TNIBFT -Chapter 295 Living Off One’s Children

A scumbag?

To prevent his only daughter from being deceived, Ye Tian often told Ye Shuangxue stories about scumbag men.

And now this little girl was actually calling him one?

It felt like thunder exploded in Ye Tian’s mind.

He looked at his daughter in a daze. He loved all three children, but deep down, he paid a bit more attention to the second one—this stubborn little one. After all, most men are daughters’ slaves, and his daughter was especially unique.

Sensing Ye Tian’s gaze, Ye Shuangxue tightly shut her eyes. One small hand clutched the blanket, and she even scooted toward Ye Yunting’s side, deliberately keeping her distance from Ye Tian.

This…

Ye Tian was speechless.

The eldest shrugged, his little face saying he couldn’t help. Ye Yunting simply turned over and went straight to sleep.

Ye Tian lay there, completely petrified. The three children all pretended to be asleep, staying as far away from him as possible.

A grown man… getting ostracized by a bunch of little kids?

“What about the Tianshan snow lotus and cordyceps? I’ve already prepared them—won’t they expire?”

Xiao Jiang spoke leisurely with his eyes closed.

Ye Tian’s lips twitched.

Ye Shuangxue added, “I’ll contribute a chest of gold ingots!”

“Master said gold is the most valuable!”

“I’m a bit poor, but I have two rare calligraphy paintings. I can offer them as Father’s betrothal gifts!” the eldest followed up.

The children’s enthusiasm was impossible to refuse.

If word got out, Ye Tian would probably be laughed at—needing his three children’s support just to get married.

But being able to enjoy filial support from his children ahead of time wasn’t something everyone was lucky enough to have.

As long as he felt at ease, there was no sweetness he couldn’t enjoy.

Ye Tian said, “Then I’ll leave it to you.”

“Whether your father can get a wife depends entirely on the three of you!”

With that, Ye Tian lay down.

Immediately, Ye Shuangxue moved closer and hugged his arm.

Xiao Jiang hugged his leg.

Ye Yunting placed one foot on Ye Tian’s stomach.

Ye Tian’s lips curled into a smile as he shook his head helplessly.

…

Early the next morning.

Just as Ye Tian finished washing up, Duan Qingshan followed behind him and whispered, “No one approached the cannons last night. Zhu Zhongyi sat on the city wall all night. That kid… I really didn’t see that coming.”

Ye Tian was about to hang up his towel when he heard this and smiled faintly.

Zhu Zhongyi might be rebellious, but that didn’t mean he lacked a sense of responsibility.

At seventeen or eighteen, it was exactly the age when one would give everything—even their life—for someone who truly recognized them. With just a bit of acknowledgment, he would fight for you without hesitation.

“Boss, you really have a keen eye for talent!” Duan Qingshan flattered him while secretly observing Ye Tian’s reaction.

Seeing no response, he hesitated, then finally couldn’t hold back. Cupping his fists, he said, “Boss, I’ve noticed Fang Shenghu has been getting all lovey-dovey with my sister every day, but he never brings up marriage.”

“I’m not trying to badmouth him, but he’s already been married five times and is now an old widower. Doesn’t he understand basic propriety?”

“That’s just not right. I think he’s doing it on purpose.”

Duan Qingshan’s face turned livid, his teeth clenched in anger.

Ye Tian asked, “So, what do you want to do?”

“Grant them a marriage!”

Duan Qingshan answered immediately, “As long as you give the order, Fang Shenghu wouldn’t dare refuse!”

“My sister has already suffered enough… and she’s wholeheartedly devoted…”

Before he could finish, Old Yang came running over in a hurry.

“Boss!”

“Boss, bad news—Lin Xianzhong is back again!”

After speaking, Old Yang turned to glance at Duan Qingshan beside him. Seeing Duan Qingshan avoiding his gaze with a flicker in his eyes, Old Yang rolled his eyes in disdain—this guy was definitely talking behind his back again.

