The sound of lively break of noise rang near his ear. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Heir Apparent Han woke up. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Opening his eyes, the bodyguard was right in front of him. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Slightly startled. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
Each time when there was an emergency, the guard was nowhere to be found, always a moment toote. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
And when everything was quiet, right after waking up, seeing a stern face could startle anyone to death. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
"Get out." <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Heir Apparent Han called out grumpily as he woke. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2
The guard vanished in an instant. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Lying in bed, he felt a little ufortable. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
Initially not nning to stay for the night, he didn''t bring along a maid or servant, there was no one to attend to him. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
His face wasn''t hurting when he was first hit. However, after a night''s sleep and waking up, the burning pain was simply unbearable. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
Heir Apparent Han got up, pushed the window aside and saw the girl with a round face, the one Little Square-faced liked, she was romping about with her brother. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
She seemed to be beaming with joy. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Little Square-faced was struggling and scratching his head.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3
Jiang Er''s little daughter sat on the cushion, giggling while eating snacks. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Even Eunuch Duan was serving her snacks. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Soon, Heir Apparent Han turned his attention to the old woman being served by the little girl. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
A sense of familiarity surfaced, as if he had met her before. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Lying in bed, looking at the unfamiliar bed and ce, yet filled with familiar faces. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Heir Apparent Han got off the bed. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Stepping on the evening glow, in the midst of the evening breeze. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
The sky had turned dark when he woke up. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
The spread for the night was on the lighter side. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3
It was hot noodle soup. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
There were no cooks at Jiang Er''s house. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Unbelievably, it was Qin herself who was cooking at night. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Heir Apparent Han identally caught a glimpse of her tall figure standing before the cooking hearth. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2
The noodles that evening came across unusually appetizing. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Jiang Er held his youngest daughter in his arms. The son dutifully passed the condiments, daughter handed the chopsticks, wife dished out the noodles, and little square-face helped with moving the chairs. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Surrounded by his children, the picture of bliss. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Looking at this, Heir Apparent Han felt a tight knot in his chest. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3
He has children of his own too, but none of them were his. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
This was one of the reasons he had lived such a wild and reckless life. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Most of the women he has had rtions with were married and already had children. It was unlikely for them to have issues with fertility. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
He had only two children in his residence - one son and one daughter. But he knew neither of them had his bloodline. The timing just doesn''t add up. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
The woman he took for his second wife is not the type he usually favorited. Of course, her willingness to be Heir Apparent Han''s wife had to do with her own considerations too. It was nothing more than a transaction, a partnership. Some unwilling, others eager. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
Heir Apparent Han''s face was swollen, it hurt to open his mouth. Slurping noodles was just the right food as it didn''t require any chewing and could be easily swallowed. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
The banquet this evening was extremely simple. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
But to be honest, it was very delicious. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
It was even better than the grand feast he had with his Uncle at the pce. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Everyone was sweating while eating. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3
There was no one to fan them from behind.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Yet, it was really good. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
A tad spicy. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Meng Shaoxia liked sweet food, yet this hint of spiciness was a good new challenge for the pte. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
They had never ever had something like this before. Their tongues tingled and numbed slightly. Throats still tingling from the spiciness, yet they yearned for more, simply couldn''t stop. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Jiang Mianmian didn''t eat it, all she requested for was the Szechuan peppers and chili peppers that little tree had found. The chili wasn''t authentic enough, but the Szechuan peppers were fine. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Adding to the food, was too much for her to bear. She could only eat clear soup with noodles. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2
Maximum of a spoon of sesame sauce. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
She ate elegantly, her small mouth nibbling away neatly. While eating, she would turn her head once in a while letting Grandma wipe her mouth. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Sometimes it was the Dad instead. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
The guards too were sweating all over from eating. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
Eunuch Duan added noodles three times. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
First they had clear soup. Second, they had sesame Sauce. And third, they had Hot & Sour. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
He definitely knew how to eat.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Meng Shaoxia channeled his grief and fury into his food, eating more than what was typical. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
He had a new goal now. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
He was definitely not dedicated enough before, his mind too scattered. He aspired to emte his brother Feng. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
In the future, he would practice the sword every day. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
He would also rehearse those three moves. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
In a year, not that, three yearster, he would certainly cleanse his past disgrace. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
He would definitely win over his brother, Feng. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
He believed in himself. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
Watching the teary-eyed Shaoxia Meng from eating too much spicy food, Jiang Yu kindly handed over a bowl of noodle soup. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2
"The original soup bnces the original stuff, eating too much will cause indigestion." <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Moved, Meng Shaoxia took the bowl. Jiang Yu treated him very well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2
Then, Jiang Yu also handed Little Cotton, her little sister, a bowl. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
None was given to anyone else. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3
