Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts

The voice of the third young master of the Xu household echoed around the group.

The faces of several maids showed traces of awkwardness.

Although it was true that the Fifth Madam was a concubine and Xu Ming was a son of lesser status, and while it was also true that in the Great Wu Kingdom, the status of a concubine's son was only slightly higher than that of a servant, it was still unpleasant to hear these things said aloud.

Sensing the tension, Chunyan quickly nudged Qiujü lightly. Understanding her cue, Qiujü gently spoke to the three-year-old third young master Xu Pangda in her arms, "Young Master, the osmanthus flowers in Full Spring Garden have bloomed. They're so fragrant! Shall we go take a look?"

"Yes, let's go, let's go!" Xu Pangda clapped his hands, his nose running as he beamed.

After bidding the Fifth Madam, Chen Suya, a polite farewell, Qiujü and the other maids swiftly carried the young master away.

"Fifth Madam, he's just a child. Please don't take his words to heart," Chunyan stayed behind, apologizing to Chen Suya.

"It's fine," Chen Suya shook her head lightly. "He's so young—how could he have any malice?"

Chunyan sighed, her tone carrying a hint of frustration. "The third young master may not have bad intentions, but the First Madam is another story.

You're well aware, Madam, that the eldest young master was born to the Second Madam, Lady Qian. In our Great Wu Kingdom, while there's a distinction between the status of a primary wife and a concubine, for the past hundred years, any child born to either has been considered legitimate and eligible for inheritance.

If the First Madam had managed to bear a second son, it would have been fine, but the second young master was born to Lady Lin. Two years ago, she finally bore the third young master, but as you know, his health isn't good, and he can't cultivate. As for pursuing the martial path... even a servant like me knows how grueling that road is. How could the First Madam not understand?

And even if he manages to take up the martial path, what's the use? The eldest young master has exceptional talent in the art of inscriptions and was chosen by the Grand Elder of the Heavenly Seal Sect at just four years old. After the fourth young lady's full-moon banquet, he'll leave to study there.

The second young master has a Pure Yang constitution and was personally taken as a disciple by the Sect Master of the Flame Sun Sect.

How can the third young master compare? The First Madam originally intended to have another son, but it turned out to be a girl instead. And yet, it's you, Fifth Madam, who bore the young master Ming.

It's infuriating! You've done nothing wrong, and yet the First Madam has made you her target, venting her anger on you. She's nothing but a bully!"

"Miss Chunyan," Chen Suya quickly pulled at her sleeve. "You mustn't say such things. Speaking ill of one's master behind their back—this could…"

"I know, I know," Chunyan said with a smile. "I'm not foolish. These words are only for you, Fifth Madam. Besides, the old matriarch has called me to her service. Starting tomorrow, I'll be attending to her."

"That's wonderful! Miss Chunyan, you must serve her well."

The old matriarch was now the highest authority in the Xu household since the master had left long ago. Not everyone had the privilege to serve her, and Chen Suya was genuinely happy for Chunyan.

"Of course. It's my great fortune to be able to serve the old matriarch. That said, while the First Madam is detestable, she still has her limits."

As Chunyan spoke, she glanced around before leaning in close to Chen Suya and lowering her voice.

"Fifth Madam, there's something you may not know. Two months ago, the Seventh Madam gave birth to a boy."

"Madam Sun had a child too?" Chen Suya exclaimed with delight. "I've been staying in the inner courtyard taking care of Ming'er, so I truly didn't know. I must visit her!"

"You can't! You can't!" Chunyan sighed. "The Seventh Madam has already gone mad."

"What?!" Chen Suya stared at Chunyan in shock.

"It's like this," Chunyan whispered after another cautious look around. "The Seventh Madam's son was born with a gleam of spiritual light between his brows—a promising talent for cultivation. But who would have thought… only seven days later, the boy…"

She didn't finish her sentence, only letting out a heavy sigh. But Chen Suya already understood what she meant.

Chunyan continued, "If there wasn't some hidden hand behind this, then perhaps it was simply a matter of the child's unfortunate fate. But if a certain Madam intentionally harmed the Seventh Madam's child..."

Chen Suya's face instantly turned pale. "Chunyan, mind your words! Don't speak of such things… how could that even be possible?"

Chunyan nodded. "I understand. In any case, the Xu household chose to avoid airing its dirty laundry and didn't spread the matter outside. Even a private investigation yielded no results. Those gossiping servants who spread baseless rumors were all dealt with according to the household rules. The Seventh Madam… truly pitiable now."

Chen Suya instinctively tightened her hold on the child in her arms. "Chunyan, whatever you've told me today, I'll pretend I didn't hear."

"I trust you, Madam. Otherwise, I wouldn't have said anything at all." Chunyan curtsied respectfully. "I'll take my leave now."

"Take care, Chunyan."

After Chunyan left, Chen Suya held her son tightly, exhaling deeply. "My dear child, I don't hope for you to achieve great success, or to ascend to the court, or to soar through the heavens like an immortal. I only want you to be safe and sound."

She kissed Xu Ming on the forehead.

"Ah-woo!" Xu Ming waved his tiny hands happily in response to his mother.

However, his mood was far from lighthearted.

Goodness, he thought. I'd originally planned to keep a low profile and, after a couple of years, reveal my astonishing talents. Maybe then, as a concubine's son, I'd earn some recognition and help my mother gain more standing in the household. But now… if I display any talent, I might be snuffed out before I even have a chance to grow. If the Seventh Madam's child was really targeted, and he didn't even have a claim to inheritance as a concubine's son… that's truly ruthless. For now, I'd better lay low and wait to assess the situation further.

Xu Ming wriggled a bit in his mother's arms, signaling that he wanted to get down.

"You want to walk, Ming'er?" Chen Suya asked.

Xu Ming nodded.

Chen Suya set him down and watched as he wobbled along on his short little legs, his tiny bottom sticking out as he toddled ahead.

Is my child a bit too energetic? she wondered.

Just as Xu Ming took advantage of his mother's distraction to lift his legs high a few times, a young maid approached.

"Excuse me, is this the Fifth Madam?"

Chen Suya looked up and curtsied politely. "Yes, that's me. And you are?"

The maid returned the courtesy. "I am a maid in the service of Madam Qin. My mistress would like to invite you to visit the Qin household as her guest."