Chapter 2: Deep Affection and Sweetness (Part 1)

Deep Affection (I)

Perhaps he truly held a special devotion to Rou'er. Since her arrival into the household, he had neither taken any concubines nor married a wife.

People were all whispering that Young Master Zhu San would never marry in this lifetime.

If this were anyone else's family, it might have been an insurmountable issue, but for Zhu Tingxu, it was nothing. Although he had his father and the Old Master above him, due to the circumstances of his birth, he had branched off from the main Zhu estate early on. Furthermore, because of his own achievements... in this small corner of the world, he had the final say. Whether he married or not was entirely up to him.

…………

At dinner, Yi'er was once again brought out of Wu Courtyard by her mother. They arrived at the main courtyard of the Zhu residence, Rou Courtyard.

From these names alone, one could see that the affection between Zhu Tingxu and Rou'er was anything but ordinary.

Once everyone was seated, Zhu Tingxu sat in the seat of honor with Rou'er by his side. To their left sat a thirteen-year-old boy, Zhu Yuchun. He and Zhu Yuyan were both born to Rou'er, and Zhu Yuchun was even born before she had officially entered the household.

It was said that there had been a romantic and tumultuous story in between. In any case, because this pair of siblings were born of Rou'er, they were also different from the rest.

This was equally evident from their names.

Although Zhu Tingxu had four children, only these two were recorded in the clan genealogy. Their names even utilized the character "Yu" (Imperial/Jade), whereas the daughters born to Madam Wu and Madam Mei were only single-character names: one Yi, and one Luo.

"Yuchun, how has your learning been at the Clan Academy these past few days?" After dinner, Zhu Tingxu did not dismiss anyone; instead, contrary to his usual habit, he insisted that everyone remain.

Yi'er stood quietly behind Madam Wu, silently observing the scene. It had been three years since she arrived in this world, yet she still could not view these people as her family. To her, her true family were still her master and her sisters. Unfortunately, she feared she would never see them again in this lifetime.

"Father, what they teach in the Clan Academy isn't even as good as what you teach. That martial instructor is only at the ninth level," Zhu Yuchun said with an air of indifference, mixed with a hint of pride. And it wasn't just empty pride—his father was a full eleven levels.

"The instructors in the Clan Academy all have deep foundations. You are only practicing the basics with them, but that is enough. As for other matters, we shall wait until you have solidified your foundation," Zhu Tingxu said, shifting his gaze from Zhu Yuchun's face to his three daughters. Each was sweet and lovely; one was the love of his heart, and the other two were gentle and considerate, never causing him trouble. He couldn't help but feel a sense of smug satisfaction.