"Dezhao, a gentleman values virtue, with character shining bright."
"Zhao'er is a good name."
Xu Chuan laughed heartily and took Xu Dezhao, making "ge ge ge" sounds to amuse him.
Xu Mingyuan and the others also took turns holding him.
Xu Dezhao's birth meant they were no longer the youngest generation in the family, they were now elders themselves.
With different identities came natural changes in mindset.
That day, Xu Chuan again rewarded the maids, servants, and guards throughout the household with half a month's wages, letting them share in the joy.
At night, the stars were like ink, unclear and indistinct.
Before long, a light drizzle began falling from the sky.
Bai Jing nestled in Xu Chuan's embrace and suddenly looked up at his face.
"I've already instructed him about this matter."
"Yes, but several months have passed without any movement."
Bai Jing's voice carried a trace of resentment as she continued, "Didn't you say the Wu, Fang, Wang, He, and Cao families intend to target our Xu family?"
"I've made inquiries. The Wu family has a young lady in the bloom of youth, the second daughter of the family head's third branch. I heard she's skilled in martial arts. If the two families were to form a marriage alliance, it would solve Ahyuan's lifelong matter and also make the Xu family's position in Qingjiang County more stable. What does husband think?"
"I know wife means well for Ahyuan, but I still hope Ahyuan finds someone he likes."
Bai Jing immediately became displeased, "It's all your fault, requiring them to maintain purity. They're all legitimate sons of a great family, yet don't even have concubine maids. Otherwise, I would have held grandchildren long ago."
"And you have Ahyuan managing such large family businesses at such a young age, while also urging him to diligently practice martial arts. When would he have time to find a wife?"
Xu Chuan could only smile bitterly, holding her and comforting her, "Alright, alright, it's all this husband's fault. We'll do as you say. You go tell Ahyuan yourself."
"Thank you, husband." Seeing Xu Chuan agree, Bai Jing changed her expression, "Husband, shall this wife help you tonight?"
"Your husband prefers to do it himself."
He rolled over on top of Bai Jing, engaging in clouds and rain.
After Bai Jing fell into deep sleep, Xu Chuan summoned the genealogy.
The third page of the genealogy had fully grown, though it was blank. Only after Xu Dezhao dripped blood into the genealogy would his information appear. However, although there was no information, Xu Chuan could sense the destiny talents that had been born.
There were seven in total: [Divine Farmer's Hundred Herbs], [Golden Koi], [Nine Palaces Dao Evolution], [Sword Heart Clarity], [Qi and Blood Furnace], [Swift as Wind, Fast as Lightning], [Penetrating the Obscure and Illuminating the Subtle].
"[Qi and Blood Furnace] is most suitable for the martial Dao, [Swift as Wind, Fast as Lightning] excels at comprehending movement techniques and footwork, greatly increasing speed."
"[Penetrating the Obscure and Illuminating the Subtle] perceives people's hearts and directly sees the essence. This talent cannot be casually given away."
"[Sword Heart Clarity], the sword path doesn't distinguish between martial and immortal Daos, suitable for both. But those obsessed with the sword aren't suitable for managing the family."
"[Divine Farmer's Hundred Herbs], those with this destiny talent are skilled at planting, recognize the properties of hundreds of herbs, and can even refine pills. It's quite compatible with me."
Xu Chuan had specialized in farming since childhood. Under [Heaven Rewards Diligence], he had become a master of agriculture, also skilled at planting.
If he had one more [Divine Farmer's Hundred Herbs], it would definitely be like adding wings to a tiger.
Recognizing the properties of hundreds of herbs, he could research medicinal diet recipes more suitable for assisting martial arts, becoming the family's foundation.
After becoming an immortal cultivator, he could also refine pills for the family.
"[Golden Koi], a fortune aura. Better to leave it for the children and grandchildren."
Xu Chuan shook his head with a smile, feeling he was too greedy.
"[Nine Palaces Dao Evolution], skilled at deducing formations. A great formation can become the foundation for establishing a clan, but it's still a bit early for the current Xu family."
