Transmigrated in Ancient Times as a Hunter - 106

“What are you imagining?” Wei Zhenyuan gave a dissatisfied glance to Yong-ge. “I only have you and Lin’er as descendants. Both of you are always going against my wishes. If I were to deal with Cheng Duo, would you still respect me?”

Indeed, his father, although still energetic, had no intention of having other women or children besides Yong-ge and Lin’er.

When they were in the northwest, not only did Wei Zhenyuan officially acknowledge Yong-ge’s ger father as his lawful partner, but he also frequently visited him, sometimes spending an entire day with him. His father had even instructed that if anything were to happen to him, he wanted to be buried beside them so he could find them in the afterlife.

Yong-ge recalled that his father asked about children before continuing with the rest of his words. Did his father want Cheng Duo to take that position?

He couldn’t believe it. His father was always acting tough towards Cheng Duo, always blowing his beard and glaring at him. Could it be that deep down, he actually admired Cheng Duo?

Wei Zhenyuan wouldn’t admit it. He put on a bold face and said, “Giving the position to him is just a temporary measure. I will definitely leave the best things for my precious grandson. If he dares to have children with someone else and take away what belongs to Lin’er, I won’t let him get away with it!”

Yong-ge shook his head disapprovingly. Even if his father was just saying that, he still felt uncomfortable. “Father, you know what kind of person Cheng Duo is. He has treated me well all these years. Don’t you believe in him?”

“I believe him,” Wei Zhenyuan sighed. “But, Yong-ge, you should know that people can change…”

Yong-ge was firm in his response. He wanted to say that Cheng Duo had never hidden anything from him, but it didn’t feel appropriate. Cheng Duo’s origins were too mysterious, and his abilities were extraordinary. Revealing these things to his father would only raise doubts and serve no purpose.

After thinking for a moment, he tactfully reassured his father that Cheng Duo would not have any more children apart from Lin’er. This confirmed what Wei Zhenyuan had said earlier, and Yong-ge believed that his father would prefer to hear this rather than empty promises and grand speeches.

Yong-ge had his own motives. Cheng Duo was capable of anything; what position couldn’t he handle? He believed in Cheng Duo’s capabilities and didn’t want to see him suffer. He knew Cheng Duo would never disappoint him.

“Are you sure?” Wei Zhenyuan asked.

“Absolutely.”

“Alright, I got it.” Wei Zhenyuan’s gaze brushed over the mole on his son’s forehead, and he felt both relieved and annoyed. “If I didn’t bring up this reason, were you planning to hide it from me for the rest of your life?”

Yong-ge looked embarrassed. “We already have Lin’er, and it’s not a big deal…”

Wei Zhenyuan gave him a stern look. Who said they were prepared to have no children? But now it wasn’t a big deal anymore?

As he watched his little grandson waving his wooden sword in the distance, causing a commotion in the courtyard, Wei Zhenyuan had a contemplative expression. While he couldn’t do anything about his own son, he was certain that there was still hope for his little grandson!

From now on, he wouldn’t need to lead troops into battle every day. Instead, he would spend his days with his little grandson, and he didn’t believe that Lin’er wouldn’t come to favor him more!

Wei Zhenyuan acted swiftly. After Yong-ge admitted that it wasn’t his issue, a few days later, the imperial physician came to the mansion to examine him.

Yong-ge was somewhat helpless about this, but to reassure his father, he cooperated with the physician’s examination.

The examination results confirmed that Yong-ge was in good health. Despite the hardships he endured in his early years, he had been well taken care of for the past seven or eight years. The military doctor, who came monthly to treat Wei Zhenyuan’s grandparents, also prescribed some gentle tonics for Yong-ge. After Lin’er was born, Cheng Duo even sought out various medicinal recipes, and he felt that his health had improved significantly.

The physician cautiously said, “The young master’s body is in good condition. If you’re anxious for an heir, I can prescribe some medicine to try. However, to achieve results, the medication’s properties are…”

“No need.” Wei Zhenyuan interrupted before the physician could finish. He only wanted to confirm the situation.

The physician heaved a sigh of relief, knowing that this young master was General Wei’s only son and the husband of General Cheng. If anything went wrong, he couldn’t bear the responsibility.

The physician was about to take his leave when Cheng Duo, who had left early in the morning, unexpectedly returned.

Seeing the physician examining Yong-ge, Cheng Duo’s expression changed. He walked into the courtyard and asked, “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

Yong-ge smiled to comfort him, “It’s nothing. Just a regular checkup for a peaceful pulse.”

Cheng Duo glanced at Wei Zhenyuan beside them, somewhat skeptical. However, seeing Yong-ge’s rosy complexion and no signs of illness, except for some fatigue, he felt relieved after touching his forehead.

