.

It was also that this person's luck was truly not good, one could say he was unlucky to the extreme.

He just happened to encounter a wave of banditry and escaped smoothly, then turned around and ran into the Demon Race attacking cities and slaughtering people; after handling all that, he fell into the encirclement of Strange Phenomena...

Good grief, Liu Jingsheng was put through the Nine-Nine Eighty-One Tribulations, leveling up and fighting monsters all the way, yet never reached Luojing.

Because the System was monitoring the other party, Shen Yao was forced to listen to Liu Jingsheng's tragic encounters; the time she used to spend meditating with eyes closed was entirely consumed by eavesdropping, like listening to a story, with new encounters every day.

"A Yan, Eldest Young Master went out on business; did Grandfather give any instructions?"

Huo Ningjun is nearly six months pregnant; the physician's diagnosis is not good, the child in her womb has an extremely high probability of premature birth.

Given Liu Jingsheng's current progress, wanting to rush back before Huo Ningjun gives birth is not too possible.

As for Huo Ningjun's temperament, it's a bit biased; perhaps the pregnancy affected her, her daily conduct is somewhat lacking in sense of proportion.

Shen Yao worries that once Liu Jingsheng cannot return, Huo Ningjun will become restless.

Liu Jingyan truly didn't know about Liu Jingsheng going out; he only heard Liu Xiuwen and Father Liu mention it in passing, "The matters Grandfather instructed are all not relaxed; if the implications are extensive, besides the person himself, a third person would certainly not be allowed to know."

Spreading his palm, Liu Jingyan shrugged innocently, indicating he didn't know much about this; one could only wait for the dust to settle to get definite news.

Shen Yao nodded thoughtfully, smiling as she asked about Mingxuan and Mingfei's situation in Liyuan.

"This time returning, they applied themselves daily; they are only five years old," just what did they encounter, that would make two children with playful natures suppress their nature.

Liu Jingyan:...

Liu Jingyan's expression flickered as he glanced around, fingertips touching his nose.

In a low voice he explained the two children were a bit naughty; clearly arrangements had been made for their lodging, yet they insisted on sneaking out on their own to be spectators.

Just being spectators would have been fine, but for some reason they decided they had to find Father.

Liu Jingyan went to Liyuan on official business; Father Liu had to follow beside him for protection.

Neither of the two had time to accompany the children; directly the children managed to touch the place where Liu Jingyan was advancing.

What do small children know; they only saw their birth father beaten miserably, crying until their eyes became walnuts.

Shen Yao:...

After listening, Shen Yao reached out and pinched the soft flesh at Liu Jingyan's waist.

"Why didn't you say so earlier?" Thinking of the two children suffering, Shen Yao couldn't help but blame the irresponsible father; with so many guards brought along, still letting two children succeed in sneaking out, truly didn't know whether to praise the children for being clever or scold the children's father for not being attentive.

Liu Jingyan raised his hands in surrender, repeatedly guaranteeing he truly knew he was wrong, guaranteeing there would be no next time.

"If there's a next time, don't come back," Shen Yao let out a light huff, stood up, left Liu Jingyan behind, and returned to her own room to rest.

Liu Jingyan saw this wouldn't do at all, hurriedly chased after her, bowing and apologizing.

The young couple weren't truly angry; it was just joking and laughing; after a while, the room echoed with other movements.

On the couch spring feelings were full; Shen Yao half-pushed half-went along with the frolicking until very late; during which Liu Jingyan even ceded territory and paid indemnity to coax his wife into a good mood.

"Next time I want to come along," truly bored, Shen Yao applied for the opportunity to go out.

Liu Jingyan's mind was full of her; no matter what Shen Yao said, he agreed.

The whole family going too far might not work, but if only around Yingchuan, Liu Jingyan believed he could still handle it.

Although his cultivation realm only advanced half a step, his combat power was a real, tangible improvement.

Moreover, Liu Jingyan had previously honed himself at the Demon Race Defense Line for a period; compared to his younger self, he was completely reborn.

In the evening they ate light noodle soup; Shen Yao had no strength; it was all Liu Jingyan feeding her.

The three little ones nowadays also don't come back to eat; instead they stay in the Front Courtyard accompanying Liu Xiuwen together.

Besides sleeping at night, other times Shen Yao couldn't get near them at all.

"How old are they really," Shen Yao couldn't bear it, thinking in the next Task World she must become a heroine with high martial arts; otherwise staying indoors all day, even daily enjoyment would feel stifling.

Liu Jingyan fully understood his wife's sorrow, expressing that he wasn't busy recently and could accompany her more; nowadays the Estate has many places worth strolling leisurely.

Going out requires preparation and agreeing on a destination; strolling the Estate is different, can be done anytime.

Shen Yao leaned in Liu Jingyan's embrace, her eyes like water, "Really?"

Liu Jingyan lowered his head and kissed Shen Yao's brow, "When have I ever deceived you."

Say do then do; Liu Jingyan's power of action was extremely strong; what was agreed the first day, the second day he went to implement.

