Chapter 90: Chapter Ninety: Where's Zaituan?

The others shook their heads one after another.

"Pomo, we didn't."

"That's right, Grandmother, we never even thought such a thing."

"This subordinate wouldn't dare!"

Only when Cheng Lei saw the Old Madam's stern gaze did he realize he had spoken wrongly just now.

"Of course not!"

Cheng Chengxuan, who had just returned from outside and happened to overhear Cheng Lei's words, also hurriedly shook his head in denial.

"Grandmother, Yu'an being able to obtain such a heaven-sent opportunity is a blessing for our Cheng Family. To have received it is already a great fortune; we wouldn't dare covet more."

Cheng Old Madam, holding her great-grandson's little hand, turned and walked toward the courtyard.

"Think it over carefully yourselves."

Meng Shi and the others followed behind.

After watching them enter the courtyard, Cheng Chengxuan turned back to look at Cheng Feng and the four others.

Cheng Lei's face was full of regret as he lowered his head to admit his fault.

"Young General, I was just too excited. I truly didn't think that way in my heart."

Cheng Feng and the others beside him also helped explain on his behalf.

"That's right, Young General. Cheng Lei just speaks without thinking—whatever pops into his head, he blurts out. He definitely has no ill intentions."

Cheng Chengxuan sighed.

"This was originally a matter of our Cheng Family and has nothing to do with you. With your abilities, no matter where you go, you could have a fine future ahead."

"But now you have to hide away together with us. Clearly skilled in martial arts, yet you have to farm here. I know the gap in your hearts must be enormous. In the end, it is our Cheng Family that has dragged you down."

Only a few thuds were heard as several men dropped to their knees on the ground.

"Young General! The parents of us lot were all orphans the Old Marquis picked up from the battlefield. We grew up in the Cheng Family from childhood—in life we are the Cheng Family's people, in death we are the Cheng Family's ghosts. Please never say such things."

"Young General, it is all this subordinate's fault. Scold me or punish me, this subordinate has no complaints whatsoever."

As Cheng Lei spoke, he shuffled forward on his knees a few steps.

"You may all rise first."

Cheng Feng and the others exchanged glances, then slowly rose to their feet.

"Whether it be weapons, grain, winter clothing and coal, or those novel foods and objects in daily life—everything has come too easily. So the thought of growing slack has crossed your minds; I can understand that."

"However…"

Cheng Chengxuan's tone grew increasingly stern.

"I hope you will remember this forever: for a person who has lost their fighting spirit, no amount of help from others will be of any use!"

"She never owed us anything!"

"This subordinate will remember."

Cheng Lei hurriedly nodded, his face full of regret, his heart filled with lingering fear.

He truly deserved to die—what on earth had he been saying just now?

If, because of that foolish remark he had blurted out, the Cheng Family incurred the Immortal's displeasure, ten thousand deaths would not be enough to atone for it.

Cheng Lei knelt on the ground to beg punishment.

"Young General, this subordinate knows his fault. I beg the Young General to punish me!"

Seeing his unease and regret, Cheng Chengxuan's expression softened somewhat.

"Since we are no longer in the army, military law will be waived. You shall be punished by tying up and stacking these straw stalks all by yourself; no one else is allowed to help!"

"Yes, this subordinate obeys the order!"

……

Early the next morning, eating the red eggs and Longevity Noodles personally cooked by his grandmother, Yu'an's eyes gradually reddened as he ate, his eye sockets slowly growing moist.

Daddy had already promised earlier that he would definitely come back this year to accompany him in celebrating his birthday.

But Daddy had broken his promise again this year.

The little fellow took a deep breath.

But Yu'an is a magnanimous little person—Daddy is already very busy, so he won't hold it against him.

Watching the little fellow clearly turn emo, An Luo was so anxious she kept scratching her head.

How on earth can she cheer Zaituan up?

Buzz!

The birthday gift pack has been delivered—please remember to check and collect it!

An Luo tapped it open to take a look.

Inside was a high-grade Peace Talisman.

A good thing—put it away.

