The Ger's Contract Marriage [BL]
Chapter 610: In the Snow

Chapter 610: In the Snow

Xu Feng walked slowly, his footsteps muffled by the thick layer of fresh snow covering the path from Blooming Courtyard’s gate. His warm winter robes were wrapped snugly around him beneath a heavy cloak, and sturdy, fur-lined boots insulated his feet comfortably against the harsh chill.

Winter had settled deeply into Nanshan Estate, and the snowfall was unusually persistent this year. The pathways might have been left piled high if it had been solely up to Xu Feng—who would rather spend the cold days curled warmly indoors—but thankfully, Xu San took her duties seriously.

She meticulously managed all household tasks, delegating efficiently to Lee Hua, who in turn directed the teams of servants keeping the pathways clear and safe.

Lee Hua, the newest steward at Nanshan Estate, had adapted admirably to his role, quickly establishing himself as a reliable manager alongside Xu Si. The two handled estate duties smoothly together, carefully vetting and selecting new servants.

Initially, Jie had brought in 46 people from Shechao territory, but after Xu Si’s rigorous assessment, only 29 remained. The 17 sent back were given a month’s worth of wages at Xu Si’s insistence, but they weren’t allowed to stay in their home. Xu Feng had quickly learned that Si’s standards might be even more rigid than Jie’s.

Now, Nanshan Estate was fuller than ever.

Aside from the servants they’d personally brought in from Shechao, there were also refugees seeking safety and stability at Nanshan following the harsh winter devastation in Zhandou territory.

These people had received little to no assistance from their territory’s rulers and had desperately come north seeking aid. Xu Feng had opened the gates to those who needed the most help—the elderly, weak, and ill—but even then, Jie and Xu Si had carefully vetted each newcomer, ensuring their safety and integrity.

Again, if they didn’t meet both people’s standards, they were sent away with a small amount of rations to last them till they reached their new destination. It was unknown if these people would go back to their original homes after the winter passed or if they would look to resettle in warmer territories.

Regardless, Xu Feng wasn’t a saint. He had prepared for his family and new servants to last the winter but not to feed all of Dongzhou. Being too kind made others complacent and feel entitled to aid, so he had to draw the line somewhere.

Warmth filled Xu Feng’s chest at the thought of their bustling, revitalized home—they people who had chosen to stay and met his own trusted confident’s standards made the estate feel alive. Their home was thriving, each courtyard vibrant with purposeful activity even during the slowest days of winter.

Trusting the people around him made everything easier.

Lee Hua had even thoughtfully recommended relocating some of the younger children—including his own—to allow for a better balance. Xu Feng had initially hesitated at the suggestion, worried about creating unnecessary distance between his boys and their playmates.

He didn’t want his sons to experience the isolation and loneliness he’d once known in his past life or that Xu Zeng had struggled with. They had both grown up, okay, but it wasn’t something he wanted his children to experience.

Yet Lee Hua’s reasoning was sound.

The move wasn’t drastic; it provided just enough separation to allow Blooming Courtyard and the two youngest masters a bit more privacy and breathing room while simultaneously giving the newcomers their own space—not a communal space—to settle comfortably.

Xu Feng finally agreed. After all, he didn’t want his sons to grow up feeling isolated, but a little extra breathing room was good for everyone involved—especially considering the rapidly changing circumstances around them.

It felt strange, initially, to separate the children. Xu Feng had always envisioned them growing up closely together, surrounded by friends and family, never feeling alone or isolated as he had. Yet when Lee Hua made his gentle but firm suggestion, backed quietly by both Xuan Yang and Xuan Jian, Xu Feng had to admit it made sense—even if his heart resisted at first.

His own experiences and desires weren’t the only ones that mattered. Xu Feng knew he wasn’t raising Da Long and Xiao Long alone. They had three parents, after all, and each voice held equal weight in decisions about their upbringing.

Ultimately, Xu Feng trusted the advice of his steward. Lee Hua’s plan wasn’t about status or separation but practicality. The newly renovated residential quarters near the lower half of the estate were closer to Nanshan Village, providing a more communal environment where the newcomers—like the single parents, elders, and children from Zhandou—could find solace, build friendships, and integrate smoothly into their new lives.

It also allowed the children to develop their own community space, fostering bonds outside the shadow of "owners of the estate." Plus, there were more and more children at the estate—a few unhatched eggs, some abandoned children, and those who were orphaned. In total the estate had gained almost 40 new children in the last four months.

