Protect Our Patriarch
Book 5: Chapter 145: Rich and noble, his sister! Princess Huari

...

Over here, Wang Shouzhe and Prince An were busy shifting the blame back and forth with each other, while Wang Shizhao, standing to the side, couldn't help but roll his eyes.

He rubbed his forehead and said with exasperation, "Grandfather, Your Highness, can't you two stop passing the buck?"

"Everyone knows that both of you are particularly responsible people. This back-and-forth just makes you seem childish."

"Shizhao, you don't understand the cost of running a household," Wang Shouzhe chuckled. "With great power comes great responsibility, but if I had a choice, I'd rather lie down every day, without a care in the world."

"Exactly, no one's shoulders are made of iron. If possible, who would want to bear heavy burdens?" Prince An sighed deeply. "Back when I was just a commandery prince, life was carefree and comfortable. I never imagined I'd be tricked onto this pirate ship by Shouzhe, with no way back. Shouzhe, you owe me for this. Just a few million immortal crystals to soothe my soul would do."

"Your Highness, your shamelessness is becoming more and more like His Majesty's. Who was it back then, holding my hand and promising to bring peace and happiness to the people? If I hadn't seen your ambition and ideals, who would have boarded your pirate ship?"

Wang Shizhao, standing by, was even more speechless.

Of all people, you two are the least qualified to say such things, aren't you?

In the end, no one forced them to take on these responsibilities; they chose to shoulder them themselves.

Moreover, given the current development of the Great Qian, anyone would think their achievements are already remarkable. Aren't they just adding burdens to themselves?

Perhaps these two were just under too much pressure and needed to vent.

As they were talking, an anxious voice came from outside: "Is Ancestor Grandfather at Hidden Dragon Cottage?"

The voice sounded like it belonged to Ningyi.

Wang Shouzhe's heart stirred, and he immediately scanned outside with his divine sense, discovering that it wasn't just Wang Ningyi who had come, but also Wang Ningyao, along with their twin wives, Zhao Jingling and Zhao Jingyu.

"Why the panic? How improper," Wang Shouzhe said calmly. "Come in."

Upon hearing this, Wang Ningyi and Wang Ningyao took a few deep breaths to calm themselves before leading their wives into Hidden Dragon Cottage.

"Greetings to Ancestor Grandfather, Grandfather, and Grandfather-in-law," they all saluted.

"Zhao Jingling, Zhao Jingyu, pay respects to Ancestor Grandfather, Grandfather, and Grandfather-in-law."

"No need for formalities."

In front of the younger generation, Prince An immediately shed his shameless demeanor and reverted to a steady, dignified, yet kind and approachable elder: "What has you kids in such a hurry?"

Hearing this concern, the Wang Ningyi and Wang Ningyao brothers managed to regain some composure and grace.

But Zhao Jingyu and Zhao Jingling, the twin wives, both burst into tears: "Something terrible has happened! Die'er, Die'er is missing. We've searched everywhere but couldn't find her."

"What?!" Prince An's face changed, and he stood up abruptly, his aura turning cold and heavy as if suppressing anger. "How could this be? Huari is only eight years old, isn't she supposed to be attending the elementary clan school for enlightenment? How could she just disappear on Wang's territory?"

This Die'er, or rather "Huari," referred to the twelfth-generation eldest daughter of Wang's direct line, Wang Jidie, who was currently Wang Ningyao and Zhao Jingyu's only child.

Previously, because Wang Anye had simultaneously married two young princesses from the royal family, causing confusion over who between Wang Ningyi and Wang Ningyao was the elder, it was simply decided that both were considered the eldest sons, and the direct line would be determined by whoever had the first male child.

As it turned out, Wang Ningyi and Zhao Jingling first had Wang Fugui, naturally making him the twelfth-generation eldest son of Wang's Clan. Unfortunately, for many years after, the two had no more children until seven years later, when Wang Ningyao and Zhao Jingyu had a daughter.

Born late, this daughter, like Wang Fugui, was ranked relatively low, at 136th in the "Ji" generation. However, she was truly the eldest daughter of the direct line of Wang's Clan, showered with love and affection from birth, and this "princess" title was not just honorary.