There was a card (a Wish Card—perhaps it can fulfill Zaituan's wish?)

And there was also a Jade Pendant (auxiliary system—in the process of raising a child, how could one possibly do without communicating with the parents?)

So, this is meant for the Cheng Family?

Then the question arises: to whom should the auxiliary system be bound?

In the end, An Luo handed this difficult problem over to the Cheng Family.

Upon hearing her great-grandson's words, Cheng Old Madam also wore a thoughtful expression.

A divine artifact that can communicate with an Immortal—who exactly should it be given to?

"Now that Pomo is the head of the household, it is naturally most fitting for you to be the one to keep it."

"That's right!"

Meng Shi and Wang Shi, the sisters-in-law, didn't even think about it.

Tian Qin and Qiuyun, the three sisters, also nodded in agreement.

But after thinking for a long time, Cheng Old Madam decided.

"Give it to Chengxuan!"

Hearing this, Cheng Chengxuan's hands tightened slightly in excitement.

Grandmother was actually going to give it to him!

"Grandmother?"

Cheng Old Madam raised her head and cut him off.

"No need to say more, it's decided!"

Actually, she had her own selfish reasons too—Chengxuan was about to head to Muyuan Kingdom, a foreign land with no one to help him by his side, and she was truly worried.

If he carried the divine artifact, they could also learn of Chengxuan's situation from the Immortal from time to time.

Having settled the question of who would get the auxiliary system, Yu'an held the glittering card, turning it over and over to look at it.

"A Wish Card."

Hearing the little one's words, the few people exchanged glances.

Could it be something that lets one make a wish to the Immortal?

Not knowing what she thought of, Cheng Old Madam's expression grew solemn, and she said softly,

"Yu'an, this card first…"

Put it away.

It might be of great use in the future.

But the next moment, a milky little voice rang out.

Yu'an held the Wish Card in both hands, his tender little face full of earnestness.

"Yu'an wants Daddy to be with me for my birthday, Yu'an wants to see Daddy, I miss him so much, so much."

The moment the words fell, the card emitted a soft glow, turning into scattered starlight, and finally vanished.

"The card is gone, the Immortal must have agreed!"

Yu'an's big eyes sparkled as he turned his head, looking expectantly toward the main entrance.

He looked for a long time, but the person he missed still didn't appear.

Cheng Old Madam rubbed his little head with affection.

"Yu'an, don't make things difficult for the Immortal."

The little one's lips pursed, he sniffled, and his tone carried a sob.

"Yu'an knows, it must be that too many people are making wishes, and the Immortal hasn't seen Yu'an's wish yet. Yu'an can wait a little longer."

Hearing these words, the people in the room all reddened around the eyes.

If making wishes worked, they could kneel endlessly in temples and Daoist monasteries.

But…

Tian Qin raised a hand to wipe the corner of her eye, squatted in front of the little one, and smiled as she pinched the tender flesh by Yu'an's cheek.

"Didn't the Immortal say she would celebrate our Yu'an's birthday? Go get ready!"

Right, Fairy Sister said today she'd take him to You Le Yuan, and he'd get to eat a delicious birthday cake.

He was going to take lots and lots of photos, and when Father and Grandfather came back, he'd show them!

Thinking of this, the little one's mood wasn't so low anymore.

"Okay, I'll go change first!"

Yu'an trotted on his little legs, pattering back to his room, took out the clothes Fairy Sister had bought from the Treasure Chest, and put them on himself following the steps he remembered.

Fairy Sister, Yu'an is here again!

The little one's figure flashed and vanished from the room.

And on the Modern Era side, An Luo placed the freshly baked birthday cake on the dining table, waiting for Zaituan full of anticipation.

She had started learning to make this cake the day before yesterday, tried a full eight times, and only just barely succeeded today.

After waiting about three minutes, Yu'an still hadn't appeared.

An Luo: "???!?!"

She hurriedly checked the surveillance in the apartment her mother had left behind.

Zaituan hadn't appeared there either.

An Luo panicked.

So, where is my big little one?!