Cultivating Immortality, Starting from Childhood Sweethearts

"Would the Fifth Madam happen to be available? Our Madam wishes to invite you to visit the Qin residence," Cai Die, the personal maid of the Eldest Lady of the Qin family, said respectfully, curtsying before Chen Suya.

"Since it is an invitation from Madam Qin, how could I decline? My son and I will come right away," Chen Suya responded.

"Then please, Fifth Madam and Young Master Ming, follow me," Cai Die said with a slight smile.

"Thank you for leading the way."

Holding her son Xu Ming, Chen Suya followed Cai Die out of the Xu residence.

From the safety of his mother's embrace, Xu Ming observed the passing scenery.

This was his first time leaving the inner courtyard.

It was undeniable—being the residence of a duke, the Xu estate was enormous. It took a full quarter of an hour just to walk from the rear courtyard to the front.

Rock gardens and ornamental stones were artfully arranged, pavilions dotted the paths, and long corridors connected various buildings. The murals along the corridors were lifelike, clearly the work of a master artist.

Xu Ming even spotted a large lake filled with vibrant koi fish of all colors, their plump and lively forms a testament to their good care and ample feeding.

The Xu estate was like a grand park. Its size was beyond Xu Ming's ability to estimate.

After leaving the Xu residence, it was only a short walk to the Qin residence.

The layout of the Qin residence was remarkably similar to that of the Xu residence. When Xu Ming stepped into the Qin estate, he even felt as though he had returned to his own home.

This was understandable.

Back in the day, Duke Qin and Duke Xu were sworn brothers, having faced life and death together. Their bond was closer than that of blood siblings. Naturally, their estates were designed to resemble each other.

The architecture of both estates left Xu Ming with a strong impression—two words came to mind: wealth and grandeur.

However, upon arriving at the courtyard where Madam Qin resided, Xu Ming noticed a stark difference.

The decorations in Madam Qin's courtyard were modest and unassuming. Instead of rare and exotic blooms, the courtyard was filled with simple, common wildflowers.

The courtyard itself was small, just slightly larger than the one Xu Ming and his mother lived in—an arrangement that seemed unbefitting of Madam Qin's status.

"Greetings, Madam Qin," Chen Suya said, bowing upon entering the room under Cai Die's guidance.

The interior was even simpler—just a table, a bed, and an ordinary dressing table. The paintings on the walls were not works of famous artists but bore Madam Qin's own signature.

"Ya-ya-ya!"

Not yet a year old, Qin Qingwan clapped her hands excitedly when she saw Xu Ming. In Madam Qin's arms, her chubby little face, with its rosy cheeks and bright, round eyes, was irresistibly endearing, stirring a maternal instinct to cuddle her.

"There's no need for formalities, Fifth Madam," Zhao Qing said with a warm smile as she stood to return the greeting. She then placed the little girl in her arms down. "Go on, play with your brother Ming."

"Awoo~"

Qin Qingwan landed on her feet and waddled toward Chen Suya like a little duckling.

Chen Suya set Xu Ming down as well.

As Qin Qingwan toddled forward, her unsteady steps betrayed her. With a plop, she landed on her bottom.

Just as she puckered her lips, ready to cry, Xu Ming walked over to her and, with deliberate timing, plopped down beside her in the same manner.

"Ahahaha!"

Seeing Xu Ming "fall" too, Qin Qingwan's impending tears turned into peals of silvery laughter.

Zhao Qing, not wanting Chen Suya to feel uneasy, dismissed the servants and invited her to discuss embroidery techniques.

Meanwhile, Qin Qingwan and Xu Ming continued playing together on the floor.

Over the past few months, Xu Ming had met Qin Qingwan roughly once a month, watching this little girl grow bit by bit.

Standing up, Xu Ming helped Qin Qingwan to her feet, patiently guiding her as she took small steps.

However, Qin Qingwan was still young; after a few steps, she would inevitably plop back down onto the ground.

After several attempts, no matter how much Xu Ming coaxed her, she simply refused to get up, stubbornly sitting on the ground.

A hint of frustration crossed her tiny face.

Why is it that we're both eight months old, yet you're so much more skilled than me?

Just as Qin Qingwan scrunched up her nose, ready to cry again, Xu Ming glanced at his mother and Madam Qin, who were talking with their backs to him. He then helped Qin Qingwan to her feet once more.

While Qin Qingwan stared at him in confusion, Xu Ming lay down on the ground and patted his tiny hands on his back.

Blinking her big, watery eyes, Qin Qingwan seemed to understand his gesture and plopped herself down onto his back.

Xu Ming started doing push-ups.

One. Two. Three.

[Strength +2, Stamina +1, Back Flexibility +1, Arm Strength +1]

[Strength +2, Stamina +1, Back Flexibility +1, Arm Strength +1]

As strings of data flashed through his mind, Xu Ming sped up his push-ups, feeling a surge of excitement.

What began as a whim turned out to be surprisingly effective—carrying Qin Qingwan while doing push-ups gave even better results.

Feeling the gentle rise and fall beneath her, Qin Qingwan clapped her tiny hands with glee, her silver-bell laughter filling the air.

Madam Qin, noticing how unusually happy her daughter sounded, turned around to check on her.

Xu Ming quickly dropped flat onto the ground, making it look like Qin Qingwan was pinning him down.

"Qingwan, how could you sit on your Brother Ming like that? Get down at once," Madam Qin scolded gently as she walked over, picking her daughter up and placing her back on the ground.

Hearing her mother's stern tone, Qin Qingwan's lips quivered, and she burst into tears, her wails full of grievance.

But he told me to sit on him!

Seeing this, Xu Ming hurried over to her side, using his sleeve to wipe her tears while coaxing in his childish voice, "Don't cry, don't cry."

"Pu-ku," Qin Qingwan sniffled, blinking her teary eyes and mimicking his words.

Hearing her daughter trying to form words, Madam Qin's eyes lit up with joy.

"Don't cry," Xu Ming corrected her.

"Bu-pu," Qin Qingwan repeated.

"Don't cry," Xu Ming said again.

"Bu-ku."

"Don't cry."

"Don't cry."

"Mhm," Xu Ming nodded approvingly.

"Don't cry, don't cry!"

Qin Qingwan's tears vanished as she repeated her newfound phrase. Overjoyed, she hugged Xu Ming and planted a wet kiss on his cheek.

Watching the two children's adorable interaction, Zhao Qing and Chen Suya felt their hearts melt.

"Chen Jie, please accept this," Zhao Qing said, pressing a jade token into Chen Suya's hand.

[T/N: Jie=Sister]

"Madam, I couldn't possibly—" Chen Suya began, trying to refuse.

"Please don't decline, Fifth Sister. It's merely an access token. In the future, you and Ming'er are always welcome to visit me here," Zhao Qing insisted, gently pushing Chen Suya's hand back.

As she looked at the two children, especially at Xu Ming, a flicker of regret passed through Zhao Qing's previously cheerful expression.

Such a bright and gifted child… why does he have to bear the awkward status of a concubine's son?