Protect Our Patriarch

……

The Great Qian's capital, Guilong City.

As the capital of the Great Qian, Guilong City is not only the location of the imperial palace but also the political, economic, and cultural center of the entire nation.

The city is a gathering place for elites from all walks of life across the country, and it is also the place with the highest concentration of powerful individuals in the entire Great Qian.

Similarly, most members of the Great Qian's royal family also reside here.

In the eastern part of the city, near the edge of the central district, there is a rather large estate.

This estate spans several miles in length and width, containing numerous large residences, countless pavilions and towers, and even a small lake in the center. Whether in terms of scenery or layout, it is impeccable.

In other places, such an estate might not be considered particularly impressive, as the main residences of any sixth or seventh-grade family would be larger in scale. However, in the land-scarce and expensive Guilong City, such an estate is already beyond the reach of most families.

Moreover, this estate even has several small top-grade spiritual veins converging within it, specifically for the owner's cultivation. It is evident that a Divine Ability Master was specially invited to gather the spiritual veins here.

The reason this estate is so luxurious is that it belongs to the Great Qian's royal family, the Wu Clan, and it is the residence of "Commandery Prince Kang" Wu Chengsi.

On this day, after the morning court session, a carriage pulled by four spiritual horses and bearing the royal emblem slowly stopped at the entrance of the Commandery Prince's household.

"It's His Highness's carriage."

The guards at the gate recognized the carriage and quickly opened the main gate, allowing it to enter.

The carriage slowly came to a stop after passing through the middle gate.

The coachman lowered the steps and respectfully lifted the curtains of the carriage before stepping aside. Soon, a young man dressed in green commandery prince attire, with a face as handsome as jade, stepped out of the carriage.

He was, of course, the owner of this estate, Commandery Prince Kang, Wu Chengsi.

Compared to the Commandery Prince of Heng, Commandery Prince Kang appeared much younger, and his demeanor was exceptionally composed, as if nothing in the world could trouble him.

It should be noted that even members of the royal family need to have a cultivation level above the Purple Mansion Realm and establish military achievements on the outer region battlefields to be conferred the title of "Commandery Prince." To pass on the title, the successor must also achieve significant military merits.

Commandery Prince Kang looked so young yet had already achieved the title of Commandery Prince, indicating that his cultivation speed far surpassed that of ordinary prodigies.

In fact, he was indeed a great prodigy of the royal family's direct line and one of the quasi-imperial heirs participating in this generation's Imperial Heir Struggle.

"Your Highness."

As soon as Commandery Prince Kang stepped down from the carriage, palace attendants and servants immediately greeted him with respectful bows.

Commandery Prince Kang waved them away and quickly walked into the inner courtyard.

Today was the biannual grand court meeting, and there were many matters to attend to. He needed to stay focused at all times, and even with his strong mental power as a Purple Mansion Realm cultivator, he was already feeling a bit tired after half a day.

He decided to skip the customary greetings from his descendants and, with the help of a maid, changed out of his green court attire. He then headed to the small lake in the courtyard to relax and do some lure fishing to unwind.

Speaking of which, this "lure fishing" method was introduced from the Commandery Prince of Zhenzuo in Longzuo Commandery. Due to its novelty, it had gradually become popular in Guilong City recently.

His grandsons found it quite enjoyable and had gifted him several sets. After playing with it for a while, he had developed some insights.

However, he was destined not to have a leisurely day today.

After only a few casts, he saw a guard hurriedly approaching from outside the courtyard, reporting, "Your Highness, Master Xuanmiao has arrived."

Commandery Prince Kang paused his actions, a gleam flashing in his eyes. "Quick, invite him in."

The guard immediately rushed off.

Soon, a young man in white robes, led by the guard, walked in from outside the courtyard. This person was, of course, Master Xuanmiao, Gongyang Ce.

"Your Highness."

Upon seeing Commandery Prince Kang, Gongyang Ce immediately stepped forward and greeted him respectfully.

"Brother," Commandery Prince Kang laughed heartily, setting down his fishing rod and walking over to greet him. "It's been a while. Your swordsmanship has improved again!"

"How can I compare to Your Highness?"

After some pleasantries, the two sat down in the pavilion by the lake and ordered the servants to brew tea, then began discussing serious matters.

"Your Highness, during my trip to the Han Yue Immortal Dynasty, I successfully obtained the item you requested."

