Chapter 41: A Way to Restore the Second Branch’s Reputation

Fang Kun sighed, remained silent for a moment, and then said, “To the outside world, let’s say that I am not your son but the child of a former concubine in the household.”

“Your biological son was stillborn. Because you suffered health complications at the time and could no longer conceive, someone secretly swapped the concubine’s child with yours. To cover up the truth, you spread rumors about the concubine being an ill-fated woman and eventually drove her out of the household.”

“Father said that since so many years have passed, aside from Nanny Zhang, there are no longer any old servants in the manor who were around back then. At this point, as long as you admit to it, outsiders will not have many doubts.”

“If Mother agrees, Father will find someone resembling the former concubine and bring her forward to solidify this claim. We’ll say that Nanny Zhang was the one who told her.”

The light of hope in Old Madam Meng’s eyes gradually dimmed. She asked, “To find a trustworthy person so hastily—how can it be easy?”

Fang Kun sighed. “Even if we can’t find the perfect person, we must try. Otherwise, both your son and all your grandchildren will be doomed.”

Old Madam Meng wiped away her tears and agreed without hesitation. “Alright! Alright! As long as it can protect you all, I will do anything. My reputation is already ruined—one more stain makes no difference.”

There had been several concubines in the household, but after the Grand Madam’s passing, Old Madam Meng had gradually dealt with them all.

Their faces had long since faded from her memory.

At the mention of Nanny Zhang, Old Madam Meng’s expression twisted in hatred. “What about her?” she asked.

Fang Kun replied coldly, “She and her son are both locked up in the woodshed. We will deal with them after Father returns with the imperial decree.”

“Since Mother has agreed to this plan, we can use her son as leverage to make her cooperate one last time.”

“Have you asked her how she found out about the Xinglong Gambling House incident?” Old Madam Meng still couldn’t figure it out.

“She claimed to have overheard debt collectors talking about it on the street.”

Old Madam Meng stared blankly ahead, lost in thought for a long while before lowering her head with a bitter smile. “The heavens are truly unjust—everything always favors the First Branch.”

“Fang Zhan grew up safely under the protection of the Grand Madam, leaving me with no chance to act.”

“And that Fang Yuean—she’s most likely Madam Qin’s child. The freezing river water in February should have taken her life, yet she survived and even reunited with Madam Qin.”

If that child weren’t so foolish—only knowing how to eat and sleep all day, as if her mind weren’t quite right—Old Madam Meng might have suspected something supernatural at play.

Thinking of the Second Branch’s current predicament, Old Madam Meng’s tears fell once again.

“After this, my son’s chances of inheriting the title will be even slimmer. In the future, if Fang Xunli encounters any trouble, all of you will be under suspicion. It’s all my fault—I was too foolish and dragged you down.”

Fang Kun took a few steps forward, knelt before his mother, and said, “Mother, how can there be talk of dragging each other down between us? Don’t worry. Father and I will find a way to protect you.”

“Good!” Old Madam Meng looked at her son and kept nodding.

She knew deep down that their chances were slim, but having a glimmer of hope was still better than none.

Perhaps the toll of her recent illness, coupled with today’s crushing blow, had drained her spirit and clouded her mind. She could no longer strategize for the Second Branch as she once had and began to follow her son’s lead.

News of Lord Fang being summoned to the palace soon spread to Yunxiang Courtyard.

Qin Xuan reclined on her bed, showing little surprise. She simply instructed, “Tell everyone that I am ill. In the coming days, I will not attend any banquets or receive guests.”

“Inform me once the marquis returns,” she said, lifting her hand slightly.

Nanny Lei withdrew.

Standing by the bedside, Fang Xunli asked with concern, “Mother, are you really all right? Perhaps we should call a physician.” As he spoke, he was about to turn and leave.

“Xunli, there’s no need. I’m truly fine.” Qin Xuan sat up slightly and gestured for him to sit.

Fang Xunli bent one knee and sat on the embroidered stool in front of the bed. “As long as you’re fine.”

“Mother, though the human heart is made of flesh, we’ve done more than enough for Miaoyi. You shouldn’t dwell on it too much.”

His expression darkened slightly. “And An’an… She was born in spring when the river waters were still freezing. I don’t know how she survived or how she overcame all odds to return to us.”

Tears welled up in Qin Xuan’s eyes, but she feigned anger. “Do you think your mother is so muddle-headed?”

Fang Xunli quickly denied it. “Of course not. Compared to me as her brother, you personally raised Miaoyi for five years. Now that she’s gone, I worry that you’ll be heartbroken, and it might affect your health.”

Qin Xuan lowered her gaze, a faint smile on her lips. “Don’t worry. I’ve thought it through long ago. That chapter is over. From now on, An’an is what matters most.”

After a moment of silence, Qin Xuan looked at Fang Xunli. “I’ve been considering separating the family. What do you think?”

Fang Xunli showed no surprise and pondered for a moment. “Regarding the child-switching incident, the second branch will claim ignorance to protect themselves. At most, they’ll sacrifice Old Madam Meng and a few minor figures.”

“Once they recover, who knows what they’ll plot against us? After all, they have their eyes on the noble title. Living under the same roof with them is dangerous.”

“Now is the best time to separate. Everyone will side with us. And once Father returns and hears of what the second branch has done, he will undoubtedly support the decision.”

Qin Xuan slowly nodded, firming her resolve.

“Then let’s begin preparations before His Majesty rewards the generals from the western campaign. Go out and tell Nanny Lei to start inventorying the property that belongs to our branch. The wealth your father risked his life for must not fall into their hands.”

Under her management, the household accounts were clear, so taking stock wouldn’t take long.

Back in his youth, Lord Fang was a spendthrift, and Fang Kun had accomplished little. If not for Fang Zhan, the Yongding Marquis household would have long declined. Otherwise, why would they be so eager to seize the title?

Now that the child-swapping scandal had surfaced, there was no need to maintain any pretense between the two branches.

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In Mingyue Residence, Fang Yuean had just taken a bath and was comfortably lying in bed, ready to take a nap with Er’er.

Er’er clutched a small wooden carving of a dog, unable to put it down.

She twisted the little dog’s tail, causing its four legs to move rapidly.

Perched on the screen, Huai Ze preened his feathers and asked casually:

“When I found you at the Chen household, you had already caught a rooster. How did you do it?”

Fang Yuean blinked twice. “I’ve always had good luck.”

Huai Ze didn’t question it and continued, “Your elder brother’s crisis is over. Now, let’s talk about the task you promised to complete.”

Fang Yuean rested her arms behind her head and swung her small feet. “I only said I’d consider it, not that I’d definitely do it.”

“So, have you made up your mind?”

Fang Yuean rolled onto her side and looked at him. “Little Immortal, it’s not really up to me… I mean, it’s that thing, you know? How could I just… Right?”

Huai Ze ground his teeth. “Speak properly!”

Fang Yuean propped her head on one hand. “The task assigned by the God Sovereign is too tricky. It’s not something I can accomplish just because I want to.”

“If he wanted my tears, I could cry a whole jar right now. But he demands they come from true emotions. That’s not so easy, is it?”

She gazed at Huai Ze with an earnest expression.

Huai Ze, however, felt a headache coming on.

This task—asking someone like Fang Yuean, who only knew anger and lacked other emotions, to complete it—was indeed extremely difficult.

Huai Ze’s eyes flickered. “Forget it for now. I’ll think of another way.”

At least Fang Yuean was starting to cooperate and wasn’t outright rejecting it anymore.

Hopefully, his little scheme would work.