Chapter 14: Chapter 14: The Princely Heir Is a Woman 14

There’s no reason for Third Sister to be the only one working hard to bear children while everyone else takes it easy.

If Third Sister’s task is to give birth, then others must work hard to raise the children. With so many mouths to feed, can Fan Wenjue feel at ease doing nothing?

“I know Third Brother-in-Law is a man of noble character, who wouldn’t stoop to eating food given to him out of charity. Even before finishing school, he didn’t fully rely on his parents’ support but often copied books, wrote letters, and helped shops with bookkeeping to get by. He is a self-respecting and industrious scholar. Therefore, it’s not appropriate to give him money directly, lest it taint his integrity. Yet, I can’t bear to see the nieces and future nephews and nieces suffer, so I proposed this idea.” Ah Chen said sincerely, “I’ve seen Third Brother-in-Law’s handwriting, and it’s genuinely good. I’m sure the books he copies will be well-received.”

Being praised, Fan Wenjue couldn’t help but feel pleased.

The words made sense; his brother-in-law mentioned it was for his daughters and future sons and daughters. Though he has a bit of pride, he didn’t think there was anything wrong with using writing to earn silver. He had lived like this before, so he readily accepted the other’s words.

Under the expectant gazes of Mr. Fan and his wife, Fan Wenjue agreed to Ah Chen’s proposal.

Ah Chen immediately had people arrange these matters, and the Fan Family could start their working life the next day.

“The estate provides meals, breakfast, and lunch,” Ah Chen mentioned to Mr. and Mrs. Fan, whose eyes brightened.

That’s really good.

Saving a bit more money.

Seeing his parents’ excitement, Fan Wenjue also grew silent, momentarily lost for words.

After finishing the main business, Ah Chen didn’t rush to leave. She followed Fan Wenjue to his study, bringing a few books with her today, as if indicating that Fan Wenjue’s part-time job could start right away.

Glancing at the somewhat absent Fan Wenjue, Ah Chen decided she would assign work based on the situation to this Third Brother-in-Law. After all, with so many children to raise, a little more effort was nothing.

“Third Brother-in-Law’s handwriting seems to have improved again,” Ah Chen praised in the study, not lying.

Fan Wenjue practiced writing every day, progress was natural.

Yet, hearing the praise, he still felt happy, thinking his brother-in-law truly had a good eye.

To be honest, outsiders have demonized his brother-in-law. Isn’t he quite kind-hearted? So why do people show pity when they mention him? With each interaction, hasn’t he always been polite? Moreover, he arranged additional income for their family.

He’s a pretty decent person.

The encounters of Jiang Weiming and Li Bianxing had issues of their own.

One beat his wife, which he despised.

The other, if he had been there, would have made him unable to refrain from scolding as despicable and dirty.

“Third Brother-in-Law, I have something else to tell you,” Ah Chen’s expression suddenly became serious.

Fan Wenjue’s heart skipped a beat, had something major happened?

He calmed himself and cautiously inquired, “What might it be?”

“It’s about bearing children,” Ah Chen lowered her voice, “it’s actually to prepare you mentally.”

Fan Wenjue’s brow furrowed and remained so, listening attentively.

“This time, for Third Sister, I have invited a female doctor and a midwife, and also consulted some skilled recluses in medicine, though they couldn’t be invited. Regarding whether it would be a son or daughter, I specifically inquired.”

Upon hearing about sons or daughters, Fan Wenjue became interested, “What did they say?”

“All those divine doctors said that having a boy or girl actually depends on the male,” Ah Chen added, “By thinking about it, it indeed makes sense. A man is like planting a seed, whether the child is a boy or girl is naturally due to this seed. Just like planting a fruit tree, whether the tree will bear fruit mainly depends on the seedling.”

Fan Wenjue was momentarily speechless, unable to refute, and the more he thought about it, the more it made sense.

Exactly, the men in the village often point at their sons saying, ’This is my seed, how can it not be like me?’

Isn’t this the origin?

“Third Sister has my people taking care of her, she can recuperate her body, but whether there will be a nephew depends on you, Third Brother-in-Law.”

Fan Wenjue felt a bit embarrassed yet deeply believed this statement.

Before this, Ah Chen had spread this news everywhere, and in no time, it would likely gradually become widespread.

If in the future, Fan Wenjue and his wife don’t have a son, it will be considered because of Fan Wenjue’s incapability.

Regardless of capability, he must strive to copy books to save a foundation for his children.

After that, apart from necessary social engagements, Fan Wenjue focused on copying books. The books he copied sold well, Ah Chen made a profit, and he saved money, making both parties happy.

Mr. and Mrs. Fan energetically went to the estate at dawn to farm, eager to the point of wanting to live there.

Ning Yutao had someone helping her recuperate, and the three daughters were well-behaved and sensible. Their life was going well, and they often visited the Prince Mansion with their daughters. Fan Wenjue was busy copying books and, noticing the family’s harmony, didn’t say much.

His brother-in-law was nice; what was wrong with his wife visiting more often?

“Pfft——”

Ye Ji originally didn’t intend to pay attention to the matters of the Prince Ning Mansion, but that person entered his line of vision again in another way.

Fan Wenjue’s dedication to copying books to save a foundation for his children’s future wasn’t a secret; many people knew about it. He was righteously proud of it, not feeling shame, even considering it a point of pride. Plus, the books he copied were genuinely liked, fueling his enthusiasm further.

With many people discussing, inevitably, Ye Ji heard about it.

So, he sent someone to inquire about the situation, only to find traces of that person’s influence.

He shouldn’t have, he really shouldn’t have been curious. How could he have forgotten Fan Wenjue was that person’s brother-in-law?

Still, it was all because Fan Wenjue insisted on having a son. If he hadn’t been so obsessed, would he have needed to resort to copying books to save a foundation for his children? With his salary, supporting the family was entirely feasible.

Yet, Fan Wenjue had no other faults; he was honest and somewhat talented.

He wasn’t a ruler who couldn’t distinguish right from wrong, so he merely cursed inwardly twice and let it go.

“From now on, report less on Ning Zhen’s matters,” Ye Ji said coldly.

Hou Rongfa bent over to respond, sensing His Majesty’s earlier joy thus fading away.

After such a long time, if Hou Rongfa couldn’t tell, he’d be unworthy of being the Grand Steward.

If Prince Ning were a girl, how good it would be, and His Majesty wouldn’t be so troubled.

Actually, given such wise and powerful His Majesty, even if Prince Ning weren’t a girl, it would still be possible if His Majesty desired. To receive His Majesty’s favor, wouldn’t that be a fortune for Prince Ning?

Hou Rongfa couldn’t bear to see his Majesty living so intently, and finally, he summoned up the courage to speak his mind, now lying prostrate on the ground waiting for judgment.

“Hou Rongfa, do you think I won’t kill you?”

Hou Rongfa hurriedly admitted fault, even though he felt that His Majesty likely wouldn’t kill him, this wasn’t the moment to voice such thoughts.

“Your Majesty, this humble servant dares suggest asking about Prince Ning’s thoughts first? What if the other party agrees? Throughout history, there have been quite a few with such inclinations.”

Ye Ji picked up the teacup and threw it, “Still dare to talk nonsense! Did you eat leopard guts today?”

Hou Rongfa pressed his forehead to the ground, not finding fault in his words, just then, the voice above came forth.

“I am the Emperor, if truly expressed the wish, can Ning Zhen oppose it?”

In Ye Ji’s dark eyes lurked a storm of madness, yet he restrained it. He didn’t want to hurt that person and so endured.

“Get out!”

“Do not mention this matter to Ning Zhen.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep