Are you happy?

Qin Fang was certainly happy, but the thought of having a child meant that he and his wife couldn’t be intimate, and that someone else could be closer to her than he was.

This made him feel sour inside.

The more he thought about it, the less important the child seemed to him.

However, he still had some rationality.

If he dared to voice such thoughts, his mother would definitely not let him off the hook.

Rationally, Qin Fang recalled what had happened the previous night and asked Granny Lian, “What did Doctor Li say after examining her? Is Lady in good health? How’s the baby?”

As one of their household servants, Granny Lian naturally knew what he was referring to, so she cheerfully replied, “General, don’t worry; Madam is in good health.”

Qin Fang let out a sigh of relief.

If something happened to Yan Yan and the baby because of yesterday’s incident, he would feel extremely guilty. “That’s good. I have important matters to attend to now. Please tell Lady Xiang to rest well and not overexert herself.”

After thinking about it, he realized this statement was unnecessary—his wife knew better than he did how to balance work and rest.

Qin Fang’s mother couldn’t stand his rambling, and in a tone that suggested she was urging him to leave, she said, “Go on, go on, you have work to do. I’m here with Yan Yan, and your grandmother, as well as Granny Lian, are here too. It’s of no use for you to be here; the important matters are a priority. Off you go.”

Saying this, she pulled aside the curtain. “Uncle Hong, we’re leaving.”

Uncle Hong responded, “Understood.”

Watching the carriage leave, Qin Fang thought about his mother’s impatient demeanor.

He knew he had lost his position.

In his mother’s eyes, Yan Yan was the first priority, and the grandchild was second.

Thinking about this made Qin Fang feel a bit sour again.

He didn’t know in Yan Yan’s heart who was more important to her: him or the child.

Feeling melancholy, Qin Fang returned to Du Ke’s side, where he heard Shen Lixian say, “Congratulations, General Qin, on your good news.”

Du Ke remarked, “You’re going to be a father; you need to learn to grow up.”

Qin Fang: “……”

Why was it that the moment he became a father, he was regarded as less important than the child in everyone’s eyes?

Was he born just to have children?

“Thank you, Teacher. Thank you, Lord Shen.”

Shen Lixian chuckled and teased, “From General Qin’s tone, it doesn’t sound like you’re very happy.”

Qin Fang replied, “No, no, I’m just too surprised; it feels more like a shock.” He truly hadn’t intended to have children, at least not in these first few years.

He had asked Doctor Li, and even if a woman had a child at twenty, it was still possible.

So he wanted to enjoy a quiet life with Yan Yan for a couple more years before having children when she turned twenty.

But little did he know, every time he held back, he still ended up missing the mark.

Thinking about this, Qin Fang felt an overwhelming sense of regret.

Du Ke laughed heartily, “You definitely seem shocked.”

As for not being happy, Du Ke didn’t believe it.

What man wouldn’t be happy to have a legitimate son?

When his wife was pregnant back then, he was so happy that his head went blank.

It didn’t matter whether it was a son or a daughter; just having a child made him feel suddenly mature and responsible.

Although he usually appeared stern and was very strict with his son’s education, rarely spending time with him outside of testing his studies, he carried great hope and expectations for his son’s birth.

However, he wasn’t good at expressing that love.

Qin Fang said, “Yes, I was shocked.” But soon after, he smiled.

He was going to be a father!

He wondered how that Han Zhen would boast in front of him now.

Qin Fang began to fantasize.

If he had a daughter, she would definitely be as beautiful as his wife.

As for Han Zhen’s daughter… he didn’t mean to say that children were bad; he was sure his daughter would be more beautiful than Han Zhen’s.

Seeing Qin Fang smile foolishly, Shen Lixian couldn’t help but shake his head. “It’s said that sons resemble their mothers and daughters resemble their fathers. From what I observe, it’s better for General Qin’s family to have a son.”

Qin Fang was taken aback, then suddenly widened his eyes. “What did you say? Daughters resemble their fathers?”

Shen Lixian raised an eyebrow. “What? You haven’t heard this before? The old folks in the capital always say that. Back when my wife was pregnant, she hoped for a daughter because she believed the girl would resemble me.”

Shen Lixian was known as a handsome man in the capital.

Compared to him, the late Empress Shen was even more beautiful; otherwise, she wouldn’t have caught the attention of the late emperor, who arranged for her to marry the current emperor.

At that moment, Qin Fang felt as if he had been struck by lightning.

If daughters resembled their fathers and his daughter took after him… he would owe his daughter an apology.

Although among men, Qin Fang was quite confident about his height and looks—after all, why would his wife be so infatuated with his physique?—he believed that looking like him was what it meant to be a man.

But Han Zhen’s looks… well, he looked like a woman.

However, if the daughter looks like him, she would be too big.

He had to admit that it would be better for a girl to resemble Han Zhen.

Qin Fang seemed to see Han Zhen’s mocking face, and his entire expression darkened.

