"First of all, a child's growth consumes a tremendous amount of energy. Secondly, dividing a space cube takes a lot of power as well. To put it bluntly, it all requires both energy and resources to replenish." Xiao stroked his chin thoughtfully. "From now on, every time a space cube is deployed, a full battalion of weapons, ammunition, and logistical supplies must be prepared for me. And—send ten more people to assist me, and designate an area for military exercises where I can be attacked!"
"Ah?"
"Ah??"
Xi Hanmei's expression froze in bewilderment, as though her brain had overloaded. She had no idea what Xiao meant. The sheer adorableness of her stunned face only made the moment more endearing.
Seeing her on the verge of a meltdown, Xiao quickly intervened. After a long moment, Xi Hanmei patted his back, signaling that she had recovered enough to process his words. Xiao let out a relieved sigh.
"Just explain it to the higher-ups exactly like that. They'll understand what I mean."
"Mm~" Xi Hanmei gasped and stood, ready to report immediately.
"It's so late… why are you going now?" Xiao frowned suddenly, grabbing her wrist.
"Uh, I…" Xi Hanmei panicked slightly. She was thrilled about obtaining the space cube and contemplating her promotion, almost forgetting the jealous man beside her. Although Xiao didn't care about her rank, he always needed to come first in her heart—or he would grow unhappy.
"Alright, alright! I'll go tomorrow!" she said, returning to his side and hugging him, gently reassuring him.
"Mm!" Xiao murmured, still dawdling.
"Go to sleep, or you won't get up in the morning," Xi Hanmei scolded. It was late, and if she didn't sleep, she would miss tomorrow's work.
"Who cares whether I can get up?" Xiao said carelessly.
"Stop making trouble! I'm afraid of hurting the child!" Xi Hanmei pressed him gently, coaxing and persuading him. After three years of marriage, she finally had a child, and she was terrified of miscarrying.
"@#￥%u0026*…" Xiao stopped moving, rolling his eyes but snuggling against her ear, muttering and occasionally letting out soft, playful sounds like "Gee, gee, gee."
"εu003d(´ο｀*))) You little rascal!" Xi Hanmei sighed helplessly. Xiao always found a way to torment her, and there was nothing she could do to resist.
The next morning, before Xiao could wake from his sweet dreams, Xi Hanmei was already up. Watching him buried in her arms, she murmured to herself, "Really, he was so bold back then…"
Her thoughts drifted to the past, to every detail since entering the Xiao family compound. Xiao had been kind and dependable, but her sense of respect and awe for him differed entirely from how Qin Huairu interacted with him.
Qin Huairu, the eldest wife, didn't compete openly with others. She excelled at subtle skills like tea-making and charming Xiao, naturally earning his favor. Yet in the courtyard, she was called the eldest wife only because she married Xiao first.
Xi Hanmei, however, was the oldest sister in the courtyard at thirty-one, seven years older than both Qin Huairu and Xiao. Despite being the second wife, she truly managed the Xiao family compound, handling money, food, and clothing for every room. Her words carried more weight than Qin Huairu's.
Though Qin Huairu was favored, her skill set relied on simple rural talents, and she lacked Xi Hanmei's education and ability. Qin Huairu was meticulous, petty, and worried about trivial matters, which made her less capable and popular among the sisters.
Xi Hanmei, on the other hand, ran the entire back house efficiently, commanding respect from all. Even Xiao sometimes felt uneasy facing her wrath. Yet no matter how capable Xi Hanmei was, she could not control Xiao's affections. Qin Huairu's shameless devotion meant that as long as Xiao asked, she would do anything.
Because Xi Hanmei was tough, Xiao often behaved childishly around her, teasing her relentlessly, causing embarrassment, and enjoying a private kind of love that no one else shared.
Xi Hanmei smiled, gently retracting her thoughts. She wrapped her arms softly around Xiao's waist, carefully slid from the bed, and quietly left the room. After freshening up and changing, she left the courtyard.
Following multiple inspections, she entered the cabinet, where several elders received her and listened to her report. After reviewing the intelligence, they exchanged satisfied glances.
"What do you think?"
"He should agree."
"But he probably wants to flex his muscles and warn us not to touch his children lightly, right?"
"Who knows why that kid is so wary of us?"
"He must have seen too much political mess in the inheritance info."
"It seems we haven't done enough. We need to work even harder!"
"Hahaha, naturally. That day will come…"
"Since Xiao wants to show his strength, let's give him a stage and see his limits!"
After their discussion, they decided to grant Xiao the opportunity to demonstrate his power, while notifying the training grounds to prepare the necessary materials.
That afternoon, Xi Hanmei returned to the courtyard with the documents, only to find Xiao had moved into the third concubine's room. Rage surged through her, her head buzzing.
The ruthless man who wielded his sword and fought for her benefits last night had now run off to another woman's quarters to enjoy himself.
"Are you even worthy of me?!" Xi Hanmei grabbed Xiao's collar, dragging him out. She slapped the cabinet's order document into his hand, then angrily locked him outside the second room.
⭐ Enjoying the story?You can read ahead and support the translations by joining my Patreon!Your support helps me update faster and take on more projects.Thank you for reading!
Read up to 50 chapters ahead!
patreon.com/AminaSims
PS: Even if you don't intend to pay for advance chapters you can join as a free member to get access to updates and any news on current and future translations (Please join guys I really enjoy seeing those numbers go up.)🙏