Chapter 124: The Foolish Su Fan

Tao Ming lay face down on the table, eyes closed, resting. “You were the one who made me leave that day.”

“Mom, I want Grandpa to take me flying. Can I?” Softsoft wasn’t tired at all, full of energy.

Tao Ming replied listlessly, “Father, Mother, you two take them out to play. I’ll lie down for a bit longer.”

Qin Sihao noticed the weariness on Tao Ming’s face and asked, “It was only one night. Why are you so exhausted?”

“It’s the heart that’s tired.” At this moment, Tao Ming just wanted a good sleep. The Qin residence was safe, there were people to watch the children, and most importantly, Su Nanxing was not around—no one would disturb her.

The Seventh Prince obediently picked up Softsoft and headed out. “Go rest. When you wake up, we’ll have a good talk.”

“Thanks!” Tao Ming got up and returned to the side room. She lay down on the bed and quickly fell asleep.

At the Su residence.

As soon as Su Nanxing entered the main gate, the steward stopped him. Su Yanfeng was waiting in the grand study.

Su Nanxing could only entrust Wen Youfang and his mother to the steward and let them stay in the guest quarters for the time being.

Su Yanfeng sat in the main seat, with all the Su brothers present without exception.

After Su Nanxing took his seat, Su Yanfeng spoke: “Seventeen, tell us everything you know in detail.”

Su Nanxing carefully recounted all he could say. After listening, Su Yanfeng was silent for a moment. Then, he glanced around at everyone and said, “What do you think? The women imprisoned by the Celestial Emperor in the palace—could they be connected to the Holy Temple?”

“Father, there’s no use in talking more.” Su Luo was the first to speak.

Su Nanxing’s expression remained calm, but his heart was conflicted. Should he tell them about the teleportation array between the Holy Temple and the palace?

No, better not. The Sacred Mountain now belonged to Tao Ming; they could investigate and handle it gradually later.

Su Pei, having stayed at the Holy Temple all night, harbored many doubts. He spoke up, “Father, if the palace women are connected to the Holy Temple, it’s likely the Celestial Emperor has slipped beyond our control.”

Su Yanfeng nodded slightly, encouraging him to continue.

“The palace is under constant surveillance; entries and exits are checked. It’s nearly impossible to smuggle in a living person, let alone a sack of grain. So how did those women get inside the palace?”

After finishing, Su Pei glanced thoughtfully at Su Nanxing. Seeing him with his head down, distracted, he asked, “Seventeen, have you and your wife discovered anything?”

“What?” Su Nanxing looked up, feigning alertness upon hearing his name.

Su Pei repeated the question.

“You know Mingming’s abilities are limited. What could she possibly discover? I’ve only been concerned about her safety and haven’t investigated thoroughly.” Su Nanxing resolved not to reveal the secret of the teleportation array.

Su Yanfeng stroked his beard. “The Sacred Mountain is now under the Qin family’s management. We have already missed the opportunity.”

“Father, the Sacred Mountain belongs to Mingming, which means it belongs to me. Ultimately, it’s still the Su family’s. Once we finish the wedding, we’ll go to the Sacred Mountain and investigate properly.” Su Nanxing knew Su Yanfeng would not give up easily. He wanted to give him a glimmer of hope while preparing to take control there first.

Su Yanfeng’s expression softened considerably. “That sounds reasonable.”

Su Yang saw Su Yanfeng’s improved mood and called out, “Father.”

Su Yanfeng looked at Su Yang, a constant headache. Nineteen was troublesome—poor aptitude, fond of play, and had no filter on his mouth. Although Seventeen was playful too, he was intelligent and advanced rapidly in cultivation, just overly doting on his wife. Sigh.

“Nineteen, what do you want?” Su Yanfeng tried to treat everyone fairly.

Su Yang didn’t want to miss the chance. “Father, Seventeen’s wife plans to teach me the otherworldly language. I think the other brothers should learn it too. What do you think?”

Su Pei eagerly chimed in, “Father, I know about this too and want to learn from Seventeen’s wife.”

“Seventeen, what’s going on?” Su Yanfeng asked, seeing Su Nanxing’s reluctant face.