Wei Zhenyuan initially wanted to suggest that Cheng Duo also get checked, but before he could speak, his son gently kicked him.

Wei Zhenyuan froze, thinking that if the physician had indeed found something, he wouldn’t dare to speak of it. Moreover, Cheng Duo might lose face. He decided to drop the idea.

Cheng Duo didn’t know what father and son were up to, but that didn’t stop him from interrogating his little wife privately later in the evening. “Tell me, what did my father-in-law want the physician for?”

Yong-ge lay on the bed, with Cheng Duo supporting himself with his hands pressed down on either side. He showed no sign of nervousness, blinking his eyes. “I already told you, it was just a regular check for a peaceful pulse. Do I look like something is wrong?”

“Not at all,” Cheng Duo carefully observed his expression. Then, leaning closer, he whispered, “Is it because you’ve been tired lately, and my father-in-law noticed?”

Yong-ge’s face turned warm. “No, I’m not that tired…”

Cheng Duo didn’t believe him. His Yong-ge had always been obedient to him, even if he was feeling unwell from being pushed around, he wouldn’t tell the truth.

“Forget it, let’s sleep early tonight.” Cheng Duo tried to get up, but in the next moment, Yong-ge wrapped his arms around Cheng Duo’s neck and his legs around his thighs.

“What are you doing? Don’t want to come down?” Cheng Duo chuckled and leaned down, giving him a kiss.

“Um,” Yong-ge pouted playfully.

“Alright, then don’t come down.” Cheng Duo gently lifted him up with one hand. There was hot water on the rack, and he held his little wife, using a hand to wring the cloth and help him wash his hands and face.

Yong-ge hung on him like a child, and now, he was even being washed by Cheng Duo. Unable to bear it, he jumped down and said, “I’ll do it myself.”

Cheng Duo released him with a smile that seemed like a joke. “You can’t stand it already? I haven’t washed your feet yet.”

Yong-ge turned to the basin, avoiding Cheng Duo’s teasing gaze, and muttered with a flushed face, “I’m not Lin’er…”

Cheng Duo leaned over and whispered, “Lin’er isn’t as clingy as you are.”

“…” Yong-ge became annoyed and embarrassed, so he ignored Cheng Duo altogether.

Due to the complex web of aristocratic families, even the Empress Dowager didn’t dare to easily meddle in the court’s officials during the previous Xia dynasty. However, Cheng Duo didn’t care about that. He executed those who deserved it and exiled others. After all, they held the most crucial military power.

Dealing with those toxic aristocratic families was the first task of the new dynasty.

Initially, Cheng Duo would consult Wei Zhenyuan before giving orders, but every time, Wei Zhenyuan would let him decide on his own. Later, using the excuse of recuperation, Wei Zhenyuan left everything to Cheng Duo.

Whenever Cheng Duo needed to consult him, he would find Wei Zhenyuan playing with Lin’er, flying kites, catching crickets, or fishing with his father. Sometimes, Yong-ge would join in, helping as a judge during cricket fights or building a rack by the lake to help roast fish.

Looking at the memorials in his hand, Cheng Duo suddenly felt like going on strike!

He hadn’t spent much time with his husband and son, let alone himself. Originally, Lin’er would wait for him to return home every day, but now, it seemed that Lin’er couldn’t be separated from his grandfather!

“Cheng Duo you’re back. I grilled some fish. Do you want some?” Yong-ge stood by the barbecue rack, looking up and his eyes suddenly brightened when he saw Cheng Duo, smiling brightly.

Cheng Duo wiped his face. “Yes.”

He couldn’t refuse the food made by his wife!

As he approached, Yong-ge handed him a string of fish, sizzling and crispy, dripping with oil. “Try it and see if it’s enough. If not, I can add more.”

Considering Lin’er was still young and his father was injured, Yong-ge prepared the seasoning to be mild, afraid that Cheng Duo wouldn’t be used to it.

Cheng Duo took a bite and found it delicious, with a perfect balance of saltiness and freshness. He handed it back to Yong-ge, saying, “You should also try.”

Yong-ge trusted him, so he followed Cheng Duo’s hand and took a bite. After finishing, he pushed it back to him, saying, “You have it. I still have plenty here.”

After speaking, he went to check the remaining fish on the rack to avoid overcooking them.

Wei Zhenyuan wasn’t in a hurry to eat the fish. When he heard the sound, he turned his head and found that Cheng Duo had already started eating. He quickly brought Lin’er and rushed over to grab some fish, reproaching Cheng Duo, “This was caught by me and Lin’er; you should catch your own.”

Cheng Duo had been tearing fish meat to feed his son when he replied with a touch of annoyance, “I actually wanted to fish myself. Let’s see when your father-in-law will go back to handling affairs. Since you can fish, you must be able to handle court matters by yourself, right?”

