The birth of the young master was like a bright star, bringing endless joy and hope to the General's Mansion. However, the road of raising a child that followed was full of hardships and challenges.
Lin Wan'er was weak after childbirth and needed a long period of recuperation. However, her heart was constantly with her child, and even when exhausted, she forced herself to care for the infant. The baby was still in swaddling clothes, and every cry tugged at her heartstrings. At night, the baby frequently woke up, and Lin Wan'er couldn't sleep either. Often, she would just have soothed the baby to sleep, and before she could even close her eyes for long, she would be awakened again by the baby's cries.
Xiao Yichen saw it all and felt a pang of heartache. He wanted to help, but often felt helpless. Facing that tiny, soft baby, he was afraid he might accidentally hurt the child. That day, the baby started crying again, and Lin Wan'er, fighting off sleep, got up to check on the child. Xiao Yichen quickly assisted her.
"Wan'er, is the baby hungry?" Xiao Yichen asked anxiously.
Lin Wan'er gently unbuttoned her clothes and tried to breastfeed the baby. But the baby, perhaps because of the uncomfortable position, continued to cry. Xiao Yichen stood by anxiously, trying to help adjust the baby's position, but his efforts only made things worse.
"Yichen, don't rush, let me handle this," Lin Wan'er said helplessly.
After some effort, the baby finally latched onto the nipple and began to suckle quietly. Lin Wan'er breathed a sigh of relief, her face showing exhaustion. Xiao Yichen looked at her, his heart filled with guilt.
"Wan'er, it's my fault. I can't do anything right, and I've made you suffer so much," Xiao Yichen said remorsefully.
Lin Wan'er shook her head slightly and said, "This is not your fault. As first-time parents, we all need to learn. You have already tried your best."
As the child grows, various problems arise one after another. The child's diapers need to be changed frequently, which has become a daunting task. The dirty, wet diapers emit an unpleasant smell, and Xiao Yichen can't help but frown every time he deals with them, but he still endures the discomfort and carefully washes the diapers.
"Why does this child pee so frequently?" Xiao Yichen muttered as he washed the diapers.
Lin Wan'er smiled and said, "The child is still young, this is normal. He'll be fine when he gets older."
Besides providing for their daily needs, the children's health also caused them great concern. Once, one child suddenly developed a high fever, his face flushed red, and his body burning hot. Lin Wan'er was frantic, pacing back and forth in the room with the child in her arms. Xiao Yichen immediately sent someone to fetch a doctor.
After the doctor arrived, he carefully examined the child. "Young mistress, the young master has caught a cold. I'll prescribe some medicine; give it to him on time and keep him warm. He should be fine," the doctor said.
Lin Wan'er nodded quickly and went to prepare the medicine herself. Xiao Yichen stayed by the child's bedside, and seeing the child's suffering, his heart ached as if it were being torn apart.
"Wan'er, will something happen to the child?" Xiao Yichen asked worriedly.
Lin Wan'er forced herself to remain calm and said, "The doctor said that if we take the medicine on time, we will get better. We should trust the doctor."
Under their meticulous care, the child's condition gradually improved. Seeing the child regain his former liveliness, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er finally felt relieved.
In the process of raising children, they are also constantly learning and growing. Lin Wan'er consulted experienced nannies in the household about childcare techniques, learning how to bathe a child, how to massage a child, and how to lull a child to sleep. Xiao Yichen listened attentively, trying to remember every detail so that he could better assist Lin Wan'er.
"When bathing a child, the water temperature should be just right, neither too hot nor too cold. Test the water temperature with your hand first, then gently put the child into the water..." the nanny explained patiently.
Lin Wan'er carefully bathed the child following the nanny's instructions. Xiao Yichen helped by handing over towels and bath supplies, and the two worked together more and more smoothly.
As the child grows older, he begins to have his own little emotions and temper. Sometimes he will cry and fuss over the smallest things, and nothing can soothe him. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er often find this a headache.