…
The next day, Bai Jing came to Xu Mingyuan's courtyard. He had already risen and was practicing martial arts in his own courtyard.
A servant stood to the side holding a sweat towel, and a maid held a tea cup, waiting to serve Xu Mingyuan after he finished.
"Madam."
Seeing Bai Jing arrive, the servants and maids all bowed.
Hearing the sound, Xu Mingyuan also stopped his movements, turned to look, then smiled, "Mother, why did you come so early? Where's Father?"
"He's also practicing. What has he turned this whole household into? Everyone gets up early and does this."
Bai Jing shook her head with a light sigh.
"Mother, Father leads by example, so naturally his sons follow suit. Would you rather have us brothers act like the young masters of Qingjiang County's aristocratic families?"
"Of course not. I'm just complaining. Mother came over because there's something to tell you."
"Go ahead, Mother."
"I've chosen the second daughter of the Wu family head's second branch for you. In two days, I'll invite the Wu family's wife and the Wu family young lady to visit our Xu residence. You should meet her."
"Have me go view the Wu family young lady?" Xu Mingyuan said with a bitter smile, "Mother, you know the current relationship between the Wu family and our Xu family."
"It's precisely because I know that you should view her. If we form a marriage alliance, it will certainly ease the relationship between us and settle your lifelong matter."
"Does Father know? He promised to let me find someone myself."
Xu Mingyuan could only bring out Xu Chuan, hoping to escape this calamity.
"I knew it would be like this." The corners of Bai Jing's mouth rose, revealing a smug expression, "I asked your father about it last night."
"But..."
"No buts. This matter is settled. I'll notify you when the time comes."
Bai Jing raised her hand to stop him. She knew her second son had a silver tongue and could argue black into white. If she let him speak, within a few sentences, she would probably be persuaded.
Bai Jing directly left Xu Mingyuan's courtyard.
Xu Mingyuan was troubled and agitated. He no longer continued practicing. After wiping his sweat and drinking some tea, he immediately went to find Xu Chuan.
Xu Chuan was currently cultivating the "Five Elements Creation Art."
At yin and mao, face east and swallow green clouds; at si and wu, face south and drink cinnabar; at shen and you, face west and inhale white dew; at hai and zi, face north and sip dark ice; at chen, xu, chou, and wei, guard the yellow court.
This was the Qi Gathering Formula.
Absorbing the five elements, supplementing the deficiencies of spiritual roots, perfecting innate creation.
There was also inner vision contemplation and external scenery communion.
Spring, summer, autumn, winter, practicing ceaselessly through all four seasons.
"Father."
Xu Mingyuan came before Xu Chuan and bowed with cupped hands. Xu Chuan didn't stop his movements or open his eyes, only speaking blandly, "What is it?"
"With Father's wisdom, why ask when you know?"
His voice sounded upset.
Xu Chuan didn't mind and said with a smile, "What harm is there in meeting once? Who told you to be slow?"
"How can matters of the heart come just like that? It requires fate."
"Yes, so fate has arrived."
"Your elder brother and your sister-in-law fell in love at first sight. Do you perhaps want to learn from them?"
"I..."
Xu Mingyuan opened his mouth but didn't know how to refute.
Love at first sight was enviable, but if he truly required that, he might not encounter someone even at thirty or forty.
After all, he was busy with family businesses. Those he met outside were basically family heads of various wealthy merchants and rich households, a bunch of old men. Could he expect to fall in love at first sight with them?
"In your situation, you can only choose someone of suitable family background for viewing." Xu Chuan said, "As for feelings, you can marry first and love later."
"Your mother and I were also like this."
Xu Mingyuan was somewhat speechless.
After a moment, he sighed deeply, "Viewing is fine, but your son has a condition. The final decision rests in your son's hands."
"Naturally so."
"Thank you, Father."
Having secured what he wanted, Xu Mingyuan then went to Xu Mingwei's courtyard and told him about this matter.
Xu Mingwei laughed heartily, "Mother is doing this for your own good."
"The Wu family is indeed a good choice."
"Even elder brother says this. It seems I can't escape."
Xu Mingyuan spread his hands, able only to accept his fate.