Gongyang Ce and Commandery Prince Kang had known each other since their youth and had fought side by side on the battlefield. In front of Commandery Prince Kang, Gongyang Ce rarely showed his usual cold demeanor, instead wearing a genuine smile and speaking more casually.

As he spoke, he took out a box from his storage ring and placed it on the stone table in front of him, gently pushing it toward Commandery Prince Kang.

Commandery Prince Kang did not immediately open the box but looked at Gongyang Ce and asked, "Was the journey smooth? Did you encounter any danger?"

The Storm Ocean was filled with raging storms and hidden dangers. Even with the strength of a Purple Mansion Realm cultivator, crossing the Storm Ocean was not without risk.

"Rest assured, Your Highness. Although there were some difficulties, I managed to handle them." Gongyang Ce felt a warmth in his heart, and his smile became even more pronounced.

He pushed the box forward again. "Your Highness, please open it and take a look."

"Very well."

Commandery Prince Kang, Wu Chengsi, then opened the box and picked up the item inside to examine it.

It was a palm-sized bronze bell, with a complex array of inscriptions on its cyan-gold surface and intricate carvings of ferocious beasts on its body. It looked exquisite and mysterious.

"It truly is the Divine Spirit Treasure 'Soul Shaking Bell'!" Commandery Prince Kang nodded in satisfaction, a rare smile appearing on his usually composed face. "Brother, you are indeed reliable. This item is rare even in the Han Yue Immortal Dynasty. I was worried you might return empty-handed."

"As long as Your Highness is satisfied."

Gongyang Ce smiled.

It should be noted that the Soul Shaking Bell was a Divine Spirit Treasure, and the Great Qian's artifact refining heritage was incomplete. Even the Gongye Clan, known for their expertise in artifact refining, only mastered one or two methods for crafting Divine Spirit Treasures. The method for refining the Soul Shaking Bell was known only to a few in the Han Yue Immortal Dynasty.

To obtain it, Gongyang Ce had gone through considerable effort. First, he found a renowned artifact refining master in the Han Yue Immortal Dynasty and spent a lot of time persuading him to refine the Soul Shaking Bell. Then, due to a lack of materials, he had to gather the necessary components.

After finally collecting all the materials, he waited for twenty years before the artifact refining master completed the Divine Spirit Treasure, the Soul Shaking Bell.

Fortunately, all the effort was worth it.

"The bell's sound can shake the soul, specifically targeting the outer region demons with weak soul power." Commandery Prince Kang, Wu Chengsi, caressed the inscriptions on the bell, clearly reluctant to part with it. "With this, I will surely achieve great military merits on the outer region battlefield, giving me a better chance in the Imperial Heir Struggle."

The so-called "Imperial Heir Struggle" was a contest for the hearts and minds of the people.

It was not like a martial arts tournament where the winner was determined solely by combat prowess. Instead, it required a comprehensive assessment of the quasi-imperial heirs' basic qualities, including bloodline cultivation, ability to win people's hearts, governance skills, military command capabilities, and past achievements.

The more outstanding he performed, the more support he would receive. In the end, during the clan council meeting that decided the imperial heir, he would have a better chance of securing more votes.

The process was quite complex.

Each Imperial Heir Struggle involved a prolonged period of competition among the quasi-imperial heirs before a winner was finally determined.

He already held a significant advantage in controlling the court's situation, but the Great Qian was a nation founded on martial prowess, so military achievements could not be neglected.

If he could achieve unprecedented military merits on the outer region battlefield, he would naturally gain more recognition and support from other clan members, especially the various princes.

"The Soul Shaking Bell is a Divine Spirit Treasure that requires soul power to refine and control," Gongyang Ce reminded Commandery Prince Kang. "Your Highness should recognize its ownership first."

"Very well."

Commandery Prince Kang, Wu Chengsi, nodded and began refining the "Soul Shaking Bell."

Under normal circumstances, only Divine Realm experts could control Divine Spirit Treasures.

However, Commandery Prince Kang, Wu Chengsi, was a great prodigy with a bloodline superior to ordinary Purple Mansion Realm cultivators. His soul power was also stronger than that of typical Purple Mansion Realm cultivators. By fully activating his bloodline power, he could barely control it.