"This child, nothing I do can soothe him. Is he feeling unwell?" Xiao Yichen said helplessly.
Lin Wan'er carefully observed the child and said, "I don't think he's feeling unwell. He probably just wants someone to play with him."
So Xiao Yichen picked up a small rattle drum and shook it in front of the child. The clear drumbeat attracted the child's attention, and he gradually stopped crying. His eyes were fixed on the rattle drum with curiosity, and his little hands waved, trying to grab it.
"Haha, looks like this little guy wants to play." Xiao Yichen said with a smile.
In the process of accompanying their child's growth, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er also gained a lot of joy and touching moments. The child's first smile, first laugh, first roll over, first sit up... every little progress made them feel extremely gratified.
"Wan'er, look, the child can smile now. He smiles so beautifully," Xiao Yichen said excitedly.
Looking at her child's innocent smile, Lin Wan'er's eyes filled with tears of happiness. "Yes, our child is so adorable."
Despite the hardships and challenges of raising a child, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er have always supported and accompanied each other. In this process, they have learned patience, tolerance, and how to love a new life. They know that this child is the fruit of their love, the continuation of their lives, and that no matter how much effort they put in, it is all worthwhile.
Time flies, and under the careful care of Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er, the young master has grown from a babbling infant into a lively and adorable toddler.
In the courtyard, sunlight spilled onto the tender green grass, casting a golden glow. Young Master Xiao Nianchen, dressed in an exquisite brocade jacket, skipped and hopped about on the grass like a joyful fawn. His rosy face beamed with a bright smile, and his large, black, gem-like eyes sparkled with curiosity and liveliness.
"Daddy, come and chase me!" Xiao Nianchen shouted as she ran, her voice clear and childlike, as melodious as a silver bell.
Xiao Yichen pretended to be unable to catch up, deliberately slowing down and calling out, "Nianchen, you're running too fast, Father can't catch up!"
Lin Wan'er stood to the side, watching the father and son playfully bickering, a gentle smile playing on her lips. She wore an elegant light-colored dress, her figure graceful and slender. Time seemed to have left few traces on her face, instead adding a touch of mature charm.
"Nianchen, don't run too fast, be careful not to fall," Lin Wan'er gently reminded her.
Xiao Nianchen seemed not to hear, continuing to run and play in the courtyard, occasionally squatting down to carefully observe the wildflowers at his feet, or chasing butterflies flying low overhead. The butterflies were brightly colored, fluttering their light wings as they danced among the flowers. Xiao Nianchen reached out his little hand, trying to catch the butterflies, but always missed. However, he was not discouraged at all; instead, he laughed even more heartily.
"Haha, Butterfly, don't run away!" Xiao Nianchen shouted with a laugh.
Just then, the maid Cui'er brought over a plate of fresh fruit and placed it on the stone table in the courtyard. "Young master, young mistress, please have some fruit," Cui'er said respectfully.
Lin Wan'er nodded her thanks, picked up a piece of apple and handed it to Xiao Yichen, while she picked up a piece of pear and took a small bite. The pear flesh was tender and juicy, sweet and delicious, releasing a pleasant fragrance in her mouth.
Xiao Nianchen's eyes lit up when he saw the fruit, and he immediately ran over. "Mom, I want some too," he said sweetly.
Lin Wan'er smiled, picked up a strawberry, and handed it to Xiao Nianchen, saying, "Nianchen, eat slowly."
Xiao Nianchen took the strawberry, put it in his mouth, and the sweet and sour taste made him squint his eyes, his face full of satisfaction.
In the afternoon, as the sunlight began to slant, Xiao Yichen led Xiao Nianchen to the study. The study was filled with the faint scent of ink, and the bookshelves were overflowing with various books, encompassing classics, histories, philosophical works, and literary collections. Xiao Yichen sat at the desk, held Xiao Nianchen on his lap, picked up a copy of the *Three Character Classic*, and began patiently teaching him to recite it.