It was a large number, but Xu Feng knew they hadn’t even scratched the surface—there were still so many children in Donghua and the other territories who needed stability and the chance to stand on their own.

Moreover, it meant the immediate family—Xu Feng, his husbands, Xu San, Xu Si, Xu Zeng, Xu Hu Zhe, and the cubs—could maintain the intimacy and privacy they needed. The balance felt right, offering stability without sacrificing the joy and companionship Xu Feng wanted for his children.

And it truly had worked beautifully.

The estate felt livelier and more vibrant than ever. The children’s laughter echoed pleasantly through the pathways, and Xu Feng often found Da Long and Xiao Long excitedly awaiting visits from Xiao Momo, Xiao An, and the big and small treasures.

Sometimes, the cubs ventured out themselves to their friends’ quarters, always supervised by Xu San or Xu Si—or even the perpetually book-bound Xu Hu Zhe and Xu Zeng, who occasionally remembered to emerge from their scholarly haze to spoil the cubs.

Walking leisurely down the meticulously cleared path, Xu Feng occasionally paused, taking in the pristine beauty of the snow-laden trees lining the walkway. Even though he loved greenery, the white of the world was a beauty worth cherishing.

Xu Feng’s footsteps were light, crunching softly against the neatly shoveled snow.

Just ahead of him, the sounds of cheerful laughter and quick footsteps drew his attention. He looked up, eyes warming as he caught sight of Xiao Momo and Xiao An racing ahead, their giggles ringing like bells in the crisp winter air. They were carefree.

The two children spotted Xu Feng at almost the same moment. Xiao Momo’s round face lit up brightly, his cheeks flushed from the cold as he waved energetically, calling out, "Good morning, Uncle Feng!"

Xiao An smiled shyly, standing slightly behind her brother but still offering a gentle, respectful greeting. "Good morning, Uncle Xu Feng."

"Good morning to both of you," Xu Feng replied warmly, feeling his mood brighten even more at their joyful energy.

Xiao Momo bounded closer, his eyes darting around in a curious search. When he didn’t find what he was looking for, he tilted his head up at Xu Feng, blinking innocently. "Uncle Feng, where are your little eggs?"

Xu Feng chuckled softly, instantly charmed. Xiao Momo had never forgotten how he and Xiao An had first encountered Da Long and Xiao Long—as eggs. Xu Feng had entrusted those precious dragon eggs to Xiao Momo briefly when they’d first arrived, and the boy had taken his responsibility seriously.

Months later, he still occasionally referred to the boys affectionately as "little eggs."

"They’re in the study with Uncle Yang," Xu Feng replied warmly, crouching down slightly to ruffle Xiao Momo’s hair. "Make sure to play nice, okay?"

Xiao Momo nodded enthusiastically, his face as serious as if accepting a great mission. "Xiao Momo will!"

Xiao An giggled softly from behind her brother, her features lighting up as she watched their exchange with gentle amusement. She was more reserved, like Lee Hua, but her quiet presence brought its own warmth.

"Good morning, Master Xu." A deeper voice greeted Xu Feng respectfully, drawing his attention up to the tall, sturdy man who had been patiently accompanying the children.

"Good morning, Min," Xu Feng returned the greeting with a smile, nodding appreciatively. It wasn’t lost on him or anyone else at the estate that Min, the estate’s Security Captain, had been openly courting Lee Hua for several weeks now.

A widowed ger with two children—a ger and a girl—and yet no one seemed to mind.

Some of the newer servants had initially been surprised by the open courtship, but they soon learned that Nanshan Estate moved to its own rhythm. The master of the estate was a ger, married to two men, and he still paid his servants wages despite their initial slave contracts. It was a household unlike any other.

For most, life had only gotten better since coming here—whether they had arrived after surviving a catastrophe or had once languished in a slave depot. They understood their place here. They worked hard, protected what they had, and built a life in a home that welcomed them.

Those who couldn’t adjust had already been asked to leave, and those who stayed knew this place had become their sanctuary.

Xu Feng met Min’s gaze, smiling slightly. "Yang has plenty of preparations to make before we travel for the new year." It was a silent request to watch all four children or delegate the task to someone else.

Xuan Jian had been consistently busy for weeks, and now, even Xuan Yang had little free time during the day. That left Xu Feng with his own responsibilities, even in the lazy quiet of winter.

Min had already planned to watch Lee Hua’s children until the afternoon meal. Adding two more lively adventurers to the mix? Hardly a challenge. He simply nodded in understanding, a silent agreement passing between him and Xu Feng.