Nevertheless, a Divine Spirit Treasure was still a Divine Spirit Treasure, and such high-level treasures possessed a certain level of spirituality. Commandery Prince Kang almost failed to refine it on his own.

In the end, Gongyang Ce had to assist him. The two of them activated their bloodlines together, using the power of their Dharma Aspect to suppress the Soul Shaking Bell, finally succeeding in refining it.

Once refined, the Soul Shaking Bell transformed into a golden light and disappeared into Commandery Prince Kang's forehead.

"Phew~ That was close." Commandery Prince Kang, Wu Chengsi, let out a long breath. "Controlling a Divine Spirit Treasure with Purple Mansion Realm strength is indeed a bit challenging."

Gongyang Ce withdrew his Dharma Aspect, also breathing a sigh of relief.

After completing their task, he relaxed and remembered the unpleasant encounter with Long Wuji. "By the way, Your Highness, is your royal uncle always so temperamental?"

He recounted his previous encounter with Long Wuji to Commandery Prince Kang.

After hearing this, Commandery Prince Kang couldn't help but sigh. "My royal uncle's temperament has always been like this—stubborn and unyielding, and no one can persuade him."

"Even Your Highness can't persuade him?" Gongyang Ce was somewhat incredulous.

"No, I can't." Commandery Prince Kang, Wu Chengsi, said helplessly. "I'll be honest with you. I don't have much of a relationship with my royal uncle. He supports me only because of the ancestors' request. We've barely met a few times."

Back then, his royal uncle had left home and gone to Longzuo Commandery due to his stubborn and difficult personality. Even their sixth granduncle and the ancestors often found him hard to deal with. Expecting himself to persuade his royal uncle was simply unrealistic.

"Even so, he shouldn't be so disrespectful to you." Gongyang Ce still felt indignant. "I am, after all, one of the quasi-holy sons, and you are the quasi-imperial heir chosen by the prince. You are very likely to become the imperial heir and take the throne in the future. His behavior is too arrogant."

"Brother, you don't understand." Commandery Prince Kang was not surprised by this and explained to Gongyang Ce, "My royal uncle's mother is from the An Guogong lineage, a direct descendant of the Zhao Clan. The Zhao Clan is powerful and highly respected in the court. He himself is a prodigy with a B-grade talent and has always been favored by the ancestors. Naturally, he has a strong backing."

Seeing that Gongyang Ce still looked indignant, he added, "My royal uncle is well-liked among the clan members. Many of the Purple Mansion Realm experts from the previous generation are close friends with him, and even some of the ancestors have personally mentored him."

"Since I am competing for the imperial heir position, I need the support of the clan members. With my royal uncle's help, it will be much easier to gain their support. It's not worth it to clash with him over such a small matter."

The Great Qian's royal family, as the only first-grade family in the Great Qian, had an unimaginable depth of heritage. Not to mention, there were several Divine Realm experts within the royal family, each backed by a large interest group.

Although he was from the direct line and the most likely candidate for the imperial heir position, there were other great prodigies in the royal family. Therefore, he needed to act cautiously and prudently.

"Rest assured, Your Highness, I understand the stakes." Gongyang Ce nodded. "I have already agreed with him to act in two years."

"That's good." Commandery Prince Kang nodded and added, "Also, if Wang Shouzhe is as formidable as you say, he has probably already guessed the truth, even if he doesn't have concrete evidence linking you to the matter. After all, Cao Youqing was your follower, and this is no secret in the Holy Land. It's not hard to find out."

"After all these years, he has likely investigated you thoroughly. You should notify your family to prevent Wang's Clan from taking action against Gongyang's Clan. Additionally, make sure to leave some contingencies in the Holy Land to avoid being caught off guard by him."

Commandery Prince Kang had been navigating the court for many years, and in just a short time, he had already thought this far for Gongyang Ce.

Gongyang Ce was deeply impressed and immediately nodded. "Rest assured, Your Highness, I will make the necessary arrangements to ensure Wang's Clan has no opportunity to exploit."

"Good. You are no longer a child, so I won't say much more." Commandery Prince Kang smiled and looked at Gongyang Ce. "I will be heading to the outer region battlefield soon. Since you are not in a hurry to act, why not accompany me? It's been a long time since we fought side by side."

Gongyang Ce felt a sense of nostalgia and nodded. "Very well, I will accompany Your Highness."

