The Comeback of the Cannon-Fodder Supporting Actress

Chapter 993: Chapter 970: Honor Amidst Chaos 38

After sending the two children away, Anning asked Xiao Yuan, ”Has something changed?”

Xiao Yuan nodded, ”The Capital is currently in turmoil. The Noble Consort Li has just brought down Consort De, and Marquis Guangning’s Mansion from Consort De’s maternal family is likely to be implicated.”

Xiao Yuan didn’t say everything outright, but Anning understood that Marquis Guangning’s Mansion might also face exile. Given Noble Consort Li’s disposition, she might as well send the people of Marquis Guangning’s Mansion into exile to the Southern Yi.

Anning remembered that the youngest daughter of Marquis Guangning, Consort De’s younger sister, was not yet married. If she were exiled here, perhaps Xiao Ling could ask for her hand.

No point mentioning that Xiao Ling is a bastard or anything; when you’re exiled, what’s the use in such distinctions?

Furthermore, in the Southern Yi, who could Marquis Guangning marry his daughter to if not Xiao Ling?

The natives here in Southern Yi wouldn’t catch his eye.

Anning smiled, ”Alright, I get it.”

After discussing this, Anning began to undress Xiao Yuan.

Xiao Yuan couldn’t help but laugh, ”I was gone for just one day and you missed me this much? Getting so impatient?”

Anning glared at him, ”I just want to check if you’re injured.”

Xiao Yuan allowed her to strip his shirt, letting her inspect his chest and back thoroughly.

Anning was relieved to find no scars on Xiao Yuan’s body, ”Luckily you’re not hurt; otherwise, see how I’ll deal with you.”

Her words were fierce, but her movements were gentle as she tidied his clothes, her eyes full of tender affection.

Xiao Yuan embraced Anning, ”Don’t worry, I wouldn’t let myself get hurt. For your sake, I’ll be extra careful.”

He lifted Anning and walked toward the bed, ”You’re so anxious, why don’t we indulge tonight?”

After they had a session on the bed, Anning tidied up and lay back down to have a proper conversation with Xiao Yuan, ”Did you gain anything today?”

Xiao Yuan smiled, ”Great gains indeed. We not only killed many pirates but also captured quite a lot of valuables. It wasn’t convenient to carry them back, so Old Four and Old Six hid them away for now. I’ll have to go get them back in a bit.”

After lying for a while, he got up to put on his cotton clothes.

Anning also got up. Without lighting a lamp, Xiao Yuan ventured out in the dark.

He didn’t return until just before dawn.

Anning didn’t sleep; she was just waiting in the room.

Just before dawn, Xiao Yuan entered the room carrying a large box.

After he came in, Anning quickly closed the door, and the couple then lit a lamp.

When Xiao Yuan opened the box, Anning was really quite shocked.

Who would have thought these pirates were so good at amassing wealth? The box was filled to the brim with valuable items.

Of course, pirates are not refined people; they wouldn’t gather porcelain, antiques, or paintings. What they gathered were gold and gemstones.

The bottom of the box was lined with gold bricks, about a dozen in total, with a layer of various gemstones above it, and a bag filled with South Pearls.

Most of these pearls were white, many the size of a thumb, with some pink ones, and the most precious were two golden pearls.

Anning picked them up to take a look, ”These are real treasures.”

Xiao Yuan laughed, ”We got the most gold; our family gets the largest share. It was divided among Old Four, Old Six, and us. We came away with the most pearls and gemstones.”

After counting the items, Anning and Xiao Yuan each stored them carefully. Anning kept some gemstones, pearls, and two or three gold bricks in her space, while the rest went with Xiao Yuan.

Whispering into Anning’s ear, Xiao Yuan said, ”Besides these treasures, I also took some manpower.”

As they were speaking, there was a commotion outside.

Anning nudged Xiao Yuan, ”You rest a bit longer on the bed, I’ll go check it out.”

Xiao Yuan tugged Anning back onto the bed, ”There’s no need to go out; it must be the children getting up.”

Anning knew the children usually woke up at this time.

They wake up first to practice martial arts, then horse stance training, followed by chores like sweeping the courtyard and chopping firewood, only coming in to pay their respects afterward.

Resting beside Xiao Yuan, Anning said, ”I’ve prepared the classroom. After breakfast, you can hang out in the front courtyard. I suspect someone will bring children over.”

Xiao Yuan acknowledged with a nod.

Feeling rather tired, he muttered a few more words to Anning before drifting off.

Once Xiao Yuan fell asleep, Anning got up.

She brushed her hair, washed her face, changed into fresh clothes, and then went to sit in the main hall.

As soon as she settled in, Xiao Song and the children arrived to pay respects and greet her.

Xiao Hui also came over to ask if they should set the table for a meal.

Anning instructed, ”Set it in the flower hall of the side room. Your father was tired yesterday and is still sleeping. Let’s eat in the flower hall and not disturb him.”

After Anning said this, the children’s voices lowered significantly, and they moved with great care.

Anning led the children to breakfast, then called over the 13 biological and adopted children.

”Our home is indeed bustling with all of you. From now on, you are all brothers and sisters; you must respect and love one another. Elders should be tolerant to the younger ones, and older sisters should take care of the young ones. If I find out anyone harms their siblings or has ill intentions, I will not forgive them.”

After Anning finished speaking, all thirteen children stood up and replied, ”Mother, rest assured, we will definitely respect and take care of each other.”

Anning smiled and took out thirteen Jade Pendants.

These pendants were not for hanging on the waist but for wearing around the neck.

Each pendant was carved from the finest white jade and had the same design, all in the style of a pomegranate flower. At the center of each pendant was a character, the name of the owner.

”You all recognize your own names, now find your pendant and put it on. Each of you has one, symbolizing your identity as my child. It’s of utmost importance; guard it well and don’t lose it.”

With a smile, Anning instructed the children to take their pendants.

Each child went forward, found the pendant with their name on it, and cherished it as they put it on.

The eight adopted children, including Xiao Song, put on their pendants, greatly moved. Holding the pendants, tears flowed from their eyes, and upon seeing the words engraved on the back, they all knelt down to kowtow to Anning, ”Mother, rest assured, as long as we live, we won’t lose these pendants.”

Anning helped them up, ”I’m giving these to you so that in any circumstance, you have something to fall back on. With these, no matter how far you travel or the dangers you encounter, you can seek help from me, your father, or your siblings. As long as you do nothing unethical, we will do everything in our power to support you, and your siblings won’t ignore you.”

Saying this, Anning’s eyes reddened, ”I only wish for your peace and happiness, but as parents, we can’t help worrying about our children. Out of deep love, we’re always thinking ahead, ensuring everything is arranged for you.”

Her voice choked with emotion as she turned her head, unable to continue speaking.

Tears streamed down the faces of the children, all of whom had suffered hardships and were very sensitive. They could discern whether others’ feelings were sincere or not.

They knew Anning and Xiao Yuan truly treated them as their own children, putting their hearts into considering their well-being. They could feel the genuine affection, and that sincere warmth made them feel cozy even in winter.