"At the beginning of life, people are inherently good. Their natures are similar, but their habits are different..." Xiao Yichen's voice was deep and magnetic as he recited each word.
Xiao Nianchen followed Xiao Yichen's rhythm, reading aloud in a childish voice: "At the beginning of life, people are inherently good..." His little eyes were focused on the book, and although he didn't quite recognize some of the words, he read very seriously.
Lin Wan'er entered the study and saw this scene, her heart filled with relief. She gently walked to Xiao Yichen's side and said, "Yichen, don't let Nianchen get too tired, he's still young."
Xiao Yichen put down his book and said with a smile, "Wan'er, I just want Nianchen to be exposed to poetry and classics from a young age to cultivate his knowledge and refinement. But you're right, we can't let him get too tired."
After saying that, Xiao Yichen stood up, took Xiao Nianchen's little hand, and said, "Nianchen, let's go for a walk in the garden."
In the garden, flowers bloomed in profusion, each vying for attention with its own unique beauty. Xiao Nianchen excitedly weaved through the blossoms, stopping every now and then to point to a flower and ask, "Father, what kind of flower is this?"
Xiao Yichen patiently replied, "This is a peony, the king of flowers. Look how big its blossoms are and how vibrant its colors are."
Xiao Nianchen nodded as if he understood, then ran to look at the other flowers. He saw a beautiful rose and wanted to pick it.
"Nianchen, you mustn't pick the flowers. Flowers are living things too, and we should cherish them," Lin Wan'er quickly stopped him.
Xiao Nianchen blinked and asked, "Mother, why can't we pick the flowers?"
Lin Wan'er squatted down, looked into Xiao Nianchen's eyes, and said, "Because these flowers are blooming so well in the garden, everyone can appreciate their beauty. If we pick them, they will wither quickly, and others will not be able to see their beauty."
Xiao Nianchen thought for a moment and said, "Then I won't pick them. I want them to keep blooming so that everyone can see them."
Lin Wan'er smiled with satisfaction, patted Xiao Nianchen's head, and said, "Nianchen is such a good boy."
As evening fell, Xiao Yichen brought Xiao Nianchen to the training ground of the General's Mansion to practice martial arts. Various weapons—swords, spears, halberds, and daggers—were displayed on the training ground, gleaming coldly. Xiao Yichen picked up a wooden sword and handed it to Xiao Nianchen, saying, "Nianchen, today your father will teach you some basic swordsmanship."
Xiao Nianchen took the wooden sword and excitedly swung it around. Although his movements were clumsy, they were full of power and energy. Xiao Yichen patiently guided him from the side, correcting his posture and movements.
"Nianchen, grip the sword tightly, stand firmly, and strike with force..." Xiao Yichen said.
Xiao Nianchen practiced diligently following Xiao Yichen's instructions. Before long, fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, but he showed no sign of stopping.
"Father, am I doing the right thing?" Xiao Nianchen asked.
Xiao Yichen looked at Xiao Nianchen and nodded, saying, "Nianchen did a great job. Keep up the good work."
Lin Wan'er stood by the training ground, watching the father and son practice martial arts, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She knew that Xiao Yichen hoped Xiao Nianchen could inherit the martial arts tradition of the General's Mansion and become a responsible and skilled man. As for her, she only hoped that Xiao Nianchen could grow up healthy and happy, and that no matter what path he chose in the future, he could stay true to himself.
As night fell, the general's mansion was brightly lit. The family sat around the dining table, enjoying a sumptuous dinner. The table was laden with various delicacies, including Xiao Nianchen's favorite sweet and sour pork ribs, braised carp, as well as a variety of fresh vegetables and soups.
While eating, Xiao Nianchen excitedly recounted the interesting things that happened in the courtyard, garden, and training ground that day. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er listened quietly, with smiles on their faces, occasionally responding to Xiao Nianchen's words.
