Chapter 97: No Wonder…

Looking at that healing smile, Cheng Sitao gradually suppressed the hatred in his heart.

"Fairy Sister gave Yu'an medicine, cold and cool watermelon, lots and lots of delicious food, and weapons to beat bad guys…"

"She also took Yu'an to see a doctor, and watched cartoons with Yu'an…"

Counting on his little fingers one by one, Yu'an suddenly stopped, lifting his chubby little face.

"Oh right, Daddy, Yu'an and the Aunts, and Little Uncle have been learning martial arts."

"Now Yu'an can punch, and can do sword dance too!"

While speaking, the little fellow flipped over and sat up in one swift motion.

"Yu'an will practice for Daddy to see!"

He had been too excited earlier, and in his excitement forgot to mention the martial arts training.

Daddy will surely be very happy seeing him so amazing!

Cheng Sitao quickly gathered the little fellow into his arms.

"Alright, alright, alright, Daddy knows, Yu'an is really amazing. Sleep first, and practice for Daddy tomorrow, okay?"

Yu'an took the opportunity to find a comfortable spot to nestle into, nodding his little head.

"Alright then."

Whispering to his Daddy again, after a while the little fellow's eyelids grew heavier and heavier, his little head drooping bit by bit, leaning against Daddy's shoulder in a drowsy haze.

But his mouth was still mumbling softly.

"Tomorrow, Daddy must, remind Yu'an, to practice sword for, Daddy to see…"

Cheng Sitao replied softly.

"Okay."

Having received a response, the little fellow unconsciously showed a sweet smile, nuzzling his little head against Daddy's shoulder, and fell asleep.

After coaxing the little fellow back to sleep, Cheng Sitao tiptoed out of the room, went to the Study, and began reading the letter Cheng Chengxuan had written to him.

Actually, from the news he had gathered from Yu'an during these two meetings, with a little guesswork, he could already tell.

That Chen Ying had developed other intentions.

Seeing now what Cheng Chengxuan's letter said,

It was indeed so!

Ambition, once born, never disappears—it only grows ever larger.

Although Chen Ying currently resists contact with the Prince of Muyuan Kingdom, his son has learned Yu'an's identity, and Chen Ying will soon know too.

Perhaps, at this very moment, he already knows!

Cheng Sitao narrowed his eyes slightly, an aura of deadly killing intent radiating around him.

"I hope Chen Old Master notices soon and dissuades him in time."

"Otherwise…"

After all, it was a life exchanged for a Cheng Family Immunity Gold Medal.

……

The sky was just barely light, and before Yu'an had even woken up, he returned from the Modern Era to Da Yin.

The soft, little-furnace-like little fellow beside him suddenly vanished—almost at the very moment of vanishing, Cheng Sitao felt it.

He lost his desire for sleep as well, simply got up and went to the Study to continue drafting his supply list.

From Yu'an's description, the Treasure Chest space on his body was very large, so they still needed to prepare as many supplies as possible.

The compressed biscuits of this world were indeed quite good, suitable as military rations.

And Instant Noodles—could be boiled, soaked, or eaten dry.

Just as Cheng Sitao was writing furiously, working on his plan, An Luo downstairs was sleeping soundly.

Suddenly, she was woken by a ringtone.

Groggily, she fished her phone off the nightstand, her eyelids cracking open just a sliver.

After a quick glance, her eyes suddenly went wide.

"What's going on?!"

The screen displayed:

Your friend Cheng Chengxuan has sent a voice call request. Accept?

An Luo's thoughts gradually returned.

Right, there seemed to be some kind of auxiliary system.

With a carp-kick flip off the bed, An Luo bolted straight for the bathroom—she hadn't washed her face, hadn't washed her hair, she couldn't be seen like this!

Halfway there, she abruptly stopped in her tracks.

That's not right!

It's a voice call—he can't see me anyway.

She picked up her phone, cleared her throat, and pressed the accept button.

"Hello, Cheng Chengxuan."

Da Yin.

Ever since dripping blood onto the Jade Pendant, a strange little square had appeared in Cheng Chengxuan's mind, with characters written on it.

Friend: An Luo.

So those are the two characters.

He tried pressing on the voice call, and while waiting, he felt a bit of regret.

He didn't know what time it was over there—would he be disturbing her rest?

Will she be angry?

Just as he was lost in wild thoughts, a familiar, gentle voice suddenly sounded by his ear.

"Hello, Cheng Chengxuan."

Perhaps because she had just woken up, or perhaps because she had a slight cold, An Luo's voice carried a nasal tone, adding a touch of soft, endearing charm.

That voice brushed lightly across Cheng Chengxuan's heart like a feather.

Ticklish.

"Ahem!"

Cheng Chengxuan gave a light cough, rubbed his reddening earlobes, and his ears turned even redder.

He had originally had so many things he wanted to say — he wanted to ask that young lady to help him find Big Brother, wanted to tell Big Brother that Chen Ying had very likely already discovered Yu'an's identity.

