[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-i-am-the-xu-family-s-son":3,"chapter-i-am-the-xu-family-s-son-i-am-the-xu-family-s-son-chapter-26":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","I Am the Xu Family's Son",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2307804,4510,"Chapter 26: Offering Gifts","i-am-the-xu-family-s-son-chapter-26",26,"\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing’s little horse had long been in perfect harmony with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The horse was also draped in silk “horse armor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignoring its size, from afar it truly looked like a heavy cavalryman on the battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dong dong dong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dong dong dong dong dong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The musicians began to play.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing rode his horse but did not immediately draw his bow and shoot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he circled before the assembled officials and nobles to the rhythm of the music.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the music, the drumbeats stood out especially.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Riding his horse, Xu Zaijing seemed to step ever so slightly in time with the drumbeats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the audience was not solemn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First to laugh were the Empress and the other imperial consorts beside the Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also laughing was Bai Shi behind the Ningyuan Marquis’s table,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>and Princess Pingning of the Qi State Duke’s mansion could not help but smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Dangzi of the Yongchang Marquis’s mansion burst out laughing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh my, this little Jing-ge!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was because Xu Zaijing’s appearance was overly adorable and his attire resembled a little general.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Xu Zaijing’s face showed no trace of amusement—he looked utterly serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This contrast made the ladies and noblewomen present find him extraordinarily charming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, they laughed out loud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They also hoped their laughter would coax even more adorable antics from Xu Zaijing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was like modern university students seeing a cute cat-senior on campus and instinctively wanting to pet them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cheerful atmosphere made the Emperor himself laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Xu Zaijing did not smile; he kept his face stern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the crowd could not clearly read his expression, they could sense it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many teenage noblewomen were also drawn to giggle behind their hands by this little brother’s performance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After riding two laps, Xu Zaijing pulled the reins sharply, bringing his horse to a sudden standstill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The horse, still young, wobbled slightly as it stood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This only made Xu Zaijing seem even more adorable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some nobles with low thresholds for amusement already had sore stomachs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the horse beneath Xu Zaijing began to gallop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing’s face remained expressionless as he drew his bow and nocked an arrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Soo.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xiu!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd, especially the military nobles, looked astonished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Duke of Ying, beside Gu Yan Kai, nodded and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He understands the importance of the whistling arrow and shows no trace of mockery—this young man of the family is good, very good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yan Kai beside him nodded in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Marquis of Zhongjing, beside Gu Yan Kai, also wore an expression of approval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arrows fitted with whistles were called “mingdi” in the army—a vital tool for transmitting military intelligence and issuing warnings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Performing the mingdi with a mocking expression would indeed be inappropriate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some scouts risked their lives to fire the mingdi and warn their comrades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The laughter in the hall gradually faded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Xu Zaijing remained on horseback, drawing his bow and shooting—the arrows whistled, the targets fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Laughter was replaced by cheers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For all dozens of targets on the field were falling one by one under Xu Zaijing’s arrows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Imperial Uncle Cao, seated below the Emperor, said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, this Jing-ge has drawn his bow twenty times and still maintains such precision.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Duke of Ying beside him added: “For an ordinary soldier, that many draws would already cause arm fatigue.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Judging by your words, this child is quite impressive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty is wise.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The last few targets still stood on the platform; each time Xu Zaijing struck one down, a cry of “Cai!” rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, only the final target remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing’s arms were beginning to ache.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pulled two eagle-feather arrows from his quiver.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He drew two eagle-feather arrows from his quiver.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The target fell at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cai! Uh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the cheer rose, a colorful ball suddenly shot up from behind the target.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ball hovered briefly midair before beginning to fall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The colored ball hung briefly in midair before falling downward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One arrow shot out and pinned the ball to the side of the platform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One arrow shot out and pinned the ball to the side of the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor in the center looked astonished and clapped his hands in delight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Tingye, behind the Ningyuan Marquis’s table, excitedly pounded the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Tingye slapped the table excitedly behind his seat at the Ningyuan Marquis’s residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor praised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After his performance, Xu Zaijing dismounted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor waved him over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good child, how long have you trained?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, less than three months.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Has it been hard?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This hardship means nothing—soldiers guarding the northern frontier endure far greater suffering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good child. Just now, Gu Hou’s little rascal asked for a reward—I cannot let you go unrewarded. What would you like?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing had wanted to refuse the reward, but that would have disrespected the Emperor’s kindness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Xu Zaijing silent, the Empress said gently: “Jing-ge, whatever the Emperor asks, just answer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing turned to look at his mount and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, I ask that you grant my horse a mare as a companion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, I beg to ask for a young mare as a mate for my mount.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who had been guessing what Xu Zaijing would request fell quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor said, slightly annoyed:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You truly treat your horse as a true companion!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Laughter rippled among those seated below the Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some nobles sneered, thinking Xu Zaijing had wasted a fine opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others smiled with warmth, believing that anyone who valued his mount so deeply would one day be a good leader to his comrades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Very well. I grant your request. Where is the Director of the Imperial Pastures?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From afar, an elderly noble rose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, Yuan Bing, Marquis of Zhongqin, currently Deputy Director of the Imperial Pastures.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good. Remember my promise—find a good companion for Sanlang’s horse.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As Your Majesty commands.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor shook his head with a smile and waved his hand; a palace lady led Xu Zaijing away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next performance continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor and court officials resumed their merriment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaijing did not change clothes; under the palace lady’s guidance, he went to the table of the Yongyi Marquis’s household.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Xu Zaijing arrive, Xu Anmei did not ask him to remove his helmet; instead, she played with the pheasant feathers on his helmet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Shi beamed at her little son—appearing before the Emperor was good for the Marquis’s household.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, maids from noblewomen’s households kept coming near the Yongyi Marquis Xu family’s table, delivering thanks-gifts from their mistresses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just the Xu family—the Ningyuan Marquis Gu family’s table also received many maids bringing gifts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What were they thanking them for? For the two marquises’ legitimate sons making the ladies laugh and happy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What is there to thank for? Let these two legitimate sons of the Marquis’s household make the ladies laugh and be delighted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving a gift behind is also a way to plant a seed for when the boys grow up and it’s time to arrange marriages—over time, such connections deepen into lasting goodwill and discernment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be honest, if you can make the Emperor remember you on his birthday—as long as you don’t embarrass yourself—you’ll gain advantages when your children inherit titles later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to ordinary noble families, this is far superior; you must cultivate goodwill early.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A servant delivered an invitation, inviting the legitimate sons and daughters of the Brave and Resolute Marquis to attend a joyous banquet at their residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Xu Anmei still playing with her younger brother’s pheasant feather, Sun Shi felt she needed to give her a proper scolding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In another two years, they’ll be marrying off—yet she still acts so childish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half an hour later, Gu Tingye arrived at the Brave and Resolute Marquis Xu family’s residence with proper courtesy, gave Xu Zaijing a glance, then walked to a nearby spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mother, I’m going to play with Gu’s Ye-ge.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Inside the imperial palace, don’t run off when you see guards—do you understand?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Mother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, go. Xu Zaihang, stop right there. And you, Xu Anmei—your little brother can play, but how old are you? Don’t you see all the ladies around you watching?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Mother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zaihang and Xu Anmei instantly fell silent, watching enviously as their younger brother and his companion left the table to play.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1389,"2026-06-20T10:32:38.675Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","440d842135e81f06d178a433b6522eb260e48a6b68cc38927214e488956f12c3","i-am-the-xu-family-s-son-chapter-27","i-am-the-xu-family-s-son-chapter-25",790,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fi-am-the-xu-family-s-son-cover.jpg"]