Shen Yao finished breakfast, wearing a pale green floor-length skirt, boarded the carriage, and followed Liu Jingyan to stroll leisurely around the Estate.

When buying this place originally, Shen Yao knew the Estate occupied a large area, no different from an ordinary town.

After leaving the Liu Family's residence, walking outward no more than a quarter-hour brought one to a wide, bright bluestone road; on both sides stood buildings several stories high, hung with various signboards hawking goods.

Walking further ahead, there were well-preserved Dense Forest and several Small Hillsides.

On the hillsides were planted many fruit vegetable varieties, used to supply the entire Estate population's daily chewing needs.

On top of the hillsides people were also arranged to patrol; although the Estate's Main Entrance had a Wall blocking entry, the Estate area was too large, the Wall could not possibly encompass all of it; just like these several not-too-high hillsides before one's eyes, they could only be defended artificially.

"There are no large wild beasts on the mountain; they're all small animals like wild chickens and wild rabbits.

The Estate's hot spring source is right here; want to go take a look?"

Liu Jingyan enthusiastically recommended the places he thought were good, incidentally recounting that when originally constructing, this hillslope was planned to be manually removed.

Unexpectedly the rocks under the hillslope had some issues; the time needed and the result were not proportional, so they abandoned this idea.

Feet stepping on the lawn-covered hillslope, Shen Yao linking arms with Liu Jingyan, they walked up the mountain one after another.

"The rocks in the mountains, are they a mineral vein?" Looking at the pitch-black ink-colored figures occasionally exposed on the ground, they looked very much like the coal blocks widely used in modern times.

Liu Jingyan shook his head, "Not counted. Although the warming effect is not bad," but Yingchuan is situated on a plain, the winter here isn't too cold, these stones, to them, are truly chicken ribs.

"Perhaps they can be used for other aspects? It's just that no one has discovered their correct use yet." Using coal mines for burning is the most basic usage; other auxiliary functions are where the value of coal mines lies.

However, all of this must be based on technological progress. In this fantasy world before our eyes, coal mines might as well honestly serve as fuel.

Fine beads of sweat appeared on Shen Yao's forehead; her striding steps grew heavier and heavier.

Looking at the mountain top close at hand yet never arriving, Shen Yao acted spoiled and made Liu Jingyan help.

In the form of a princess carry, he easily brought the person to the destination. Liu Jingyan pointed his finger at a certain water pool ahead where white vapor was drifting upward.

The thick sulfur smell stimulated Shen Yao's nerves; she pinched a handkerchief and placed it over her nose tip.

The two people walked forward a step; the sulfur smell grew thicker, and the air temperature rose along with it.

There were no small living animals here. Hot springs sound beautiful, but in reality the air and environment here are not suitable for biological survival.

"Don't touch. The water temperature here is very high. Grandfather said there might be treasures growing beneath the pool water."

Liu Jingyan took out a folding fan, opened it, and gently fanned Shen Yao.

Shen Yao almost forgot that there is some fantasy here, unlike modern society where science can explain things.

She gave an "Mhm" sound, then pointed again at a mountain valley opposite the hot spring pool. Don't look at the small hillside being not large; the terrain and landforms inside encompass many things. Those who don't know would think these were all artificially pieced together.

When cultivation strength reaches a certain level, moving mountains and overturning seas with a wave of the hand is no longer a dream.

It's just that the strong would not waste time on these things. After all, they only need to give an order, and many people would be willing to exert effort to curry favor.

Liu Jingyan feared Shen Yao might accidentally fall while walking. This place hasn't been maintained; rock fragments and withered leaves are everywhere.

Picking up Shen Yao, he lightly leaped two steps, and the two people arrived at the valley periphery.

It counts as a stone bowl terrain — concave in the middle, flat on all sides. Inside grow many shrubs, as well as wild fruits and birds and beasts attracted to them.

Shen Yao didn't go over; she just stood at the side and looked. It was Liu Jingyan who flew up, picked a few wild fruits, wiped and washed them, then handed them to Shen Yao to quench her thirst.

Shen Yao didn't stand on ceremony either. Back in the Mangshan Secret Realm, she had eaten quite a lot of them, and they were all large and slightly sweet.

The soft texture and firm flesh greatly satisfied the needs of her taste buds.

Shen Yao narrowed her eyes with a face full of joy. Without her even opening her mouth, Liu Jingyan consciously acted as the little laborer.

The environment inside the valley is extremely beautiful. Normally no one who wants to live would come over.

Standing at the edge looking back, one could still take in the scenery of the entire estate.

They stayed for nearly an hour before Shen Yao and Liu Jingyan slipped down the mountain and left.

In the following days, Shen Yao roamed all over the estate.

Until Liu Jingyan's side had a temporary matter and he had to go out for a trip.

At the same time, Liu Jingsheng, who was out traveling, after experiencing hardships, finally arrived safely in Luojing.

Huo Ningjun was also nearly eight months pregnant, with the risk of childbirth at any time.

Madam Liu arranged everything in advance. Fearing Huo Ningjun would be nervous during childbirth, she even sent people into the city to invite her birth mother to accompany her on both sides.

