How about giving yourself three penalties

Lingling could have followed in her family's footsteps and become a professor at a prestigious university in the capital. After all, her grandmother had once taught there.

However…

Zhonghai was closer to Young Master Cao, making it easier to go home, visit family, and take care of the children.

Besides, they had already moved.

The family was growing, and there would be even more children in the future. Their previous home had started to feel cramped, especially since it was old and had been lived in for too long.

Though its location was prime—a luxury property in the heart of the city, where every inch of land was worth its weight in gold—it was still too small.

So, they decided to relocate to a more secluded estate, far from the noise and bustle of the city. A place with more rooms, more space.

Given Young Master Cao’s contributions, securing a plot of land wasn’t an issue. They built a private villa, surrounded by lush greenery.

But it wasn’t just greenery.

There was also a maze-like formation, obtained from a system reward.

Not an overpowering one, just a simple illusionary array—but more than enough for their needs.

Not that Young Master Cao was intentionally being secretive. It was just that since the formation had been acquired, it would be a waste not to use it, right?

Moreover…

The family was expanding.

And the location was getting more remote.

Though their security measures were top-notch—equipped with high-tech surveillance and even legal firearm permits—better safe than sorry.

So, setting up this formation significantly boosted their safety.

And there was no need to worry about accidental trespassers.

The formation wasn’t aggressive.

If someone happened to wander in, they’d just circle around until they found their way out.

Of course,

Cao Cheng had also installed plenty of cameras and alarms.

If someone stumbled in by accident, he wouldn’t bother with them.

But if anyone came with malicious intent?

Eliminated on the spot.

After all, he’d already dealt with plenty of spies—what were a few more?

And it wasn’t about whether those spies had ill intentions or not.

If you came snooping, you deserved death.

No excuses.

Cao Cheng wasn’t the merciful type.

He wasn’t about to wait for someone else to fire the first shot.

That was just his nature—if he sensed a threat, he struck first.

Even if it meant collateral damage…

Well, too bad.

An apology was all they’d get.

What more could they expect?

At most, he’d offer some compensation—like a self-punishing toast.

That settled it.

……

So,

To this day, Cao Cheng’s security remained airtight.

Especially for the women around him—they hardly ever felt threatened.

Most dangers were nipped in the bud by Young Master Cao himself.

Plus, he had a dual-cultivation technique that enhanced everyone’s strength.

At this point, as long as they were even slightly cautious, there was almost no real danger.

And in a few more years…

Once everyone’s abilities reached a certain level, they could walk the world with confidence—even without Young Master Cao’s protection.

……

……

Tang Xin was preparing baby food.

Her second child was a little princess.

And the third? Another young master.

A perfect balance.

Lately, Tang Xin had set aside her work—nothing required her personal attention anymore.

So now, most of her focus was on raising the children.

The second child was a bit older.

The third had just turned one—the age for starting solid foods.

Of course, the servants could have handled it.

But Tang Xin insisted on doing it herself, pouring her maternal love into every meal.

Cao Cheng wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder.

Tang Xin smiled softly, glancing at him. "What’s wrong? Hungry?"

Cao Cheng nodded. "Starving."

"I meant for food," Tang Xin chided lightly.

"So did I," Cao Cheng chuckled. "But… other places are hungry too."

"Honestly, you’re hopeless. Acting like this at your age."

Tang Xin sighed, but she couldn’t deny the warmth in her heart.

Truth be told,

Cao Cheng wasn’t a perfect man. He had his flaws—like his insatiable appetite for women.

But aside from that?

He was exceptional in every other way.

And he never grew tired of the old for the new.

After all these years…

They were practically an old married couple now—fifteen years together, three children.

In other households, the passion would have long faded.

But Young Master Cao still doted on her as much as ever.

Wasn’t that enough?

Besides, Tang Xin was sharp.

She could tell that his affection wasn’t out of guilt or because of her family’s status.

Young Master Cao cherished her for who she was—because she was Tang Xin.

No other reason.

And that was more than enough.

……

With anyone else, it might have been different.

But Young Master Cao?

He didn’t need to rely on anyone’s background.

In fact, the Tang family had benefited greatly from his influence over the years.

It was a mutually beneficial relationship.

Really,

It all came down to the wonders of cultivation techniques.

Young Master Cao was a simple man at heart.

In his past life—well, the century-long dream he’d lived—he’d been a bit of a playboy before settling down due to an "unplanned pregnancy."

But even after settling, he was still a man with a sword.

And a man with a sword could never resist using it from time to time.

Maintenance is still necessary, after all.

It’s a fine… fine iron sword, after all. It needs oiling, even quenching—essentially, regular upkeep to maintain its sharpness.

It’s only human nature, right?

...

Of course,

human nature aside,

this tendency to favor the new over the old is perfectly normal.

It’s not just with people—even with objects.

Whether it’s clothes, shoes, toys, or anything else… when you first buy them, you handle them with care, gently and meticulously.

After some time, you become rougher, less attentive.

A little longer, and something new might replace the old. Not throwing the old thing away is already an act of kindness.

The same goes for people.

The honeymoon phase and the settled years of marriage are two entirely different states.

A kiss from an old married couple might give you nightmares for days.

And that’s no joke.

So,

this is why Young Master Cao says cultivation techniques are so great.

They preserve eternal youth.

At the very least, they keep a person in their prime.

Even Tang Xin, who’s had three children, remains as fresh as Lingling.

Naturally, this reduces the urge to seek novelty.

Not to mention, these women aren’t just beautiful on the outside—they have depth, formidable strength, and layers of charm that make it hard to ever grow tired of them.

This is also why Young Master Cao keeps them so busy.

A woman who remains cherished for a lifetime is never just a pretty vase.

After all,

if beauty were all there was, every flower would eventually wither when its season passes.