He needed to discuss countermeasures with Big Brother.

But the moment he heard her voice again, his mind went completely blank, and for a moment he forgot what he was going to say.

He could only stare blankly and repeat the greeting she had just given him.

"Hello, Miss An Luo."

An Luo: "……"

No, wait — Big Brother, you called me first thing in the morning just to say hello?

"Did something happen to Yu'an?"

The mention of Yu'an instantly brought Cheng Chengxuan back to his senses.

"Yes, can Miss An find my Big Brother? I have something very important to discuss with him."

Hearing him say it was urgent, An Luo didn't dare delay, and hurriedly tidied herself up a bit before heading downstairs.

Because Cheng Sitao couldn't hear Cheng Chengxuan's voice, she also had to act as a speaking tube between the two brothers.

One word for it — exhausting.

……

Meanwhile, in the courtyard, Meng Shi and Wang Shi, the two sisters-in-law, were busy in the Chu Fang.

"Chengxuan is setting out for Muyuan tomorrow. We have to hurry and make more dry rations that are easy to carry."

As Meng Shi spoke, her hands never stopped, placing golden-brown steamed cornbreads one by one into the steamer.

Wang Shi nodded while flipping flatbreads, her face full of worry.

She sighed.

"Just thinking that Chengxuan is going to another country's Ducheng, that there'll inevitably be scheming and plotting in the future, that he won't even know the place or the people — I can't help but worry endlessly."

Meng Shi offered a word of comfort.

"Set your mind at ease. Chengxuan is so clever — I believe no matter the situation, he can handle it well."

Meanwhile, waking up to learn that his little uncle was about to leave, Yu'an's eyes welled up with tears.

"Does he have to go?"

He had only just found Daddy — how could his little uncle be leaving again?

Cheng Chengxuan reached out to wipe the little fellow's tears, resting both hands on Yu'an's small shoulders.

"A brief parting is for a better reunion."

The little fellow pressed his small lips together, his big dewy eyes revealing a touch of puzzlement.

"Yu'an doesn't understand."

"It's fine if you don't understand — just remember it. Besides, your little uncle won't be gone long. I'll be back by New Year."

"Little Uncle is going out on business, and only our little man Yu'an will be left at home. Yu'an must be strong, understand?"

"Mm!"

Yu'an wiped the tears from his face clean, set his expression, his little face unusually solemn. He patted his small chest with one hand — his childish voice still baby-soft, but not without firmness.

"Yu'an is a little man — I can take care of myself, and I can protect the Ancestors too!"

"Good!"

Cheng Chengxuan ruffled his little head a couple of times.

"Little Uncle knows — our Yu'an is the most amazing."

"Second Brother!"

Cheng Qiuruo walked over holding a small box.

"This is a little gadget I just made. Second Brother-in-law, take it for self-defense."

"What is it?"

Cheng Chengxuan opened the box and raised an eyebrow slightly.

"A Sleeve Arrow?"

Cheng Qiuruo wagged her finger.

"Mine is nothing like an ordinary Sleeve Arrow."

Cheng Chengxuan picked it up and examined it for a moment, then nodded.

"It really is much more compact than an ordinary Sleeve Arrow."

Cheng Qiuruo was a little annoyed.

"I didn't ask you to look for differences in appearance!"

"Just try it and you'll know!"

Cheng Chengxuan raised the Sleeve Arrow and shot it into a pile of straw not far away, then nodded.

"The range really is farther than ordinary ones."

The moment he finished saying that, another arrow landed in the groove.

"This..."

Cheng Qiuruo raised her brows smugly.

"Keep going, there are ten arrows in here in total."

After Cheng Chengxuan fired several more arrows in succession, his face lit up with excitement.

"This is... a repeating crossbow?!"

Outside the screen, An Luo slapped her forehead with a sudden smack.

Right!

How could she have forgotten about this?!

Cheng Chengxuan was on his way to Muyuan Capital.

Meanwhile, at the Fifth Prince's Residence of Muyuan Kingdom.

Shang Xiaomin set down the letter in his hand, and a subordinate walked in.

"Has the person been sent out?"

"Yes."

That subordinate frowned, his face full of puzzlement.

"Imperial Prince, the last time we met that Chen Ying, he refused us righteously and sternly. It's been hardly any time at all—how could he have changed his mind so quickly?"

"This subordinate is worried there might be some trickery in this."

Shang Xiaomin lowered his eyes in thought, gazing at the letter on the desk in a slight daze.

"It is indeed rather strange."

That Chen Ying would change his mind so quickly—now that was something he hadn't expected.

At this moment, a guard hurried in.

"Imperial Prince, our men have sent word back."

Saying so, that person presented a small bamboo tube.

Shang Xiaomin took it and looked, his expression unreadable.

"So that's how it is—no wonder Chen Ying was in such a hurry..."