The words "wicked mother-in-law" came out of Zishan’s mouth, and both Ji Mingzhu and Xie Yunzhen were stunned.

"Where did you learn that phrase?"

Over the years, Princess An He has sent a lot of things to Yanzhou.

In the mansion, Ji Mingzhu was the only female owner, no conflicts between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, so naturally, she wouldn’t bad-mouth Princess An He without any reason.

Every time they received something, she would tell the siblings that their grandmother loves them dearly.

She reminded them to respect their elders in the future.

Ji Mingzhu had never uttered such words as "wicked mother-in-law."

Zishan looked at Zimu.

Zimu responded promptly, "I heard Uncle Xi say it. He said that Little Uncle writes to him every month reminding him to be kind to Aunt Liu, or he’ll teach him a lesson, like a wicked mother-in-law!"

After Xi Yu and Liu Xu got engaged, they moved out of the General Mansion.

Due to business reasons, the two of them set up a residence in Yanzhou.

The residence was spacious, a three-entry courtyard, very suitable for just the two of them.

After they married, Liu Xu continued her business.

Xi Yu still practiced medicine far and wide but never went too far.

Sometimes, he would assess the local conditions along the way. If suitable for business, he would bridge connections for Liu Xu with local officials and merchants.

Compared to Ji Mingzhu and Xie Yunzhen, Liu Xu and Xi Yu were more the type of couple spending long periods apart.

But their feelings for each other seemed to only get better.

Whether a marriage is happy can be reflected in the parties involved. Now, Liu Xu always appeared radiant and in better shape than before.

Upon hearing Xi Yu speak irresponsibly in front of his own child, Xie Yunzhen’s face turned dark.

Ji Mingzhu had no doubt that if Xi Yu were here, the man might resort to violence...

Zimu giggled, "Mom, Dad’s face is hilarious."

Xie Yunzhen feigned the threat of a spank, "Even dare to mock your dad? You little rascal."

Zimu, agile, leaped into Ji Mingzhu’s arms and buried her head in her chest.

Her head turned away, as if by doing so she could avoid everything.

Xie Yunzhen’s eyes twinkled with amusement, gently patting the little girl’s back, "Only learned naughty things, didn’t learn anything good."

Zimu loudly protested, "We are concerned for Mom, that’s why we fear grandma could be a wicked mother-in-law."

Zishan nodded along.

Wicked mothers-in-law were scary. Brother Xi Wang’s grandmother often gave his mom a hard time.

For a moment, Xie Yunzhen was at a loss for words.

After all, Mingzhu had been troubled numerous times by elders back then...

The relationship between Ji Mingzhu and Princess An He was somewhat delicate. She hadn’t forgotten the past hurt, and Princess An He couldn’t quite let go of her status to sincerely accept her.

It was solely because of Xie Yunzhen, Zimu, and Zishan that they were forced to get along peacefully.

Nowadays, Princess An He no longer makes things difficult for her, and she is unwilling to dig up past grievances, disrupting the current peace.

She patted the little one’s head, "Mom won’t let herself suffer, but still, thank you for your concern. Grandmother likes you both, so spend more time with her."

The two little ones seemed to understand yet not.

Finally, Zimu declared, "Whoever bullies Mom, I’ll dislike them."

Zishan, unwilling to be outdone, also snuggled up to Ji Mingzhu, "I’ll protect Mom."

Ji Mingzhu, feeling blissfully happy, clutched the two little ones in her embrace.

She kissed their little cheeks, "Mom was a bit uneasy, but with you around, I’m not afraid anymore."

Her words instantly sparked protective instincts and a sense of responsibility in the little ones.

They exchanged a glance and, as if by agreement, hugged Ji Mingzhu tightly.

"No one can bully Mom."

Zishan turned to look at Xie Yunzhen, "Even Dad can’t."

Xie Yunzhen clicked his tongue, feeling unjustly accused, "When did I bully your mom? Don’t twist the truth."

