The days ahead were as leisurely as a vacation, though I knew this respite couldn't last long. After all, the Nine Stars Festival mandated only half a month's mandatory leave.

It made me feel slightly uneasy about the situation.

Grandma was practically using me as her personal laborer.

Still, even with these circumstances, having two weeks of relative freedom felt like an extraordinary luxury for me.

Life seemed to have returned to what it was five years ago - that warm peace when I first crossed over into Marfa Continent.

The only difference being my tiny ginkgo village had been replaced by the city of Dragon's Maw.

When we were first brought to the Dragon Empire, Mother had originally been assigned residence in Xihua Palace within the imperial palace. As the royal family's specially designated accommodation for her status, several maids were also arranged to manage daily affairs. But for a country girl like my mother, this lavish lifestyle was quite an adjustment.

This wasn't without reason though - after all, Mother's identity demanded special treatment.

Not only that...

Soon after entering court, she was officially titled as the Princess Consort of Qin Kingdom. This position, historically held by the current King of Qin's official wife, ranked just one rank below empress in status. Meanwhile my body's previous owner - the unknown father who had yet to make an appearance - suddenly became mysteriously the former King of Qin. I could only imagine what this long-lost man would think if he knew about all these developments.

Not only that...

The Dragon Empire also went through great lengths arranging our village's relocation. A new Ginkgo Village was specially built in the western district of Dragon's Maw City!

This entire new settlement occupied the westernmost edge near imperial palace grounds, once a secluded hunting reserve. After we arrived at the empire, to make Mother feel more comfortable, the royal family actually transformed this sizable hunting ground into exact replica of our original village.

From layout and architecture to every single plant in the village - it mirrored our old home down to the last detail. Even surrounding scenery within ten miles matched exactly what we had back then!

To say I felt like returning to my past life wasn't an exaggeration.

Many villagers didn't understand why such a sudden migration occurred, knowing the truth only lay with Grandfather, Mother and a few key figures like Chenfeng. But that was irrelevant - important was our daily life could continue smoothly. In fact, it was even more peaceful than before in Ginkgo Village without worrying about bandit or beast attacks.

After all, there were now imperial guards stationed around the village perimeter.

Of course this was official explanation only...

Only few knew those soldiers actually existed to protect villagers specifically. Though sudden, for villagers current life seemed better than ever - they could now focus on medicinal herb cultivation with royal family directly purchasing their harvests. This would've been an unimaginable blessing in past.

Beyond village itself, surrounding farmlands were also cleared as medicinal herb cultivation grounds, providing dedicated space for Ginkgo Village residents to grow traditional herbs.

Villagers' daily rhythms appeared unchanged from our original life in Ginkgo Village.

Frankly speaking, I was deeply moved by Dragon Empire's painstaking efforts. This significantly softened my resentment toward Jiuyao the Nine Stars' harsh treatment of me.

Perhaps sensing this period of peace between mother and son needed protection, Jiuyao and others hadn't shown up in my vision during these days. Though for my injured condition, Divine Grandma would occasionally visit - as she was Dragon Empire's sole Celestial Sage Taoist Master and also the most skilled healer available.

Smoke curled from kitchen vents while delicious aromas wafted through air, making me subconsciously lick lips.

Though palace maids managed daily routines, Mother being the energetic housewife type preferred doing things herself. Especially cooking - her culinary skills were nothing short of exceptional, rivaling even royal chefs' standards. Most importantly though, those rustic flavors reminded me so much of my childhood in Beiqi village.

Even more miraculously, Mother was also skilled in herbal medicine and knew exactly what nourishment I needed for recovery.

Though still recovering from illness, my health had improved significantly thanks to Mother's meticulous care and carefully prepared medicinal diets.

World really has no one better than mother! Children with mothers are treasures indeed!

If this life could last forever, that would be perfect...

Except the shadow of Mother's inability to speak still loomed over me. While I didn't know what Jiuyao had planned after leave ended, there was something absolutely necessary I must accomplish - challenging Crimson Moon Demon! After all, my entire cultivation journey was for this very day.

Currently as a powerful Celestial Demon Warrior with Black Flag Army under direct command, defeating Crimson Moon Demon should be no problem at all.

Wait patiently, Mother! Before long, I will definitely make you speak again!

Deciding this settled me completely. Subconsciously I lifted my gaze toward window outside...

Sunlight indicated another hour before noon meal time. Since dining wasn't an option yet, I simply turned back and closed eyes idly.

THUMP THUMP THUMP!

Footsteps approached from outside!

"Third brother! Second auntie! We've come to visit you!"

It was Shen Yin, Shen Yi, Yan Luo and Yin Shuang - all coming together with a sturdy looking youth whose features bore resemblance to Shen Yin. This was none other than Dragon Empire's official crown prince, Jiuyao Shen Xu.

Possibly inheriting his father Jiuyao the Nine Stars' genes, this fifteen-year-old already stood taller than me at approximately 180cm. His childish face however seemed oddly mismatched with strong physique, always smiling like fool.

Since they had tasted Mother's cooking before, these guys frequently visited Xihua Palace to pig out on free food. Surprisingly enough though, Shen Yin appeared particularly close to my mother - perhaps because of our strikingly similar appearances? Whenever she came over, Mother would always be exceptionally happy and warmly hospitable. Sometimes even making Shen Yin sleep in same bed as her like real family chatting endlessly about secrets.

This made me the actual son and Shen Xu feel rather awkward.

Though I had already been rescued back to normal, Jiuyao hadn't replaced me yet so current title of Dragon Crown Prince still remained with me. This caused awkward encounters every time we met face-to-face. Yet Shen Xu seemed unbothered by this - he claimed in his words that now I was "original" prince acting as shield for him, allowing him to freely pursue whatever he wanted without daily worries.