With that, the two men looked at each other and smiled, reminiscing about their days of fighting on the battlefield together.

The friendship between men is often simple and unpretentious.

……

Ping'an Town, Wang's Clan main residence.

These days, Wang Shouzhe's life was both peaceful and leisurely.

He spent his days with his younger grandchildren or great-grandchildren, telling them timeless and exciting stories.

Or he would be invited by Liu Ruolan to Shuiyue Pavilion to exchange insights on their recent cultivation experiences.

The only thing that made Wang Shouzhe secretly complain was that Ruoling's inexplicable appearances had been increasing over the years.

Often, just as he finished sparring with Ruolan, Ruoling would conveniently show up, and he would naturally be subjected to the "equal treatment" theory, suffering greatly.

Fortunately, Wang Shouzhe was comforted by the fact that, thanks to the efforts of generations of the Wang's Clan, the clan had become much stronger. Not only was the clan thriving, but the members were also capable of taking on significant responsibilities and holding their ground.

Most of the time, Wang Shouzhe only needed to steer the ship, and the giant vessel of the Changning Wang's Clan would sail steadily forward.

Although he was a transmigrator, after so many years, he had fully integrated into his current life. The memories of Earth had gradually been sealed in the deepest recesses of his mind, only occasionally stirring his emotions.

The only thing that hadn't been sealed away was his knowledge and foresight beyond the times.

"Husband, try this new [Iced Three-Color Spiritual Lotus Seed Purple Tuber Fleeceflower Juice] I recently developed. It not only has special effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, and moisturizing the skin, but it also tastes great."

As Wang Shouzhe was playing with his grandchildren, Liu Ruolan, with her radiant complexion and excellent skin, walked over gracefully, personally holding a bowl of strange iced soup that emitted white smoke. Her face was filled with a look of pride, looking extremely virtuous.

It was evident that she had great confidence in this new iced drink, believing it would surely earn her husband's praise.

As a virtuous wife, what could be more satisfying than her husband's recognition and praise?

Behind Liu Ruolan was a graceful woman, none other than Tianyan Fairy, who had become Liu Ruolan's good friend and bestie.

She still wore a veil on her face, maintaining a serious expression, but her eyes were filled with sympathy as she looked at Wang Shouzhe.

Wang Shouzhe's heart trembled, and he quickly looked for help from his great-grandson Wang Anrui and his precious granddaughter Wang Yingxuan.

However, the two little rascals quickly ran away from him, saying in unison, "Grandpa/Great-grandpa, we almost forgot, we haven't done our homework yet~"

"Hello, Grandma/Great-grandma, hello, Sister Tianyan, we're going to study hard now."

Then, the two little ones disappeared in the blink of an eye.

It's not that the friendly forces are incompetent; it's just that the enemy is too strong.

Left with no allies, Wang Shouzhe had no choice but to stand up, gently holding Liu Ruolan's hand, and said tenderly, "My dear, you manage all the family affairs and still find time to develop new drinks for me. It's really too much work for you. How did I, Shouzhe, deserve such a gentle and virtuous wife? In the future, you should leave such trivial matters to the kitchen staff."

"Marrying you is the greatest fortune of my life." Liu Ruolan smiled sweetly. "Being able to personally cook delicious food and make drinks for you is my greatest achievement as a wife. Come, husband, drink it while it's still cold. Sister Tianyan just tried it and said it has a unique taste and a long aftertaste."

"Yes, yes, Shouzhe, this drink is absolutely delicious. Don't disappoint Ruolan's good intentions." Tianyan Fairy covered her mouth, her eyes filled with a hint of schadenfreude. Clearly, she was also a victim.

She clung to Liu Ruolan's leg quite fiercely, often coming to stay at Wang's Clan for a period of time every one or two years. By now, she and Liu Ruolan were like sisters, calling each other sisters.

The most exaggerated part was that despite her age, she shamelessly called Liu Ruolan "Sister Ruolan."

Initially, Wang Shouzhe thought she was taking a "roundabout strategy" to get close to Liu Ruolan and then plot against him.

But after decades...

She had taken quite a long detour, yet there was no sign of any "plotting," leaving Wang Shouzhe worried for nothing for decades.

"In that case, I won't refuse." Wang Shouzhe, with a look of "excitement" and "gratitude," picked up the dark concoction and drank it in one gulp. He then let out a breath of admiration, "My dear, your culinary skills are truly beyond words."