Earlier this year, she was tested and found to have a great prodigy A-grade bloodline aptitude, and it was the rare "Azure Dragon bloodline" even within the Wu Clan.

After discussions with the royal family's Ancestral House, Prince An had her officially titled "Princess Huari," allowing her to receive the corresponding support from the royal family's Ancestral House and permission to cultivate the royal family's "Azure Dragon True Art."

This showed just how much Prince An valued and cherished Princess Huari, Wang Jidie, who was two generations removed.

He had originally planned to stay a few more days to spend time with Princess Huari after discussing important matters with Shouzhe.

Who would have thought such a situation would arise?

"Jingling, Jingyu, don't worry," Wang Shouzhe said kindly. "How could a child get lost on our territory? That would make me, the Ancestor Grandfather, seem too incompetent."

The two Zhao sisters' faces brightened, and one of them stepped forward respectfully to ask, "Ancestor Grandfather, do you know where Die'er is?"

"Jingyu, rest assured. With Die'er's little schemes, how could she hide from me?" Wang Shouzhe comforted with a gentle smile. "It's normal for a child to run away from home after feeling wronged."

"Uh, Ancestor Grandfather, I'm Jingling, Fugui's mother," Zhao Jingling said, breaking into a smile through her tears. "Since everything is under Ancestor Grandfather's control, we can rest easy."

"…"

Wang Shouzhe coughed lightly, his expression slightly awkward.

The Zhao twins looked too much alike, and he couldn't tell them apart just by sight. Of course, if he observed carefully or used his divine sense to differentiate, he could tell them apart.

But since they were both great-granddaughters-in-law, how could he disrespectfully use his divine sense to probe them?

"I knew it," Wang Ningyi and Wang Ningyao both breathed a sigh of relief, their faces lighting up with joy. "That little ancestor Die'er has always been close to Ancestor Grandfather. How could any of her little schemes escape his discerning eyes?"

"You two dare to gloat?" Zhao Jingling and Zhao Jingyu both scolded their husbands. "If you hadn't been so harsh on her this time, would Die'er have run away from home?"

"Well, well… wasn't it because Die'er was too mischievous and couldn't settle down to study? Otherwise, would we have disciplined her?"

"You dare say that! She's still young. Can't you teach her properly?"

"Teach her? She's only eight, yet her skin is already thicker than the city walls. With her shameless demeanor, where's the dignity of Wang's direct line eldest daughter, or the Great Qian's foreign princess?"

"Enough with you two. Ancestor Grandfather, where is Die'er? Should we go bring her back?"

"Bring her back?" Wang Shouzhe shook his head. "I'm afraid it's too late. Die'er has already boarded the Yun Yao flying boat to the Immortal Dynasty."

To the Immortal Dynasty?

The four of them were all startled, their faces turning pale: "Ancestor Grandfather, she, she, she went to the Immortal Dynasty? She's only eight. How can she run away to the Immortal Dynasty alone?"

"Why not? The child was upset after being disciplined and went out to clear her mind. What's wrong with that? Wang Ningyi, Wang Ningyao, you two rascals failed to teach your daughter properly. I haven't even held you accountable yet," Wang Shouzhe's face darkened slightly.

The brothers were immediately drenched in cold sweat.

They knew the Ancestor Grandfather doted on Die'er. Seeing his expression, it was clear he was very upset about this matter.

"An-ancestor Grandfather, we, we…" they stammered, apologizing, "it's all our fault for not managing Die'er well."

In truth, they felt wronged too.

Back when they were raising Fugui, they did the same, yet Fugui was so well-behaved. But with Die'er, no matter how they managed, it didn't work, and things only got more out of hand.

"Hmph, I'll deal with you later," Wang Shouzhe waved his hand. "You can go back now. I've already arranged for someone to keep an eye on Die'er."

"Yes, Ancestor Grandfather."