Only then did it dawn on me how Jiuyao actually used me as human meat shield! Admittingly, this strategy proved quite effective. Now everyone knew the Dragon Crown Prince title belonged to me - anyone causing trouble would naturally target me first while his "real" son could grow up safely in shadows beneath my protection.

As we entered chamber, my attendant Xiaohan tactfully exited without comment.

"How's your injury recovering?" Yin Shuang and Yan Luo asked in unison before realizing this synchronicity caused awkward pause.

"...". I also found myself at loss for words!

Nervously shifting glances toward Yin Shuang, Yan Luo and Shen Yin, sensing strange atmosphere thickening around us.

"Feeling better yet?" Shen Yin asked gently.

"Ha ha, much better!" I replied anxiously, still remembering my unfinished score with her. Perhaps because of Yin Shuang and Yan Luo's presence nearby, current Shen Yin seemed unusually composed for now at least.

Yin Shuang and Yan Luo looked uncomfortably uncertain whether to sit or stand.

"I'll assist Empress Dowager," Yin Shuang said hurriedly before quickly exiting room.

"Supper will be ready soon, I need to prepare first," Yan Luo also rushed out immediately.

Now we were left alone - me with Shen Yin, Shen Yi and Shen Xu!

"...". Not knowing what to say next, I just stared blankly at them. Could these guys finally come to collect their debts?

"Didn't expect much from you," Shen Yin's unexpected remark caught me off guard as she dragged over a stool and sat casually on my bed.

Meanwhile Shen Xu stood like iron tower next to her.

"What? Didn't expect..." I dumbfoundedly asked back.

"Don't pretend with me," Shen Yin said.

"Brother, no need to be embarrassed." Shen Xu winked at me. "Don't worry, we fully support you."

"W-Wait, supporting?" I still didn't get it.

"Tsk! Just tell us which one of those two you prefer!" Seeing my continued denial, Shen Yi finally lost patience.

"...". This time I was the dumbfounded one.

Lately both Yin Shuang and Yan Luo had been frequently visiting Xihua Palace for no particular reason except to cheer up Mother - every day making her so happy that she couldn't stop smiling. And each time their eyes seemed more satisfied, more warm... almost like family members themselves.

If I still failed to grasp what was going on here...

"Wow! Great job!" Seeing my silence Shen Xu suddenly feigned surprise: "So you really want both?"

"Huh? Want both?" I blankly stared at Shen Yin.

"That's right," she gleefully said as if taking mental medication. Her eyes shining with stars like never before, "No wonder they say you're my brother!"

"Wow Brother! You are just amazing!" Shen Xu exclaimed in exaggerated awe.

Oh no!

What have I been saying?!

Lunchtime!

My dazed mind mechanically ate from bowl while watching those women already deep into warm interactions.

How to describe this scene? There was a certain warmth here...

Yan Luo and Yin Shuang seemed perfectly in sync - one would serve Mother food while the other prepared her soup, while Shen Yin, Shen Yi and Shen Xu watched on with mischievous smiles like sly little foxes who had stolen chicken.

"This braised mutton is delicious," Yin Shuang placed big piece of aromatic mutton into Mother's bowl.

"Only eating rice won't be enough - you need to drink more soup," Yan Luo quickly poured small basin of soup before respectfully presenting it in front of Mother.

"...". Though Mother couldn't speak, her bright eyes had already crinkled with joy like satisfied old woman contently enjoying both food and drink without reservations.

Meanwhile poor invalid me was left sitting alone ignored completely.

"Brother, let me serve you meal," Shen Xu finally looked down at me and whispered.

"Thanks brother."

"No problem."

"Unfortunately I've lost my appetite."

"...".

What kind of meal is this!

Elsewhere...

In Jingxin Hall, Jiuyao the Nine Stars gathered with Jidu, Divine Grandma and other old foxes, all sitting while drinking tea and chatting leisurely.

"Sire," Jidu expressed concern: "Is this really acceptable? Though Shen Zhen and Shen Yin are compatible in feelings, there's something that still feels wrong."

"Of course it's wrong." Divine Grandma stated bluntly: "Even a fool could see the relationship between Prince Shen Zhen and Princess Shen Yin is purely sibling-like."

"That's precisely what troubles me," Jiuyao lamented. "It took my Dragon Bloodline so long to produce such talent yet these two just don't connect at all!"

"In my view, this isn't necessarily bad," Luohou suggested: "They're still young. Given time things will resolve naturally."

"No, we can't wait anymore." Yueyao insisted: "Prince Shen Zhen needs to be married soon regardless."

"Strongly pushing them together might not be good idea though," Jidu warned: "Though Prince seems amiable on surface, when he gets stubborn about certain matters..."

"Yes indeed," Luohou nodded in agreement.

"Then we'll just have Yin Shuang and Yan Luo temporarily fill the role instead," Jiuyao decided firmly. "I've noticed Shen Zhen is definitely interested in them."

"Yan Luo and Yin Shuang?" Divine Grandma smiled knowingly: "These two are no ordinary women either, having already figured out Prince Shen Zhen's deepest attachment to his mother - they're now working hard to gain her favor!"

"These girls certainly put in a lot of effort," Jidu mused with amusement. "I'd love to see how Black Flag Army's deputy commander would look while busy cooking in kitchen."

"Hahaha..." The group of unscrupulous old men suddenly burst into laughter.

After some time, they finally regained composure...

"It has been quite a while since Dragon Royal Family last had wedding," Jiuyao said. "Let us officially decide: let Prince Shen Zhen marry both Yin Shuang and Yan Luo. I believe this will satisfy those old men from Silver Lake faction."