Chapter 99: C99. "Who Makes You Older?"

Chapter 99

In the seventh year of Xining, when late March coaxed spring into full bloom, the world outside hummed with life. On the twentieth day, Cao Xun, craving a break from routine, orchestrated a family escape beyond the city walls. They piled into a carriage—four of them packed together for a fleeting taste of freedom.

Seven-year-old Cao Yu wasted no time claiming his throne on the right-hand seat of the carriage, his phoenix-shaped eyes—sharp, calculating, a mirror of his father’s—scanning the world as if it were his domain. Even in silence, the boy radiated charm. He had inherited the lion’s share of Cao Xun’s poise and charisma, an aura so refined it seemed etched into his very being. Elders couldn’t help but sing his praises, marveling at the boy’s grace, his knowledge, his impeccable manners.

And then there was Cao Bing, his polar opposite. Three years old and brimming with wild energy, he was chaos wrapped in a tiny body. Initially seated next to his brother, Bing was like a spring wound too tightly—restless, distracted, and entirely uninterested in staying put. It didn’t take long before he squirmed his way into his mother Yunzhu’s arms, his attention fully consumed by the passing scenery outside the carriage window.

Yunzhu, always the calm in the storm, held him close with practiced ease. Her smile was soft, her tone soothing, as she coaxed her excitable son. “Bing’er, there’s nothing out there worth staring at right now. Sit down for a bit, love. You can look outside later, alright?”

Her voice carried a honeyed warmth, the kind of tenderness that had always captivated Cao Xun. Even after years of marriage and two children, he couldn’t get enough of her. Watching her handle their wild child with effortless grace was like witnessing art in motion.

But little Bing wasn’t so easily swayed. Ignoring his mother’s gentle nudging, he stubbornly declared, “No! I want to look outside!”

Yunzhu chuckled softly, her patience unshaken. “Then go sit with your father, darling. Mommy needs a little rest.”

Bing glanced toward Cao Xun, whose steady gaze was both stern and affectionate. The boy hesitated for a moment, then turned back to his mother and burrowed deeper into her arms. “No, I want to stay with Mommy!” he insisted, his tiny voice brimming with determination.

Yunzhu couldn’t help but laugh. She knew her youngest was simply intimidated by Cao Xun’s imposing presence, but his clingy sweetness still melted her heart. She held him a little tighter, indulging his whims as long as she could.

But Cao Xun wasn’t one to let the chaos reign unchecked. With a deliberate, commanding movement, he switched places with Yunzhu, pulling Bing into his own arms. The boy squirmed, scowled, and eventually surrendered, though not without a dramatic huff.

It wasn’t until the carriage rumbled past the city limits that little Bing realized his father had claimed the seat beside him. With a defeated sigh, he abandoned the fight altogether, throwing himself back into Yunzhu’s waiting embrace like a retreating soldier.

Some battles, Cao Xun mused, weren’t worth winning.

Their outing led them to a lush, secluded valley—a perfect haven for flying kites. The grasslands stretched endlessly, and a crystal-clear brook whispered as it wound its way through the serene expanse.

Before dawn broke, the servants had carefully laid out a grand carpet. By the time the sun painted the horizon, Yunzhu and Cao Xun were ready to take their two boys out for some kite-flying fun.

Cao Yu, the eldest, handled his eagle kite with an effortless mastery, sending it soaring high into the heavens like it belonged there. His younger brother, Cao Bing, however, was all fire and frustration. Clutching a red carp kite, he stubbornly insisted on managing it himself but quickly found himself at war with the wind. The poor kite flailed and flopped, refusing to take flight. Exasperated, Cao Bing abandoned it in a fit and turned to his big brother for help.

With a grin as sharp as his natural charm, Cao Yu handed over his eagle kite, ever the doting sibling. Yet, no sooner had Cao Bing taken control than the kite tumbled again. And once more, Cao Bing ran back to his brother, pleading for assistance. Cao Yu, patient and playful, indulged him without hesitation, all while their father, Cao Xun, watched with a furrowed brow from the sidelines.

After the kite escapades, the brothers wandered over to the brook. Cao Yu, always the caretaker, led the way, showing his little brother how to collect smooth, round pebbles. Cao Bing’s face lit up with excitement as he rummaged through the streambed, finally emerging triumphantly with a perfect round stone. Cao Yu rewarded him with a gentle tousle of his hair and a proud smile.

Their father continued to observe the boys closely, every interaction etched into his sharp mind. At one point, he bent down, plucked a bright yellow flower from the grass, and called the boys over. “This is a dandelion,” he explained, his tone as firm as it was inviting. “Your task is to find ten of these on your own. No help allowed. Bring them to me, and there’s a reward waiting for you.”

Nearby, Yunzhu reclined gracefully on the carpet, keenly observing the unfolding scene.

“What’s the reward, Father?” Cao Yu asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Cao Xun’s lips curled into a teasing grin. “That’s for you to decide. As long as it’s reasonable, I’ll allow it.”

