Chapter 299 - 260: Acknowledging One’s Ancestry and Returning to the Family Line
Chapter 299: Chapter 260: Acknowledging One’s Ancestry and Returning to the Family Line
Half a month later, Zhou Wangshu received the Emperor’s summons and entered the palace.
The National Guardian General Su Rende accompanied him, and the father-in-law and son-in-law stayed in the palace for two hours. Afterward, notices were posted in various districts stating that Zhou Wangshu was the long-lost legitimate eldest son of Cheng’an Hou Mansion. After drowning, he lost his memory and was trafficked by human traffickers, hence forgetting to return home. After verification from all sides, Cheng’an Hou Mansion retrieved their legitimate eldest son, Zhou Wangshu, who will be registered in the family genealogy and return to the Xia family starting today.
"Since he has been found and plans to recognize his ancestry, why hasn’t he changed his surname?" some among the common folk were discussing.
"I heard this legitimate eldest son’s mother happens to have the surname Zhou. Since he mistakenly followed his mother’s surname, he couldn’t be bothered to change it. He followed his mother’s surname. However, according to family rules, his surname must be changed according to the family genealogy, so he will likely change to Xia when entering the genealogy."
"I think the name Zhou Wangshu sounds lovely. Xia Wangshu... is a bit strange."
"It’s not Xia Wangshu’s name that’s strange; it’s that the Xia family of Cheng’an Hou Mansion doesn’t deserve such a nice name. Did you not know, the former wife of Marquis Cheng’an, also known as Zhou Wangshu’s biological mother, Mrs. Zhou, came from the Lin Yang Zhou Family, a top aristocratic family of literary elites."
"Didn’t they say a few years back that their family had rebellious intentions and were executed in full?"
Cheng’an Hou Mansion. Marquis Cheng’an had just entered the door and saw Marchioness Cheng’an approaching from the opposite side. He initially had a smile on his face, but upon seeing her, the smile vanished, leaving only disdain.
"Marquis, I heard the eldest son has been found. When will he move back?" Marchioness Cheng’an asked.
Marquis Cheng’an looked at Marchioness Cheng’an in surprise.
"You are willing to let him move back?"
Marchioness Cheng’an retorted, "Listen to yourself, he is the eldest son of our mansion; it’s wonderful that he isn’t dead, and of course, he should recognize his ancestry."
"Madam is indeed virtuous." Marquis Cheng’an’s face resumed its smile, "Make the arrangements, just don’t neglect him. The child has suffered a lot outside; now that we’ve finally found him, we must double our compensation. By the way, he has lost his memory and doesn’t remember previous events. Be mindful not to mention certain matters in front of him, such as about his mother, to avoid upsetting him."
"Rest assured, Marquis."
"How is Zhen’er?" Marquis Cheng’an finally felt a pang of conscience and thought of the son who had brought him disgrace.
Perhaps seeing how sensible Marchioness Cheng’an was, he felt he had to feign concern.
"Zhen’er knows he shamed the mansion and has been afraid to go out and meet people. Don’t worry, Marquis; I will keep comforting him."
"Since he knows of the disgrace, he must restrain his behavior. Tell him that as long as he improves, I don’t expect him to glorify the family, but at least don’t be embarrassing. Now that his elder brother is back, known for his reputation, and especially favored by the Emperor, our Cheng’an Hou Mansion will inevitably rise to new heights under his lead. As long as he doesn’t cause trouble, wealth and honor won’t be lacking."
Marchioness Cheng’an laughed and said, "Yes. When the eldest son returns, Xia Zhen can follow such an excellent brother and learn in and out."
"The Emperor has already announced it to the world. I reckon he will return with his wife soon; make preparations."
"Yes."
The matter that troubled Marquis Cheng’an for half a month was finally resolved, making him feel great relief as he returned to the study with his trusted aides.
Xiao Yanci was in a teahouse with Wang Ruyan, enjoying tea and snacks. Upon hearing noises outside, he looked out the window. Zhou Wangshu was seen riding a tall horse, at his side a sedan chair, followed by a grand procession carrying many items.
"Mr. Zhou is returning to Cheng’an Hou Mansion. Some people are born lucky; this Mr. Zhou is one of them. Imagine, he was born into a wealthy family, met with a mishap, and was bought by a good family. Typically, those sold by human traffickers don’t fare well, unless lucky enough to meet a kind-hearted family for a chance at survival. He, however, became a welcomed son-in-law marrying a kind and beautiful wife and was backed by a powerful Yue family. As if that’s enough, he was recognized by his biological father and returned to the mansion."
Xiao Yanci listened to the discussion among the envious common folk, his gaze fixed on Zhou Wangshu.
"Husband, this task is hugely important; you must do it well. If you do, my father will surely promote you, and you will surpass that one surnamed Zhou," Wang Ruyan said, clinging to Xiao Yanci’s arm.
Xiao Yanci’s eyes reflected disdain.
Wang Ruyan clung to him, appearing unaffected by her tarnished reputation, as if assuming he couldn’t distinguish between an untainted maiden and a fallen woman; or perhaps she didn’t mind his opinion, treating him like someone sponging off others?
"Rest assured, madam; the task entrusted by my father-in-law will be accomplished well. I won’t disappoint him."
Wang Ruyan’s eyes flashed with satisfaction.
"Madam, wait here for me; I seem to have seen some colleagues, let me greet them."
"Go ahead!" Wang Ruyan waved, "If you can’t get away, don’t rush back, just attend to your business."
Xiao Yanci went to another private room, closed the door after entering, and walked towards the woman sitting by the window.
Jiang Yihuan turned her head, saw Xiao Yanci, and closed the window.
"Aren’t you accompanying that prime minister’s daughter?"
"Zhou Wangshu has returned to Cheng’an Hou Mansion; he will inherit the title and become the next Marquis Cheng’an, with Su Yaoguang as Marchioness Cheng’an." Xiao Yanci wrapped his arm around Jiang Yihuan’s waist, "You’ve always resented her; does seeing her live so well bother you?"
"What can I do if it bothers me? Some people are born lucky, marrying into noble lineage casually," Jiang Yihuan replied softly.
"Cheng’an Hou Mansion is bound to host a banquet to announce Zhou Wangshu’s return. I can’t meddle in the affairs of the female guests, but you can disrupt them," Xiao Yanci suggested, "If Su Yaoguang is poisoned at the banquet, what will the National Guardian General do? Cheng’an Hou Mansion and the National Guardian General will fall out immediately. No matter what Zhou Wangshu chooses, he will offend someone, causing mayhem."
"Brother Xiao, you’re becoming increasingly wicked," Jiang Yihuan remarked, embracing Xiao Yanci’s neck, "But, I like it."
Merely poisoning isn’t enough; she wants Su Yaoguang gone. Xiao Yanci well knows that Su Yaoguang must die for the National Guardian General Mansion and Cheng’an Hou Mansion to clash irrevocably, yet he hesitates to see her dead. Doesn’t he realize she knows his feelings? She will present a grand gift when the time comes.