Chapter 14: The Heir is a Woman 14

It makes no sense for Third Sister to endure the hardships of childbirth while everyone else sits idly by.

If Third Sister's task is to bear children, then the others must work hard to raise them. With so many children to feed, how could Fan Wenjue have the nerve to remain idle?

"I know Third Brother-in-law is a man of high integrity and would not accept charity. Before high school, he didn't rely solely on his parents' support; he made a living by copying books, writing letters, and working as an accountant for various shops. He is a self-respecting and hardworking scholar. Therefore, it wouldn't be right to give him direct gifts of gold or silver, lest it tarnish his character. However, I cannot bear to see my nieces, and my future nephews and nieces, live difficult lives, which is why I proposed this idea." Azhen spoke with utmost sincerity. "I have seen Third Brother-in-law's calligraphy; it is truly excellent. I am certain that the books he transcribes will be in high demand."

No one is immune to the pleasure of being praised, and Fan Wenjue was indeed happy.

There was logic to her words; his brother-in-law had stated he was considering his daughters and future children. Although he possessed a certain degree of aloofness, he did not feel that exchanging his calligraphy for silver was improper—it was how he had lived his life—so he accepted the proposal immediately.

Under the expectant gazes of Old Master Fan and his wife, Fan Wenjue agreed to Azhen's proposal.

Azhen immediately sent word to arrange the matters, so that by tomorrow, the Fan family could begin their working lives.

"The manor also provides meals—breakfast and lunch," Azhen mentioned to the elder Fans, whose eyes instantly lit up.

That was wonderful. It would save another sum of money.

Seeing this, Fan Wenjue fell silent, feeling his parents' excitement and finding himself momentarily speechless.

Having finished the official business, Azhen did not rush to leave. Instead, she followed Fan Wenjue to his study, bringing several books with her, as if to signal that his part-time life could begin today.

Glancing at the somewhat distracted Fan Wenjue from the corner of her eye, Azhen decided she would assign him work based on the situation. After all, with so many children to raise, what was a little hard work?

"Third Brother-in-law's calligraphy seems to have improved again," Azhen praised in the study, and she wasn't lying.

Fan Wenjue practiced every day; it was only natural that he would improve.

But hearing the praise still made him feel good, thinking that his brother-in-law truly had excellent taste.

To be honest, people on the outside had demonized this brother-in-law of hers. Wasn't he actually quite kind? Why did people look at him with such pity whenever they mentioned him? In all their interactions, hadn't he always been polite? Not only that, but he had even arranged extra income for their entire family.

He was a good person.

The misfortunes of Jiang Weiming and Li Bianxing were, in truth, their own fault.

One beat his wife; she looked down on him.

As for the other, if she had been there that day, she wouldn't have been able to stop herself from cursing him as despicable, shameless, low, and filthy.

"Third Brother-in-law, there is one more thing I wish to inform you," Azhen's expression suddenly turned serious.

Fan Wenjue's heart skipped a beat. Had something major happened?

He composed himself and asked cautiously, "May I ask what it is?"

"It concerns the matter of bearing children," Azhen lowered her voice. "Actually, it is to give you some mental preparation."

Fan Wenjue's brow remained furrowed as he continued to listen.

"I have hired a female physician and a midwife for Third Sister this time. I also met with some highly skilled masters from beyond the secular world, though I couldn't persuade them to come. Regarding whether you will have boys or girls, I made a point to ask."

Hearing about the gender of the children, Fan Wenjue became interested. "What did they say?"

"Those divine physicians all said that whether one has a boy or a girl actually depends on the man," Azhen added. "Thinking about it, it makes sense. A man is like someone planting a seed; whether the child is male or female naturally depends on that seed. It's like planting a fruit tree—whether the tree bears fruit depends primarily on the sapling."

Fan Wenjue was stunned. For a moment, he truly had no rebuttal; the more he thought about it, the more sense it made.