Though still worried, the Wang Ningyi and Wang Ningyao brothers considered that since Ancestor Grandfather had intervened, nothing should go wrong. They quickly bid farewell to Wang Shouzhe and hurriedly retreated with their wives.

On the other side, Prince An also breathed a sigh of relief after hearing Wang Shouzhe's words.

However, even though the child wasn't lost, he still felt uneasy about such a young child going to the Immortal Dynasty.

After they left, he couldn't help but complain to Wang Shouzhe: "Shouzhe, I must say, your Wang Clan is too strict with the children. Huari is still a child; it's normal for her not to settle down to study. Besides, she has our Wu Clan's Azure Dragon bloodline and is destined to be a great figure in the future."

"Precisely because of the Azure Dragon bloodline, I'm somewhat concerned about her cultural studies," Wang Shouzhe said with a serious expression, looking troubled. "Forget it, some things can't be forced. At worst, I'll tutor her myself later."

"Shouzhe, you're being too harsh…" Prince An was so angry that he was almost fuming. "What's wrong with our Wu Clan's Azure Dragon bloodline? Did it eat your family's rice?"

Wang Shouzhe glanced at him but said nothing.

"…"

Prince An was even more frustrated.

...

Meanwhile.

Above the vast, azure sea, the Yun Yao flying boat from the Changning region to the Immortal Dynasty was leisurely soaring through the clouds.

As Changning Garrison's economy became increasingly prosperous, the demand for transporting goods and personnel grew, prompting Yao's Air Transport to increase the number of flights. As for Guilong City, although its flights were also increasing, it was far less frequent than Changning Garrison.

Thus, the Changning Garrison region was increasingly becoming the economic center of the Great Qian.

And the Han Yue Yao Clan, which had deep cooperation with Wang's Clan, was profiting immensely, with the family's strength growing visibly. It might very well become a super-grade family in the future.

Yao Chengchao, a young talent from the Yao Clan's new generation.

Initially, he wasn't highly ranked in the Yao Clan's training sequence for the direct line and even faced exclusion. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been assigned to oversee the remote flight route of the Great Qian. But precisely because of this, he was fortunate enough to connect with Wang's Clan and successfully turned his fortunes around.

Given Yao Chengchao's current status as one of the two Void seeds in the family, he no longer needed to escort flights regularly. However, this particular flight to the Immortal Dynasty was significant, carrying many new black armors. These were to be transported to the outer region battlefield and couldn't be lost.

Thus, Yao Chengchao personally escorted the flight to show the importance of this cargo.

"Old Pei, congratulations," Yao Chengchao said respectfully and courteously to an elder in the VIP area, raising his glass. "You're returning to the Immortal Court in glory this time. I heard you're planning to resign from the Black Armor Department? That's a wise choice. Wang's Clan's economic strength is formidable, and you'll definitely live more comfortably there than in the Black Armor Department."

The elder was none other than the master craftsman Pei Xin'an, who had been sent to the Eastern Qian Kingdom's rural area after offending his superiors in the Black Armor Department.

But this had led him to a path of success.

His fixed salary and allowances were almost several times what he earned in the Black Armor Department, and whenever he contributed to technological advancements, he received generous bonuses far exceeding his fixed salary.

"It's not about the money. Money isn't important; work is work no matter where you are. But working at Wang's Clan, I feel respected as a technical expert, and it feels comfortable," said Old Pei, dressed in fine clothes, as he fondly caressed the exquisite storage ring on his hand.

Judging by his radiant and rejuvenated appearance, he had clearly earned a lot in recent years. Of course, he had also made significant contributions to Wang's Clan's technological progress.

With more money, the pressure naturally lessened, and even his fiery temper, which often got him into trouble, had mellowed considerably, giving him a more composed and amiable demeanor.

"Hahaha, indeed. I just want to see the expression of that Zhangling who once ostracized you," Yao Chengchao said, feeling deeply empathetic.

As his status in the Yao Clan rose, he had the pleasure of seeing those who once targeted and excluded him get their comeuppance, and it was immensely satisfying.

"Wouldn't that be a bit vulgar?" Old Pei hesitated slightly, yet couldn't suppress his eager anticipation.

