Xin's view

"Bao, can we talk?" I asked him as he exited the main hall.

"Sure, how can I help?" he said.

"Let's talk while we drill," I suggested. I thought if my hands were occupied, I might actually get out what I was going to ask him. It was something I knew he would be against as he had sworn to protect my wife Xinye, and after failing once, it was unlikely he would want to leave his post again. But there was no-one else I could ask this of.

We faced off, each with our own different positions, and started sparing. Neither was in the session to win, so we were not using battle strategy moves, "What did you want to talk about?"

"There is no easy way to ask this, but I have to. There is no-one left I can ask it of," I started knocking away a few of his feints.

"Just ask," and his sword hit mine hard. I get it. He wanted me just to get it over with and not beat around the bush.

"You know we are leaving to see my mum at our ancestral home after Taiji leaves?" I asked him.

"Yes," Bao said, "And?"

"I was wondering if you could stay here and manage this manor while we are gone?" I put my question troubling me out there.

Bao stopped and stepped back, putting his sword on the ground in front of him to indicate he was thinking. I rested my sword over my shoulder and stood waiting for his answer.

Eventually, he said, "If Wei can go in place of me, I will do it. If he cannot, I will have to decline."

"Then please contact Wei and let me know, or at least let me know when Wei would be able to come in your stead so we can plan around it," I requested.

"Sure, I will let you know," and we continued our sparing practice for the rest of the time. The other men joined us as they went through their drills too. All the men in our manor knew how to fight now, as none wanted their women stolen regardless of rank.

Since he had married, Shen was more dedicated than before, and his muscles had become even more defined. Before taking up martial arts, he had always had a layer of flab over his muscles, but now he was toned. I thought I would tease him a little, "Looking good, Shen. Are you becoming sexy for your wife?"

"Shut up," he blushed as he continued to train.

"So, it is true?" I teased some more.

"Yeah, what of it?" he replied, deciding to ignore me.

"That's great! Happy wife, happy life," I quipped, and he just nodded, focusing instead on what he was doing, and heading off to the fields once he was done.

Sari appeared just before he left with a knapsack with a drink and food so he could eat on his way. It was funny to see how they acted around each other, giggling and kissing each other before parting. They would both put on business-like faces and complete their chosen tasks as soon as they parted.

I walked over to Sari as I was curious to know what she would do being just married, "Sari?"

She looked at me, a little surprised, "Yes, my lord?"

"I was wondering, will you be staying here with your husband or coming with us?"

"I am coming with you," she seemed astonished by the question, "Xinye is my mistress. She comes first."

"But what about Shen?" I wondered.

"Shen is aware I will be going," she said curtly, "Now if you will excuse me, my lord, I need to get to my mistress."

I nodded and let her go. Sari had always been like this ever since she had joined our household. She would not even let me do the things I used to do for my wife, like rubbing her feet.  She would always stop me saying it was her job to look after her this way.

As we were traveling to my ancestral home, I thought I better ask Fergus what he wanted to do about Ying. They had been engaged for a while and were now sleeping in the same room. I thought perhaps it would be better if they were married before we went, or I felt my mother would try separating the couple, spouting nonsense about class. So, I went looking for him as he had left the training ground already.

I found him pouring over our books, trying to locate some expense.

"Fergus," I said, causing him to look up at me.

"Yes, Baba?" he said, I never quite got used to him calling me that, but his reasoning was impeccable. He had only really started calling me Baba after the twins were born.

"As you know, we will be going to my family's ancestral estate as soon as Taiji leaves," I started.

"Yes," he nodded, waiting for me to continue.

"I was wondering if you and Ying would marry before we leave?"

Fergus stopped and looked at me, "I do not plan on having children, and I need to ask if she still wants to marry me. I will ask her today and let you know."

"Oh, why do you not want children?" I asked, now curious.

"For the same reason, Maelgwyn won't," he said, referring to his older brother who had gone to war in my place. Maelgwyn had made it clear that he would not have any relationship here because he was not of this time. As he was referred to as General Fang, he had no issue with being me on the battlefield. He would make people rewrite reports if he was called General Fang Maelgwyn. He only accepted General Fang anything else was destroyed.

"I see," I said a little sadly. I had wanted to see the grandchildren of Xinye's children.

"Sorry, Xin," Fergus apologised to me, obviously seeing my disappointment, "Bryce has children."

"I know. It is time I see my nieces and nephews," I agreed.

"So, what will you call yourselves?" Fergus asked, addressing the confusing family genealogy.

"I do not know," I said, "It seems weird being called Yeye. Xinye is their NaiNai, no matter what way you look at it. I know I am their shushu, but then Ayi is just wrong for Xinye."

"I think you should go with Yeye," Fergus said, leaving it at that. He got up then and left, heading off to the family stores. I went to find Xinye and had the same conversation with her.

"My advice is to tell Bryce's kids the situation and let them decide," Xinye said. As it made sense, I stopped worrying about it.

"Thanks, love," I said, kissing her in relief.

Fergus got back to me that night, "Ying agreed to marry me with the knowledge I do not want children and why. She said it was ok since she was pretty much a mother to Juan and Li Wei."

I could see her point of view, as Xinye was sick a lot and could no longer manage small lively children. Although she still did teach them things. She taught our children to read English before they were three, and they were pretty proficient at it. She wanted me to teach them Chinese then too, but I refused, saying one language at a time was enough. They were now getting to the age they should start learning my language.

"When do you want to hold the wedding?" I asked.

"As soon as possible," Fergus said, "There is little point delaying it now."

"Ok," I agreed, and we arranged it for the next Sabbath day. Emperor Taiji officiated it.

A/N If you enjoyed this chapter, please take the time to vote by pressing the star. Please let me know if you see any errors, as this is unedited.