Chapter 168: Father’s Honor Through Son

Chapter 168: A Father Riding on His Sons' Coattails

Wei Xun's request for an imperial marriage decree—a rare honor typically reserved for royalty—sent ripples through the capital.

After all, A Yuan had once been Wei Xun's concubine, and their reunion was a reconciliation against all odds.

Yet what truly astonished the society matrons was news of A Yuan bearing two more children.

"When did she conceive? How did not a single rumor leak?"

"Tch! Getting pregnant before marriage is hardly proper. The General's household would've buried that scandal deep."

"Madam Zheng, that's unfair," countered Madam Lin (the second), stepping forward. Having always liked A Yuan—who was close friends with her husband's younger sister—she felt compelled to stand up for her.

"Marquis Wei betrayed Lady Xie so thoroughly last time that she fled the capital rather than wed him. This must be history repeating."

"Except now, as the saying goes, the father rides on his sons' coattails to secure an imperial decree—clearly he's won her forgiveness."

"What an amusing turn of phrase, Madam Lin."

Amusing, yet accurate. While others coveted marriage into the marquisate, A Yuan's brother was a general, and she owned the *Su Embroidery Workshop*. She needed no man's status.

If anything, Wei Xun had likely pulled some strings to elevate his position.

Exchanging knowing smiles, even previously prejudiced matrons gave up their biases.

This new A Yuan wasn't someone to trifle with.

Overhearing the gossip, Zhao Wan turned pale as a ghost.

She'd never expected A Yuan's survival. Shen Qiuyu had guaranteed her death—so why had Shen turned to ashes instead?

Slinking away in a daze, Zhao Wan had barely entered the marquisate's second household when a servant woman summoned her.

"Madam, the old marquis and Young Master Wei demand your presence."

Her heart lurched. The smile she forced looked more ghastly than tears.

"I-I'm unwell. I'll pay respects to Father and Young Master Wei after recovering..."

"The old marquis said if you refuse, you'll be escorted there—whether you like it or not. After all, Madam must be quite familiar with abductions."

Abduction...

The final thread of Zhao Wan's composure snapped. This was reckoning.

In the study, the old marquis and Wei Xun sat in judgment, faces twisting with disgust at her entrance.

"I overlooked your schemes for Second Son's sake. But targeting A Yuan crossed a line I can never forgive."

The old marquis loathed cunning villains. By conspiring with Shen Qiuyu to kidnap A Yuan—nearly costing him two grandsons—Zhao Wan had touched his dragon's reverse scale.

"Anning Marquisate won't harbor a viper-hearted daughter-in-law. You and Second Son will separate today."

"Father!"

Zhao Wan's heart turned completely cold. Though the Marquis' estate had already been divided, she was still the second wife of the Marquis' house. If she divorced Wei Cong, she’d lose all her wealth and standing.

"Father, I’ve already learned my lesson. Please spare me for Chengye's sake. Besides, A Yuan’s fine, isn’t she? I promise to get along with her from now on and never harbor ill intentions again."

"Hah! Fine?"

Wei Xun let out a cold laugh. A Yuan had nearly died in the fire, yet in Zhao Wan's words, it was just "fine."

She’d never change her wicked ways. This woman couldn’t stay.

"Father, a divorce lets her off too easy. She trapped A Yuan in the fire—that's attempted murder. In my opinion, she should be turned over to the law."

Wei Xun was now the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. With just one word from him, Zhao Wan could die in prison.

She had bullied A Yuan too many times. This time, he would not let her go.

"Good! We'll do as you say."

The father and son made the final decision. There was no going back now.

Zhao Wan collapsed to the ground, her heart dead, her eyes red. "Aren’t you worried about shaming the Marquis’ name, Third Brother?"

"They say don’t air dirty laundry in public. I agree to the divorce, and once I return to the Zhao family, I won’t speak a single ill word about the Marquis' household."

"Too late."

Wei Xun cared nothing for family scandals. Only by cutting out the rot lets the wound heal properly.

He refused to let A Yuan enter the household with so many vermin still scurrying around her.

Zhao Wan was dragged out by the maids, her cries for mercy echoing through the whole manor.

Wei Cong lay in the inner chamber, listening to Zhao Wan's wails without batting an eye. Instead, his lips curled slightly as he checked out the young maid who entered with tea.

"I haven’t seen you before. What’s your name?"

The maid had a soft, round face, a slender waist, and especially captivating eyes that sparkled with mischief.

"This lowly one is called Wan'er, just bought into the household by the stewardess."

Wei Cong chuckled. "Wan'er, a lovely name. From now on, you’ll serve by my side."

"Yes, as you command, Master."

The maid cast a flirtatious glance and swayed her hips as she approached. Wei Cong reached out, and she fell into his arms.

Soon, the sounds of their affair filled the courtyard.

Zhao Wan, accused of kidnapping and attempted murder, was sent to prison. The Zhao family cut her off that same day.

Those who once flattered and fawned over her now cursed her vehemently—especially her own parents, who even disowned their grandson.

Wei Chengye was a loner by nature. Marquis Wei, not about to let his grandson rot away, took him to the military camp to raise him personally.

...

The commotion in the Marquis of Anning's household did not disturb A Yuan. Since returning to the capital, guests hadn’t stopped coming to see her and the children.

The twins grew rapidly, their appearances changing daily. Not only were they beautiful, but their lively and endearing personalities charmed everyone.

Here’s the edited translation incorporating the expert suggestions:

A Man was thrilled to suddenly have two little brothers. While they weren’t the sisters she’d wanted, the boys were sweet and adorable, cooing excitedly when they saw her and even grasping her fingertips to make her laugh.

The girl even skipped her morning lessons, spending all her waking hours playing with her brothers.

Xie Zheng returned from court, still in his official robes, and watched his niece happily playing with his two little nephews. He gave each chubby cheek a playful poke.

“If elder brother likes children so much, he should hurry and marry to have his own.”

Perhaps because she was now a mother of three, A Yuan couldn’t bear to see her brother remain alone.

“Miss Lin is still unmarried, elder brother. You still have a chance.”

Xie Zheng’s fingers paused slightly. “I know.”

He had never been one to give up easily, but he wasn’t sure of Lin Qingshuang’s feelings and feared acting rashly might only push her away.

Xie Zheng never fought a battle unprepared—he already had a plan.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to win your sister-in-law.”

“And you? Have you picked names for the two little ones?”

Xie Zheng had originally wanted to name his nephews himself, but his suggestions—like “Ding Guo” (Stabilizing the Nation) or “Ding Jiang” (Securing the Borders)—were too ambitious. A Yuan didn’t want such heavy expectations placed on her children; she just wanted them to grow up happy and safe.

“Chengzhi and Chengxi—meaning ‘well-versed in ancient wisdom’ and ‘the first light of dawn.’”

“Chengzhi, Chengxi—excellent names!” Xie Zheng praised. “Your birth wasn’t easy. You must be filial to your mother in the future.”

Just thinking about his sister’s childbirth still terrified him. If Lin Qingshuang didn’t want children someday, he would never force her.

But Young General Xie was getting ahead of himself—he hadn’t even won her over yet.