Without missing a beat, Cao Bing declared his desire to catch fish in the stream. Cao Xun, with a nod of approval, agreed but laid out firm conditions: they were to find the flowers entirely on their own.

Cao Yu accepted the challenge instantly, while Cao Bing hesitated, casting an uncertain glance at his brother. Satisfied, Cao Xun returned to sit beside Yunzhu.

Watching him with a mix of curiosity and amusement, Yunzhu finally asked, “Why so lenient and playful today? It’s unlike you.”

Cao Xun leaned back, his sharp gaze never straying far from his boys. “It’s rare that I get time to spend with them like this. I’m making the most of it.”

Yunzhu, however, wasn’t convinced. “You need to be more patient. Cao Yu’s fine, but Cao Bing is wary of you. The more you push, the more he resists.”

Cao Xun’s eyes flicked back to Cao Bing, who was crouched in the grass, determinedly picking flowers. His gaze hardened, though his tone remained calm. “If he learns obedience and understanding, I’ll ease up.”

Yunzhu sighed, her own resolve clear. “He’s only three. He’s still learning. You can’t hold him to the same standard as Cao Yu.”

Cao Xun’s jaw tightened, his sharp features unmoved. “Cao Yu was already disciplined and sensible by three. If he could do it, so can Cao Bing.”

Yunzhu fell silent, knowing she couldn’t argue against the truth. Cao Yu had always been a naturally well-behaved child, quick to grasp lessons and never needing the harshness that Cao Xun sometimes wielded. Still, her maternal instinct kept her gaze fixed on Cao Bing, silently willing her younger son to succeed in his small but important mission.

Yunzhu wasn’t about to let anyone paint her youngest son as lesser just because her eldest was the golden child. “Every child has their own spark. They’re not cut from the same cloth, and you can’t expect Cao Bing to be Cao Yu. There’s nothing wrong with him. If you’ve got a problem, go ahead and scold him yourself.”

Cao Xun sighed, his frustration barely hidden as he replied, “When have I ever been harsh to him? I’ve only ever tried to reason with him.”

Yunzhu caught the faint crease on his brow, leaned in, and playfully tapped it with her finger. “You carry yourself with all this commanding authority, but when you get serious, even I feel a chill. Do you think Cao Bing doesn’t?”

Cao Xun caught her hand, his grip firm but intimate, and asked in a low voice, “Are you really still afraid of me?”

Seven years had passed since the Emperor’s reign began, and their love had flourished. Cao Xun could swear he’d never treated her with coldness, never raised his voice. Not once.

Yunzhu tilted her head, her expression contemplative. “When you get stern with Cao Bing, I feel it too. It’s... unsettling.”

Cao Xun didn’t respond, but his silence spoke volumes, regret flickering in his eyes as if he could see himself from her perspective.

Meanwhile, Cao Yu busied himself with picking ten small yellow flowers. As he finished the last one and turned back, he spotted Cao Bing eyeing his handful of blooms with that all-too-familiar look. Predictably, the little one bolted over, demanding a share.

Though Cao Yu’s heart softened, his father’s firm rules about sharing echoed in his head. A quick glance confirmed his father’s gaze was locked on them. His chest tightened, knowing he wouldn’t be reprimanded but still dreading disappointing him.

Cao Yu tried to reason with his younger brother, but three-year-old Cao Bing was having none of it. He darted around, lunging for the flowers. Cao Yu raised them high, but Cao Bing clung stubbornly to his brother’s robes, determined. When his efforts failed, he plopped to the ground, tears streaming as his cries pierced the air.

Cao Yu offered to help his brother gather more flowers, but the stubborn toddler refused, wailing for what his older brother had.

Yunzhu shot a quick look at Cao Xun, whose face was like stone, and hurried over to coax Cao Bing into picking flowers with her. But the little one clung to his brother’s clothes like a lifeline, his tiny fist resolute in his rebellion.

Cao Xun finally strode over, his towering presence cutting through the scene. He plucked a flower from Cao Yu’s hand and addressed his eldest. “What reward would you like for your generosity?”

Before Cao Yu could answer, Cao Bing’s cries only grew louder, his tiny body shaking with frustration.

Yunzhu knelt, trying to soothe him, but Cao Xun pulled her up, his voice low and firm. “Go rest. This is my job now.”

Yunzhu hesitated but stepped back, watching as her husband prepared to tackle the storm that was their youngest son. She crossed her arms, curious to see how the ever-composed Cao Xun would explain fairness and discipline to a fiery three-year-old.

Unfazed by Cao Bing's relentless sobbing, Yunzhu strode back to the plush carpet and settled herself down with an air of indifference.

Cao Xun didn’t spare a glance at his youngest son’s tear-streaked face. His focus remained sharp as he gestured to his eldest, "Speak."