"Of course not," Yao Chengchao boasted. "Master Wang Shouzhe once said, 'Returning home in glory is like wearing fine clothes at night.' When I turn my fortunes around, I'll make those who once bullied and humiliated me grovel at my feet."

"Although Wang Shouzhe has the annoying habit of meddling in technical matters he doesn't understand, he's right about this," Old Pei said, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I must savor the sight of that Liu Zhangling's regretful and tearful expression."

Wang Ningxi, who had been quietly observing, was taken aback.

When did my Ancestor Grandfather ever say such a famous line? Isn't that just a cliché from popular sayings?

He helplessly advised, "Old Pei, maybe you should be more magnanimous, lest that Liu Zhangling badmouths you behind your back."

"Young Master Ningxi, you grew up in the honey pot of Wang's Clan. Even if you face setbacks, no one would dare to let you suffer any grievances, so you naturally wouldn't understand," Yao Chengchao said, his face full of disagreement. "For those with dark hearts, you have to show them some strength, or they'll think you're easy to bully."

"Ningxi, don't bother advising on this," Old Pei also said. "When you return to the Immortal Court with me, make sure to impress my master, the Hundred Refinements True Monarch. With your abilities, my master will surely try to take you as a disciple. But don't agree impulsively; bring him to our Wang's Clan first, then find a way to keep him there."

"Old Pei, rest assured."

Wang Ningxi nodded solemnly.

This was a plan they had discussed earlier, crucial for Wang's Clan to have a master craftsman in residence in the future.

Wang's Clan had already begun economic trade with Northern Zhou, gaining many metal raw materials, and could also obtain a large amount of metal from the Liang Kingdom. The material supply was gradually becoming abundant, but skilled craftsmen were still in short supply.

Once they invited the Hundred Refinements True Monarch to Wang's Clan as a crafting consultant, his influence would make recruiting craftsmen from the Immortal Court as easy as reaching into a bag.

Even among the local cultivators of the Great Qian, the proportion choosing to become craftsmen would significantly increase.

Therefore, his mission to the Immortal Court this time was of great importance.

As they chatted, suddenly, the Yun Yao flying boat sounded a piercing alarm.

From the cargo hold carrying the black armor, intense energy fluctuations erupted, indicating an accident and a fight.

"Not good."

Almost simultaneously, Yao Chengchao, Old Pei, and Wang Ningxi rose from their seats, transforming into streaks of light as they rushed towards the source of the commotion.

Old Pei, being in the Divine Realm, was naturally the fastest.

Yao Chengchao, having been nurtured by his family, was no ordinary person either. Especially after inheriting the manual, he barely entered the ranks of Peerless Prodigies, and with the boost from his bloodline, his speed was not much slower than Old Pei's.

The most surprising was Wang Ningxi. Despite being only in the Celestial Realm, his movement was graceful and natural, with faint water and fire energies flowing around him, only slightly slower than Old Pei and Yao Chengchao.

This speed made Yao Chengchao's cheeks twitch.

They say Wang's Clan is full of monsters, and he's witnessing it again. Wait, why did I say "again"?

For a moment, Yao Chengchao was puzzled.

But now wasn't the time to dwell on such matters.

In the cargo hold, a green dragon, over ten feet long, was darting around like a slippery eel in the limited space, surrounded by dense green wood-type energy, making its movements exceptionally agile.

One dark green energy ball after another spewed from its open mouth, exploding with "boom boom boom" sounds, the violent energy causing the entire cargo hold's energy to fluctuate wildly.

Opposing it and intercepting the energy balls were the escort personnel from Yao's Air Transport.

The cargo hold was in disarray, with many black armors scattered on the ground. Fortunately, they had special internal structures for support, making them very durable, so there was no damage.

"Little Green, blast them for this princess!" an eight or nine-year-old girl stood on a cargo box, hands on her hips, looking fierce. "Blast those big bullies who dare to bully this princess!"

Though she was adorable, she wore coarse cloth clothes, and combined with her fierce demeanor, it was clear she wasn't someone to be trifled with.

