The temperamental white moonlight is back, and the entire Marquis's family obediently calls him

Lu Mingzhao met his gaze and smiled slightly: "Because you are my son."

"I carried him for ten months and risked my life to give birth to this son."

"No matter how much you hate me, our relationship is the strongest in the world."

"And I also believe that you won't hate me forever."

Zhou Shixu paused for a moment, moved his lips, but quickly looked away, refusing to meet her gaze, though his words remained sharp:

"In the end, you can't control me."

"If I really tell anyone, what can you do to me?"

Zhou Shili frowned slightly: "Xu'er."

Compared to his mother, who had lost all her virtue over the years, Zhou Shixu was clearly more intimidated by his elder brother, who often disciplined him.

Zhou Shixu pouted and said, "Alright, I know, I'm not stupid."

"Since Grandma and Grandpa are going to keep this secret, the truth must be very dangerous."

"It could... cost me my head, of course I wouldn't say such a thing!"

Lu Mingzhao smiled.

Zhou Shixu may be mischievous in his daily life, but he has a strong stance on matters of principle.

One can get a glimpse of this from the incident of An'an breaking off her engagement.

That's why she told Xu'er this secret today.

This child has a sharp tongue but a soft heart; he may say harsh things, but he's sincere in his actions.

When it comes to keeping secrets, she is willing to trust Xu'er.

"There's one more thing," Zhou Shixu paused, his eyes slightly uneasy, "Why did you insist on making me take that sword today?"

Since her personality changed, my mother has always been close to my eldest brother, and she only tells him and my sister-in-law anything.

According to what she said in the woods today, killing three bandits would bring benefits to her elder brother.

But his mother insisted on pinning the blame on him.

What exactly is going on in this situation?

Lu Mingzhao chuckled teasingly, "It sounds like you're quite unwilling?"

"I see you're surrounded by those rich young men, and you seem quite happy."

Zhou Shixu blushed slightly.

Damn it, she actually found out!

He was indeed very scared when he received the sword, but once he left the forest and was being watched by everyone with surprised, envious, and even admiring eyes, anyone would feel a little smug.

Despite his joy, after calming down, Zhou Shixu felt as if there was a hole in his heart, an emptiness, and a great sense of unease.

"What if...they ask me to pull some tricks next time we meet? What should I do then?"

The thought that his "false reputation" could be easily exposed and destroyed made him feel ashamed.

He rubbed his head in frustration: "I would rather not have had this reputation in the first place."

"It's all your fault, you insisted on giving it to me!"

Zhou Shili was very dissatisfied with his younger brother's attitude and was about to criticize him when he heard his mother's laughter.

"Silly Xu'er, all you've thought about is this? Haven't you thought about anything else?"

"For example... how can we remedy this?"

Zhou Shixu was taken aback and looked over suspiciously: "Remedy? How do you remedy it?"

Lu Mingzhao smiled and said, "Don't you want to learn some martial arts?"

"I...I'll learn martial arts?"

Zhou Shixu's expression went blank for a moment.

Although his father was the renowned Marquis of Zhenbei Zhongjing, who had made outstanding contributions to defending the border and protecting the country, he never thought of learning martial arts.

In his view, learning martial arts was an extremely tiring and arduous process.

When he was very young, he admired his father, who was a master of martial arts, and had a sudden urge to learn martial arts.

But his father made him practice horse stance, which he did for half an hour at a time.

Under the blazing sun, he was tired and thirsty from standing, and his playful thoughts had long since vanished.

But his father wouldn't allow him to give up halfway.

After trembling and practicing for half an hour, he cried and said that he would never learn martial arts again.

Furthermore, although he also got into fights, he always felt that it was different to fight after learning martial arts.

For example, when facing those three bandits today, if he hadn't learned martial arts, he might not have been as ruthless as his mother, who had.

Zhou Shixu spoke his thoughts haltingly, though his tone was somewhat awkward, but he still managed to convey the intended meaning.

This can be considered a frank and open discussion with Lu Mingzhao.

Lu Mingzhao also put away his teasing smile and analyzed seriously: "First, I will not teach you martial arts in a rigid way like Zhou Ningchuan."

When it comes to raising children, Zhou Ningchuan is a complete old-fashioned person, adhering to the traditional rules of strict father and kind mother.

He would scold his child with a stern face whenever the child made a mistake.

Lu Mingzhao scolded him several times for this, but Zhou Ningchuan stubbornly insisted that he was not wrong.

As the two spent more time together, they unexpectedly became even more alike in their stubbornness.

Over time, Lu Mingzhao simply stopped caring.

Zhou Ningchuan was strict with the children, so she was kinder to them.

"Zhou Ningchuan thinks that practicing martial arts requires repeating the pain over and over again, but I don't think so."

"I can make your training very enjoyable, you believe me?"

Zhou Shixu paused, didn't speak, but his eyes clearly relaxed a little.

"As for your second concern... that's enough to show you're a good kid who doesn't want to accidentally hurt someone."

Upon being suddenly praised, Zhou Shixu immediately looked away, his earlobes turning slightly red.

Lu Mingzhao added, "However, I need to make one thing clear to you—we practice martial arts not to hurt people."

She straightened her expression.

"For example, if I weren't here today, could the two of you really defeat three bandits who live on the edge of a knife?"

"If not, then who will protect An'an?"

"..."

The two brothers fell silent.

They knew very well that if it weren't for their mother, An'an wouldn't have escaped so easily.

"I teach you martial arts so that you will have the ability to protect your families. Similarly, when you truly have strength and know your limits, you will no longer bluff and fight everywhere."

The two listened intently, holding their breath.

Upon hearing the last sentence, Zhou Shixu's face suddenly turned bright red.

"Who, who's bluffing!"

Zhou Shili coughed lightly: "Xu'er, you're just bluffing."

"I'm so angry because of her! Big brother, you're not on my side!" Zhou Shixu stomped his foot angrily and turned to leave.

"I'll make you two sets of training clothes first. Come on time the day after tomorrow."

Lu Mingzhao called out.

Zhou Shixu paused briefly, then quickly said "I know," and ran away as if fleeing.

Watching his younger brother's departing figure, Zhou Shili sighed softly: "Xu'er is too impetuous and has been spoiled. Learning some martial arts can indeed help to temper his temper."

"Thank you for your trouble, Mother."

Lu Mingzhao's eyes were filled with a smile.

The eldest son was always able to sense her feelings.

"That's what I meant too. You learn things quickly, so I'll have to teach you a lot. In case... I really do divorce Zhou Ningchuan in the future, you can still teach him."

Zhou Shili was stunned for a moment, then immediately became anxious: "Mother, I will definitely go with you."

"I'm already married, can't I even decide for myself whether to stay or leave?"

"You'll grow up naturally, and no matter who you're with, your life won't change much. But Xu'er and An'an..." Lu Mingzhao smiled, slowly lowering his eyes, "If that day ever comes, you'll be the support for your younger siblings."

Zhou Shili stared blankly at his mother.

Once again, the mother's heart was solely focused on her three children.

"Let's not talk about that now," Lu Mingzhao quickly changed the subject as he saw his eldest son's eyes gradually redden. "Have you found their accomplice in the woods?"