In short, in the midst of everything proceeding in an orderly manner, first Huo Ningjun gave birth to Liu Jingsheng's eldest son with danger but no harm; then Liu Jingsheng made smooth progress and successfully reached cooperation with certain forces; finally Liu Jingyan returned safe and sound, letting Shen Yao temporarily set her mind at ease.

Liu Jingsheng rushed back half a year after Huo Ningjun gave birth to the child.

Appearing together with him were also several young men and women of prominent backgrounds.

It's said to have the Liu Family care for them, but it's more like chips pinched in the Liu Family's hands — existences that can let both sides cooperate with peace of mind.

These people are temporarily staying in the residence. All food, clothing, and expenses are benchmarked against the Liu Family's direct line, arranged by Shen Yao's side.

Where there are people, there is jianghu. Not everyone can understand the situation. Smart people naturally know they should lie low and not make waves, but fools only mind their own three fen of land and wouldn't think an inch more.

Shen Yao flipped through last month's silver money expenditures and pointed out several items that could be cancelled.

Qing Shui opened her mouth, but in the end carefully said it was the Young Mistress who approved it. Previously it was clearly cancelled, but somehow it was added back on.

Shen Yao's expression moved. "I remember the ones living here are two young ladies not of great age. What is Eldest Sister-in-law's intention with this move?"

"No intention. Just pitying them, far from their ancestral home. Help if we can, that's all."

Huo Ningjun has changed a lot. Perhaps when a person has backing, they really become different.

Before she was still very gentle and considerate, only domineering inside the nest. Now she is sharp-tongued and quick-witted. Shen Yao merely asked a question during the two people's account reconciliation, but listening to these words, there's even some meaning of accusing Shen Yao of being ruthless.

Smiling playfully, Shen Yao smoothed the broken hair at her temples. "Eldest Sister-in-law, have you perhaps forgotten? The trouble these two young ladies stirred up is not small."

And it's not anything good either. What's ruined is Liu Jingsheng's reputation.

Huo Ningjun didn't take it to heart. "Younger sister-in-law is too cautious. They have already realized their mistake."

Shen Yao raised an eyebrow. "Eldest Sister-in-law, today I came not to question you as a guilty party.

Since Eldest Sister-in-law doesn't feel this matter is an obstacle, I naturally won't go be the villain.

It's just that Eldest Sister-in-law has perhaps forgotten. At the beginning of the year, the Huo Family mentioned a marriage alliance."

Huo Ningjun:...?!!!!

Huo Ningjun's face color suddenly changed. Her gaze toward Shen Yao also carried knives.

Shen Yao smiled. "It's all for one purpose. How can Eldest Sister-in-law easily forgive these two young ladies, yet cannot forgive her own natal family?"

Don't tell me she thinks the two young ladies who lost their family's protection can't stir up waves? Heh!

A dead camel is bigger than a horse. They've only suffered injury to their sinews and bones, not total annihilation. Thinking she can sit steadily on the fishing terrace — don't end up lifting a rock only to drop it on her own foot, inviting wolves into the house and causing total collapse.

Standing up to leave, Shen Yao arrived with a face full of smiles and departed with a smiling countenance like flowers.

Mainly a good mood. Not a bit will she be affected by others' internal consumption and emo.

Qing Shui followed behind her own master with head held high and chest out. The breath she had been holding in her heart finally dissipated.

"Master, we don't care anymore?" Qing Shui confirmed.

Shen Yao waved her hand. "Don't care. I've already spoken to this point. If Eldest Sister-in-law still doesn't see reason, then she deserves to sit unsteadily in her position."

She doesn't mind if Eldest Sister-in-law changes the person in charge. Anyway, as long as it doesn't hinder her, anything goes.

Madam Liu also heard the whole commotion Shen Yao caused over here.

Taking advantage of the time Shen Yao came over, she smiled and persuaded her not to worry, "Days must be lived by oneself; if she lacks spirit, you cannot stop her either."

Shen Yao's face showed bashfulness, "Just thinking of Mingyu, he is only three years old."

His thin and small appearance looks pitiful.

Liu Mingyu is Liu Jingsheng's son, and also the only son Huo Ningjun risked her life to bear. Born thin, small, and hard to raise, it is only these past years of constant tonic nourishment and recuperation that he has barely become much better than before.

The Huo family marriage matter at the beginning of the year that Shen Yao previously mentioned to Huo Ningjun was the Huo family wanting to send another person in — one, to give Huo Ningjun a helper; two, to deepen ties with the Liu Family.

Huo Ningjun was unwilling, and fell out very unpleasantly with the Huo Family; the two sides have not reconciled to this day.

Thinking of this grandson, Madam Liu couldn't help but sigh — all are grudge children.

The parents don't care, how much can other people stretch out a hand to help.

"Mingyu's matter still depends on Jingsheng and his mother's meaning."

It's not that Madam Liu never mentioned wanting to help raise him; pity that Huo Ningjun refused.

Don't say the grandmother doesn't heartache for the child; saddled with such a birth mother, there is no way at all.