The crowd marveled at the "Optimus Prime," their astonishment evident.
It could even transform into a simple vehicle.
"Huh? What kind of car is this? It has four wheels, unlike a carriage!"
Everyone looked at Liang Xiao with questioning eyes.
Liang Xiao explained, "I secretly commissioned craftsmen based on blueprints I provided earlier. Then, using screws, these hardwood planks were assembled. Come to think of it, the children have grown so much, and I haven't prepared any special gifts for them..."
Transformers were something Liang Xiao encountered in his childhood; he could barely replicate them.
As for screws, hardwood, and iron blocks, their cost was irrelevant.
A wave of admiration swept through the crowd, and the children pouted, "Daddy~ I want one too~"
Even Jian Canglang, usually a man of few words, couldn't resist hugging Liang Xiao's leg and acting like a spoiled child.
Liang Xiao raised an eyebrow at his wives, a knowing look on his face.
Luo Qingxue then retrieved over a dozen Optimus Primes from a cabinet in the back.
"When your father has more free time, there will be even more styles. In the future, children in the Great Gan Kingdom will have the chance to own a Transformer!"
The children cheered with delight, each picking a Transformer and engaging in "duels" on the spot.
In a Great Gan where entertainment was scarce, children's toys were limited to wooden swords, hobby horses, and balls, as well as the Tangram puzzles and revolving lanterns promoted by Liang Xiao.
This new toy that could transform was undoubtedly a leap forward.
Yue Wenxin's gaze was already captivated by the Transformer, and she hesitated to speak.
Luo Qingxue noticed and smiled, fetching an extra one and handing it to Yue Wenxin. "Here, Wenxin, this one is for you. In your brother-in-law's eyes, you're still a child."
Yue Wenxin secretly glanced at Liang Xiao. Seeing him nod, she quickly took the Transformer and hid behind Zuo Jing.
"Thank you, Sister, thank you, Brother-in-law!"
After Yue Wenxin left, Luo Qingxue took the children for their afternoon nap before returning to the West Palace Villa.
"Husband, about Wenxin, we asked Lin'er, and you should hear what Lin'er has to say..."
Liang Xiao readily agreed, and Zuo Jing then relayed her and Zuo Wuji and Yue Hongxiu's opinions truthfully.
Liang Xiao pondered.
After Zhen Mi's confession, he now understood that Yue Wenxin was indeed very fond of him, but it was more admiration than infatuation. She treated him as a spiritual totem.
This girl had gradually regained her confidence. Her swordsmanship and spear techniques were exceptional, and she never caused trouble at the Marquis of An State's residence. Everything she did was well-arranged, earning her the respect of others.
However, she never dared to speak to him actively, clearly influenced by her elders and her sister's suggestions. She became reserved when facing him.
Even if his wives had no objections, counting Zhen Mi who was yet to be married, he already had eight wives...
"My father and aunt both said they can see that she won't look at anyone else. My sisters also said that if you are interested in her, you can consider it..." Zuo Jing said timidly.
Liang Xiao immediately understood. Zuo Wuji and Yue Hongxiu dared not force him, and they were also worried that Yue Wenxin would be neglected after marriage, so they could only pray that Yue Wenxin would be liked by Liang Xiao. Yet, this girl was not living up to expectations.
"In my eyes, she's still a child. We can talk about it when she's older. Even if I were to marry her, it would have to be with Mi'er," Liang Xiao sighed.
Zhen Mi nodded emotionally beside him.
The matter was temporarily put aside.
At night, Zuo Jing's children, Zuo Hucheng and Liang Tiancheng, suddenly started crying.
"I want to sleep with Daddy and Mommy!"
Zuo Jing comforted them, "Be good. You'll sleep with your father tonight. Mommy has something to discuss with your aunt..."
In Liang Xiao's absence, the children were accustomed to sleeping with their mothers and were not yet comfortable facing their father.
"Then I want to sleep with Mommy!" Liang Tiancheng started to fuss, and Zuo Hucheng joined in.
Zuo Jing pretended to be displeased, "Then who will your father sleep with?"
"Daddy will sleep with Auntie!" Zuo Hucheng started crying.
The palace was unusually quiet. Liang Xiao's wives were all covering their mouths and chuckling, "Then you are truly a filial son."
Zuo Jing was stunned, and Yue Wenxin's face instantly turned red.
Someone still maintained a sanctimonious demeanor, patting Zuo Hucheng's little head.
"Alright, Daddy will give you another Transformer tomorrow."
The children, having gotten their wish, went to rest with their respective mothers, leaving only Liang Xiao and Yue Wenxin.
"Wenxin," Liang Xiao suddenly said.
"Ah?!" Yue Wenxin shrieked, trembling, "Brother-in-law, are you really going to sleep with me..."
"No, no, no. I have some self-respect occasionally," Liang Xiao shook his head repeatedly.
"Oh..." Yue Wenxin breathed a sigh of relief, but something felt wrong.
Occasionally have self-respect?
What utter nonsense!
"Wenxin, do you know when I admired you the most?" Liang Xiao asked.
"When..." Yue Wenxin replied weakly.
"It was when you rushed into my courtyard, full of confidence and arrogance. At that time, you were uninhibited and fearless, unlike today when you don't even have the courage to speak to me."
Yue Wenxin realized something. She glanced at Liang Xiao, and after a long while, she gathered her courage to voice her thoughts.
"Actually, my father, my aunt, and my sister have all spoken to me. You are the admired Marquis of An State, the invincible Heavenly General. I am just an ignorant girl who once needed your rescue and protection. Unlike my sisters, who went through hardships with you, I shouldn't compete for your affection for them. I've thought about it; like Sister Li Xin and the others, adopting a child would be good..."
Liang Xiao nodded solemnly. "Whatever choice you make in the future, I will respect it. I hope you first understand that I am also your brother-in-law, your family. You don't need to be so reserved with me."
Yue Wenxin obediently agreed and lowered her head, feeling a pang of sadness.
He would indeed say that...
But it was precisely because it was him that he respected her so much!
Wait!
He would respect whatever choice she made?
Yue Wenxin seemed to have caught a different message. Her beautiful eyes lit up, and she quietly noted it in her heart.
If you like someone, you should strive for it yourself, not rely on family connections!
Once she figured this out, Yue Wenxin regained her confidence and no longer felt constrained.
"Thank you, Brother-in-law~"
After Liang Xiao smiled and agreed, Yue Wenxin stood up to leave. At the main entrance, she couldn't help but turn back and, with all the courage she possessed, hummed, "Yue Wenxin will gain your approval through her own efforts!"
Before Liang Xiao could reply, Yue Wenxin had already fled.
That night, it was Xiao Qing and her son who accompanied Liang Xiao, listening to him recount tales of the divine realm, their hearts filled with longing.
"The tools that Transformers transform into are called 'cars.' They are everywhere in the divine realm. In the future, our land will also have them, with every household possessing them..."
Far away in Jiaozhou, a ten-thousand-strong army from the Peacock Dynasty finally arrived.
Behind the army of a hundred thousand was a supply line of nearly a million slaves.
Dugu Xiao, Ouyang Ping, and others guarding Jiaozhou were both shocked and delighted. They rushed out of the city to welcome the army's marshal.
"The entire territory of Jiaozhou welcomes Marshal Hannibal!"