Chapter 471: Chapter 471

The Birth of the Triplets

A month after they returned to Shanghai.

The day dawned as storm clouds shattered, revealing brilliant sunlight that cast a golden hue over Peonies Castle. Ling Li’s cries echoed throughout, a testament to her strength amidst vulnerability. Nearby, Four Eyes paced with his brush in hand, his shield faintly shimmering as if it might shield her spirit from afar. Shi Min stood close, his jaw tense, eyebrows furrowed, almost knitted together as he shared in their collective anticipation.

When the doctors emerged, their voices carried astonishment.

"Three girls!!! Triplets!!!

Congratulations, Master Chu Yan!!!"

Four Eyes froze, his eyes wide. Shi Min blinked, stunned. Both had expected three little boys and were genuinely excited for additional heirs to carry the clan’s martial legacy. Instead, fate had given them three girls. As the realization sank in, a swell of pride and a flicker of anxiety danced within Four Eyes’ heart. What would this mean for the future of their clan, to have daughters instead of sons? Yet amidst this uncertainty, he felt an overwhelming love blooming inside him, a vow forming wordlessly to nurture and stand by these unexpected blessings.

Four Eyes pressed a hand to his forehead, torn between laughter and tears. "Five girls... I am a father to five girls. Oh, no, seven!"

Shi Min groaned, stunned, his voice thick with disbelief. "Seven sisters. I am the only son with seven sisters."

Butler James and Mushu simultaneously chuckled. "Young Master, you need to work harder!" Mushu teased Shi Min.

"Heh, I know, right. No need to remind me!" Shi Min said with a playful snort.

They all followed Four Eyes into the room.

The twins were static, "Yes! We have three more sisters!" Kim Kim cheerfully said.

"I’m a big sister now!" Chin Chin chimed. "Yes! Yes! I’m a big sister now!"

For a heartbeat, silence hung heavy. Their anticipation, a mix of joy and trepidation, filled the room. Ling Li, pale but radiant, cradled the three infants as her gaze softened and her voice remained steady despite exhaustion. It was then that laughter broke through, raw and joyous, a release of the tension that had tightly gripped their hearts. In that moment, they didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but their hearts swelled with love.

"They are blessings. Not curses. Our clan will be stronger for them," Ling Li proclaimed, firmly rooted in the knowledge that history had taught them well.

Four Eyes knelt beside her, tears glistening in his eyes. "I never said they are a curse. Dear, thank you, they are beautiful. I will love and protect them."

Shi Min bowed his head, resolve hardening. "I will protect them all. Every sister. No blade will touch them while I breathe."

Ling Li felt warm as she looked at her husband and only son.

The Triplets’ Celebration at Peonies Castle

The news of Ling Li giving birth to triplets spread like wildfire.

At the Li Mansion in Hidden Valley. Within hours, lanterns blazed across Peonies Castle, casting their golden glow against the night sky. Petals rained down from balconies, carried by disciples with reverence. The thunderous drums echoed through the courtyards, each beat a celebration of immense joy. Elders raised cups of wine, their faces flushed with pride at the legacy being honored. The air seemed to shimmer with a distinct energy, as though the heavens themselves were celebrating the auspicious occasion.

Arrival of Shun and Ren

From Shanghai, Shun and Ren descended like omens of flame and gold. Shun’s arrival was marked by banners of fire unfurling across the sky, his Phoenix Command Sutra blazing in radiant arcs. He clasped Four Eyes’ shoulder, his voice warm yet edged with awe:

"Five girls, Uncle. The Phoenix Command Sutra burns brighter with them."

Ren’s golden needles glowed faintly, her smile tender yet resolute.

"Sacrifice is not always pain—it is love."

Her words carried across the courtyard, disciples bowing their heads as if the truth itself had been spoken.

Ling Li’s parents arrived soon after. Her mother wept openly, clutching the infants, whispering lullabies of old that carried the weight of generations. Her father stood tall, his voice trembling with reverence:

"The covenant promised unity. These girls are proof of it."

Mr. and Mrs. Xu, the parents of Four Eyes, returned from their travels around the world. Their robes carried dust from distant lands, yet their eyes shone with joy. Mrs. Xu clasped her son’s hand, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Five granddaughters. The heavens have blessed us beyond measure."

Mr. Xu chuckled, his voice booming like thunder across the hall.

Four Eyes laughed despite himself, his shoulders trembling with both pride and disbelief. Shi Min groaned dramatically, clutching his head. "Seven sisters... I am the only son with seven sisters." He paused, then with a quick grin, added, "But perhaps it’s my destiny to be the greatest brother ever, protecting such an army of sisters. They’ll need my unmatched skills." The crowd erupted in laughter, the tension breaking into warmth.

The crowd erupted in laughter, the tension breaking into warmth.

Generous red packets flowed not only throughout the mansion but also to every employee under Ling Li, Four Eyes, Shi Min, Ren, Lily, Otako, and Fatty.

One manager nearly leapt from his seat, waving his phone.

"Ahhhhh! I just received a big red packet!!! What’s the special occasion?"

The room erupted in cheers. Laughter bounced off the walls, voices overlapping in disbelief and joy.

The cleaner, who just started two days ago, upon seeing the amount credited to her account, collapsed to her knees in tears. Her hands trembled as she clutched her phone. Memories flashed before her eyes — sleepless nights worrying about overdue rent, the weariness of never-ending extra shifts, and the stifling fear of not being able to provide for her children. The unexpected gift felt like a lifeline, lifting the crushing weight she had carried alone for years.

"This... this means my three children and I can live without worry for two years. Thank you heavens!"

Her sobs echoed, and others gathered around her, patting her shoulders, their own eyes wet with shared joy.

Then the office channel lit up with the announcement: Madam Ling Li has given birth to three girls.

Business partners, stockholders, directors, and managers scrambled, their voices rising in frantic competition. Orders were placed, gifts purchased, and deliveries dispatched. None wished to be outdone.

Employees bowed their heads, whispering their blessings and prayers for their boss.

"Good health and prosperity to our good Boss!"

"More blessings and more children to our boss!"

"More twins and triplets for our generous boss!"

Ling Li, who is breastfeeding her newborn girls, sneezes. "Who is cursing me?"