Indeed, it was as awful as ever.

Of course, Wang Shouzhe maintained his usual facade, pretending it was delicious, his expression calm and composed as if he had practiced it a thousand times.

And indeed, after sixty years, how could he not be used to it?

"Sigh~" Liu Ruolan looked at Wang Shouzhe's blissful expression and sighed, "I really envy you people with complete taste buds. Unfortunately, every time I taste my own cooking, I always feel the flavor is a bit off."

Off? It was more like a divine creation!

Wang Shouzhe ranted inwardly.

"Luckily, everyone seems to appreciate it, which gives me some confidence." Liu Ruolan smiled contentedly. "Husband, Sister Tianyan said she has something to discuss with you. I'll go check on Anrui and Yingxuan's studies in the study room. These kids are quite mischievous and will slack off if not watched."

Unlike Wang Shouzhe, who enjoyed playing with the grandchildren, Liu Ruolan preferred supervising their studies. Under her gentle yet firm guidance, the children's academic performance was quite good. Even the once mischievous Wang Shihai dared not act out under her watch.

After Liu Ruolan left, Wang Shouzhe and Tianyan Fairy sat down for tea and chatted leisurely.

Having spent so much time together, they had grown quite familiar with each other. Especially after realizing that Tianyan Fairy's "roundabout strategy" seemed to have no ulterior motive, Wang Shouzhe no longer felt as wary of her.

After three cups of tea, Tianyan Fairy finally spoke, "Master Wang Shouzhe, first of all, congratulations to the Changning Wang's Clan for being promoted to a sixth-grade family. Although this sixth grade..."

At this point, she couldn't help but cough, her voice tinged with a hint of irony and peculiarity.

Others might not understand the Wang's Clan, but Tianyan Fairy had come to know them quite well.

This was no ordinary sixth-grade family; it was a monstrous sixth grade. In fact, even some weaker fifth-grade families might not be a match for the Wang's Clan.

Sister Ruolan was terrifying, and their Ancestor Long Yan was unfathomable!

And the family head, Wang Shouzhe, was even more mysterious, always keeping her guessing.

Moreover, there was the renowned great prodigy of Longzuo Academy, Miss Liyao, whose master was the Dean of the Academy, an old Divine Realm expert!

Such heritage and backing were not even the Wang's Clan's greatest advantage. Their greatest strength lay in their ability to make money!

Despite her frequent visits, Tianyan Fairy had never figured out how much money they had quietly amassed.

The only thing she was sure of was that the income of an average Purple Mansion Clan was likely far less than that of the Wang's Clan!

"Sigh~ It's all because Commandery Governor Taishi cares about face." Wang Shouzhe lamented, "This promotion to sixth grade is really of little significance."

In truth, if it were just for Taishi Ankang's face, Wang Shouzhe wouldn't have bothered.

However, the Wang's Clan now controlled a vast territory. Managing Ping'an Town and Xin'an Town was one thing, but what about Qingluo Garrison?

That area had vast seas and numerous islands. Though called a garrison, it actually governed a large maritime area, almost as big as half a commandery.

Unless the Wang's Clan was willing to give up the hard-won benefits, they had to be promoted to a sixth-grade family to legitimately govern Qingluo Garrison.

Tianyan Fairy rolled her eyes, unable to help but give Wang Shouzhe a sidelong glance.

Many seventh-grade families dreamed of being promoted to sixth grade but had no way to achieve it. Yet here he was, reluctant about it.

However, she didn't want to dwell on this matter and instead said seriously, "Master Wang Shouzhe, we at Tianque have received intelligence that Gongyang Ce has returned from the Immortal Dynasty."

"Gongyang Ce?" Wang Shouzhe frowned slightly. "Who is that?"

"Master Wang Shouzhe, please don't insult my intelligence." Tianyan Fairy glared at him, slightly annoyed. "With your capabilities, how could you not know who Cao Youqing's master is? Cao Youqing repeatedly troubled the Wang's Clan, and there was someone behind her pulling the strings. How could you not know?"

"Oh~ you mean Master Xuanmiao?" Wang Shouzhe suddenly realized. "I've heard of him. He's said to be a great prodigy of the Purple Mansion Realm from the Holy Land, with a bright future and destined to become a pillar of our Great Qian."

