Yan Mao was still reluctant to let them go, even when Song Yuxuan was already in the military. However, Yan Mao could only agree. After all, their children needed to learn.
As a modern society, he naturally believed that life experience was necessary for their children.
Yan Mao held Song Molian in his arms and pinched her chubby cheeks. Song Qixuan also played with his younger siblings. The Song family was now a large and wealthy family. Even their courtyard walls were very high and not easy to climb.
Whenever villagers passed by the Song family home, they couldn't help but stare in awe at the large house. Unfortunately, they could only enter on special occasions.
Only a few friends of Song Tianchen and Yan Mao were allowed inside without question. Other villagers had to wait for Yan Mao or Song Tianchen's permission.
Before Yan Mao enlarged their courtyard, Yan Mao and Song Tianchen agreed to build a high wall around their house. This way, their activities would be hidden from view.
Only the villagers who worked with Yan Mao and Song Tianchen saw how large and magnificent the houses in the Song family compound were. They were divided into several directions: the southern portion was home to Song Tianchen's uncle, and the western portion was home to Song Tianchen and his children. The parents, meanwhile, occupied the eastern courtyard.
This courtyard was almost adjacent to the Song family garden.
Although the Song family was wealthy, none of them flaunted their wealth, especially Song Tianchen's children. They were all young masters of wealthy families. Their fathers were high-ranking generals and still held considerable status in the kingdom. Their fathers had a good relationship with the Empress.
Given their status, they should have been considered noble families. However, both Song Tianchen and Yan Mao rejected such titles, preferring to be known as merchant families.
After playing in their father's yard, the children began to return to their respective yards. Song Yuwen and Song Ming returned to their own, as they were the most mature. Song Ming was 15 years old. He was tall and handsome.
Some villagers were very fond of him, and some of the elders also eagerly wanted to marry him. However, Song Ming was very polite and turned them all down. Song Yuwen was only a year younger than Song Ming and was also almost as tall. He had a rather cheerful temperament and was a perfect replica of Song Tianchen's handsomeness.
It was a shame that Song Yuwen had been engaged for almost two years. Although they were engaged, they rarely saw each other, and when they did, they would be shy.
Song Yuwen had promised to marry him when he passed the Juren exam. He was already 16 at the time. Now he needed to go to the capital and study for two years before the exam began.
Yan Mao watched his children leave, feeling sad. Song Tianchen looked at him. "What makes my wife look so sad?"
Yan Mao looked at Song Tianchen, "In a flash, the children have grown up. I'm still not ready to let them all go."
Song Tianchen looked at his wife and smiled, "What's wrong? You have so many sons here, and they'll be bringing you future daughter-in-laws and grandchildren. We might not have children in the future, but we'll already be holding our grandchildren."
Song Tianchen imagined himself and his wife holding their grandchildren and raising them. All the business and work would be handed over to their children. Imagining this, Song Tianchen involuntarily smiled.
Yan Mao looked at Song Tianchen, who was grinning. "What? What grandchildren? None of your children are married, and now you're imagining that we'll be bringing them grandchildren. Do I look that old?"
Seeing Yan Mao frown, Song Tianchen felt like he had made a slip of the tongue. Song Tianchen grinned, "Sorry, sorry, who said you're old. You're barely 30. But look at this face, it's like you're still in the early stages of giving birth to Yuwen and Yuxuan. Look at what people are saying. That you're actually the reincarnation of a vixen. Still young and beautiful."
Yan Mao listened to Song Tianchen's consolation. He almost laughed on the surface, but he kept his face sullen. "I'm a vixen? Then what are you? Hades?"
*Hades = The God of the Underworld
Song Tianchen was confused. "Who is Hades?"
"He's the god of the underworld in Greek mythology. Hades is the eldest son of Kronos and Rhea. He and his brothers defeated the Titans and took control of the world." Yan Mao stared at Song Tianchen, who didn't understand. He finally sighed. "We also have gods in Chinese mythology. Hades is from Greek mythology. This is what I learned in the history books. So, Hades is considered the ruler of the underworld."
"A demon?" Song Tianchen furrowed his brows.
Yan Mao shook his head. "No, he's a god."
"Why does he have to live in the underworld if he's a god? Shouldn't they live in heaven?" Song Tianchen grew increasingly curious.
Yan Mao looked at him, "How can I explain? I regret saying it."
Song Tianchen saw his wife's expression and laughed. "Okay. I won't ask anymore. Look at your face now. It's much better than before."
Yan Mao looked at her, "What?"
"Don't be so sad. As parents, we naturally let our children go when they grow up. Wait, it's almost time for the twins' full moon. Let's get ready and change our clothes." Song Tianchen carried Song Moheng. Yan Mao nodded and went to their room.
The twins' clothes were already prepared. They were made of soft red silk, very comfortable for the twins to wear.
"Is this what Daddy embroidered? Daddy's embroidery skills haven't diminished at all." Yan Mao stared at the neatly sewn clothes. Yan Mao couldn't help but admire the ancient villagers. They even sewed so neatly without a sewing machine.
"Yes, Daddy's skills have gotten better lately. He also really enjoys making clothes. Daddy often helps out in the garden, and Daddy embroiders clothes. The kids especially love buying new fabric and asking their Grandpa Ger to embroider them." Song Tianchen spoke.
Yan Mao smiled, "Daddy must really enjoy doing it too. He always spoils all his grandchildren. In fact, they're even closer to Daddy and Daddy."
Song Tianchen smiled, "But they love you the most!"
"Hehe... I know. Because I have Daddy, I love them the most."
Song Tianchen pouted, "What?"
"Hehe... Sorry. I love you the most!"
Song Tianchen finally smiled. "Since you love me the most, can we do it tonight?"