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"Husband," she began, her voice soft but steady, "these past few days, I've been feeling a bit… unwell. Nauseous, mostly. I thought it might just be a passing illness, so I asked Sister Ying Yue and a few physicians to examine me. But it turns out…" She paused, her lips curving into a shy smile as she placed a hand on her lower belly. "It turns out I'm not sick at all. I'm… I'm pregnant, Husband. We're going to have a child."
For a moment, the room fell silent, the weight of her words hanging in the air. Then, a brilliant smile spread across Lie Fan's face, his eyes lighting up with a mixture of pride, joy, and sheer exhilaration. "Qi'er," he said, his voice filled with awe and excitement, "are you saying what I think you're saying? Are we…?"
Lu Lingqi nodded, her smile widening as tears of happiness welled up in her eyes. "Yes, Husband. I'm carrying our child. The fruit of our love is growing inside me."
Lie Fan let out a loud, joyous laugh, the sound echoing through the room. He stepped forward and swept Lu Lingqi into his arms, holding her tightly as if he never wanted to let go.
He kissed her forehead, his heart swelling with a happiness he hadn't felt in a long time. "Finally," he said, his voice filled with triumph, "our hard work has paid off! I was starting to think I'd have to put in extra effort to get this result."
His teasing remark caused Lu Lingqi's face to turn an even deeper shade of red. She playfully punched his chest, her embarrassment evident. "Husband!" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of mock scolding and genuine affection. "Must you say such things in front of everyone?"
Ying Yue, Diao Chan, and Cai Wenji burst into gentle laughter, their eyes filled with warmth and joy. They were happy for Lu Lingqi and Lie Fan, their smiles reflecting the love and unity that bound them all together.
Wannian, however, made a face of exaggerated disgust, sticking her tongue out again as she heard Lie Fan's remark. "Ew!" she said, wrinkling her nose. "I did not need to hear about your love life, Brother. That's just… gross."
Her dramatic reaction only made everyone laugh harder. Lie Fan released Lu Lingqi from his embrace but kept an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close to his side.
He turned to Wannian, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh, come on, little sister. Don't act like you're not happy for us. You're going to have another niece or nephew, after all. Isn't that exciting?"
Wannian's expression softened, and a genuine smile broke through her feigned disgust. "Of course, I'm happy for you, Brother," she said, her tone sincere. "I'm just saying, there are some details I don't need to know. But… congratulations. To both of you."
The room was filled with a sense of celebration, the news of Lu Lingqi's pregnancy bringing a new wave of joy and happiness to the household. Lie Fan's heart was full, his mind already racing with thoughts of the future.
Another child, either a son or daughter who would carry on his legacy alongside their brothers or sisters, who would grow up in a world shaped by his vision and ambition. It was a profound moment, one that filled him with a sense of purpose and determination.
As the initial excitement settled, Lie Fan turned to Ying Yue, his expression softening with gratitude. "Thank you, Yue'er," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "For taking care of Qi'er and ensuring she's healthy. I know I can always count on you."
Ying Yue smiled, her eyes warm and affectionate. "Of course, Husband. It's my duty and my joy to care for our family. I'll make sure Sister Lu has everything she needs during this time."
Diao Chan and Cai Wenji nodded in agreement, their expressions filled with support and love. "We'll all be here to help," Diao Chan said, her voice gentle. "This is a blessing for all of us, another member of the Lie Clan would be born."
Cai Wenji added, "And we'll make sure the child grows up surrounded by love and wisdom, just like their brothers and sisters have."
Lie Fan felt a deep sense of gratitude for the women in his life. They were not just his wives, they were his partners, his confidantes, and the pillars of his strength. Together, they would raise their child together, shaping the future of the Lie Clan and the world they were building.
As the evening wore on, the household buzzed with excitement and preparations. Servants were sent to fetch the finest foods and drinks, and the atmosphere was one of celebration.
Lie Fan sat with his family, his heart full as he listened to their laughter and shared in their joy. For a moment, the weight of his ambitions and the challenges ahead seemed to fade into the background, replaced by the simple, profound happiness of a family.
As the night deepened and the stars began to twinkle in the sky, Lie Fan stood on the balcony of his residence, his arm around Lu Lingqi as they gazed out at the city of Xiapi. The lights of the city flickered like distant stars, and he turned to Lu Lingqi, his expression soft but filled with determination.
"This child," he said, his voice steady and full of promise, "will grow up in a world we've built together. Just as I promised before, if it's a son, he will have the family name Lu and continue the line of the Lu Clan, if it's a daughter it will receive the family name Lie."
Lu Lingqi leaned her head against his shoulder, her hand resting on her belly. "Thank you, Husband. I know you will uphold your promise," she said, her voice filled with trust and love.
After that, they returned to the main chamber, where Lie Fan and Lu Lingqi would sleep together tonight. After a peaceful night spent with Lu Lingqi, Lie Fan awoke to the soft morning light filtering through the chamber windows.
