Chapter 47 Acknowledging Son

Chapter 47: Claiming a Son

Lu Jiming was completely taken aback that merely coming to ask for a guard would lead the Marquis of Cheng'an to make such a grand display, even going so far as to kneel to Wei Yan.

Wei Yan, however, seemed to have anticipated this all along, betraying not a hint of surprise. With a smile, he helped the man to his feet. "Uncle Yan, I know this is rather presumptuous of me. But the State Preceptor has also met Ning Guo and said this child is destined to be connected to the two of us. If we raise him, the Empress and I will surely be blessed with children soon. This is also for the sake of Great Qi."

Lu Jiming stifled a laugh, thinking to himself how this man could spin such tales. With such a statement, even if the Marquis of Cheng'an was unwilling, he had no choice but to comply.

But his schadenfreude lasted only a moment. Lu Jiming suddenly froze, realizing Wei Yan's explanation sounded familiar. The look in his eyes shifted slightly, words stuck in his throat, yet he couldn't ask a single question in front of the Marquis of Cheng'an.

As if fearing it wasn't enough, Wei Yan added, "I've always regarded Yan Huai as my own brother. If I take someone from him, it's only right I make it up to him. He's just a guard. Uncle Yan, you may enter the palace today and select someone capable from the Imperial Guard to take his place."

The Marquis of Cheng'an's expression turned grim. How could a guard from the Imperial Guard compare to one raised by Yan Huai's side?

Most Imperial Guard members were from noble families or had thoroughly vetted backgrounds, selected through rigorous screening. They wouldn't stay in the Imperial Guard permanently; many were destined for illustrious careers.

With such bright futures came ambition, and once ambition took root, it was impossible for them to protect Yan Huai wholeheartedly.

Even if he selected an Imperial Guard member for the estate, they could never replace Ning Guo's role.

But with Wei Yan's words reaching this point, the Marquis of Cheng'an had no room left for refusal.

The Marquis of Cheng'an's lineage held no real power or influence in court, relying entirely on the emperor's trust. If they were to create a rift with the emperor over this, the family would face true disaster.

"Old Feng, go call the young master and Ning Guo here," the Marquis of Cheng'an conceded.

At this point, he could only pin his hopes on Yan Huai standing his ground, perhaps appealing to Wei Yan's old sentiments for a chance to turn things around.

Yan Huai was still oblivious to what had transpired in the hall. He led Ning Guo in bowing to the emperor and empress, asking with a polite smile, "Your Majesty, Your Highness, have you found time to visit the estate today?"

Over the past two years, he had matured considerably, grown taller, and was no longer as cold and distant as in his childhood. He now spoke with a smile, growing closer to the Yan Huai in Lu Jiming's memories.

Seeing his son, the Marquis of Cheng'an cut straight to the point. "His Majesty wishes to adopt Ning Guo as his godson and take him into the palace."

Yan Huai's smile froze on his face, gradually fading until no expression remained. He stared blankly at Wei Yan and asked, "Your... Your Majesty, why so suddenly?" Even Ning Guo behind him seemed slightly dazed, looking at Lu Jiming in disbelief.

Lu Jiming merely smiled with narrowed eyes, offering no response. Of course, he knew Yan Huai was unwilling—not just Yan Huai, but Ning Guo likely wasn't happy either. But he was determined to see this through.

Wei Yan spoke up. "Let me talk with Yan Huai. Xuping, you all may step outside."

Lu Jiming gave Ning Guo a meaningful look and led him, along with the Marquis of Cheng'an, out to the corridor. Ning Guo's master, Feng Qingyue, and Wei Yan's personal guards had been waiting outside, immediately bowing upon seeing them.

"Marquis, perhaps you should return first. I also have words to share with A'Guo," Lu Jiming said.

Upon hearing this, the Marquis of Cheng'an left with Feng Qingyue, and the accompanying guards withdrew as well, stationing themselves far outside the courtyard gate.

Only then did Lu Jiming speak, asking Ning Guo, "You don't wish to enter the palace with me?"

Ning Guo nodded. "Your Highness, I wish to remain by the young master's side."

"Why?" Lu Jiming asked.

Ning Guo couldn't articulate it. Years ago, after his country fell and his family perished, he had fled with Ning Jia among the refugees. Outside Bianliang City, Feng Qingyue had taken notice of him and brought him back to the marquis' estate.

If one said the marquis' estate had shown him kindness... after reuniting with Ning Jia recently, Ning Guo learned that Feng Qingyue's claim of "settling your elder sister properly" was a lie.

The truth was, Feng Qingyue had stabbed Ning Jia outside Bianliang City and left her in a mass grave, all because a guard of the marquis' estate could not have family ties.

Thus, the kindness shown outside Bianliang City was completely erased.

If one said the marquis' estate had provided him shelter... now that Lu Jiming was taking him to the palace, there would be an even safer and more concealed place for him. Staying at the estate wasn't a necessity.

He didn't want to leave simply because he didn't want to be separated from Yan Huai. As for why he didn't want to be separated, Ning Guo couldn't explain.

Lu Jiming, of course, guessed it was because of Yan Huai. From the fragments Wei Yan had revealed in their previous life, he had even pieced together some of the dynamics between Ning Guo and Yan Huai back then.

Ning Guo had followed Yan Huai without any official status. Their relationship internally was unclear, but externally, they were undoubtedly master and servant. Everyone in the capital knew Ning Guo was the most loyal "dog" by Yan Huai's side.

