Extra Chapter 3:

As Naitang and Nai Dou grew older, Lu Xiao adopted a largely hands-off approach to their education.

As long as the two little ones didn’t go astray, Lu Xiao basically wouldn’t interfere in their affairs.

Ares was more than happy with this attitude, because it meant that most of the time, Lu Xiao’s attention remained entirely on him. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

This was more important to him than anything else. And though he had never said it out loud, how could Lu Xiao not know?

Besides, their two children would eventually grow up, and the only one who would remain by her side was Ares.

Naitang and Nai Dou were also well aware that their parents had a very good relationship, and sometimes they couldn’t help but feel envious when they saw it.

It was like a seed planted in their hearts, making them think that when they grew up, they too must find a partner just like that.

Lu Xiao didn’t know what her two little ones were thinking. All she knew was that Lu Huan was about to graduate from university.

Through hard work, Lu Huan had become a combat medic. After graduation, she would enter a military hospital and might even have to accompany troops to the front lines when necessary.

When Lu Huan first made this choice, Lu Xiao had been a little worried. She had once asked Lu Huan in private, "With your scores, you had so many options. Why did you have to choose to become a doctor, and a combat medic at that?"

Lu Huan smiled at Lu Xiao. "I know what you’re worried about, sister, but I’ve thought it through. I want to be someone like you. I also want to do something for the Empire, but my abilities are too limited. Becoming a doctor and saving lives is the only way I can make a small contribution."

"But it will be very hard."

Hearing this, Lu Huan’s smile widened. "It’s so strange to hear you say that, sister. You’ve done so much—do you think it’s hard?"

Lu Xiao shook her head. "But..."

"No ’buts,’ sis. Just like you chose a career you love, I’m choosing one that I love too. I’m actually really grateful. If you hadn’t yelled some sense into me back then, I wouldn’t have had the chance to make this choice. It feels so good to be in control of my own destiny. Thank you, sis. And hey, don’t worry. At my current level, I won’t be sent to the front lines. I have to do an internship and gain experience first. Otherwise, I’d just be a burden. Instead of worrying about me, you should worry about Lu Yu."

"What’s she done now?"

"She’s about to apply for university, and from what I hear, she wants to apply to the military academy. Isn’t that just absurd? She’s a female—how can she apply to a military academy?"

Lu Yu hadn’t stopped her martial arts training these past few years. She was both hardworking and incredibly talented at it. She could even fight Ares to a draw now; an ordinary soldier was no match for her at all.

Hearing Lu Huan’s words, Lu Xiao, surprisingly, didn’t find it unexpected.

It was, after all, very much in line with Lu Yu’s character.

"Do military academies not accept females?"

"Well, there’s no rule against it, but no female has ever applied before! Sis, you’re not going to agree with this, are you?"

"There’s a first time for everything. If she can actually pass the exams to get in, then there’s nothing wrong with it."

Lu Huan looked at Lu Xiao in surprise. "She went to see Father, and he said the same thing. He said that if Lu Yu’s exam scores and all her tests meet the military academy’s standards, he’ll negotiate with the chancellor to make an exception and admit her."

This surprised Lu Xiao. She hadn’t expected Admiral Clan to approve.

"Sis, if Lu Yu really gets in, she’ll most likely be sent to the front lines in the future. Aren’t you worried anymore?"

"Isn’t that perfect? You’re a combat medic, she’s a soldier. If she gets into trouble, you can treat her."

Lu Huan: "..."

There was absolutely nothing wrong with that logic.

Seeing her auntie and mother talking on the sofa, Naitang came over with a smile.

The little female cub hadn’t fully matured yet, and her face still had some baby fat, making her absolutely adorable. Every time Lu Huan saw her, she loved to pinch her little cheeks; they were so soft.

"Auntie, what were you and Mom talking about just now? What’s up with my younger auntie?"

"Your younger auntie wants to apply to the military academy, become a soldier, and go to the front lines to fight!"

"Wow, my younger auntie is so cool! Naitang wants to go to the front lines and fight too!"

Lu Xiao laughed. "You can go fight on the front lines, but first you have to learn martial arts and become skilled enough to go. Your younger auntie works very, very hard. If you want to, you can start learning from your father tomorrow morning."

Naitang’s eyes flew wide open. "Oh. Do I have to wake up early? I can’t wake up early. Can I practice at night instead?"

"Nope, it has to be in the morning. The early bird gets the worm, haven’t you heard?"

"Alright then, I can’t do it. Let my brother do it! He can! He comes to wake me up every day, so he has no problem waking up early!" After selling out Nai Dou, Naitang made a face at Lu Xiao and ran off, the little rascal.

Lu Xiao shook her head, amused, and turned to say, "You know, that’s not a bad idea. We could have Ares train Naitang and Nai Dou in the mornings to build up their strength."

Hearing this, Lu Huan immediately said, "If Naitang finds out, she’s definitely going to throw a fit, isn’t she?"

"She won’t. Don’t be fooled by how she talks. If you really require it of her, she can do it." Lu Xiao knew her children’s personalities very well. "Where has Lu Yu been lately?"

"She’s at Father’s place. He provided her with a training room and a coach. She’s practicing at home. I went to see her once, and it’s really tough. I don’t know why she chose this path."

"Then why did you choose the path of a combat medic?"

When Lu Xiao asked this, Lu Huan smiled. "I get it, I get it. But don’t worry, sis. Lu Yu should be fine. You have no idea how strong she is now. If she accidentally pats me, it hurts for ages. I don’t dare let her touch me anymore."

Lu Xiao smiled, recalling the Lu Yu from before—such a willful little girl. To think she had now chosen the path of joining the military was truly unexpected.

But it was also because of things like this that life became so interesting.

That evening, after Lu Huan had left, Lu Xiao said to Ares, "I want Naitang and Nai Dou to learn martial arts from you. It’s partly for self-defense, but mainly to build up their health and strength. What do you think?"

"I have no problem with it. It’s up to the two of them."

"I’ll talk to them later then. By the way, have you heard about Lu Yu wanting to apply to the military academy?"

"Mhm. She sent me a message about it today. Father has agreed, and I think Lu Yu will be able to get in."

"Don’t you think there’s anything wrong with a female applying to a military academy?"

Ares smiled at Lu Xiao. "With a sister like you, I don’t find anything she does strange. If she can really get into the military academy, then in the future, the academy will probably start openly recruiting female students. That might be a good thing."

"Females aren’t actually weak."

"Yes. I’ve never once doubted that." Ares’s gaze on Lu Xiao was burning.