I Transmigrated as Cannon Fodder, Only to be Desired by the Dragon King - Chapter 36

Chapter 36: Taking the Children Back to the Mortal Realm — The reverse scale was thin as a cicada’s wing, its edges swirling…

The next day.

Shen Youqing was awakened by the faint sound of splashing water outside the window. When he opened his eyes, the night pearls on the ceiling had already dimmed. Morning light filtered through the crystal window panes, scattering fragmented blue light spots across the bedding.

Afraid of waking the little dumplings in his arms, Shen Youqing gently brushed away Little Black’s hand from his wrist and carefully moved Little Duckling’s foot from his leg. Just as he propped himself up, a sound came from outside the door—a very low whisper: “Is the young master awake?”

He slipped into his soft shoes and walked to the door. Just as he opened it a crack, a fresh, savory aroma wafted in, making his stomach give a soft growl.

A sea servant stood outside holding a tray. Seeing him open the door, she immediately bowed. The white jade bowl on the tray held porridge that was still steaming. “Young Master, this is the seafood porridge His Majesty specifically ordered the kitchen to prepare for you this morning.”

“Thank you for the trouble,” Shen Youqing said as he took the tray. He asked casually, “By the way, where is Feng Xiuyan?”

As soon as the words left his mouth, the expressions of the sea servants changed instantly. Their eyes met in a flash of alarm. In the Dragon Palace, everyone respectfully addressed him as “His Majesty.” This young master actually dared to call him by his name!?

But on second thought, a guest who His Majesty personally kept for the night and ordered porridge must have an extraordinary relationship with the King. They didn’t dare ask more. Quickly steadying their expressions, they spoke even more respectfully: “Replying to the Young Master, His Majesty went to the front hall for the morning court early today. He discusses affairs at this hour every day.”

“I see.” Shen Youqing nodded. “Then roughly when will he be finished?”

“Usually the morning court lasts about two hours. If there are no urgent matters, he should return by the end of the hour of Chen (around 9 AM),” the servant replied respectfully. Seeing him take the tray inside, she added, “Please enjoy your meal, Young Master. If you need anything else, just summon us.”

“Okay.” Shen Youqing responded and gently closed the door. Turning around, he saw Little Duckling rubbing his eyes and sitting up.

His little head was tilted adorably, his voice soft with sleep: “Daddy, when did you wake up?”

Shen Youqing walked over and reached out to straighten his rumpled clothes. “Daddy just woke up too. Did the sound of the door wake you?”

Little Duckling shook his head quickly, his small mouth pouting slightly. He instinctively rubbed his tummy, his voice soft and waxy: “The porridge smells so good. Tummy was hungry, so I woke up.”

Shen Youqing laughed at his greedy look and pinched his fleshy cheek. “Then let’s get up and wash. After that, we can have some delicious porridge.”

“Mhm!” Little Duckling nodded vigorously and used his hands to scramble down from the mattress. Once steady, he turned back to the bed and tugged on Little Black, who was still huddled under the quilt. “Brother, wake up! There’s yummy porridge to drink~”

Little Black moved under the covers, revealing half a face buried in the pillow. His eyes weren’t fully open as he mumbled, “A little longer…”

But smelling the aroma of porridge drifting from across the room, his stomach betrayed him with a loud “gurgle.” He slowly sat up, rubbing his eyes and yawning.

Shen Youqing walked over with a peachwood comb, gently smoothing Little Black’s hair and skillfully tying it into a small topknot. He didn’t forget to tuck in Little Duckling’s lopsided collar. “Alright, all tidied up. Let’s go wash.”

The two little ones followed him obediently to the outer room. They stood on their tiptoes to reach the warm water in the bronze basin, splashing water on their faces with clumsy, serious movements. Shen Youqing watched from the side, occasionally handing them a towel. Once all three were ready, the seafood porridge on the table was still steaming. The scent of scallops and fresh shrimp mixed with the aroma of spiritual rice made Little Black swallow hard.

“Daddy eat first!” Little Duckling sensibly pushed the bowl forward. Little Black followed suit, though he couldn’t stop poking the porridge grains with his spoon.

“Alright, let’s eat together.” Shen Youqing smiled and served them each a small bowl before picking up his own.

“Mhm!” The two little ones nodded and began eating impatiently.

…

Halfway through the meal, another sound came from the door. It was Feng Xiuyan’s voice.

Shen Youqing got up to open the door. Feng Xiuyan entered, still carrying a hint of the morning court’s cold aura. Seeing them eating happily, his eyes softened instantly. “It seems I didn’t miss breakfast.”

He turned to order the servants behind him, “Prepare more breakfast and bring another set of utensils.”

The servant retreated, and Feng Xiuyan sat down at the table. “Is the porridge to your liking today?”

“It is very fresh.” Shen Youqing nodded. Seeing him in his court robes, he thought he looked quite handsome—it was much more formal and serious than the black robes he usually wore.

Soon, the servants brought new breakfast items. Crystal shrimp dumplings with pink-white meat showing through the translucent skin, and honey cakes sprinkled with shredded coconut filled the plates.