Indeed, in the past, the men in the village always liked to point at their sons and say, "This is my seed; how could he not be like me?"

Wasn't that the source?

"I have arranged for people to look after Third Sister so her body can be properly nurtured. As for whether there will be nephews, that will ultimately depend on you, Third Brother-in-law."

Fan Wenjue felt a bit embarrassed, yet he believed this explanation implicitly.

Before this, Azhen had already spread this news in various places; it would likely spread slowly over time.

If the Fan couple failed to have a son in the future, it would be because Fan Wenjue himself was useless.

Regardless of whether he was "useful" or not, he had to work hard copying books to build up a nest egg for the children.

From then on, aside from necessary social engagements, Fan Wenjue spent his time copying books. The books he transcribed indeed sold well; Azhen made a profit, and he saved up silver. Both parties were very happy.

At the crack of dawn, Old Master Fan and his wife would head to the manor to farm, being extremely proactive, almost wishing they could live there.

With someone tending to her health, Ning Yutao's life was quite good, and her three daughters were sensible and well-behaved. She often brought her daughters to visit the Prince of Ning's manor. Fan Wenjue was very busy with his calligraphy, and noticing the harmony in the household, he said nothing more.

His brother-in-law was a good man; what harm was there in his wife visiting more often?

"Pfft—"

Ye Ji had originally intended not to pay attention to the affairs of the Prince of Ning's manor, but that person had once again forced their way into his field of vision in a different manner.

The fact that Fan Wenjue was copying books to build a nest egg for his children was no secret; many people knew. He himself was quite righteous about it, feeling no shame and even considering it something to be proud of. Furthermore, since the books he transcribed were indeed popular, he became even more driven.

With so many people discussing it, it was inevitable that Ye Ji would find out.

So, he sent someone to investigate, only to find that person's shadow involved.

He shouldn't—he really shouldn't be curious. How could he have forgotten that Fan Wenjue was that person's third brother-in-law?

He should blame Fan Wenjue for being so obsessed with having a son. If he hadn't been so fixated, would he have fallen into the state of copying books to save money for his children? With his official salary, providing for his family would have been no problem at all.

But Fan Wenjue had no other faults; he was an upright man and possessed some talent.

Ye Ji was not a monarch who could not distinguish right from wrong; he simply cursed inwardly and left it at that.

"Report less about matters concerning Ning Zhen in the future," Ye Ji said coldly.

Hou Rongfa bowed in response. Everything had been fine just a moment ago; he could even sense the Emperor's pleasure.

After all this time, if Hou Rongfa couldn't see that, he would have been a failure as the Grand Chamberlain.

If only the Ning Heir were a girl, the Emperor wouldn't be so distressed.

In truth, with such a brilliant and mighty Emperor, even if the Ning Heir were not a girl, it would be possible for him to have them. To receive the Emperor's favor was a blessing for the Ning Heir, was it not?

Hou Rongfa truly could not bear to see his Emperor living such a lonely, austere life, so he finally summoned the courage to speak his mind. Now, he lay prostrate on the ground, awaiting his punishment.

"Hou Rongfa, do you think I won't kill you?"

Hou Rongfa hurriedly admitted his mistake. Although he felt the Emperor truly wouldn't kill him, he knew he couldn't say such things at a time like this.

"Your Majesty, this old servant dares to ask—why not first ask for Ning Zhen's thoughts? What if the other party agrees? Since ancient times, there have been many who enjoyed such tastes."

Ye Ji grabbed a teacup and hurled it at him. "How dare you talk nonsense! Have you lost your wits today?"

Hou Rongfa pressed his forehead to the ground, not thinking his words were wrong. Just then, a voice came from above.

"I am the Emperor. If I were to truly open that door, could Ning Zhen possibly object?"

A madness surged within Ye Ji's dark eyes, but he suppressed it. He only endured this much because he did not want to hurt that person.

"Get out!"

"Do not mention this matter to Ning Zhen."