Chapter 95: Just Didn't Explain—That Doesn't Count as Lying

On the way back, Yu'an was sullen the whole time.

An Luo comforted him softly.

"It's okay. Didn't Yi Jiang say he won't tell anyone about your identity?"

"And even if it's exposed, we're not afraid."

Noticing the little one in his arms was in low spirits, Cheng Chengxuan tightened the reins and brought the horse to a stop.

"Whoa!"

"Didn't you two already make up? Just now Yi Jiang looked quite happy, eating like a little spotted cat."

"Why is Yu'an still unhappy?"

Meeting his little uncle's concerned gaze, the little one felt even worse. A strong unease hung over his heart. With reddened eyes, he said softly.

"Yi Jiang already knows I'm a boy."

Cheng Chengxuan's pupils jolted sharply, his brows knit tight. In that instant, countless countermeasures flashed through his mind.

Now, fretting over how Yi Jiang had found out was pointless.

If Yi Jiang knew, then it wouldn't be long before the Chen Family father and son found out too.

Though deeply worried inside, his face remained calm. He rubbed the little one's head and soothed him gently.

"It's fine, don't be afraid."

Yu'an grabbed his finger, his big eyes watching him nervously.

"Little Uncle, will it bring trouble to everyone?"

Cheng Chengxuan smiled and pinched the baby fat on his cheek.

"Don't worry, it won't."

Hearing his little uncle's firm answer, Yu'an finally relaxed. His little face cleared from cloudy to sunny, and he grinned, showing a row of tiny teeth.

Full of enthusiasm, he stretched out his little hand and pointed ahead.

"Little Uncle, let's hurry home! Yu'an still has something important to do!"

……

The moment he got home, the little dumpling rushed straight to his grandmother and mother, acting soft and spoiled.

"Grandmother, Grandmother~ can you make another pot of fragrant chicken soup?"

"Mother, can you make West Lake Vinegar Fish and Lion's Head meatballs?"

"Yu'an wants to bring them over to…"

Halfway through his sentence, remembering his daddy's instructions, the little one quickly changed what he was going to say.

"Yu'an wants to take them away."

The mother- and daughter-in-law exchanged a knowing smile.

Meng Shi squatted on the ground, curled her index finger, and gently tapped the little one's pert little nose bridge, her tone full of affection.

"Does Yu'an want to invite the Immortal to eat?"

"Alright, Grandmother will go prepare it right now."

Watching Grandmother and Mother's retreating backs, Yu'an pressed his little lips together. His big eyes darted around guiltily, and his little feet shifted restlessly.

Mm, he only said he wanted to take them away—he never said who he was bringing them to.

It was Grandmother and Mother themselves who guessed he wanted to invite Fairy Sister to eat. He just didn't explain, that's all.

That doesn't count as lying.

After nearly two hours of busy work, the mother- and daughter-in-law's signature dishes were finally ready.

Actually, aside from the chicken soup, the other dishes didn't take much time. But when Cheng Old Madam heard it was to invite an Immortal to eat, she personally went to the kitchen and made a plate of chestnut crisp cakes.

And upon hearing it was for an Immortal to eat, Wang Shi also rolled up her sleeves and went into the kitchen to make one of her signature dishes.

Finally, laid out on the table: three dishes and a soup, plus a small dessert for after the meal.

"All done!"

After packing everything into the food box, Meng Shi pushed it in front of Yu'an.

"Hurry and put it away while it's still hot."

Yu'an looked at the food on the table, his heart bubbling with happiness. Daddy hasn't had home-cooked food in a long long time—he must really miss it, and he'll be so happy when he sees it.

Heh heh, he's really so clever and thoughtful.

"Yu'an won't be coming back tonight."

Having said that, the little one waved his small hand at the elders, his figure flashed, and he vanished from their sight.

Tian Qin shook her head helplessly.

This little one—now that he has Fairy Sister, he doesn't even want his mother anymore.

Cheng Old Madam, meanwhile, stared at the empty table, lost in thought.

Yu'an had never once asked to stay overnight elsewhere on his own initiative.

What was going on today?

Over in the Modern Era, the moment the little one arrived at An Luo's home, he spotted his daddy waiting nearby at a glance.

"Daddy, Yu'an's here!"

As he called out, the little one ran on his short little legs, charging toward Cheng Sitao like a little cannonball.

