Doted By The Regent King-Chapter 1476 - 1414: Changing the Family Name

No matter whether they divorce or not, Wu Lihong is the biological father of that girl. This is an ironclad fact, and he doesn’t believe Madam Zhou would rebut it on the spot.

Sure enough, Madam Zhou didn’t say anything, standing aside silently like an outsider.

Purple Jade saw the pride in Wu Lihong’s eyes and a hint of mockery flashed in her own. She handed another piece of paper to Governor Huang and said, "My young lady said that since the parents have separated, it would be improper for her to continue using her father’s surname. My young lady wants to change her surname to Zhou, following her mother, and resettle in Changan. Conveniently, our young lady has an estate on Cypress Lane, so it won’t trouble either party. Please, Lord Huang, have someone follow up, and sorry for the trouble."

Along with the paper, there were also two silver notes worth a thousand taels, causing Governor Huang’s eyes to widen in surprise. He hurriedly pressed the paper over the silver notes, surprised by the blatant bribery.

"Does Mrs. Zhou also agree to the change of surname?" Governor Huang looked at Madam Zhou.

Madam Zhou was taken aback, clearly not expecting Wufu to have planned this. Purple Jade quickly interjected, "My lady does not want you to worry."

Hearing this, Madam Zhou thought that since they had already divorced, her daughter could never marry out from the Wu Family. It would be better for her to take her own surname and establish a different family, so that when she marries in the future, she won’t lack a clan.

"Please, my lord, give us a hand." Madam Zhou bowed in salute.

Wu Lihong recovered from his shock and jumped up, saying, "What, you want her to change her surname? Are you insane!"

Purple Jade stepped in front of Wu Lihong and said, "Lord Wu, please mind yourself. My lady is pregnant and cannot be startled."

"You vile maid, get out of my way!" Wu Lihong glared at her and turned to Madam Zhou, exclaiming, "Zhou Meiniang, are you mad, letting her change her surname!"

Madam Zhou looked up at him and said, "We are already divorced. Does it matter what her surname is? You don’t lack this one daughter to care for you in your old age and lay you to rest."

"You... I am her biological father!" Wu Lihong was somewhat exasperated. How was he to proceed when Wufu no longer bore the surname Wu but Zhou?

"You’re my lady’s biological father? Yet my lady says she never ate a grain of your rice. It was my lady, going without food and drink, who never let her starve, so she follows my lady’s surname. This is how she repays this debt of life and upbringing!" Purple Jade said with a faint smile.

Madam Zhou felt a pang of sorrow.

"My lord, there’s nothing left for us here, is there? We trouble you with the matter of surname change and residency registration!" Purple Jade offered a polite bow and added, "If there is anything, please send someone to summon us at the Changqing Residence on Cypress Lane."

Governor Huang waved his hand, thinking that today’s drama was worth buying two pots of wine over.

Purple Jade then helped Madam Zhou turn around to leave.

"Zhou Meiniang, don’t leave!" Wu Lihong blocked Madam Zhou, saying in anguish, "How did you become like this? Did that wretched girl force you? Speak!"

"Lord Wu, this is a public court, after all. You should adhere to some gentlemanly conduct!" Governor Huang fiddled with the two silver notes hidden in his sleeve, considering everything in terms of the silver at stake.

Moreover, Wu Lihong’s inappropriate behavior was truly disgraceful. A man being so tenacious when he already had a beautiful wife and concubines at home—why make things difficult for a widow and orphan?

Stung by Governor Huang’s words, Wu Lihong trembled with rage. This obstinate old man planned to hold onto his position till death. What did he know?

But in this court, there were more than just a few people present. He really didn’t dare to act this brazenly and neglectfully, lest he lose face.

Hesitating momentarily, Madam Zhou and her party had already left. Wu Lihong stomped his feet and hurriedly chased after them.