This made Meng Shaoxia even more moved. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Jiang Yu treated him with sincere kindness, like family. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
At home, aside from his youngest sister, only he received this treatment. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
He was wondering when his mother would have prepared his bride price and when it could be delivered. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
.....<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Night fell. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3
It was dark. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
There were always those who had brewing thoughts. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
Young Master Han demanded to drink wine.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
He specifically asked about Jiang Er''s experience of being drunk too easily.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
There was definitely nothing going on between Jiang Er and him, but he wished that weren''t so. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Young Master Han rubbed his nose. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
He could hold his alcohol well. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
"Your Highness, you got injured on your face, shouldn''t drink wine, should have soup instead." Qin Luoxia spoke. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3
And she brought a bowl of soup in front of him. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Young Master Han noticed her long fingers, but also observed the calluses on her palms. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Somewhat sympathizing, he thought Jiang Er''s neglect was such a shame. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
A woman with long legs, slim waist, andrge chest should be cherished, yet she had callused hands. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
What a waste for being with Jiang Er. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2
Well, there was no need to drink if he didn''t want to. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
He would still have the soup that the beauty brought over. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2
Although Young Master Han was upied by appeasing his beauty, he still looked around cautiously. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
He noticed that Jiang Er''s eldest daughter also had this soup, enjoying her food thoroughly. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Then, he took a sip leisurely. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Indeed, it was very aromatic, with a unique sweetness. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
It was a taste he had never experienced before. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
The delicious soup made his tongue curl with pleasure. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Originally, he just wanted to taste it to appease the beauty, but before he knew it, he had finished the whole bowl. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Jiang Mianmian silently watched Young Master Han and her sister savoring their mushroom soup. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
Whatever her sister ate would mean several trips to the restroomter. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
But wild pigeons, after eating from her sister''s mixed feed bowl, would faint. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2
What would happen to Young Master Han? <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Grandma was an unfathomable observer, remaining silent. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Eunuch Duan initially wanted some soup too but, catching sight of Grandma''s expression, he decided against it and put down the bowl. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
They hadn''t finished dinner yet, but Young Master Han was already behaving improperly. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
He got up, swaying, and started walking towards Commander Jiang and his wife. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
The pce guards were torn between averting their eyes and drawing their swords. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Or maybe do both simultaneously. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
Their master was courting danger again. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2
Usually, it was after getting drunk. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2
This time, he started swaying even without the liquor. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Not even bothering with pretense.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
The guards felt a lot of pressure too. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3
In the afternoon, they had watched the sparring match between Commander Jiang''s eldest son and Junior General Meng. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Commander Jiang''s son had defeated Junior General Meng without even drawing his sword. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3
Among the young generation in the capital, Junior General Meng was one of the best, with few able to best him. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
He was unmatched and excelled among the young capital boys. <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
The prodigal sons and daughters always tread carefully around Meng Shaoxia.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
However, upon arriving at Commander Jiang''s home, Meng Shaoxia was so severely beaten by Commander Jiang''s eldest son that he could not even wield a sword. As if that wasn''t bad enough, Meng Shaoxia''s fiancée, the eldest daughter of the Jiang family, chased Commander Jiang''s eldest son all over the ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3
In all fairness, by observing the intensity of their fights, the guards deduced that they wouldn’t be able to win.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
Not to mention Mrs. Jiang, who could tten the Young Master''s face like a pig''s head with one p.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
The entire Jiang household was incredibly cautious and respectful around Mrs. Jiang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2
The youngest daughter of the Jiang family, who, at first nce, seemed spoiled and pampered, more so than even the princesses in the pce, was obedient and incredibly well-behaved in front of Mrs. Jiang. The constant smiles on Commander Jiang''s face when he addressed Mrs. Jiang were hint enough of her capabilities.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Despite this, the Young Master insisted on staying and fanning the mes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
This clearly wasn''t the wisest choice.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
The guards felt frustrated. However, they dared not voice their concerns or oppose their master.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Heir Apparent Han lunged at the Jiangs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2
He stood hesitating before them and then approached Jiang Er, grabbing his hair passionately, "Beautiful,e with me to my mansion. I will buy you jewelry, provide you with an abundance of servants, and let you do whatever you wish."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2
Jiang Changtian calmly replied, "But I have a family, I cannot go with you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Heir Apparent Han chuckled, "If you''re worried, you can leave them lots of money, bury them with wealth. If you''re okay with it, I can help you bury them in the earth."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Everyone was speechless...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
The guards felt a sudden relief.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
At least there''s that...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
Suddenly, Jiang Changtianughed and said, "Open your eyes and see who I truly am."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Heir Apparent Han''s eyes widened, and he suddenly hugged Jiang Er, hysterically crying, <span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
"Mother, don''t leave, stay with me, I''m scared."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Under the stare of all these gazes, Jiang Changtian delivered a heavy p across the unswelled side of the young master''s face.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3
"Smack!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2
"Beast, I''ve never given birth to a child like you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0