Cheng Chengxuan half-squatted, reached out, and caught the little dumpling barreling toward him. He scooped the little one up in one motion and lifted him high above his head.

"Hahaha…"

Yu'an spread his two little arms wide, flapping them like a happy little bird taking flight. His big eyes curved into two little crescent moons—he was overjoyed.

"Again! Haha, lift me high!"

The father and son pair played for a while, and in the end Yu'an was hugging his own Daddy's neck.

"Yu'an brought Daddy something delicious."

After saying that, the little one struggled to get down, ran to the dining table, raised a big little face at his own Daddy, then pointed with his small hand, and two food boxes instantly appeared on the table.

Smelling the familiar aroma of home-cooked food, Cheng Sitao's eyes gradually reddened.

These were dishes made by Grandmother, Mother, A Qin, and Aunt.

Yu'an held his little head high, a small hint of pride on his face, lifting his little chin as if claiming credit.

"Daddy must have really missed home cooking, did Yu'an guess right?"

Seeing his own Daddy's reddened eyes, the little one instantly panicked, his small hands uneasily grabbing the hem of his clothes, his tender little face full of worry and helplessness.

"What's wrong with Daddy? Did Yu'an do something wrong?"

Cheng Sitao smiled and shook his head.

"It's nothing, Daddy is just—too happy."

The little one nodded, half understanding.

So being happy can also make you cry.

Sigh, grown-ups' thoughts are really hard to understand.

Seeing this warm scene between father and son, An Luo didn't disturb them and quietly returned to her room.

Yu'an nestled in his own Daddy's arms, enjoying Daddy's gentle feeding, simply bubbling with happiness.

He had no idea that someone, because of his identity, was unable to sleep all night.

……

In the Study of the front courtyard of the City Lord's Manor.

Chen Ying sat in a chair, an Account Book before him, but half a shichen had passed and he hadn't turned a single page.

How could it be a boy?

Originally, Cheng Chengxuan escaping death didn't seem like a big deal to him. After all, he was only an adopted son, and the rest of the Cheng Family were just women and children. Even if they ultimately succeeded in their Rebellion, since ancient times no woman had ever become emperor.

In the end, wouldn't it still be their Chen Family's…

Yes, the tyrant was cruel. Since they were going to overthrow him, why couldn't the one to sit on that position be their Chen Family?

All of this, the tyrant and the Cheng Family owed them!

Even if the Chen Residence had been schemed against back then, if it weren't for the Cheng Family, how would they have suffered this undeserved disaster?

He might not hate the Cheng Family, but this would always be a thorn in his heart.

Once the matter was accomplished, he would clear the Pingnan Marquis Residence's name, return the title to them, and grant them hereditary succession.

But now, suddenly learning that Cheng Yu'an was a boy far exceeded his expectations—his entire plan had been thrown into disarray!

Could it be that after all his hard work, he would end up making a wedding dress for a little child?!

No, he couldn't accept this!

Thinking this, Chen Ying clenched his hands tightly, his gaze growing colder and colder.

"Knock knock knock!"

"Who?!"

"My lord, it's me, Qingye."

Chen Ying closed the Account Book.

"Come in."

Qingye walked in carrying a Tray.

"I saw from afar that the Study was still lit, so I brewed a cup of tea and brought it to you, my lord."

"It's so late, and you're still busy with official matters, my lord?"

Chen Ying picked up the teacup and took a sip.

"You truly are diligent, my lord. But for someone of your talent to be stuck in this poor, barren little place of Beihuang City, Qingye truly feels it's not worth it for you."

Observing his expression, Qingye continued.

"And also Young Master Yi Jiang…"

"Clack!"

Chen Ying set the teacup down heavily on the table, his tone impatient.

"It's late, go back and rest."

Qingye curtsied slightly, turned unwillingly, and walked toward the door.

"It was Qingye who spoke out of turn. Qingye takes her leave."

Again—just as soon as Chen Yijiang was mentioned, his attitude immediately changed.

After Qingye left, Chen Ying stared at the flickering candlelight in silence for a long time.

Yes, he should also make plans for Yi Jiang's future.

Having made up his mind, he called out toward the outside.

"Someone!"

Gu Shang pushed the door open and entered.

"What are your orders, my lord?"

"Go find Zhao Kuan!"