BDSMST -Chapter 196 Gu Xuan’s “Coming-of-Age Ceremony”

Time passed, and several more years went by.

Woniu Village was no longer the small, sleepy settlement it once had been. It had developed into a thriving town. The large-scale promotion of high-yield crops had turned it into the richest granary in all of Great Xia. Wealth and technology brought back by the long-distance fleets had made its workshops and marketplaces famous throughout the land. Merchants, scholars, and artisans arrived from all directions, settling down and living prosperous lives.

And the children who had once been small toddlers had now grown up.

Gu Xuan was celebrating his tenth birthday.

According to Gu family tradition, a boy’s tenth birthday was a significant milestone, marking the time when he began to shed childishness and take on greater responsibilities. It was more than a birthday; it was a small coming-of-age ceremony.

That day, there was no grand celebration in the Jingxin Garden. It was simply the family gathering together.

Jiang Suishui looked at her eldest son, now almost as tall as she was, and felt a rush of emotions. Over the years, Gu Xuan had changed the most. He was no longer the little boy who only buried himself in mechanical birds. He had followed Gu Yan to the military camp, learning troop formations; he had gone to the docks with Bai Ling’er to participate in new ship designs; he had even organized his “gang of friends” in the capital to build a nationwide intelligence network, collecting information about people’s lives and curiosities.

His features had begun to resemble Gu Yan’s, yet his eyes carried a wisdom and calmness all his own, reflecting a sharp insight into the world.

“Xuan’er, you’re ten now,” Gu Changming said, calling his grandson forward with a kind smile. He had prepared no expensive gift. Instead, he handed Gu Xuan a slightly yellowed copy of The Art of War, carefully transcribed by his own hand.

“This copy of Sunzi Bingfa is a record of my own battlefield insights,” Gu Changming said slowly. “Military strategy is not just about fighting or killing. It teaches judgment, weighing pros and cons, and knowing yourself and your opponent. The path you will walk is far wider than mine. But whatever you do, always remember: the best strategy is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”

Gu Xuan received the book respectfully and bowed deeply to his grandfather. “Your teachings will be remembered, Grandfather.”

Then Gu Yan stepped forward. Looking at his son, his eyes reflected pride, expectation, and a hint of unspoken severity. He removed a short sword from his waist and handed it to Gu Xuan. It was not a divine weapon, only a standard military short sword, its scabbard marked with the wear of time.

“This is not a toy,” Gu Yan said firmly. “This sword was given to me by your grandfather the first time I went to the battlefield. A sword is double-edged: it can harm others, and it can harm yourself. It can protect, and it can kill. I give it to you so that you remember: the strength a man holds is for protecting his family and his land. Before drawing your sword, always ask yourself: why am I drawing it?”

Gu Xuan took the heavy sword, feeling the warmth of his father’s hand through it. He nodded firmly. “Father, I understand.”

It was Jiang Suishui’s turn. She had prepared no tangible gift. She simply opened her arms and gently embraced her son.

Two toddlers—the pink-dressed, pigtail-wearing dragon-phoenix twins—staggered over and clutched their brother’s legs.

“Brother! Birthday!” the little girl squeaked.

“Cake!” the little boy added, drooling.

Gu Xuan laughed, and the previously serious atmosphere instantly became warm and lively.

Jiang Suishui stroked his hair softly. “Grandfather gave you wisdom. Father gave you strength. I have nothing tangible to give. I just want you to know: no matter how big you grow, no matter how far you go, this is always your home. We will always support you in doing what you believe is right.”

She released him, cupping his face, looking earnestly into his eyes.

“You’ve done well, Xuan’er. Whether it’s your mechanical skills or your ‘little spy network,’ you’ve protected us in your own way. You are already a young man.”

Hearing his mother’s praise made Gu Xuan happier than any gift. His cheeks flushed slightly, but his eyes shone brightly.

“Mother, I will become stronger, to protect you, Father, my siblings, and our home,” he said solemnly, word by word, making his promise.

The family gathered around the table, sharing simple longevity noodles and birthday cake. Outside, Woniu Village’s night was peaceful yet bustling, lights twinkling like stars.

Gu Xuan watched the flickering candlelight and suddenly understood: Grandfather’s strategy, Father’s sword, Mother’s embrace—they all point to the same thing: protection. Protection of the hard-won peace and happiness before him.

This was his responsibility, and the path he must walk in the future.

Just then, a guard hurried in and whispered something into Gu Yan’s ear.

Gu Yan’s expression changed slightly. He turned to Jiang Suishui. “Suishui, you and the children eat first. There’s an urgent message from the palace… the Crown Prince… is gravely ill.”