Xiao Ho was conferred the title of Marchioness Wei Yuan. This was acknowledged by the Royal Family, and in the future she would receive a stipend.

When she was sent back to the bridal chamber again, she felt it was too cumbersome and troublesome. Sitting on the bed to cultivate, she then calmed down.

She skipped lunch, and Xiao Huan came to deliver dinner, but it was too greasy, so Xiao Ho only had a few bites.

In the evening, Lu Anning came in reeking of alcohol. There was also a set of complex rituals. After everything was over and outsiders had left, the subordinates arranged hot water.

After freshening up, Xiao Ho entered the bedroom, and by this time Lu Anning had returned as well.

When there were just the two of them left, Lu Anning simply said a word of arrangement, embraced Xiao Ho, and lay down.

This time, the feeling made Xiao Ho realize it was completely different from those beasts.

Lu Anning was truly satisfied, being a military general with a strong physique; even his concubines couldn’t handle him. Today he finally experienced the pleasure within.

When a man is satisfied in this area, everything else seems satisfactory.

Now, his heart was full of Xiao Ho, who was beautiful enough and could attend to him, what more could he wish for?

The next day during tea offering, the old lady could tell from her son’s appearance that he was very satisfied.

A mother needs only for her son to be satisfied to be happy. Now, she hoped the two would be affectionate and give her many grandchildren.

Days went by like this, with Lu Anning spending every day with Xiao Ho. The old lady was naturally even more delighted watching this situation.

Nowadays, Xiao Ho cultivated during the day, with Lu Anning visiting every evening. She didn’t want him to know she was a cultivator.

A month later, Lu Anning felt he could no longer do without Xiao Ho.

Seeing them so affectionate, the concubines were displeased, relying on their bestowed positions, they acted passive-aggressively in front of Xiao Ho.

Xiao Ho didn’t want to engage with them and treated it as mere entertainment.

By now, autumn had arrived. That day, the old lady sent a maid to invite Xiao Ho over.

The marriage had been three months long. Spending every day together, the old lady grew anxious.

Of her own accord, she invited the doctor to examine Xiao Ho.

She already knew she was pregnant; as a cultivator, she could inspect internally.

After feeling her pulse, the doctor congratulated the couple.

This was a great joy for Wei Yuan Marquis Mansion, known for its sparse family tree, now finally hopeful. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

Lu Anning returned, already aware of the good news.

That night he wanted to enter Xiao Ho’s room but was stopped by the old lady, who directly told the young couple, "Don’t bother Xiao Ho, go find someone else."

The old lady said this to observe Xiao Ho’s reaction.

She maintained the same expression.

Lu Anning went to a concubine’s room, but felt it was not right, and quickly went to the study.

Now, alone in the room, Xiao Ho felt at peace like water; the spiritual energy in her meridians felt particularly smooth; cultivation at night was more comfortable.

Though she hadn’t advanced, she felt content.

The following day, Lu Anning still came over.

"It’s inconvenient for me here. You should go find them."

"Is this really what you mean?" Lu Anning asked squinting his eyes.

"No, I’m just unable now, go and rest in the study."

Lu Anning chuckled, stood up, "Alright, I’ll go to the study, I’ll be waiting for you there."

The old lady, knowing the situation, said nothing; she preferred her son not to get too close to the concubines.

Three months later, the doctor came again to congratulate the old lady. "Madam, it’s twins, and everything is especially good."

Xiao Ho had known long before. She visualized Qi Hao and Qi Xuan every day, hoping for two smart and sensible children.

The old lady was overjoyed, rewarding the doctor handsomely and giving Xiao Ho many wonderful things, increasingly satisfied.

This daughter-in-law was indeed quiet, rarely chatted or claimed to be filial, yet her son loved her, and now pregnant with twins — how could she not be happy?

Qing Chun returned, hearing the news, visited Xiao Ho, then cautiously asked his grandmother, "Will you favor the little brothers when they’re born?"

The old lady embraced the eldest grandson, laughing, "Our Qing Chun will be the future Marquis Wei Yuan, grandpa and grandma always love you the most."

With this assurance, Lu Qingchun felt relieved, despite frequent inquiries about his stepmother and little brothers, which displeased him.

Now that grandma had spoken, he felt at ease.

During the New Year, Xiao Ho’s belly was already large, the family dined together.

That night Lu Anning did not return to the study but embraced the heavily pregnant clothes to sleep.

Men, especially military generals, generally avoid sharing a bed with pregnant women, but Lu Anning longed for his wife.

"I may go to the border when spring comes."

"Which border?"

"The southern one."

After pondering, Xiao Ho said, "If I give birth, I’ll bring them along with you." Thinking it would be quieter there.

Lu Anning was moved. "Xiao Ho, life at the border is too harsh."

"It’s alright, I’ll still go with you."

Life at the Marquis Mansion didn’t please her; she preferred it outside, and she wanted to nurture the two children herself. At the Mansion, she might not have that status.

"Convince your mother, and I’ll bring the children and accompany you, don’t worry, I know some medicine and martial arts, I’ll protect them well."

"Xiao Ho, that place is too dangerous."

"No worries, I can absolutely ensure the safety of the three of us mother and sons."

Of course, Lu Anning was willing, having his wife accompany him was wonderful.

The next day, he discussed the matter with his parents.

Old Marquis Wei Yuan agreed. The old lady said, "Leave the children here, having Xiao Ho accompany you makes me more at ease."

"Mom, I want the children with me too. Let Qing Chun stay with you, I’ll protect the three of them well."

The old lady didn’t agree, nor did she refuse.

During the first lunar month, Lu Anning was glued to Xiao Ho, impeding her cultivation, leaving only nighttime once he slept for practice.

Now with twins, she felt overwhelmed yet sensed these children surely possessed spirit roots, of unknown type, but certainly there.

Fortunately, they were boys; otherwise, Xiao Ho wouldn’t know how to handle it, fearing they’d end up like her.

With two sons, she could confidently teach them. In the future, given opportunities, she’d send them to the Cultivation World.

On the night of the fourteenth day of the first lunar month, Xiao Ho went into labor.

Lu Anning was terribly frightened, fearing Xiao Ho might meet the fate of Qing Chun’s mother; this woman was already in his heart and couldn’t risk any mishap.

Midwives and such were already prepared. Xiao Ho was rather nervous, inspecting the two children internally, soothing them with spiritual power.