The position of Great General had already been handed over to him, yet he still played dirty tricks all day long.

“What should we do today?”

Duan Qingshan frowned and looked at Ye Tian.

Old Yang fell silent for a moment, then awkwardly turned to Ye Tian. “Boss, um… you should go take a look at the city wall. The people heard Lin Xianzhong is back, and they’re acting like it’s New Year—heading to the gates with rotten vegetables and smelly eggs in hand.”

Ye Tian: …

There weren’t enough cannons.

Yesterday, they managed to force Lin Xianzhong back because of the element of surprise. It had been pitch dark, and the soldiers’ fear caused widespread chaos and trampling.

But Lin Xianzhong’s troops were experienced and brave—this time, they wouldn’t panic like last night.

Today would likely be a hard-fought battle.

Ye Tian said, “Send orders to Zhu Heyu. The elite troops trained this month can be deployed now. Make sure all their equipment and weapons are issued.”

“Yes!”

Duan Qingshan cupped his fists and hurried off.

Ye Tian instructed Sun Wuji to watch over the three children, then mounted his horse and sped toward the city gate with Old Yang.

The streets were packed with people.

Many citizens were overjoyed, and some men even brought farm tools and kitchen knives from home.

Someone in the crowd shouted, “The City Lord is here!”

“Quick, pay respects to the City Lord!”

With one person taking the lead, countless citizens immediately knelt on both sides of the street, prostrating themselves before Ye Tian, their expressions filled with gratitude and reverence.

Ye Tian frowned, tightened the reins, and said, “Today, Sifang City faces a great battle. If we repel the enemy, the whole city will celebrate together. If both sides suffer losses, I, Ye Tian, still guarantee that no civilians will be harmed. The battle is urgent—everyone, please return home and wait safely.”

Just as his words fell—

A thunderous, orderly sound of marching footsteps came from behind, accompanied by shouted commands and whistles.

The citizens were stunned.

A group of men in fitted uniforms appeared. Their clothing was simpler, yet each of them had resolute eyes and stood like iron towers, exuding an aura as solid as steel. As soon as these soldiers appeared, the crowd instinctively stepped back, their faces filled with awe.

Zhu Heyu cupped his fists. “City Lord, the new elite unit has fully assembled.”

Ye Tian nodded, scanning them from atop his horse. These were recruits trained according to modern standards—their morale was clearly different.

Unlike the regular garrison troops, this elite unit was equipped with weapons and gear designed by Ye Tian. Each of them could fight ten enemies alone.

Raise an army for a thousand days, use it in one!

Today was the moment to test them.

Ye Tian pulled the reins and rode off at full speed with Old Yang.

The citizens whispered nervously:

“These people are so strange!”

“They look like fierce tigers descending the mountain… are these really our Sifang City soldiers?”

“I heard they’re newly trained elites by the City Lord. They look far stronger than the Great Zhou soldiers…”

—

Below the city walls:

Lin Xianzhong stood in armor, his gaze complicated as he looked up at Sifang City.

He was conflicted.

Originally a surrendered general, if he surrendered to Ye Tian again, his reputation would be completely ruined. His grip on the reins tightened until his knuckles turned white. But when he thought of the Empress, he let out a long sigh.

If he didn’t surrender, he would probably die.

Spies had already infiltrated his side—did he even have a choice?

“Beat the drums!”

Lin Xianzhong gave the order. Immediately, a deputy galloped off to relay it. Soon, war drums thundered across the battlefield, their rapid rhythm stirring blood and tension alike.

Ye Tian stood atop the city wall, looking down from above.

Below, the army stretched endlessly—ancient warfare relied on sheer numbers. On Ye Tian’s side, the artillery units were already in position. War burned through silver like fire—painful, but unavoidable.

On the other side, Lin Xianzhong rode forward alone.

“General?”