Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts

Hearing that the First Madams of both the Xu and Qin households had arrived, Chen Suya was startled. She quickly walked to the door, opened it, and greeted them with a bow.

"Your humble servant greets the First Madam and Madam Qin."

"Hmm." The Xu household's First Madam, Wang Feng, responded coldly with a slight nod.

"There's no need for such courtesy, Fifth Madam," said Madam Qin with a gentle smile. Compared to Wang Feng's aloof demeanor, Madam Qin seemed much more approachable.

"Since I've just finished my confinement period, I decided to bring Qingwan to the Xu household for a little outing," Madam Qin said. "While wandering through the rear courtyard, I heard that the Fifth Madam resides here. Though we haven't met before, it's such a rare coincidence that you, I, and Sister Wang all gave birth on the same day. I thought it would be nice to come and see you and the young master. I hope we're not intruding."

"Madam Qin, you're too kind. It's an honor for Ming'er to have you and the First Madam visit. Please, both of you, come inside." Chen Suya quickly stepped aside to let them in.

"Then we'll impose," Madam Qin said with a smile, turning to her maids. "Wait outside. The three of us will have a private chat."

"Yes, Madam," the maids replied respectfully, retreating and gently closing the door behind them.

"Please, First Madam, Madam Qin, have a seat," Chen Suya said, pouring tea for the two ladies. Then, without daring to sit herself, she walked to the bed, picked up Xu Ming, and stood beside the two women.

"Suya, take a seat," Madam Qin gestured kindly.

"I wouldn't dare," Chen Suya replied, holding Xu Ming and lowering her head in deference.

"What's there to fear? You're part of the Xu household, and I'm from the Qin household. Our families have long been closely tied. We're not outsiders. If you keep being so formal, I might get upset," Madam Qin said, feigning annoyance.

Chen Suya glanced timidly at Wang Feng.

"The Madam Qin has asked you to sit. You may do so," Wang Feng said indifferently.

"Thank you. I'll take the liberty then," Chen Suya said softly, finally sitting down next to Madam Qin after receiving Wang Feng's approval.

She adjusted Xu Ming in her arms, allowing him to get a clear look at the two First Madams.

Madam Qin wore a simple white gown that cinched at the waist, accentuating her slender, willow-like figure. Sitting gracefully in her chair, the dress clung slightly to her curves, enhancing her elegance. She had captivating peach blossom eyes, a delicate nose, and lips like a cherry blossom, pursed as if holding a lake of spring water. The combination of her dignified demeanor and stunning beauty was so mesmerizing that even Xu Ming, who had grown numb to modern internet influencers, found himself momentarily dazed.

In Madam Qin's arms was a delicate little girl with porcelain-like skin. Though only a month old, her peach blossom eyes were already beginning to take shape. She gazed at Xu Ming with bright, curious eyes and even reached out to him, babbling joyfully.

Turning his attention to Wang Feng, Xu Ming found her less impressive. While she wasn't unattractive, her sharp chin gave her an air of meanness, and her perpetually sour expression made it seem as though someone owed her a fortune in gold.

In Wang Feng's arms, the eldest Xu daughter was sleeping soundly.

Xu Ming felt no resentment toward the little girl who shared his milk. After all, what would a child know? Naturally, she'd eat wherever there was milk.

But as for Wang Feng, Xu Ming wished he could use his tiny foot to kick her right in the backside!

"Ming'er is so handsome. He'll surely grow up to be a fine man—wise enough to govern and counsel rulers, and brave enough to defend the borders," Madam Qin said with a smile, her jade-like fingers gently pinching Xu Ming's cheek.

"Sister Qin, you flatter him," Wang Feng interjected with a sly smile. "But you know the laws of the Wu Kingdom—illegitimate sons aren't allowed to take the imperial exams, so governing and advising rulers is out of the question. As for defending the borders, not everyone can be like the Duke of Xu or the Duke of Qin. And given the dangers of the battlefield, I doubt Sister Chen would be willing to part with him."

Her words, though cloaked in civility, were barbed with malice.

Chen Suya lowered her head respectfully. "Thank you for Madam Qin's kind words. However, the First Madam is right. Ming'er, as a child born of a concubine, cannot participate in the imperial examinations.

As for defending the nation, I've never even considered it. If Ming'er can grow up safe and healthy, that's all I could ever hope for. Being born into the Xu household, with a life of comfort and plenty, is already a great blessing.

In comparison, Miss Qingwan and Miss Xuenuo will surely grow up to be stunning beauties. Who knows, they might even be chosen by prestigious sects, becoming celestial maidens capable of traversing the heavens and captivating the world."

"Prestigious sects? Traversing the heavens? Celestial maidens?"

Xu Ming was momentarily stunned. So this is a high-fantasy martial world?

Madam Qin glanced at Wang Feng beside her, then at Chen Suya, and sighed. "Indeed, peace and safety are what matter most. But alas, neither the Xu nor Qin households have produced even a single scholar for generations. As for martial achievements, there hasn't been a general from either family.

Thankfully, we still have our inherited noble titles to protect our wealth and status. The younger generation is lucky to secure minor court positions. Sometimes, I wish Qingwan were born a boy. Then she could join the military, serve the nation, and silence the gossip about our families."

Wang Feng smiled faintly. "Sister Qin, what are you saying? Isn't Second Uncle currently cultivating in the Xuanyu Sword Sect? Once he descends the mountain, he'll undoubtedly take on a key position in the Ministry of War."

"That's true," Madam Qin nodded with a forced smile. However, Xu Ming caught a trace of reluctance in her expression.

Just then, Wang Feng's daughter, Xu Xuenuo, woke up and began crying.

Chen Suya fed Xu Xuenuo, conveniently ending the conversation.

Not long after, the two First Madams departed.

Fortunately, Chen Suya's milk supply was unusually sufficient that day. Even after feeding the First Madam's daughter, she was still able to feed Xu Ming until he was full.

Lying on the bed with Xu Ming in her arms, Chen Suya gradually fell asleep.

Looking at his mother, Xu Ming resumed kicking his legs under the covers.

This is a world where cultivation exists. I need to be even more disciplined!

It's decided—I'll kick 200 times tonight.

[Strength +1.]

[Strength +1.]

[Strength +1.]

Xu Ming kicked with such vigor that the bed began to wobble slightly.

In her sleep, Chen Suya felt her precious child moving. She opened her eyes groggily and saw him lifting both legs, kicking the thin blanket repeatedly. The blanket fluttered like a handkerchief under his relentless kicks.

For a moment, Chen Suya wondered if she was dreaming. She rubbed her eyes and looked again.

Her precious baby was lying quietly beside her, breathing steadily, with the blanket neatly covering him.

Chen Suya stared at her child in confusion. "Am I so tired that I'm seeing things?"