Chapter 178: So Much Nonsense!
From then on, this child became a thorn in the side of Marquis Zhaoyang and his favored concubine, to the point where they couldn’t wait to pull it out. The former emperor had also heard about this and had warned Marquis Zhaoyang both openly and covertly. Although he admitted his mistake quickly on the surface, in private he intensified his harsh treatment toward Madam of Marquis Zhaoyang and her son.
Later, after her son was punished by Marquis Zhaoyang once again for some inexplicable reason, Madam of Marquis Zhaoyang finally recognized reality and knew that if things continued like this, her son’s life would be ruined.
As the saying goes, “Women are inherently weak, but become strong when they are mothers.” From then on, Madam of Marquis Zhaoyang rose up. Her family background was not bad to begin with, and over these years, her maternal family had long been unable to tolerate the grievances she suffered at her husband’s family for her son. Thus, when they saw her finally willing to speak out, they immediately mobilized the whole family and impeached Marquis Zhaoyang and the heir almost into a sieve at the imperial court.
The final result was that Marquis Zhaoyang’s favored concubine was granted death by poison, and it was the “Qian Ji” poison personally bestowed by the former emperor. Eunuch An was sent to supervise the execution, cutting off Marquis Zhaoyang’s idea of substituting the plum tree for the peach tree. He could only painfully watch his beloved woman endure agony before leaving the world.
From then on, Marquis Zhaoyang and his madam completely tore their faces apart. He ignored the son she bore him, but doted endlessly on the current heir, keeping him by his side all day.
Unfortunately, if the upper beam is not straight, the lower one will be even more crooked. The Heir of Marquis Zhaoyang finally grew into the image of a street ruffian, leading a gang of followers to swagger through the streets, bullying men and dominating women, committing all sorts of evil deeds, and eventually even climbed onto the Third Prince.
Meanwhile, the son born to Madam of Marquis Zhaoyang, under the guidance of his mother and maternal grandfather, became exceptionally talented in literature. He had already passed the recommended scholar exam through his own efforts, and his future prospects were taking initial shape.
“You mean the Heir of Marquis Zhaoyang is going to be deposed this time?” Lin Xin thought for a long time after hearing this but still couldn’t figure out why he said the Heir of Marquis Zhaoyang would be replaced.
“Although the Fu family has declined, they are not to be trifled with.” Mo Ziyuan said with a smile.
“How will this matter be resolved today? Will Fu Qing marry him?” According to the conventions in the novels Lin Xin had read, in cases like this, the man would definitely end up marrying the woman home.
“She will, otherwise she won’t be able to marry out.” Mo Ziyuan said affirmatively.
“Then won’t the Fu family do everything to preserve his heir’s position for Fu Qing’s sake?”
Mo Ziyuan shook his head. “You’re wrong about that. The Fu family is eager for him to lose the heir title! Fu Qing marrying into Marquis Zhaoyang’s Manor is already marrying up. If he remains the heir, how could her future days be bearable? For the young lady’s future, the Fu family will spare no effort to strip him of his heir’s position.”
“Then… will that legitimate eldest son ascend to the position?”
“That’s for sure. Marquis Zhaoyang only has these two sons.”
“You people from these great clans are really too complicated. I think life in the village is freer.” Lin Xin muttered softly.
“No way! I guarantee you, our home in the future will absolutely have none of those messy people, just the two of us. You can’t abandon me and go back to the village, got it?” Mo Ziyuan panicked at once, his face serious as he grabbed her sleeve, urging her to quickly discard that thought.
“I was just saying that. Let go quickly, this is outside!” Lin Xin looked around left and right, and only relaxed after seeing no one noticing them.
“Don’t say such things again in the future. I can’t take such a scare.” Mo Ziyuan said, feeling wronged.
“Got it.” Lin Xin said, her ear roots turning red.
Only then was Mo Ziyuan satisfied. He took her to Marquis Zhaoyang’s Manor, where they happened to run into Marquis Zhaoyang who was about to leave. After paying respects to him and explaining the matter in full detail, Marquis Zhaoyang’s face immediately turned pitch black. He hurriedly thanked them, got into the horse carriage, and galloped toward Ten Fragrance Pavilion.
“Uncle, doctor!” Mo Ziyuan shouted loudly toward the departing carriage.
The galloping carriage came to an abrupt stop. The coachman dashed into the manor like smoke, soon dragging out a middle-aged man carrying a medicine box. After shoving him into the carriage, he cracked the whip again and drove off.
“Let’s go watch the excitement.”
“Shouldn’t we notify the Fu family?” Lin Xin asked.
“No need for us to go personally for such a small matter.” Mo Ziyuan pulled her onto the main street, found a little beggar, gave him a string of cash, and had him go deliver a message to the Fu family.
Lin Xin gave Mo Ziyuan a thumbs up. This was truly making the best use of everyone!
The two returned to Ten Fragrance Pavilion and saw Fu Jing’s figure hurrying over. They exchanged a glance and didn’t go in, instead standing among the watching crowd.
Soon, with the waiter’s help, the Heir of Marquis Zhaoyang was lifted onto his family’s horse carriage. Following behind was that middle-aged man carrying the medicine box. The coachman must have received instructions, as he drove off without waiting for Marquis Zhaoyang.
“Still want to watch?” Mo Ziyuan asked.
Lin Xin shook her head. “Nothing left to see. I want to go back.”
“Alright, I’ll go back with you to rest…” Before Mo Ziyuan could finish, an annoying voice full of surprise came from behind him.
“Big Brother! It really is you! I just thought I saw wrong.” Mo Zichen walked up to Mo Ziyuan, slightly out of breath, perfunctorily cupped his hands, then gazed intently at Lin Xin. “I wonder who this young lady is…”
His gaze was too aggressive. Lin Xin felt extremely uncomfortable under it and involuntarily frowned.
Mo Ziyuan felt anger rising in his heart. He stepped sideways to block in front of Lin Xin and asked coldly, “Why are you here?”
“I came to eat with friends.” Mo Zichen annoyedly pursed his lips, shifted his feet to a position where he could see Lin Xin, and asked again, “Big Brother, who is this young lady? I don’t think I’ve seen her before.”
“Who she is has nothing to do with you. Just mind yourself.” Mo Ziyuan knew full well about Lin Xin’s appearance and could tell at a glance what Mo Zichen wanted.
“Big Brother, that’s not right. As the saying goes, ‘A graceful lady is a magnet for gentlemen.’ Are you blocking me because you lack confidence in yourself?” Mo Zichen snapped open his pretentious folding fan with a swish, fanned it twice, striking a pose as an elegant young master, and slanted a glance at Lin Xin.
“Keep looking at me with that disgusting gaze, and I’ll dig out your eyes!” Lin Xin’s gaze turned icy cold at his look, her voice seeming to carry bits of ice.
“Heh, quite the little pepper. This young master likes it!” Mo Zichen laughed lewdly, ignoring Mo Ziyuan’s anger, circled around him to stand before Lin Xin. “Little lady, let me advise you: following him offers no future. If what you want is the status of heir’s wife, it’s safer to follow me.”
His words practically spelled out that he wanted to replace Mo Ziyuan as the Heir of Dingguo Duke.
“So much nonsense!” With those four icy words landing, Mo Zichen felt a chill on his neck. Looking down, he saw a long sword gleaming with cold light precisely pressed against it. He could even feel the icy blade slowly cutting into his skin and flesh.
“Th-this young, young lady, th-there’s, there’s words to be said…” Mo Zichen was instantly terrified, stammering it out before looking pleadingly at Mo Ziyuan. “B-big Brother, s-say something!”