Zishan looked very serious, "You two fight at night. Mom can’t win against you; she’s cried."

Ji Mingzhu’s face turned beet red, she dared not look into the little one’s eyes.

Her mind raced, trying to figure out when the kids overheard.

After turning two, they moved to the courtyard room next to the main house, with maids and old servants watching them through the night.

Xie Yunzhen was also taken aback.

Forcing calmness, "We were just playing around, your mom pretends to cry, just like when you and your sister act stubborn and pretend-cry to fool people."

Zishan, half-believing, half-doubting, "Really?"

Xie Yunzhen cleared his throat, "When did Dad lie to you?"

As he finished, Ji Mingzhu gave him a meaningful look.

Taking advantage of the kids being young and naive, he did bluff them quite often back in the day.

Xie Yunzhen met Mingzhu’s gaze, also slightly embarrassed.

Silently deciding that he’ll ask the two little ones to move farther away once they return to Yanzhou.

So they don’t overhear things they shouldn’t during the night if they’re being mischievous and not sleeping well.

Zishan was uncertain if what his father said was true or not, so he sternly reminded him, "Don’t bully my mom."

Xie Yunzhen touched his nose, intentionally teasing him, "And if I do?"

Looking down at the little one, "Can you even hit me?"

Zishan, red with rage.

Grabbing Ji Mingzhu’s hand, he loudly declared, "Mom has lots of silver; we’ll go buy a big house outside and not let you live with us!"

Xie Yunzhen couldn’t handle this talk.

He grabbed the cheeky boy, "Trying to take my wife and run away, you really must want a spanking!"

Zishan wasn’t easily intimidated, his little mouth chattering, "I’ll have Mom get me a new Dad!"

This was one thing Ji Mingzhu wouldn’t reply to.

Otherwise, she would be the one to suffer.

Clutching her daughter, she quietly shifted away, not wanting to be collateral damage.

Xie Yunzhen felt like hitting someone.

He really gave the cheeky lad a light flick on his forehead, "Keep up these absurd ideas, and I’ll show you why Father’s authority cannot be challenged!"

Zishan clutched his forehead, looking aggrieved.

"Uncle Chang An is much better. If you don’t want me, you can send me to him; I’ll go be his son."

After going through so much, Yuan Changan didn’t choose to enter officialdom.

Because of what he discovered, contributing greatly, Yangzhou’s rebel allies were eradicated.

His contributions to the court were significant.

The Emperor bestowed countless gold, silver, and treasures upon the Yuan Family. Additionally, personally inscribing a plaque for a loyal and righteous family, sending it to Yangzhou.

The Yuan Family was always known for their integrity and good reputation.

Now they’ve risen even higher.

Not long ago, Yuan Changan went on a tour, passed through Yanzhou, and took the opportunity to visit the two children at the manor.

He was carefree and unrestrained, yet carried himself elegantly, which kids adored.

Especially Zishan.

Wishing he could immediately leave with Yuan Changan to tour the mountains and waters.

If not for Xie Yunzhen capturing him in time, Yuan Changan would really have taken him.

To Xie Yunzhen, Yuan Changan was always a lurking threat, feeling that guy secretly watched their family. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

That if he ever deviated or had an accident, Yuan Changan would immediately take his wife and children away.

At this moment, hearing Zishan claim to prefer Yuan Changan more made Xie Yunzhen feel a twinge of envy.

This was his son, how could he favor Yuan Changan?

"Fine, go be his son."

His tone was too sour, coupled with that pitiful expression, Zishan couldn’t bring himself to go against him anymore.

He earnestly reassured him, "You are my dad."

Xie Yunzhen’s mouth curled but immediately tensed up, "I am not."

"You are."

Zimu watched, laughing heartily, looking up at Ji Mingzhu, "Mom, Dad and brother are so childish."

Ji Mingzhu wholeheartedly agreed, patting her daughter’s head, "Don’t learn from your dad."