Cao Yu, usually composed and reasonable, felt his resolve crumbling under his father's imposing authority. His face drained of color as he shifted his gaze between his father, holding a bouquet of delicate flowers, and his younger brother, who looked destined for reprimand.

Lowering his eyes, voice trembling but firm, Cao Yu finally said, "I... no longer wish for a reward. I only beg for mercy, Father. Please spare Brother Bing this once and refrain from punishing him."

For a moment, Cao Xun’s stoic demeanor faltered—his eldest son’s plea was unexpected. But as quickly as the softness surfaced, his eyes turned icy again. He glanced at the shrieking child and spoke with deliberate calm. "Fine. If he insists on a reward, so be it. But he must still gather ten flowers alone—without anyone’s help."

Cao Bing, despite being just three, was no fool. Each time his father or brother spoke, he paused his howls, listening carefully. But when their words didn’t align with what he wanted, the tantrum resumed—louder and shriller.

Unmoved, Cao Xun allowed himself a fleeting smirk before gesturing to Cao Yu. "Let’s go." Together, they left the room, the sound of wailing following them like a storm.

Cao Bing’s cries only intensified in their absence. It didn’t take long before the child’s screams spiraled into gagging sobs, and he vomited his breakfast all over himself.

It was then that Yunzhu could no longer bear to stay detached. She rushed over, scooping the trembling child into her arms. Her hands moved with practiced care as she patted his back, her soft murmurs calming the storm in him. Slowly, his cries dwindled, and he slumped against her chest, exhausted but victorious. Over her shoulder, the boy cast a silent, defiant glance at his father.

Cao Xun’s expression darkened like thunderclouds.

Cao Bing, for his part, refused to acknowledge his father entirely—whether out of fear or sheer stubbornness, no one could tell. Cao Xun, meanwhile, was just as unwilling to bend, his pride unyielding even as Yunzhu silently pleaded with him with her eyes. He turned away.

Yunzhu busied herself with the little one, offering no attention to Cao Xun. Caught between his stubborn father and equally obstinate younger brother, Cao Yu stood awkwardly, feeling the tension but unable to escape it. And yet, when Cao Bing wanted to play later, it was his elder brother he dragged along eagerly.

By evening, the storm had calmed. After dinner, Yunzhu stayed close to the children while Cao Xun’s sharp gaze lingered on her. He waited until the children were occupied elsewhere before approaching her, hoping for a private word.

But Yunzhu wasn’t interested. After washing, she slipped into bed without sparing him a glance.

Cao Xun, however, was nothing if not persistent. Sliding behind her, he pulled her close, his strong arms circling her waist. His voice, softer now, carried a sigh. "Why are you still upset with me?"

Yunzhu shoved his arm aside, her voice sharp and unyielding. “Look, I get it—you want to teach Cao Bing a lesson. Fine. But this cold, hard approach of yours? It’s not working. If all you can do is bark orders and ignore the fact that he’s hurting, don’t you dare blame me when I call you out.”

Cao Xun fell silent, his jaw tightening under her pointed glare.

She shot him a cool glance, stretched out on the bed again, and muttered, “Honestly, you’re pushing forty and still throwing tantrums like a toddler.”

He sighed heavily, slumping beside her before wrapping an arm around her waist. “You’re right. I overdid it today. Next time, I’ll handle it differently.”

Satisfied, Yunzhu pressed a slow, deliberate kiss to his neck, her tone softening just slightly. “Good. That’s how it should be. Cao Bing’s got a fire in him, and if you keep coming down on him like this, don’t be surprised when he starts seeing you as the enemy.”

Cao Xun laced his fingers with hers and smirked, his voice low. “Tell me—who do you think he takes after?”

Yunzhu’s lips curled into a small, knowing smile. “He’s like my brother—stubborn, headstrong. Mark my words, he’s destined to be a great general.”

Cao Xun’s grin took on a sly edge. “Oh, he’s got your brother’s defiance all right. But Cao Yu? That one mirrors your softer side.”

She swatted his hand playfully, only for him to capture her face in his hands and kiss her, leaving her breathless. His voice dropped to a husky whisper against her lips. “He reminds me too damn much of you, my love. Always chasing kindness, rejecting strength. And yet, you hold yourself just out of reach, leaving me starved for more.”

Her eyes locked with his, unwavering. “Is it a crime to prefer gentleness? If Cao Bing can face your wrath and still come back seeking your approval, doesn’t that make him the wise one?”

Their back-and-forth crackled like a storm, the air between them thick with tension. He leaned in closer, voice rough with frustration. “He disrespects me, and you indulge him. Do you even realize you’ve barely spoken to me all day?”

She smirked, tilting her head. “And whose fault is that? I’ve been silently begging you to make things right with Cao Bing, but you ignored me at every turn.”

“And why the hell should I?” he shot back. “He owes me an apology.”

Her laughter was rich and teasing, cutting through his indignation. “Ah, the burden of being the elder, hmm? Must be so hard.”

For once, Cao Xun had no retort, her words leaving him utterly disarmed.