When Marshal Fang left the palace, his expression was grave. Xie Xun had a conversation with him, full of sincerity, constantly making concessions for Xie Jue. The conditions he proposed were very harsh for a sovereign. Xie Xun was never known for having a good temper, yet he didn’t get angry. By discussing family matters as a junior, the aim was to ensure that Xie Jue had no worries, and he would assist in balancing court affairs. To say that Marshal Fang wasn’t moved at all wouldn’t be realistic; Xie Xun is not what he used to be and is willing to lower himself to negotiate for Xie Jue. Inevitably, this would cause some wavering. If what Xie Xun said is true...

He took a deep breath. This issue had troubled him for a long time since the rumors about Xie Jue and Fang Chuning spread. Initially dismissing it as idle gossip, he became infuriated after confirming it. As the commander of an army, he had a strong desire for control, which extended to his family and son.

He placed great importance on the rise and fall of the family and was furious with Fang Chuning’s indifference to his future and reputation. He thought that as long as he broke up the pair and forced Fang Chuning to sever the illicit relationship, it would be like the matter never existed. Although Fang Chuning was rebellious, he had never truly disgraced the family or its reputation. Yet, he met with resistance on this matter.

After his initial outrage, Marshal Fang pondered more about Fang Chuning’s future. The son he painstakingly raised had few peers within the entire clan. His prospects were excellent, and he was the family’s hope. Arrogant as he was, if his future were to be ruined by affection, how would he cope when that affection fades? Moreover, the object of his affection was the only prince of the Heavenly Family.

During the Yuwen Dynasty, he resisted immense pressure to prevent Fang Lingjun from betrothing Yuwen Chao. He wouldn’t let Fang Chuning marry a princess from the Yuwen Family, not wanting to ally with the royal family. It wasn’t that Marshal Fang was once bitten, twice shy, but rather he understood well the repercussions of a military family marrying into royalty. If Xie Jue no longer desired the relationship in the future, Fang Chuning’s very existence would be a crime. If I were to die, so be it, but as long as I am alive, I will not allow this relationship to exist.

Yet he didn’t accept it, and his son refused to compromise. Not only did he move into the Prince Manor, disregarding rumors and criticisms from the capital’s families, but he also openly paraded around with Xie Jue. Marshal Fang was so infuriated that he seethed but was too distracted by household matters to deal with Fang Chuning.

"Marshal, why the long face? Did the Emperor reprimand you?"

Upon leaving the palace, Marshal Fang encountered Mr. Li, the Minister of Revenue, Li Si’s father, and the head of the main Li Family branch, who was also the backbone of the current Li Family. He and Marshal Fang knew each other from childhood, growing up together with a strong bond, though they gradually grew apart over time due to the matters regarding Miss Li and the divergence in their paths.

After returning to the capital, Marshal Fang frequently heard Mr. Li’s sarcastic remarks but chose to ignore them. Mr. Li insisted on walking shoulder to shoulder with him, "It’s not surprising, really. In a centennial family, has there ever been a son so rebellious and unconcerned with morals? The Emperor may suppress the criticism, but he cannot suppress ethics. If my family had such a son, I would have beaten him to death with a stick to avoid disgracing the family."

"Mr. Li, my family matters are none of your concern. Mind your own son!" Every time Marshal Fang was faced with sarcasm, he retorted, but Mr. Li always liked to poke at his sore spots.

"I have six sons, all obedient and never cause me any worries," Mr. Li laughed heartily, taking pleasure in Marshall Fang’s troubles. "I can’t relate to your struggles."

Marshal Fang coldly sneered, "Your six sons, can any of them uphold your family’s name? Despite having access to the best resources of the clan from a young age, not one of them turned out successful. Your legitimate sons maintain improper relations, turning the back courtyard into a mess, inviting criticism. Is this something to boast about?"

"Even if my sons aren’t accomplished, they have given me grandsons to continue the lineage. After a hundred years, our Li Family ancestors won’t become lonely spirits without anyone to offer sacrifices. No matter how talented your son is, isn’t he still consorting with men? Even the continuation of your lineage is a problem; how will your family name be upheld? Even if my sons are worthless, I can groom my grandsons and great-grandsons. What about you?" Mr. Li laughed. "Oh, I forgot, your son could occupy the title of Princess Consort Yan, true in every respect, and that can be considered as bringing honor to the family."

Isn’t it said that civil officials have sharp tongues? 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

Mr. Li specialized in poking at Marshal Fang’s sore spots!

"Merely breeding like beasts, what difference is there?" Marshal Fang sneered.

"Ah, but my family can continue, can the Fang Family? I’m afraid you’d be left without descendants."

Marshal Fang, "..."

Marshal Fang was speechless, clenching his fists, struggling to restrain his urge to hit someone. Mr. Li understood his temperament well, sarcastically and coldly remarked, "Fang Lian, do you regret it? If you had married my sister back then, would it have come to this? The sons she raised would never be so indulgent and rebellious, so debauched and disgraceful, associating with men. It’s your retribution that caused her untimely demise!"

"Li Zhongde, I have refrained from discussing your late sister out of respect for the deceased for so many years, do not overstep. Besides, this matter has nothing to do with my wife. Over the years, I’ve continually conceded to you, yet you wield it as a sword to harm her. I’ve repeatedly warned you to manage your family, yet clearly, you’ve failed. I won’t quarrel with women, but your Li Family has stagnated for years. You’ve held the Ministry of Revenue position for long without progress, and your sons hold trivial roles without real power. The Li Family’s influence has been divided among clans—do you really think the powerless eldest princess can suppress it?"

"So it was you!" Mr. Li became irate. "Cozying up to us coveting the grain transport routes, while taking the opportunity to suppress us—hypocrite!"

"What does a war of words matter? Merely a momentary pleasure. Your entire family insults my wife thinking she has no support to retaliate. Have you considered why the Li Clan has reached an impasse? Ultimately, it’s due to your incompetence, not even noticing this much!" Seeing Mr. Li’s frustrated state gave Marshal Fang some satisfaction, knowing what it feels like to be insulted without the ability to argue. "The son my wife raised is one your six can’t compare to. Even if he’s rebellious and defies conventions, it’s not up to an outsider like you to comment. In the future, he will surely bring honor to the family. Their lives are long—it’s too early to talk about the outcome. Your family compares sons with mine; let’s see whose son can better shoulder the family’s responsibilities when we close our eyes!"

Having vented, Marshal Fang stormed off, already thinking of dragging Fang Chuning back home and flogging him thirty times. He had lived for over forty years and never before had anyone dared to insult him so openly. It was all due to the rebellious son at home, rendering him unable to refute accusations of ending the family line!!