He turned to see his wife still asleep beside him, her face serene and her lips curved into a gentle smile. The sight filled him with a deep sense of contentment.
He leaned over and kissed her forehead tenderly, careful not to wake her. After a moment, he quietly slipped out of bed, changed into his day clothes, and left the chamber, his mind already turning to the day ahead.
As he stepped into the corridor, the sound of laughter reached his ears, drawing him toward the garden. The cheerful voices of his children echoed through the air, a melody that brought an instant smile to his face.
He followed the sound, his steps light and unhurried, until he reached the garden entrance. There, he saw his children, his first son Chechen, his first daughter Yaoyao, his second daughter Yanyan, and his third daughter Nuonuo, all engaged in a lively game of mock duels, each wielding sticks as makeshift swords.
Their faces were flushed with excitement, their laughter ringing out as they playfully clashed their "weapons."
Around them, handmaidens and Lie Clan guards stood watch, their presence a quiet assurance of the children's safety. When they noticed Lie Fan approaching, the guards immediately dropped to one knee, and the handmaidens curtsied, greeting him with a respectful, "My Lord."
Lie Fan raised a hand, signaling for them to rise. "At ease," he said, his tone warm but firm. His attention, however, was already fixed on his children, who had spotted him and were now running toward him with unbridled enthusiasm.
"Father!" they shouted in unison, their voices filled with joy.
Yanyan and Nuonuo, the youngest of the group, reached him first, wrapping their small arms around his legs. Chechen and Yaoyao, slightly older but no less excited, stopped in front of him, their faces beaming with pride and affection. Lie Fan laughed, the sound rich and full of genuine happiness, as he reached down to stroke each of their heads.
"Good morning, my little warriors," he said, his voice filled with affection. "Have you all had breakfast already? You seem to have so much energy this early in the day."
"Yes, Father!" they chorused, their voices overlapping in their eagerness to answer.
Yanyan, at this time, encourages herself to tug at his sleeve. "Father, will you play with us? You're always so busy, and we miss spending time with you."
The other children immediately chimed in, their eyes wide with hope. "Yes, Father, please play with us!"
Lie Fan's heart melted at their pleading expressions. He crouched down to their level, his smile gentle. "Of course, I'll play with you," he said. "How about a game of hide and seek? That's something we can all enjoy together."
The children erupted into cheers, their excitement palpable. "You should be the one counting, Father!" Chechen declared, his tone authoritative for a child his age.
Lie Fan chuckled and nodded. "Very well, I'll count. But remember, you can't hide too far away. If you do, the guards Big Brother will have to follow you, and that will give away your hiding spots."
The children nodded eagerly, their faces serious as they absorbed his instructions. "We understand, Father!" they said in unison.
With that, Lie Fan turned to face a nearby tree, covering his eyes with one hand. "Alright, I'll count to twenty. No peeking!"
As he began counting aloud, the children scattered in every direction, their laughter fading as they searched for the perfect hiding spots.
The garden, with its maze of hedges, flower beds, and decorative structures, offered plenty of places to conceal small bodies. Lie Fan could hear the occasional rustle of leaves or the soft patter of feet, but he resisted the urge to peek, maintaining the integrity of the game.
When he reached twenty, he uncovered his eyes and turned around, his gaze sweeping the garden. "Ready or not, here I come!" he called out, his voice playful.
He began his search, moving slowly and deliberately to give the children the thrill of anticipation. The first to be found was Nuonuo, who had hidden behind a large potted plant but had left her foot sticking out.
Lie Fan pretended not to notice at first, walking past her hiding spot before suddenly turning and exclaiming, "Found you!" Nuonuo giggled and jumped out, her face glowing with delight.
Next, he discovered Yanyan crouched beneath a garden bench, her small frame barely concealed by the hanging vines. "There you are!" Lie Fan said, feigning surprise. Yanyan laughed and crawled out, joining her sister.
Chechen and Yaoyao proved to be more challenging. Lie Fan searched for several minutes, checking behind trees and bushes, before finally spotting Chechen's telltale shadow near a stone lantern. "Got you!" he declared, and Chechen emerged with a proud grin, clearly pleased with his hiding skills.
Yaoyao, however, remained elusive. Lie Fan searched high and low, even enlisting the help of the guards and handmaidens, who pointed him in the right direction with subtle gestures. Finally, he found her tucked inside a large decorative urn, her face peeking out from the top.
"There's my clever girl!" Lie Fan said, lifting her out of the urn and spinning her around. Yaoyao squealed with laughter, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck. With all the children found, the game ended in a chorus of laughter and cheers. Lie Fan gathered them together, his heart full as he looked at their happy faces. "You all did so well," he said, his voice filled with pride. "Next time, I'll have to try even harder to find you."
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Name: Lie Fan
Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains
Age: 33 (200 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 1325
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 951 (+20)
VIT: 613 (+20)
AGI: 598 (+10)
INT: 617
CHR: 96
WIS: 519
WILL: 407
ATR Points: 0