It was even highly likely that Yan Huai's only son was born to Ning Guo. Yet Ning Guo always addressed him as "young master" and strictly adhered to the role of a servant, never becoming too intimate.

If they weren't separated, Ning Guo would inevitably repeat the same path.

Since Lu Jiming had promised Ning Jia to take good care of Ning Guo, he wouldn't stand by and watch him fall into such a situation.

"Silly child, if you want to protect him, you don't necessarily have to kneel before him as his pawn. The entire marquis' estate has countless guards and attendants. Without you, there will always be others." Lu Jiming smiled as he analyzed the pros and cons for Ning Guo. "By staying by His Majesty's side, earning his favor and trust, you'll be able to navigate the undercurrents of the court in the future and emerge unscathed."

Ning Guo's expression seemed to soften slightly as he pondered Lu Jiming's words.

Lu Jiming didn't rush him, leaning against the railing and closing his eyes to rest. His health was still poor; he occasionally felt dizzy and sometimes had no appetite.

Recently, the imperial physician had come to Chongyuan Palace daily to check his pulse, but there was still no sign of a pregnancy pulse. After too many disappointments, Lu Jiming stopped summoning the physician.

The weather was hot, and even with the breeze in the corridor, it was still stifling. Lu Jiming couldn't hold on any longer but didn't want to lose composure in front of others, so he simply leaned against the railing, closing his eyes to recover.

"I understand, Your Highness," Ning Guo said. "I will enter the palace with you."

"Good child, like your elder sister, call me godfather," Lu Jiming said.

Meanwhile, just a wall away, Yan Huai still clenched his lower lip, expressionless as he stared at Wei Yan.

--

Wei Yan sat in his chair, observing Yan Huai's demeanor.

He knew Yan Huai all too well. For generations, the Marquis of Cheng'an had been the emperor's hidden piece in the court. Thus, from a young age, under his father's guidance, Wei Yan had interacted with Yan Huai, thoroughly understanding his temperament.

For instance, when Yan Huai wore no expression on his face, with coldness emanating from his eyes, it meant he was furious—wanting to lash out but not daring to, so stifled he couldn't even maintain a facade.

Similarly, Wei Yan knew exactly how to handle Yan Huai.

Wei Yan spoke calmly. "You don't want me to take Ning Guo away simply because you have selfish motives. You see him as yours and can't bear to give him up."

"Of course he's mine," Yan Huai clenched his fists, nails digging into his palms. "Your Majesty will have your own children sooner or later. Why must you take him?"

"Yan Huai, let me ask you: have you ever truly considered what position Ning Guo should hold?" Wei Yan stood up and walked over to Yan Huai. "A servant? A guard? A childhood friend? A brother-in-arms? Or..."

He lowered his voice, as if tempting him. "Or do you want something more?"

Yan Huai's eyes widened as if struck by lightning, staring blankly at Wei Yan. He had never thought about where Ning Guo should belong.

Ning Guo was just Ning Guo, always half a step behind him, always there whenever he turned around.

Yan Huai took this for granted and assumed it would always be so. But with Wei Yan's words, he vaguely realized he had never truly seen Ning Guo as a servant, nor did he want to be friends or brothers with him. But something more... he didn't dare think about it.

Yan Huai's face grew redder, like a cooked shrimp. Yet he still pursed his lips, unable to give an answer that satisfied him.

Wei Yan had no intention of meddling in Yan Huai and Ning Guo's affairs, nor did he want to push Yan Huai into realizing his feelings so early. His own life had only just improved in recent years; why should he care so much about Yan Huai?

After all, in their previous life, this kid had kept a major secret from him. Strictly speaking, not settling the score with him was already an act of mercy—why should he worry about his romantic affairs?

Seeing Yan Huai remain silent, Wei Yan knew his goal had been achieved and pressed on relentlessly, "But if he stays in the Marquis's household, he will only ever be your servant."

"I... wouldn't..." Yan Huai began, but even as he spoke, he hesitated. Wouldn't what? Wouldn't keep Ning Zhifei as a servant forever? Was that something he could even decide?

"You and he are close friends. You should know that his talents and abilities shouldn't be confined to the Marquis of Cheng'an's residence, revolving solely around you," Wei Yan continued. "His future lies with me. Besides, it's not like you'll never see him again. You can visit him in the palace anytime you miss him."

These remarks were tailor-made for Yan Huai, both pinpointing his worries and soothing his fear that the two might drift apart.

Yan Huai finally softened his stance and made a demand of Wei Yan: "If I want to see him or bring him out with me, you can't stop me."

"Of course not," Wei Yan replied, seizing the opportunity as Yan Huai wavered. "I'll set aside a room for you in the palace. You can stay there whenever you like. How does that sound?"

"But..." Yan Huai was still hesitant. Since he was six years old, he and Ning Guo had been inseparable, never apart for a single day. The prospect of separation now was truly distressing to him.

"Pack your things and go to the palace with him tomorrow. Stay there for half a year to get used to it. Will that work?" Wei Yan, out of options, offered another compromise.

Yan Huai finally caved completely.

Wei Yan called Lu Jiming and Ning Guo back into the room, leaving Eunuch Chen and a few guards to help Yan Huai and Ning Guo pack. They were to enter the palace first thing the next morning, while Wei Yan and Lu Jiming returned first.

Lu Jiming had held back for half the day. Only when they were in the carriage and alone did he finally ask Wei Yan, "Earlier, when you told the Marquis of Cheng'an that the State Preceptor said Ning Guo was destined to be connected to us... did the State Preceptor really say that?"