Zhuge Guanqi had recently welcomed a daughter, and Hong Lingxue was still in her postpartum confinement. Although they had hired a maternity nurse to care for her, Visa, Hong Lingxue's sworn younger sister, still insisted on coming over every day to help. Long Xiyue had joined her as well.
Hu Xiaotian had barely reached Zhuge Guanqi's gate when he heard a baby crying. Upon entering the courtyard, he saw someone hanging diapers on a clothesline. It was Zhuge Guanqi.
Hu Xiaotian did not disturb him, but stood to one side, watching with a smile. Only after Zhuge Guanqi finished hanging the diapers did he notice Hu Xiaotian's arrival, and he could not help laughing.
Hu Xiaotian smiled. "I've never seen you smile so happily, Brother Guanqi."
"With a daughter, I want for nothing!" Zhuge Guanqi said. "Now I finally understand why so many people willingly become slaves to their daughters. Only after raising a child do you understand your parents' kindness!"
Hearing the happiness brimming in Zhuge Guanqi's words, Hu Xiaotian could not help growing wistful. He had diligently tilled the fields all these years, with so many women in his life, and had never taken any precautions. Yet despite his tireless tilling, he had not harvested a single grain. It probably had something to do with his unusual constitution. Could I be destined to leave no descendants in this lifetime? At that thought, a faint sense of loss stirred in his heart.
Hearing the voices outside, Long Xiyue came out of the room to greet them. The sight of his darling princess immediately brought a knowing smile to Hu Xiaotian's face. This was no place to pour out their hearts, however. Long Xiyue smiled softly, boundless affection shining in her eyes, and said quietly, "You're back!"
Hu Xiaotian nodded.