Su Nanxing snapped, “Learn what? Why not just behave and stay in Weishui?”

“Seventeen, you can’t stop it. Sister-in-law has already agreed.” Su Yang was triumphant.

Su Yanfeng looked surprised. “Nineteen, what have you done this time?”

“Father, it was her idea. I just cooperated.” Su Yang quickly hid his smug expression.

Su Nanxing was about to explode. He strode over and grabbed Su Yang by the neck: “If you keep talking nonsense, you’ll spend the rest of your life bedridden!”

Su Yang grabbed Su Nanxing’s hand, “What did I say? It really was her idea—I have three witnesses!”

Su Nanxing tightened his grip. Su Yang shouted, “I was the one who initiated it, alright? Sister-in-law was forced by me, alright?”

Su Pei laughed heartily, “Nineteen, if you keep this up, Seventeen will strangle you for sure.”

The other Su brothers exchanged glances, all eager to watch the show.

“Su Pei! Don’t mock me. You were there too!” Su Yang felt the grip on his neck tighten but still didn’t understand what he’d done wrong.

Su Pei quickly intervened, “Seventeen, it wasn’t just me. Qin Yunjue and Qin Yunqi were also present. It was really sister-in-law who brought up teaching Nineteen the otherworldly language.”

“I’m not lying! It was sister-in-law’s idea.” Su Yang added excitedly.

Su Nanxing released his grip and gave Su Yang a hard pat on the back of his head. “You’re so stupid, why learn the otherworldly language? First master the Weishui dialect!”

“Knowing I’m stupid and still hitting my head?” Su Yang rubbed his scalp, helpless.

Su Nanxing returned to his seat, looked around, and said, “Some of the Qin family members have already started learning the otherworldly language. If any of you want to learn, tell me—I’ll ask Mingming.”

The Su brothers eagerly expressed their willingness to learn.

“Since you all want to learn, let me be clear: Mingming will only teach you when she has time. When you learn, behave yourselves and don’t take her lightly.” Thinking of all the people Tao Ming would have to teach, Su Nanxing felt the time he could spend holding his wife would shrink even more, which deeply displeased him.

Seeing everyone quiet, Su Yanfeng spoke up, “I called you all here to discuss the Sacred Mountain. Why all this fuss?”

“Father, the Sacred Mountain will belong to the Su family sooner or later. No need to rush.” Su Nanxing began to whine and act spoiled.

Looking at Su Nanxing’s face, Su Yanfeng had no patience left. He waved his hand: “Alright, disperse. From now on, the fourth and fifth brothers will handle things here. The rest should all learn the otherworldly language from Seventeen’s wife.”

Su Luo and Su Hong said in unison, “Father, we want to learn too.”

“Learn, learn, learn. Go learn. You all give me headaches.” Su Yanfeng waved again.

Su Nanxing walked up to his father, pouting. “Father, how’s the betrothal gift for Mingming coming along?”

Su Yanfeng stood and began to walk out. “Come with me. Your mother should have it ready.”

“Father, first come with me to see a patient,” Su Nanxing said, still thinking about Wen Youfang’s mother’s illness.

Su Yanfeng looked puzzled. “A patient? You want me to intervene?”

“Father, when it comes to medical skills, no one in all of Weishui can compare to you.”

...

Wen Youfang and his mother were arranged to stay in the guest quarters. The steward sent several servants to attend to the old lady. Finally, Wen Youfang could relax, take a bath, and change clothes.

At this moment, Wen Youfang was sitting by the bed waiting to administer medicine when someone called from outside, “Housemaster, Seventh Young Master.”

Wen Youfang stood just as Su Nanxing entered, accompanied by a middle-aged man.

Su Nanxing introduced, “This is my father, a master of medicine.”

Wen Youfang was deeply moved to meet the head of the Su family. He composed himself and gave a respectful junior bow. “I have long admired the great name of the Su family head. I am Wen Youfang.”

Su Yanfeng sized up Wen Youfang. Seeing his frail figure and weak spirit, he thought he was ill and reached out his hand. “Mr. Wen, allow me to take your pulse.”