"Although Cao Youqing was his follower, she was ultimately executed for her crimes. This matter has long been concluded by the Commandery Governor's office in Longzuo Commandery. Are you suggesting that a dignified Master Xuanmiao would trouble my small Wang's Clan over a criminal who repeatedly violated Daqian law and was executed?"

"Hehe~ Master Wang Shouzhe, stop pretending." Tianyan Fairy sneered, "Can you swear you truly don't know that Gongyang Ce has long been involved in the Imperial Heir Struggle? If you can, I, Tianyan, will crawl on the ground and bark like a dog."

"Alright, alright, I know. So what?" Wang Shouzhe laughed. "If Gongyang Ce comes to trouble me, are you planning to protect me?"

"I naturally don't have the ability to protect you." Tianyan Fairy's eyes turned mysterious. "However, if His Highness were to intervene, he might be able to mediate on your behalf. As long as Master Wang Shouzhe is willing to agree..."

"Join your faction?" Wang Shouzhe pondered for a moment and shook his head. "It seems your Tianque's supported candidate is not doing well. Otherwise, you wouldn't just be talking about mediation."

Tianyan Fairy's expression changed, and she quickly explained, "Our Highness is kind-hearted and unwilling to..."

"Stop, stop." Wang Shouzhe interrupted. "We appreciate Tianque's help to the Wang's Clan, and we will remember the favor. However, as I said before, the Wang's Clan is just a small boat and cannot withstand the waves of the Imperial Heir Struggle."

"We only want to farm diligently, make some money, live peacefully, and support our families."

Tianyan Fairy sighed regretfully. "I understand, Master Wang Shouzhe. However, in this world, things rarely go as one wishes. As the saying goes, 'The tree desires calm, but the wind will not cease.' You may want to develop quietly, but others may not allow it."

"Thank you for the warning, but I have already made up my mind and taken precautions." Wang Shouzhe politely cupped his hands.

"In that case, I won't persuade you further." Tianyan Fairy hesitated for a moment before saying in a low voice, "Master Wang Shouzhe, remember, Long Wuji is not to be trifled with. His background is extraordinary, and his temper is unpredictable. Do not confront him head-on in fifty years. Besides that, if you have no other way out, our Highness's door will always be open to the Wang's Clan."

"Although our Highness may not be as strong, protecting the Wang's Clan is not difficult."

"Thank you, Tianyan Fairy." Wang Shouzhe responded politely.

Tianyan Fairy left once again, feeling a sense of regret.

However, she knew that Wang Shouzhe was a man of great wisdom and determination. Once he made up his mind, he was not easily swayed.

She would have to take it one step at a time.

Just as he had politely declined Tianyan Fairy.

In the distance, Liu Ruolan was approaching with another bowl of strange iced soup, her eyes coldly sweeping over Wang Shouzhe. "Drink."

"This..." Wang Shouzhe hesitated, weakly asking, "Ruoling?""Stop talking and drink!" Despite their identical appearances and outfits, it was easy to distinguish between Liu Ruolan and Ruoling by their aura and the way they spoke.

"Uh..." Wang Shouzhe looked at the terrifying bowl of soup, identical to the one before, and couldn't help but feel nauseous. "I already drank a bowl just now."

"That was hers. This is mine." Ruoling glanced at Wang Shouzhe with an imposing air, as concise as ever.

The meaning was clear: the previous bowl was Liu Ruolan's, and this one was hers. Old Wang, you can't favor one over the other.

A chill ran down Wang Shouzhe's spine. Did it have to be like this? Ruolan and Ruoling, you two are practically the same person... Do you really have to compete to this extent?

Under the invisible and icy pressure, Wang Shouzhe downed the terrifying soup in one gulp, forcing a satisfied expression. "Ruoling, your soup is just as good as Ruolan's."

Seeing him finish, the cold aura around Ruoling dissipated slightly. She gave him a faint glance and said, "Shuiyue Pavilion, sparring."

"This..." Wang Shouzhe felt a chill run down his spine and quickly looked around. "The kids are still here."

"They're asleep." Ruoling's coldness surged again. "Are you planning to renege on my share?"

Renege?

Wang Shouzhe lamented his fate, looking up at the sky in despair. What kind of karma had he accumulated over several lifetimes to marry such an exceptional great prodigy wife?

Tragic!

...