In this warm atmosphere, Xiao Nianchen's life in the General's Mansion was filled with joy and growth. Under the care and guidance of his parents, he gradually explored the world, learned knowledge and skills, and took firm and happy steps towards the future.
Throughout the long years in the General's Mansion, Xiao Nianchen grew up like a sapling, gradually becoming stronger. As he grew older, the heavy responsibility of carrying on the family legacy became increasingly clear on his young shoulders.
That morning, the soft sunlight bathed the training grounds of the General's Mansion. Xiao Yichen, dressed in a sleek and upright outfit, stood tall with a serious expression. He held a sharp longsword, its blade gleaming coldly in the sunlight. Xiao Nianchen stood opposite him, also dressed in martial arts attire, though his small figure appeared somewhat frail within the oversized clothing, but his eyes shone with determination and anticipation.
“Nianchen, today your father will teach you a sword technique passed down through our Xiao family—the Wind-Breaking Sword Technique.” Xiao Yichen’s voice was deep and powerful, his eyes fixed on Xiao Nianchen. “This sword technique is fierce and powerful, emphasizing speed, accuracy, and ruthlessness. It is one of our Xiao family’s secret techniques for defeating enemies on the battlefield.”
Xiao Nianchen nodded vigorously and said, "Father, I will definitely study hard."
Xiao Yichen nodded slightly, then began to demonstrate the swordsmanship move by move. His figure moved like lightning, his sword flashing, each thrust accompanied by a whistling wind, as if it could truly cleave through the void. As he demonstrated, he explained the key points of the swordsmanship: "This move, 'Swift Wind Thrust,' requires the sword to be as fast as lightning, the power originating from the waist, flowing through the arm to the tip of the sword, striking the enemy's vitals; while this 'Whirlwind Slash' requires the use of the body's rotational force, the sword moving with the body, making it difficult for the enemy to parry..."
Xiao Nianchen watched Xiao Yichen's demonstration intently, his eyes never blinking, trying his best to memorize every movement and key point. After Xiao Yichen finished demonstrating once, he picked up the wooden sword in his hand and began to imitate it. At first, his movements were very stiff and clumsy, and his swordsmanship was powerless, but he was not discouraged and repeated the practice again and again.
"Nianchen, watch your steps. Be steady and agile, and don't lose your rhythm." Xiao Yichen patiently instructed from the side, correcting Xiao Nianchen's movements from time to time.
"Yes, Father." Xiao Nianchen responded, adjusted his pace, and continued practicing.
On the other side of the training ground, Lin Wan'er stood quietly, watching the father and son. Her eyes held both heartache for Xiao Nianchen and unwavering support for the family's legacy. She knew that this was a necessary path of growth for Xiao Nianchen; only by mastering the family's martial arts could he shoulder the responsibility of protecting the family and the country in the future.
After many days of diligent practice, Xiao Nianchen gradually became more proficient in the Wind-Breaking Sword Technique. His movements became increasingly fluid, and the speed and power of his sword strikes also improved significantly. Xiao Yichen felt very gratified seeing his son's progress.
“Nianchen, you have gained some understanding of the Wind-Breaking Sword Technique, but that is far from enough. The martial arts heritage of our Xiao family is not just a few sword techniques and moves, but more importantly, the martial spirit it contains.” Xiao Yichen called Xiao Nianchen to his side and said earnestly.
Xiao Nianchen raised his head, looked at Xiao Yichen, and asked, "Father, what is the spirit of martial arts?"
Xiao Yichen pondered for a moment, then said, "The spirit of martial arts is one of perseverance, courage, fearlessness in the face of powerful enemies, and upholding justice. On the battlefield, we face countless dangers and challenges. Only by possessing a strong martial arts spirit can we survive in dire straits and defeat our enemies. At the same time, we learn martial arts not to bully the weak, but to protect those who need protection and to maintain peace and justice in the world."