Feng Xiuyan naturally placed a shrimp dumpling into Shen Youqing’s bowl. “Regarding the matter of formal names for these two we discussed yesterday, have you thought of any?”

Shen Youqing’s eyes lit up. He put down his spoon. “I pondered it before bed last night! Little Black is lively and was originally a fish in the water, so how about ‘Shen Yuan’ (Deep/Abyss)?”

Seeing Feng Xiuyan nod in approval, he continued, “Little Duckling is soft and cute, and loves playing by the water. The word ‘Fu’ refers to waterfowl. How about ‘Shen Fu’? It fits his nature and is simple to remember.”

“You have thought it through well. These two names are much better than the ‘Shen Yu’ and ‘Shen Ya’ I was considering.”

“Heehee.” Shen Youqing felt a bit shy being praised.

“Shen Yuan? Shen Fu?” Little Black put down his spoon and whispered the names twice, his eyes shining. “It sounds good! I have a formal name now!”

Little Duckling clapped his hands. “Shen Fu, is that my name? Daddy is so amazing!”

Just then, a servant’s respectful voice came from outside: “Your Majesty, Chancellor Gu requests an audience.”

Feng Xiuyan’s brow furrowed slightly. He looked at Shen Youqing. “I will be right back. You guys keep eating.”

Shen Youqing waved his hand. “Go do your business.”

After Feng Xiuyan left, Little Black leaned close to Shen Youqing and whispered, “Daddy, Uncle Gu Li must be coming to talk to Father again. Father works so hard.”

Shen Youqing stroked his head, feeling a bit complicated. Hearing Feng Xiuyan talk about so many responsibilities yesterday, and now having business the moment court ended… He realized Feng Xiuyan probably didn’t have much time to spend with the little ones.

He looked at the two children and spoke softly: “After you finish your porridge, would you like to go back to the mortal realm with Daddy for a while? You’ve been in the Dragon Palace for so long; you probably haven’t been out to play in ages.”

“Yes!” Little Black and Little Duckling responded almost in unison.

Shen Youqing was about to speak when Feng Xiuyan pushed the door open, holding a silk box.

“Gu Li came to deliver some documents from the West Sea.” He walked to Shen Youqing and handed him the box. “This is Pearl Cream from the palace, made from ground deep-sea pearls. It nourishes the skin and has a moisturizing effect. Your mother might find it useful.”

Shen Youqing took the box, surprised that Feng Xiuyan remembered his mother. He was even more thoughtful than Shen Youqing himself. He tucked the box into his chest and smiled. “I’ll thank you on her behalf then. She’ll definitely love it.”

“By the way, I have something to discuss with you.” Shen Youqing put down his spoon, his tone more serious. “I see you’re very busy, so I was thinking of taking them back to the mortal realm to stay for a while.”

Feng Xiuyan paused, remaining silent for a moment. He calculated quickly: because he had spent a month at the villa, the backlog of work was indeed substantial. He also remembered he had to go to Cangzhou in the West Sea in two days to coordinate rainfall, which would take at least three or four days—he wouldn’t even be able to see Shen Youqing then.

A trace of resentment toward his inefficient subordinates flickered in his heart; they were making him have less time for Qingqing.

But he quickly recovered. Looking at Shen Youqing, his tone carried a hint of subtle grievance: “I have indeed been overwhelmed lately; I’ve neglected them. I happen to have to go to the West Sea in two days, so I likely won’t have time to accompany you…”

“This is for the best,” he decided. He looked at the two expectant children and then back at Shen Youqing. “Take them to the mortal realm to play; it’s good for them to soak in some of the human world’s atmosphere.”

“Mhm…” Shen Youqing nodded, but his heart felt strangely empty. He couldn’t help but ask, “Are you going far? Is it very far away?”

Seeing the concern in his eyes, Feng Xiuyan’s grievance vanished instantly. He said warmly, “Not too far. If I travel by cloud, I can get there in half a day. It’s just that I need to coordinate with several sea-tribe clans for rainfall, so I’ll likely stay for a few days. When I return, I’ll go to the mortal realm to find you?”

“Hooray!” Before Shen Youqing could answer, Little Black cheered. “Father is coming too! We can eat sugar-coated haws together then!”

Little Duckling nodded along. Although he didn’t know what sugar-coated haws were, seeing Little Black drooling made him swallow expectantly.

…

After breakfast, Feng Xiuyan walked outside the hall. A silver light gathered at his fingertips and began to spread. Within moments, a majestic silver dragon manifested in the glow, his scales reflecting the shimmering blue light of the morning sun underwater.

“Come up. I’ll send you back to the residence.” The silver dragon’s voice was deep and gentle.

Once the three were seated securely on his back, Feng Xiuyan slowly raised a front claw. He brushed the scales at his chest, and a reverse scale (Ni Lin) as thin as a cicada’s wing gently detached, landing steadily in his palm.

The reverse scale is the most precious protective item of the dragon race. He chanted an ancient incantation in a low, solemn voice. The scale erupted in silver light, expanding to form a semi-transparent spiritual shield that circled the three on his back.

The sea breeze blew, but not a hint of cold reached them. The silver dragon didn’t move fast, but he was exceptionally steady. Soon, they disappeared into the horizon where the sea meets the sky.