TNIBFT -Chapter 78 When I Grow Up, I’ll Protect You

The people kneeling on the ground each had their own thoughts, but their expressions were well-controlled, and they all looked delighted.

Inside the main hall, no one spoke.

Imperial Physician Li’s hands trembled as he carefully removed the silver needles from the Empress, squinting slightly, and casually placed them into a wooden box nearby.

Just as he was about to leave, someone spoke up: “Earlier, when the child was mentioned, Your Majesty reacted strongly.”

“If we can find the child, would His Majesty wake up more quickly?”

“Of course!”

Li stroked his beard and nodded.

“Given the Empress’s condition, stimulating her emotions in this way can be beneficial. If it’s someone she cares about, or something important to her, even better.”

Everyone nodded slightly.

The elderly Chancellor said, “Issue the orders!”

“All personnel hidden within Sifang City are to drop their current duties. The top priority is to find the child. Immediately contact Liu Ruyan’s subordinates and take over the mission. Bring the child back as quickly as possible.”

“Even if we have to gather every child in Sifang City, we must find the right one!”

The Chancellor’s expression was grave as he looked at the two ministers on his right.

The two men clasped their hands in respect and were about to leave when an official in dark red robes stepped forward: “My lord, I find this inappropriate.”

“First, finding the child was a secret mission given to Liu Ruyan by the Empress herself. Acting on our own would be disobeying orders.”

“Second, Liu Ruyan’s people are completely unreachable. If we make a wrong move…”

“Third, we don’t even know the child’s identity, or what the Empress originally intended to do with him.”

Everyone nodded in agreement: “Yes, we just fear the Empress might blame us.”

“Currently, rumors are spreading throughout the Great Zhou, saying that the Empress became pregnant before marriage. This certainly affects her reputation. If it turns out the prince ended up in Daliang and they found out, they wouldn’t let him go easily.”

“This matter must be planned carefully. The Empress will wake in three months, and the decision will be hers then.”

Everyone expressed their opinions.

The elderly Chancellor frowned at them and waved to the two men behind him.

They immediately lowered their heads and retreated to their positions.

No one noticed that the woman on the dragon bed moved her fingers slightly, as if trying to gradually break free of her restraints and fully seize control.

……

Within Sifang City:

In these past few days, Sun Wuji had been following Ye Tian everywhere, refusing to leave.

Thinking that his combat abilities were off the charts and could be useful in the future, Ye Tian didn’t mind. Every day he indulged this old rascal in eating and drinking, and Sun Wuji’s face glowed with satisfaction.

“Kid, what’s for dinner tonight?”

Walking down the street, Sun Wuji bounced along behind Ye Tian.

Right now, his biggest concern was food!

He had no idea how Ye Tian’s mind worked—always coming up with the strangest ways to eat things, leaving him utterly unable to resist.

Ye Tian didn’t look back, holding two kilograms of beef in his right hand. The beef, strung on hemp rope, swung back and forth as he walked.

Sun Wuji rushed forward to help, snatching the beef from Ye Tian: “I’ll take it, I’ll take it. Can’t let you work so hard! You’ve been busy all day; I can’t let you be tired. Why not roast this beef for dinner tonight?”

Sun Wuji held the beef in front of his eyes, his pupils shining, as if he could already smell the aroma of skewered beef.

Ye Tian shot him a sidelong glance, then unceremoniously put his arm around the boy. The old and the young walked shoulder to shoulder down the street. Ye Tian said, “You know, we’re not related by blood, but I’ve been more than fair to you, haven’t I?”

Sun Wuji was momentarily stunned.

Thinking about how Ye Tian had been taking care of him these past few days, and all the fried chicken legs, hamburgers, and fries Ye Tian had made… Sun Wuji nodded vigorously like a pestle pounding rice, saying, “That’s more than enough, of course it’s enough.”

“Then I’ll tell you something—will you agree or not?”

Ye Tian squinted and glanced at Sun Wuji.

Sun Wuji’s eyes darted around. He couldn’t guess what Ye Tian was up to. What if it was something that would make him leave? That way, he wouldn’t be able to see his good disciple.

He craned his neck to sneak a look at Ye Tian, looking troubled.

Ye Tian said, “So… you won’t agree, huh?”

“This batch of Sichuan-style boiled beef slices—you don’t need to eat it. Do you know how it’s made? First, sauté the green onions and ginger until fragrant, then…”

Ye Tian spoke vividly and in detail.

Sun Wuji swallowed and frowned. “Just tell me!”

He crossed his arms, pouting like a sulking schoolboy.

Ye Tian smiled. “Can you teach the eldest and the third child martial arts too? The kids at least call you grandpa. If they know some self-defense techniques, they can protect themselves in these chaotic times. I know your skills are top-notch; you just need to teach them a little. And if any of the kids show talent, you could even become famous!”

“Teaching one is teaching, teaching three at once doesn’t take more time.”

“Don’t try to sweet-talk me.”

Sun Wuji rolled his eyes at Ye Tian.

He had gotten used to a carefree life; even having one disciple was already troublesome, let alone three. Sun Wuji didn’t dare imagine what his life would be like in the future.

But Ye Tian was truly a good father.

He had never seen a father like him. When it came to swordsmanship, Sun Wuji had never respected anyone. But as a father, Ye Tian was absolutely first-rate.

“You little brat… so that’s your goal—getting me to help teach your kids.”

Sun Wuji puffed his beard, glared, but a smile flickered in his eyes. The two didn’t speak anymore as they returned together to Mingfeng Village.

At the village entrance, Ye Tian saw that their house was half-built; the other half still wobbled in the wind and rain. Once the heavy snow stopped, construction would have to speed up. The courtyard walls were low, so from the high ground at the village entrance, he could see everything inside.

At that moment, his daughter was practicing basic sword techniques in the courtyard, holding a small wooden sword and wearing thin clothes.

Truly a gift from heaven!

Though small, with short arms and legs, and without any imposing aura in her moves, she was utterly adorable. Yet the little one was focused, performing every move with precision. The flowing motions left Ye Tian amazed.

Two little pigtails on her head made her look like a tiny Nezha.

Watching his daughter, Ye Tian couldn’t help but smile.

He finally understood what it felt like to be a “daughter slave.” With a daughter this cute, who could resist loving her?

“See that? Your daughter’s way stronger than you!” Sun Wuji said to Ye Tian smugly.

This was his good disciple.

The future Great Sword Saint!

Ye Tian ignored Sun Wuji, his steps quick as he approached the house.

Not wanting to disturb his daughter, Ye Tian didn’t make a sound. He gently pushed open the wooden gate of the courtyard. “Creak!”

At the squeak, Ye Shuangxue’s cheeks flushed red as she turned. Seeing Ye Tian had returned, she casually formed a sword flower with her hands. Her movements were clean and decisive, radiating a sense of heroic grace.

Ye Tian couldn’t hide his amazement. “Daughter, you’re incredible! Just a few days, and you’ve practiced this perfectly? Amazing!”

Ye Tian’s eyes shone. He praised her repeatedly while giving her a thumbs-up.

Ye Shuangxue’s face flushed even more. She lifted her chin, looking adorably proud as she said to Ye Tian, “Of course! You said I’m not as good at studying as my older brother, so naturally, I’ll be better than him at martial arts. You were right. When I grow up, I’ll protect you!”