"Stop!" Old Pei frowned deeply at the scene, shouting angrily, "No fighting in the cargo hold! Who can bear the responsibility if my precious treasures are damaged?"

These were new black armors, containing years of Old Pei's painstaking efforts.

With that, Old Pei raised his hand, and a vast amount of profound energy condensed into a claw, instantly grabbing the green dragon, whose strength was at most around the sixth rank.

"Roar roar!"

The green dragon was clearly not good-tempered.

Even when caught, it continued to struggle fiercely, but unfortunately, its strength was far inferior to Old Pei's in the Divine Realm, and no matter how it struggled, it couldn't break free.

"Let go of my Little Green." The little girl, angry, swiped her storage ring and took out a token, ready to throw it at Old Pei.

"Stop!" Wang Ningxi quickly shouted angrily, "Wang Jidie, stop immediately."

Clearly, this little girl was the latest generation's eldest daughter of Wang's Clan, Wang Jidie, the so-called "Princess Huari"!

"Ah? Forty-seventh Uncle!" Wang Jidie instantly recognized Wang Ningxi, her little mouth pouting as she threw herself into Wang Ningxi's arms, "Forty-seventh Uncle, those big bullies bullied me, and that bad old man bullied Little Green."

Seeing this, the escort personnel in the cargo hold exchanged glances, their expressions strange.

Even Yao Chengchao and Old Pei were speechless.

They never expected this unruly little girl to be the legendary little princess of Wang's Clan.

Wang Ningxi's mouth twitched.

I clearly saw you bullying people, didn't I? And if I hadn't stopped you in time, you would have thrown out that "Legion Commander's Protection."

Wang Ningxi knew very well what kind of character his niece was. She was the new generation's little tyrant of Wang's Clan, dominating the elementary clan school at just eight years old.

"Alright, alright, we'll talk about who bullied you later." Wang Ningxi felt a headache coming on, "Tell me, why aren't you in school at this time, and how did you end up in the cargo hold of the Yun Yao flying boat?"

"I was wronged and wanted to go to the Immortal Dynasty to find my brother," Wang Jidie's black almond-like eyes filled with tears, her eyes red, looking pitiful, "I miss my brother."

"Do your parents know about this?" Wang Ningxi felt his head was about to explode.

"Of course not." Wang Jidie wiped her tears and snot on Wang Ningxi's clothes, sobbing, "But I guess Ancestor Grandfather knows, otherwise, I couldn't have run away."

"Oh, logical reasoning, precise deduction, your intelligence seems fine~" Wang Ningxi didn't know whether to be angry or amused, gritting his teeth, "So why are your grades so terrible?"

"Forty-seventh Uncle, you're a big bully, you're bullying me. I miss my brother too much to concentrate on studying." Wang Jidie started pounding Wang Ningxi with her little fists, "You can't send me back."

"Alright, alright~ Since Ancestor Grandfather has no objections, I won't send you back." Wang Ningxi wiped the sweat from his forehead, speaking weakly, "On this trip to the Immortal Dynasty, you'll follow me, and you can't run around alone."

"Forty-seventh Uncle, you're the best." Wang Jidie immediately turned her anger into joy, her mood changing quickly, and even the tears in her eyes miraculously disappeared, "I like you the most."

"Alright then, since we have nothing to do on this journey," Wang Ningxi thought for a moment, "I'll help you settle down and tutor you, so you won't embarrass yourself when you return to the clan school."

Saying this, he glanced at the little green dragon, which had finally stopped struggling, and said fiercely, "And you! Aiding and abetting, you'll study with us!"

"…"

Wang Jidie was instantly in tears.

I just escaped the wolf's den, only to fall into the tiger's lair.

Forty-seventh Uncle, thank you so much~!

The little green dragon, still held by Old Pei, also stiffened, the whole dragon feeling utterly defeated.

He had finally managed to run away with the little princess, only to find he couldn't escape the fate of studying? Why was his life so hard~~

If he had known, he would have stayed in the egg and let Wang Lici cook him~~ Wuwuwu~~~

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