Xiao Nianchen nodded as if he understood, and said, "Father, I understand. I will strive to become a person with the spirit of martial arts."
Besides passing on their martial arts skills, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er also placed great emphasis on Xiao Nianchen's cultural and academic learning. In the study, Xiao Nianchen could often be seen sitting at his desk, reciting classics and practicing calligraphy.
Xiao Yichen personally selected books for Xiao Nianchen, ranging from classics and historical texts to military strategies and tactics, hoping that Xiao Nianchen could broaden his horizons and absorb knowledge. When teaching Xiao Nianchen calligraphy, he taught by example, patiently explaining everything from the posture of holding the brush to the writing of each stroke.
“Nianchen, the way of calligraphy lies in the unity of mind and hand. You must use your heart to feel the beginning, development, transition and conclusion of each stroke, and integrate your own emotions and artistic conception into it.” Xiao Yichen stood behind Xiao Nianchen, holding his small hand, demonstrating how to write the character “永” (yong).
Xiao Nianchen listened attentively to Xiao Yichen's teachings, his eyes focused and earnest. Under his pen, each character gradually took shape, though still somewhat immature, it was full of traces of effort and progress.
Lin Wan'er also often accompanied Xiao Nianchen, discussing poetry and literature with him. She would explain the imagery and emotions in the poems to Xiao Nianchen, guiding him to appreciate the wisdom and sentiments of the ancients.
"Nianchen, look at this poem by Li Bai, 'Bring in the Wine,' 'Do you not see the Yellow River's waters come from the sky, rushing to the sea never to return? Do you not see the bright mirror in the high hall reflecting white hair, like black silk in the morning turning to snow by evening?' The poet, with his bold strokes, expresses his感慨 about the passage of time and his open-minded attitude towards life." Lin Wan'er softly recited the poem, interpreting its profound meaning for Xiao Nianchen.
Xiao Nianchen listened quietly, as if he had been drawn into the world of poetry, feeling the poet's joys and sorrows. "Mother, will I be able to write such good poems in the future?" he asked.
Lin Wan'er smiled and stroked his head, saying, "As long as you study hard and read and write more, you will definitely succeed."
Along the path of family tradition, Xiao Nianchen not only continuously improved in martial arts and cultural knowledge, but he also learned principles of conduct and family virtues from his parents. Xiao Yichen's integrity, courage, and loyalty, and Lin Wan'er's kindness, gentleness, and intelligence all subtly influenced him.
As Xiao Nianchen grew older, he began to participate in some family affairs. At family gatherings, he would respectfully greet his elders and listen to their teachings; when interacting with his peers in the family, he understood the importance of unity, friendship, and mutual assistance.
Once, an elder in the family fell ill and was bedridden, so Xiao Nianchen took the initiative to visit him. He brought fresh flowers he had picked himself and some medicine he had brewed to the elder's room.
"Grandfather, are you feeling better? I've come to see you." Xiao Nianchen entered the room and asked softly.
The elders smiled with satisfaction when they saw Xiao Nianchen. "Nianchen, you are such a sensible and good child."
Xiao Nianchen sat by the bedside, chatting with his elder and telling him about his interesting experiences practicing martial arts and studying, filling the elder's ward with laughter.
In the family's ancestral rites, Xiao Nianchen also began to shoulder some responsibilities. He followed his father and elders, learning the rituals and procedures of the rites, and understanding the family's history and the achievements of their ancestors. He deeply understood that these rites were not merely rituals, but also important links in the family's heritage, through which the family's culture and spirit could be continued and passed down.
Under the influence of his family's traditions, Xiao Nianchen is gradually growing into a member of the Xiao family with martial arts skills, knowledge, and good character. Carrying the expectations of his parents and the hopes of his family, he is moving forward firmly towards the future, preparing to continue writing the glorious chapter of the General's Mansion on his own stage.
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