“Who said that? My injury hasn’t healed yet!” Wei Zhenyuan held a skewer in his left hand and ate the fish with a non-convincing appearance.

“You only injured your shoulder. Even if you can’t write, you can have a eunuch nearby to take dictation.”

“I’m injured. Just looking at the characters in the memorials gives me a headache.” He glared at Cheng Duo, “As my son-in-law, it’s your duty to share my worries. How come you can’t handle it after being busy for a couple of days?”

“…” Facing his father-in-law’s unreasonable nagging, Cheng Duo didn’t know how to remind him. If he continued to be busy, the new dynasty might not be surnamed Wei anymore, but Cheng!

The Wei family’s generals had followed him as their commander, and most of the officials in the court were appointed by him. Every day, he went to the palace, but Wei Zhenyuan was nowhere to be found. Observant people were speculating about what he had done to his father-in-law.

Cheng Duo took a deep breath, “Alright, you can leave other matters aside. Shouldn’t the list of rewards for the Wei family’s generals be drawn up by you?”

“The rewards for the Wei family’s generals, don’t you know which one should be awarded? You’re always with them; don’t you know them well?” Since Wei Zhenyuan had decided to delegate power, there was no reason to interfere at this time. However, to Cheng Duo, it sounded like Wei Zhenyuan was just making trouble for the sake of it.

“It’s not a matter of whether I know or not…”

“Since you know, why are you asking me?”

The two men confronted each other, neither giving in. Shanzi, who was called over to play with the little one, glanced at Yong-ge and silently lowered his head to eat the grilled fish.

Yong-ge held back his laughter and pretended not to know.

Cheng Duo really didn’t know Wei Zhenyuan had the idea of abdicating. After all, he was just the son-in-law, and no one could rest assured about handing the imperial throne to an outsider.

Privately, he asked Yong-ge to persuade his father to take charge of the court. There were some things he couldn’t discuss with Wei Zhenyuan directly, but he had no problem discussing them with Yong-ge.

Yong-ge listened to Cheng Duo’s analysis of the court situation and the urgency of his father going to the palace. He was deeply touched and agreed to persuade him. However, he immediately told his father what Cheng Duo had said.

“Dad, you see, I told you Cheng Duo didn’t have such an idea.”

Wei Zhenyuan snorted unkindly, “I know, he clearly has the ability, but he’s thinking about handing the court to me, his father-in-law!”

He remembered that Wei Ling had invited Cheng Duo to join the army long ago, but he didn’t expect that Cheng Duo lacked ambition and only wanted to be a hunter!

In fact, his confidants noticed that something was amiss and tried to persuade him, but Wei Zhenyuan had dismissed them. If it weren’t for Cheng Duo, they wouldn’t be where they were today. Since Yong-ge said he believed in Cheng Duo, Wei Zhenyuan was willing to take the gamble!

Two days before the coronation, Cheng Duo saw the dragon robe sent from the palace and suddenly realized he had been fooled, “Yong-ge, what’s going on…”

Yong-ge stuttered, “It’s just as you saw. Dad finds it troublesome and doesn’t want to be the emperor. He said that sooner or later, he’ll give the position to Lin’er, so it’s better to give it to you.”

Cheng Duo chuckled in exasperation, “You knew all along and didn’t remind me?”

Yong-ge pursed his lips and whispered, “Even if he’s my father, I don’t want you to kneel before him when you meet in the future.”

Cheng Duo was a tall and upright man, and since they were destined not to return to the past, Yong-ge didn’t want to see him being humbled.

As for his father, when Yong-ge became a duke, he wouldn’t have to kneel either.

“Yong-ge…” Cheng Duo was taken aback. He didn’t expect Yong-ge to think this way.

“Besides, I also want to experience what it feels like to go from a village boy to an emperor’s consort. Are you willing to make that happen for me?” Yong-ge asked.

Cheng Duo embraced him and said after a long pause, “Of course, besides you, who else do I have?”

Since Yong-ge wanted to be an emperor’s consort, they would enter the palace together!

“And me, and me, Dad, Lin’er wants a hug too!” The little one walked in on his short legs, saw his father and daddy hugging, and heard the last sentence, so he hurriedly called out.

The two husbands exchanged a glance, feeling somewhat helpless.

Cheng Duo turned and picked up the little one, letting him sit on his arm, “Are you satisfied now?”

“Wow, so high!” The little one sat on his dad’s arm, wiggling his short legs, feeling even taller than daddy, and got excited.

Yong-ge pulled his face playfully, “You little clever one!”

“Mm, Dad, Daddy pulled Lin’er’s face again…”

Cheng Duo watched his husband and son playing around, feeling content in his heart. Looking back now, he felt like everything in the apocalypse was just a dream.

If all the hardships he had endured were for them, he thought those ten years were worth it. He was already fulfilled.