Chapter 982: First Volume, Chapter 982: A Temporary Home

First Volume, Chapter 982: A Temporary Home

As the Beixi Expeditionary Brigade clashed with the Xiongying Brigade, Changshui County welcomed a distinguished guest.

Qin Feng, who was tending to Li Xiaolan's daily needs in the Back Residence, suddenly heard Ning Hu shouting from the Front Courtyard.

"Brother Qin? Brother Qin, where'd you run off to? Come out quick—I've something to tell you."

Hearing Ning Hu's loud voice, Qin Feng felt a surge of annoyance: "That brat Ning Hu, what's he yelling about again? If he scares Xiaolan, I'll make him regret it!"

Li Xiaolan, lying in bed, heard this and blushed slightly, whispering: "Feng'er, even if I've lost my appetite these past few days, once we find the cause, we can treat it properly—I'm already fine. You don't need to stay by my side day and night."

"The entire Changshui County depends on you. Are you really going to waste your time tangled in petty affection?"

In response to Li Xiaolan's advice, Qin Feng merely shrugged indifferently: "What's the worry? A man caring for his wife is only natural. They'd give anything for the chance."

"Right now, even if the sky falls, you matter more than anything."

"Your only task now is to rest well—I'll make sure you grow plump and healthy."

Li Xiaolan, usually cold and aloof, was so flustered by Qin Feng's words that her face turned crimson. Qin Feng was never one to speak sweet nothings—but his words struck deeper than any love confession, always hitting exactly where it hurt most.

Li Xiaolan forced back her boundless happiness and softly asked: "If I grow plump and round, will you still want me?"

Qin Feng waved his hand decisively: "Plump is good!"

"Plump means easier to bear children!"

Li Xiaolan grew even more embarrassed, grabbed Qin Feng's clothes, yanked him up, and shoved him out the door: "Stop teasing me! Go outside—important matters await. Unless it's urgent, don't come to the Back Courtyard anymore. Elder Sister and the two maids are here—do you think I'll be mistreated?"

"But there's one thing I must clarify with you."

"Even though I'm pregnant now, that child Niu Er…"

Before Li Xiaolan could finish, Qin Feng patted his chest and assured her: "Don't worry—Niu Er is already part of the Qin Family, just like any other child. I'll treat him equally."

"But for now, he can't take the Qin surname. That requires my parents' approval."

Other children? How many children is this guy planning to have?

And… my parents…

Though Li Xiaolan had always regarded Qin Tianhu and Qin Cheng Clan as her own parents, addressing them as Father and Mother daily, hearing Qin Feng say "our parents" now made her cheeks burn.

Li Xiaolan grabbed a pillow and raised it to throw.

Seeing this, Qin Feng feared he'd upset her health and dared not say another word—he bolted out without looking back.

As he left the courtyard, he ran straight into Shen Qingci.

Since Li Xiaolan began resting, caring for Niu Er had been fully entrusted to Shen Qingci. Though Shen Qingci appeared haughty, she secretly adored children and cared for Niu Er exceptionally well—even his biological mother felt completely at ease, rarely seeing him and enjoying the peace.

Shen Qingci held Niu Er in her arms, shot Qin Feng a glare, and stepped toward the room—but Qin Feng grabbed her arm.

"Elder Sister, what's that look for?"

Shen Qingci tilted her head up, refusing to look at him—until his hands grew unbecomingly bold. Unable to hold out, she snapped: "I can't see you as a child anymore. You're a menace."

A menace? Qin Feng was baffled: "Elder Sister, explain clearly—who have I harmed?"

Shen Qingci sneered, pointing toward the room: "Look what you've done to Elder Third! Don't deny it!"

Oh, so that's what "harming" meant.

Qin Feng suddenly understood, then smirked mischievously, leaning close to Shen Qingci's ear: "Elder Sister, want me to harm you too?"

At those words, Shen Qingci's heart leapt—she raised her hand to strike.

Qin Feng didn't hesitate—he gave her backside a firm squeeze and dashed off.

Watching Qin Feng's retreating back, Shen Qingci sighed softly, smiling wryly: "This boy is about to become a father, yet still acts like a brat. Has he even grown up? Is this what Feng'er always meant—men never truly grow old?"

Other men, once married—even at seventeen or eighteen—put on a mature facade. But Qin Feng? He does the opposite, becoming even "worse" than before.

Shen Qingci smiled, her eyes soft with affection, and carried Niu Er into the room.

When Qin Feng entered the DaTang, Ning Hu was already perched on a stool, gnawing on a giant chicken leg. Seeing Qin Feng finally appear, Ning Hu grinned wickedly.

"Oh? If it isn't Lord Qin! Not busy tending to your wife—what wind blew you here?"

Qin Feng paid no mind to Ning Hu's teasing, letting him sit in the most "prestigious" seat—the County Magistrate's chair—while he himself plopped down on the secretary's stool below.

After all, no outsiders were present—true comrades didn't need formalities.

"What were you yelling about?" Qin Feng grumbled.

Ning Hu went further, crossing his feet on the Shushu desk, one hand behind his head, the other clutching the chicken leg, lounging lazily: "Brother Qin, you owe me thanks."

Qin Feng frowned in confusion: "Thanks for what?"

Ning Hu grinned slyly: "Your mistress from Beidi came looking for you. If I hadn't covered for you, imagine if Third Miss got angry—hah, you'd be in deep trouble!"

"Mistress"? That was slang—for "sweetheart."

But Qin Feng had no sweetheart in Beidi. Jing Qianying was from Beidi, but their relationship was open and aboveboard. Even if Ning Hu were an idiot, he wouldn't call Jing Qianying a "mistress."

Seeing Qin Feng bewildered, Ning Hu laughed harder: "Hah! Still pretending? Your affair with Jing Ci is no secret anymore."

Jing Ci?

Qin Feng shot to his feet, glaring at Ning Hu: "Ning Hu, how dare you slander my reputation? My relationship with Jing Ci is pure—there's nothing beyond friendship!"

"In fact, I've been using her all along."

As he spoke, Qin Feng's voice grew weaker—not because he and Jing Ci had anything, but because Ning Hu's words had awakened a warning.

Pregnant women were notoriously sensitive. Even if he and Jing Ci were innocent, if Li Xiaolan found out, he'd never be able to explain it away.

So really, Qin Feng did owe Ning Hu thanks.