Volume 1, Chapter 2: Had this wretched son finally gotten someone pregnant?

The moment the flower toss ended, the summon-for-a-father pageant was over as well. Tear down the embroidered tower.

Yes, Little Master.

A hundred-odd people answered at once.

They were divided with crisp efficiency, each assigned a clear task. From front and back, left and right, every team moved straight to its designated section. Those dismantling the upper floor leapt upward; those assigned below began the instant work above them started. Each handled their own part, each fulfilled their duty, every movement seamlessly joined to the next, without the slightest disorder.

In less than the time it takes to burn half an incense stick, the ornate and exquisite embroidered tower had been reduced to several piles of timber, neatly arranged on the vacant ground beside the imperial avenue.

At that sight, not only the gawking common folk were stunned.

Even Feng Qingyan was left speechless.

Who were these people? How could they possess such astonishing execution?

Perhaps not even the most elite of the hidden dragon guards at his side could manage such precise coordination.

And these people were actually under the command of this infant?

Terrifying indeed.

No. This little milk child had to remain by his side. He needed to probe the truth behind him carefully.

As Feng Qingyan’s thoughts raced, he had already bent down and lifted the boy into his arms. “Little one, what is your name?”

The boy had not expected to find himself in someone’s embrace, let alone in the arms of such a tall, handsome man whom he especially liked. A doubtful flush immediately rose to his cheeks.

He shifted awkwardly in Feng Qingyan’s arms before answering in a soft voice, “Father, my nickname is Peace. I do not yet have a formal name. Please grant me one.”

Feng Qingyan prevaricated. “Choosing a name is no small matter. How can it be done so casually? Wait until I return and ponder it properly.”

“Thank you, Father.” Peace shyly buried his face in Feng Qingyan’s neck and thanked him with delight, as though this man’s solemn treatment of his name were already the finest thing in the world.

Feng Qingyan was nudged by the little head in his arms and found himself strangely dazed.

On the other side, Shu Zijun lifted the little girl high, settled her on his shoulders, and ran about while gripping her plump little legs with both hands.

“Oh, so high! This is so fun! Father is amazing! Father, run faster, faster!”

Feng Qingyan turned to look at the two of them playing with wild abandon, and his brow furrowed slightly.

The entire Shu family was loyal, upright, and brave, filled with a righteous and imposing spirit. How had they produced a wastrel like Shu Zijun, useless at everything, yet number one in drinking, eating, and amusement?

And now he was even more absurd, still unmarried yet grinning as he fought to become someone else’s father!

For all anyone knew, when Madam Shu was giving birth, she had been framed by villains and her child switched out beneath her nose.

Feng Qingyan realized his thoughts were drifting too far and quickly pulled himself back. Glancing at the hundred or so people standing respectfully with lowered hands, he asked Peace, “Little Peace, I must return to the palace for court. Will you come with me? And what about them?”

As soon as it became serious business, little Peace no longer cared about being shy. He lifted his head and answered solemnly, “Father, with you in the palace, it will surely be very safe. My little sister does not want to recognize the same father as I do. She is still young, so let those people protect her instead.”

Feng Qingyan frowned almost instinctively. “Still young? How much younger can she be than you?”

“Half an hour.”

Peace said it with exceptional seriousness. “She is that much younger than me, so I should protect her properly.”

Half an hour. Was that really so much younger? Feng Qingyan was speechless.

Shu Zijun, carrying little Joyful over his shoulders, came running up and said cheerfully to Feng Qingyan, “Your Majesty, this minister has just gained a daughter. It is a tremendous blessing. I must return home and have my whole family celebrate properly. I beg leave for a month. I hope Your Majesty will grant it.”

Feng Qingyan got a headache just looking at him, and remembering how irregularly he showed up for duty, he immediately waved him off. “Granted.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty! We share in the joy. This minister has nothing more to say and will take his leave.”

Without waiting for the emperor to say anything else, Shu Zijun carried little Joyful and ran off toward the general’s residence.

Peace gave a small wave.

The hundred-odd people instantly followed after Shu Zijun.

Shu Zijun glanced back. “So they all came too? Good, the more people the livelier it is! I’ll have my mother set up ten more banquet tables.”

The emperor and the young general each took away one child. It was a long while before the assembled ministers finally came to their senses. They exchanged bewildered looks, then hurried toward the palace.

Today’s morning court was destined to be delayed.

“Mother, Mother, your son has brought your granddaughter home!” Shu Zijun shouted the moment he stepped through the door.

Madam Shu, who had only just returned from observing the proper rituals before her mother-in-law, felt a surge of blood rush straight to her head when she heard her son’s cry.

That shameless, hopeless fool had actually brought her back a child?

Madam Shu slapped at her chest hard, trying to steady her breathing and avoid fainting on the spot, while comforting herself: “Good, good. At least it’s only a granddaughter. A girl is fine either way. Raise her up, find her a family, and that will be that.”

But when she finally saw the exquisitely pretty little child perched on Shu Zijun’s shoulders, she felt that her earlier thoughts had been far too coarse. Such an adorable little girl had to be raised with care. Once grown, she should be found a good marriage.

“Grandmother—” The little girl grinned sweetly at her and called out in a soft, obedient voice. Her chubby little appearance and gentle, creamy voice instantly melted Madam Shu’s heart into a puddle.

No, this child had to be raised in the palm of her hand! Pampered! Spoiled!

As for who her mother was, who cared? With such an adorable granddaughter, that woman was a hero no matter what! Even if she were some brothel courtesan, Madam Shu would have her background laundered clean and place her in that brat’s household, feeding and sheltering her properly.

“Come, let Grandmother hold you.” Madam Shu held out her arms to the little girl on Shu Zijun’s shoulders.

Joyful扑进 Madam Shu’s embrace, sniffed with her little nose, and launched straight into flattery. “Grandmother smells so nice. Joyful likes Grandmother’s scent. Grandmother must be the most loving grandmother in all the world.”

“Oh my, such a sweet mouth. Grandmother likes you.” Madam Shu beamed as she clutched Joyful close and would not let go.

The grandmother and granddaughter were affectionate for quite a long while.

So long, in fact, that Shu Zijun grew anxious on the side and scratched his head repeatedly.

“Joyful, do you want to ride a wooden horse?”

“Joyful, do you want to swing on a swing?”

“Joyful, do you want to play with a braided ball?”

“Joyful...”

His attempts to coax her failed, and Shu Zijun sat down dejectedly to the side.

“Father, I want to ride a big horse. Is that okay?”

At last, Joyful was willing to spare him a little attention.

Shu Zijun leapt to his feet at once. “Yes, of course it’s okay! Father will take you right away!”