Rebirth of the Third Young Master of the Marshal’s Estate

The Third Young Master of the Marshal’s household, Xu Jin, infamous as the number one “cripple” of the Tian Kun Dynasty, had suddenly stood up.

This news spread like wildfire, sweeping through the imperial capital and even reaching the ears of the Emperor himself.

Xu Chengfeng, the once-stern and unyielding Marshal, known for his cold demeanor, now entered court with a radiant smile. Even those he previously dismissed received a rare grin from him. It was clear that his mood had been excellent recently.

In just three days, Qin Gou, disguised as Xu Jin, had not only learned to walk like a normal person but was now moving with increasing ease and even vigor. By the end of the third day, he was practically sprinting.

This was far from normal. Even a highly adaptable infant couldn’t learn to walk so quickly, let alone a man who had been bedridden for twenty years. Without the continuous use of precious medicinal pills, Xu Jin’s legs would have long since atrophied.

But what was even more extraordinary was that in these three days, Qin Gou had not only mastered walking but had also leapt from being a Qi-Gathering novice to reaching the Artifact Refining Realm.

It seemed Physician Zheng’s prediction was coming true—Xu Jin was destined to surpass others and make up for lost time.

Twenty years bedridden, three realms in a day.

When Xu Chengfeng heard the news, he immediately went to see his son. Laughing heartily, he clapped Qin Gou on the shoulder, his tiger-like eyes brimming with tears. “Now this is the son of Xu Chengfeng!”

Qin Gou, gazing at the spiritual energy swirling around his hands, choked with emotion. “Father, I promise that no one will ever laugh at me again for being a useless cripple. I’ll show them that resting for twenty years was just preparation for a journey that will shock the world!”

“Well said! I know you won’t disappoint me,” Xu Chengfeng roared with laughter. “Your uncle has already heard the news. He’s promised to find you a rare ‘Body Refining Pill’ to aid you even further!”

Qin Gou froze for a moment. “Father, what are you talking about? Aren’t you the eldest in the family? How could I have an uncle?”

“Oh, that was a slip of the tongue. I meant your third uncle said that,” Xu Chengfeng said, shaking his head with a meaningful smile.

—

That Night – Husband and Wife’s Conversation

“Xu Chengfeng, I heard you’ve been having Xiang’er monitor Jin’er these past few days and even feeding him strange stories. What are you up to?” Liu Fuyun asked, sitting on the edge of the bed as she combed her silky hair, her tone displeased.

“It’s nothing. Just a precaution,” Xu Chengfeng replied, his hands clasped behind his back as he gazed at the moon outside the window.

Liu Fuyun’s brows furrowed. “Don’t tell me you suspect Jin’er? Do you think someone swapped him out?”

“Yes,” Xu Chengfeng admitted without hesitation.

“And what’s your conclusion?” Liu Fuyun asked, her curiosity piqued despite herself.

Xu Chengfeng chuckled. “What’s this, my dear? Weren’t you just scolding me? Now you’re curious too?”

“I just find it all too sudden. It feels unreal. Jin’er isn’t just no longer a cripple—he’s reached the Artifact Refining Realm in mere days. Such speed and talent are unheard of. If this gets out, people will think we’re making it up,” Liu Fuyun said, giving her husband a sharp look.

Xu Chengfeng nodded with a smile. “I feel the same. But fate works in mysterious ways. He’s my son, after all—naturally extraordinary!”

“Don’t flatter yourself!” Liu Fuyun laughed, rolling her eyes at him. “So, is there anything unusual about Jin’er?”

Xu Chengfeng nodded slightly. “Xiang’er checked during his bath—the birthmark is still there. And after observing him closely these past few days, I’ve found no abnormalities other than his rapid cultivation progress. He’s still the same determined boy he’s always been. The only difference is that now he has the ability to back up his determination.”

Hearing this, Liu Fuyun’s eyes reddened. “My poor child. He’s finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Xu Chengfeng pulled her into his arms, gently comforting her. “It’s all in the past now. Jin’er has changed. No one in the court or the capital will dare mock the Marshal’s family anymore.”

“But for some reason, even though everything seems perfect, I can’t shake this unease,” Liu Fuyun admitted, her eyes clouded with worry. “You know how Jin’er and his elder brother…”

“That’s for the children to sort out. As parents, we shouldn’t interfere,” Xu Chengfeng said lightly.

—

The Next Day

A poised and beautiful young woman arrived at the Marshal’s estate. The servants and maids respectfully addressed her as “Second Miss.”

Her name was Xu Shuangshuang, Xu Jin’s elder sister. In truth, both of Xu Chengfeng’s other children had long since established their own households and no longer lived at the Marshal’s estate.

The moment Xu Shuangshuang saw Qin Gou, she rushed over and pulled him into a tight hug, her ample figure pressing against him without a hint of embarrassment. Laughing joyfully, she said, “Little brother! It’s been so long! Did you miss me? The moment I heard the good news, I rushed back from Kezhou! Now, tell me about that miraculous dream of yours. And is it true you reached the Artifact Refining Realm in just three days?”

Qin Gou, thoroughly embarrassed, struggled to free himself from her fragrant embrace. He had promised the real Xu Jin to treat his family with respect, but how could he have anticipated such overwhelming affection from both Liu Fuyun and now Xu Shuangshuang?

“Let’s not talk about that for now, Second Sister. Here’s something interesting—guess what? You came all the way from Kezhou to see me, but someone who’s right here in the capital hasn’t even shown up. It wouldn’t take him half an hour to visit the estate, yet he’s nowhere to be seen,” Qin Gou said, his tone tinged with disappointment.

“Oh, you mean our elder brother,” Xu Shuangshuang said with a shrug, her tone carefree. “You know how he is. He’s always been like this. Don’t you remember? He’s suggested more than once that Father and Mother send you off to some remote town to live out your days in obscurity. From the day you were born, he’s never looked at you properly. But don’t worry! Your Second Sister loves you the most! Now, come here and give me a kiss!”