No, for the sake of his daughter, he had to… make himself look better?

He remembered how his wife applied something on her face every day, which made it soft and smooth.

Qin Fang touched his rough face and shook his head.

Should he try it?

Seeing his distracted expression, Shen Lixian couldn’t help but laugh.

….

The crops in the military fields were thriving; not only were the crops growing well, but the pigs, ducks, and chickens were also doing great.

Before coming to the military fields, Du Ke had never imagined it would be like this: lush green crops, clucking poultry, and the honest smiles of the estate manager.

They visited the fields overseen by Qin’s father.

Despite the heat, Qin’s father took them to see several plots of crops and also showed them the hens that were already laying eggs.

He said, “These eggs are sent to the military camp every few days to help the soldiers replenish their strength. Don’t underestimate these chickens; they are all raised by the soldiers here on rotation. They’ve worked hard!”

Faced with Qin’s father, the honest man, Du Ke couldn’t help but laugh, “Indeed, doing it themselves ensures a full supply. Naturally, they’ll work hard for their own food. It’s only for their food that they would work this hard. I must say, the military land policy is truly excellent. I hope it can be implemented in military camps across the country soon. That way, the army of Qi State won’t have to worry about food anymore.”

Why hadn’t anyone thought of this before?

Sending food from far away was indeed not as practical as planting it near the military camps.

It saved manpower, resources, and finances.

Qin’s father listened, chuckling.

Although he didn’t understand the grand principles Du Ke spoke of, he knew it was a good thing.

Shen Lixian also sighed, “It’s indeed good. If Qi State had discovered this policy a few years earlier, the army wouldn’t have to worry about food at all.”

Qin Fang replied, “Finding out late is better than never finding out.”

Du Ke agreed, “Indeed, having something is better than having nothing.”

After leaving the military fields, they went to the military estate. The steward of the estate was a new subject, and there were several of them. When they saw Qin Fang, everyone was very enthusiastic.

“General Qin has arrived!”

“General Qin, two of our mares are pregnant this time. By this time next year, the foals will be born!”

Upon hearing this, Qin Fang’s heart filled with joy.

Du Ke asked, “How long does it take for a mare to give birth?”

Upon hearing Du Ke’s question, the few speaking looked at him, not answering immediately because they didn’t know him.

Qin Fang quickly interjected, “This is Du Ke, the current Deputy Minister of the Ministry of War and also my mentor. After you surrendered, he brought the emperor’s decree to settle you.”

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately bowed and said, “So it’s General Qin’s teacher!”

“Replying to Lord Du, a mare is pregnant for over three hundred days, similar to humans, perhaps a few days longer. Also, a mare typically gives birth to only one foal at a time. However, the biggest difference is that humans come into heat every month, while mares are in heat from March to July. So the next breeding season will have to wait until next year.”

“However, after we sell the sheep and cattle we’ve raised, we can buy a few more mares. Once we have more horses, the chances of the mares becoming pregnant will increase.”

“Indeed!”

Du Ke found it quite interesting to hear their enthusiastic discussion about raising horses and their future plans.

He asked, “Can you take me to see them?”

The estate steward replied, “Of course. However, we only have a few rough men here and no tea or refreshments. We hope Lord Du will forgive us.” Although there were only a few rough men and no refreshments, the place was very clean.

People who liked raising horses, cattle, and sheep were especially fond of these animals and paid great attention to hygiene.

Du Ke said, “It’s no trouble; I’ve brought my own tea.”

The steward took them to see the horse barn, sheep pen, and cattle barn.

Du Ke asked, “Earlier, you said the sheep’s milk is for the soldiers. What about the cattle? Once they’re raised, who do you sell them to?”

After all, cattle are considered sacred by the common people, and in this dynasty, they can’t be killed at will, mainly because they are few and expensive.

The steward replied, “The sheep’s milk is for the soldiers, as instructed by the general’s wife. It’s good for their health. As for the cattle, we sell them to the common people, and we already have some pre-orders from them.”

Du Ke burst out laughing, “That’s quite a good business!”

Turning to Qin Fang, he said, “This idea about milk and sheep can only come from your wife.”

Qin Fang replied, “She cares a lot about everyone’s health. When we were at the frontier, she bought a shop and sheep; the sheep’s milk was used to make pastries, and the surplus was shared with the locals.

Everyone has been drinking it for over a year, and their health has improved greatly. So when we got here, she suggested raising sheep to provide milk for the soldiers.”

Du Ke said, “She’s a thoughtful person.”

After visiting the estate, they went to visit others, inquiring about each ethnic group’s “special products” and skills.

Du Ke listened while taking notes, planning to organize the information later to report to the emperor.

Watching Du Ke, Qin Fang thought to himself that he should also carry paper and pen with him in the future so that he could record important matters.

It was easy to forget things stored in his mind, but if they were written down, he wouldn’t forget them.