Chapter 77: Fine, Fine, I Admit I Was Wrong!
by xennovelIt’s said that brief separations are as sweet as a new marriage.
That night, a prolonged battle unfolded, full of twists and turns.
The passionate, intimate process is not for outsiders to know.
As his stay at home was only for three days,
Lu Changsheng didn’t spend much time cultivating or making talismans, but focused on accompanying his wives and children.
During this time, Lu Changsheng mentioned to Lu Miaoyun about buying a maidat Jiulong Market.
There was nothing to hide; once Shao Yuyao becomes pregnant, his wives would naturally find out.
Lu Miaoyun knew her husband’s emperament and didn’t mind.
After all, she had mentally prepared herself for such things when she agreed to marry Lu Changsheng.
She asked with concern about how Lu Changsheng’s life at Jiulong Market was.
Her concern warmed Lu Changsheng’s heart.
He assured her that apart from missing his family, everything was fine.
Later, Lu Changsheng visited the Fourth Elder for some guidance on talismans.
The Fourth Elder also asked about his adjustment to life at Jiulong Market.
Lu Changsheng assured him there were no problems.
On the way back, he stopped by the Fifth Elder to purchase some spirit wine.
Just like that, three days quickly passed.
Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge prepared to depart or Jiulong Market.
His twenty-fifth child was due in a few days.
However, Lu Changsheng didn’t wait for the child’s birth before leaving.
Such instances would occur again; he couldn’t always be there.
Every time must have a first.
On the way to Jiulong Market, a maid named Xiaoqing accompanied Lu Changsheng on his Iron Feather Eagle.
Taking Xiaoqing along was partly because Lu Miaoyun had suggested it.
Additionally, the task of having children can’t halt. With only Shao Yuyao, it wasn’t enough.
If the Iron Feather Eagle could carry more, Lu Changsheng would have brought Guan Xin too.
He wasn’t in a hurry; he could bring her over next month.
With Xiaoqing, the journey took half a day longer.
Without a robe for protection, Xiaoqing’s journey cost Lu Changsheng three Wind Resistance Talismans.
Fortunately, he had enough talismans; otherwise, those three would have cost six Spirit Stones, a hefty sum.
Upon entering the city, Lu Changsheng registered a long-term identity card for Xiaoqing.
He couldn’t help but think that bringing someone to live in the market is costly.
Back at the Lu Family compound, Lu Changsheng met Lu Miaohuan.
She gave him a disdainful snort.
This irked Lu Changsheng.
Occasionally snorting is one thing.
But doing it every time we meet?
I’m still the dream of countless immortals. Why so unlikeable?
Back at the matchmaking, although I was at fault, your conditions were too strict, prohibiting marriage or taking concubines.
Otherwise, with your looks, figure, and sixth-tier spirit root, if you were half as amiable as Lu Miaoyun, I’d agree.
Second Miss, do you have a health problem? Always frowning upon seeing me.
If so, seek treatment; don’t delay.
Lu Changsheng sneered at Second Miss.
Without another word, he brought Xiaoqing back to his courtyard.
Lu Miaohuan was upset; not only did Lu Changsheng fail to apologize after so long, but he also mocked her.
In a cold tone, she said, ‘I’m perfectly healthy. I just dislike you, is that not allowed?’
Her voice was cold and melodious.
Lu Changsheng, hearing her straightforwardness, was momentarily speechless.
Seeing her cold, furious, and yet beautiful face, he quipped, ‘Then just don’t look.’
I want to look. What’s it to you
Lu Miaohuan pouted, her chin raised with cold elegance.
Fine, watch all you want.
With that, Lu Changsheng shook his head and walked away.
Lu Changsheng, stop right there!
Watching him leave, Lu Miaohuan’s face puffed up angrily.
Aren’t you displeased with me? Why stop me, then?
Lu Changsheng paused and quipped.
What kind of attitude is that
Lu Miaohuan was furious, her chest heaving with indignation.
Fine, fine, I’m wrong. Is that good?
Lu Changsheng replied insincerely, a remark that could easily infuriate.
What do you mean, ‘is that good?’ It’s clearly your fault, how is that an apology
Lu Miaohuan was inexplicably angry.
Her heart flared with unspoken fury, extremely displeased.
Lu Changsheng saw her temper as a spoiled miss.
She knew nothing of the ways of the world.
He waved it off, saying seriously, ‘Alright, it’s my fault. I sincerely apologize. Please forgive me.’
Faced with his sincerity, Lu Miaohuan slightly deflated her cheeks, snorted, and then left gracefully.
Lu Changsheng felt a little at a loss.
How is this Second Miss behaving like a child?
Although the eldest Miss seems aloof, she’s mature and wise.
Lu Changsheng shook his head.
There’s no need to squabble like this.
It’s like dealing with a child.
Young Master, I think the Second Miss likes you.
Xiaoqing giggled, observing the banter.
Nonsense
Lu Changsheng lightly tapped Xiaoqing’s forehead.
But it’s true.
Xiaoqing pouted, knowing her master’s character.
Lu Changsheng chuckled, thinking the Second Miss’s antics reminiscent of a child seeking attention.
He didn’t give it much thought.
After all, if the Second Miss truly liked him, he had no time to appease her.
After settling Xiaoqing, Lu Changsheng pondered.
If more wives or maids were to join, they might need a house in the market.
Their current space was a bit cramped.
And having many in one courtyard was inconvenient.
With just three people, there was no rush.
If more joined, renting a place might be necessary.
Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.
Lu Changsheng spent his days cultivating and making talismans.
Occasionally, he’d go shopping with the maids or have dinner with the Young Miss.
One day, Lu Miaocheng approached him.
He thought Miaocheng was there to repay him.
But Miaocheng asked to borrow money again.
It’s said that borrowing and repaying leads to more lending.
But if they don’t repay after borrowing, Lu Changsheng couldn’t lend again.
He flatly said he had no money.
Not only was he broke; he asked when Miaocheng would repay.
With Lu Changsheng’s pretense, Miaocheng left disappointed.
In others’ eyes, Lu Changsheng’s income barely sustained his large family.
He came to borrow from you? Best avoid him
Lu Miaohuan remarked, recognizing the situation.
You two are similar, which is why he asked you.
How are we similar?
I have a large family, no need for such places.
Lu Changsheng scoffed, walking away.
Lu Miaohuan’s anger flared again as he left.
That night.
Afterwards!
Shao Yuyao and Xiaoqing leaned languidly against Lu Changsheng.
My lord, I think I’m pregnant
Shao Yuyao said softly.
Pregnant
Lu Changsheng perked up.
As it’s said, yin and yang must be balanced.
He’s been harmonizing nightly, ensuring pregnancy was normal.
He listened closely, sensing a life within.
Great! Great!
Lu Changsheng exclaimed with joy, ‘When did you notice?’
As a cultivator, Shao Yuyao could detect her pregnancy.
A few days ago, but I was unsure until today.
She knew he loved children.
Good, take care of your health
Said Lu Changsheng.
If you need anything, just tell me.
Since bearing his child, her status would rise.
Xiaoqing eyed him alluringly, ‘I want to bear your child too!’
She leaned forward, ready again.
Alright
Lu Changsheng breathed in.
The more, the better.
In two months, Lu Miaoyun’s child would be bon.
In that time, Xiaoqing should conceive.
With vigor, he embraced another night!
The next day.
Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge went to work. Knowiig Shao Yuyao was pregnant, he had Xiaoqing alone.
This time, allowing her to conceive too.
Perhaps buy more maids from White Jade Tower
Now that Yuyao is pregnant, she needs care.
He mused.
Xiaoqing too, soon.
Lu Changsheng didn’t insist they have spirit roots.
He favored healthy births when feasible.
Currently, he wasn’t in an ideal state.
First, I need more Spirit Stones
Lu Changsheng shook his head.
His Spirit Stones were nearly exhausted.
Even for ordinary maids, he was low on funds.
Buying maids meant buying several.
If he purchased more, he’d need more space.
Ahh, money rules all
If not for my talisman skills, I wouldn’t have survived.
Lu Changsheng sighed, feeling the struggles of cultivation.
Even for him, it was challenging, never mind others.
Greeting Lu Miaoge, Lu Changsheng wenttout.
Disguised, he sold 200 talismans.
Cautiously avoiding previous shops to stay unnoticed.
This isn’t sustainable
Visit shops too often, and I’d be noticed.
At the inn, he checked for surveillance with a purification talisman.
The Lu Family buys talismans monthly. In a few months, the Young Miss will be less involved.
Then, I can sell through the family shop without worry.
This option seemed more viable over time.
Creating a supplier identity would simplify this.
When in full control, this would be easy.
That night.
Lu Changsheng sent Xiaoqing to inquire about local housing.
A 400-500 square meter place.
Preferably in the Eastern or Northern districts, avoiding the West.
The West was chaotic, potentially dangerous.
Spending more for safety was worth it.
The North offered rentals in entertainment districts.
Though pricier, convenience mattered.
Proximity to the talisman shop saved time.
In explaining to the Lu Family, it was easier.
Two days later.
Xiaoqing presented housing options.
Now, Lu Changsheng understood local real estate.
Rentals in the East ranged from 60 to 100 Spirit Stones.
Northern rentals were cheaper, between 30 and 80 Spirit Stones.
After evaluating options, Lu Changsheng decided.
He chose a place in the North, near the talisman shop.
A short walk away.
The 400-square-meter rental required five-year terms.
Annual rent was 50 Spirit Stones, payable yearly with a deposit.
He discussed his rental plans with Lu Miaoge and the Second Eldee.
Moving without notice wouldn’t look good.
He cited inviting his wives for a stay.
Preparation meant convenience.
The Second Elder offered a larger space.
But Lu Changsheng declined.
The Elder asked about his choice.
Lu Changsheng showed his selections.
The Elder advised caution.
The next day, Lu Changsheng visited the Azure Cloud Sect’s housing center.
He signed a rental spirit contract, paying 100 Spirit Stones.
The contract granted market residency and entry.
Based on house size, he had three residency permits.
Nonetheless, three felt limited.
Previous identity registrations were non-refundable.
After finalizing his lease, Lu Changsheng returned to White Jade Tower for maids.
Ordinary maids were costly.
Stone prices ranged from several to hundreds.
Feng Jiuniang explained that prices were due to branding.
The Tower guaranteed appearance, demeanor, and loyalty.
Their training included arts and martial skills.
Maid availability was vast, fitting any desire.
Among them were unique ethnic and demon girls.
These maids embodied activated demon traits.
Despite beauty, they were infertile, limiting their role.
Lu Changsheng lamented this.
Ultimately, he spent 116 Spirit Stones on nine distinct maids.
Two were immediately available; delivery was pending for others.
He placed the maids in his new house before moving in with Shao Yuyao and Xiaoqing.