Mrs. Fang felt the invitation from Xie Jue was burning in her hands, unsure of how to respond. The clan elders had visited a few days ago, mainly to discuss Fang Chuning with the marshal and his wife. Fang Chuning was also at home, getting scolded harshly by the elders. Since he even retorted against the marshal, he would certainly not listen to these clan elders, leaving them unhappy. The elders, fearing his influence on the younger generation, subtly suggested expelling Fang Chuning from the family. However, Mrs. Fang dismissed them first; not only did the marshal lack such intent, but even if he did, he wouldn’t dare offend his wife. In fact, due to some old grievances, Mrs. Fang had even considered divorcing him, but recently their relationship had slightly improved, and the marshal didn’t want more trouble.

Given the situation, turning a blind eye would have been the best outcome. But somehow, Xie Jue and Fang Chuning insisted on making their elders accept the matter. Fang Chuning flattered his mother, acting very obsequiously, "Mother, just agree. Ting Feng will only bring some gifts, stay for a while, and then leave."

Mrs. Fang pushed away his hand that hung on her shoulder, saying helplessly, "You make it sound easy. Your father would never agree."

"Just nod for the inner household matters, ignore him."

"Then go tell him yourself and see if he hits you. If he throws them out after they arrived unannounced, it wouldn’t look good for Ting Feng."

"He wouldn’t, would he?"

"Hard to say!" Mrs. Fang had some understanding of the marshal’s temperament. "And you, if you want him to accept it, you need to change your attitude first. Always quarreling with him and making things unpleasant, he won’t compromise."

"He doesn’t talk to me nicely either."

"But he hasn’t thrown you out." Mrs. Fang advised sincerely, "Your father is strong-willed, and because of your issues, others have insulted him harshly. Do you think he’s okay with that? Naturally, he’ll vent his anger on you. As the younger one, you should be more considerate, no need to argue with him. If he gives you a slap, would you punch him back? You’re still his son, don’t go too far."

"Mother, didn’t you want a divorce? Why speak for him?"

"He’s unwilling!"

"Ha!"

"A few days ago, Li Si was beaten, was it your doing?"

"Mother, don’t wrongly accuse me. Li Si himself got into a quarrel after drinking at Tingyu Pavilion and got beaten. What’s it got to do with me? I was at home, unaware." Fang Chuning refused to admit he had someone provoke and beat Li Si. Due to Fang Lingjun’s matter, he had long wanted to deal with Li Si, and since Minister Li recently quarreled with his father, scolding him terribly, Fang Chuning didn’t want to put up with it.

He couldn’t trouble Minister Li, so naturally he targeted Li Si. Clan interactions are like that, women deal with women, family heads with family heads. He couldn’t bypass his father to confront Minister Li, so Li Si was the unlucky one.

Mrs. Fang remarked, "Their family is unprincipled, always stirring trouble, only affecting the family’s fortune. The Li Family was only behind the Lin and Zhang Families, but now it’s the end of the seven great families; in another generation, they might be squeezed out. Just wait and see, there’s no need to bother with them, and you should limit contact to avoid bad luck!"

"Yes, Mother!" Fang Chuning said with a smile, "About the reply..."

"Got it, let them bring Ruyi and Mingzhu."

"Great, Mother, you’re the best!" Fang Chuning was overjoyed, personally sending someone to inform Xie Jue. Since Mrs. Fang had agreed, she would convince the marshal.

Xie Jue received Mrs. Fang’s reply and confirmed the visit two days later. The Imperial College was already on break, and the children were preparing for the New Year at home. Lately, Mingzhu took Ruyi to visit relatives, going to the Feng Family, then the Lan Family. Mingzhu also invited some handkerchief friends, always bringing Ruyi along like a little tail. Mingzhu took him everywhere, as long as he enjoyed it.

Ruyi would start school at the Imperial College after the New Year. Other than the Feng Wan family, he hadn’t made friends yet and preferred to stay around his sister.

The New Year gifts prepared for the Fang Family were personally arranged by Xie Jue. Besides Fang Chuning’s listed preferences, Xie Jue also thoughtfully added his own gifts. Finally being allowed to visit, Xie Jue was unusually nervous, even dressing specifically to meet the eyes of the elders, striving to appear more dignified and refined.

Mingzhu and Ruyi were too young to sense their father’s tension, thinking it was just another social occasion. Xie Jue had taken them to the Lin Family several times, and both Mingzhu and Ruyi behaved more maturely and respectfully than their peers.

Fang Chuning awaited them at the door. Ruyi and Mingzhu, being familiar with him, showed no shyness and greeted him with a smile. Xie Jue’s attire was noticeably well-chosen—rich clothes and elegant demeanor—exactly how noble families favored their sons-in-law to look. He looked good in anything, even simple clothes, let alone being specially dressed. Fang Chuning almost brimmed with amusement as he smiled and said to Ruyi, "Ruyi, your father looks really handsome today."

"Of course, Papa is the most handsome papa," Ruyi said in his innocent voice, and Xie Jue’s nervousness eased. Fang Chuning didn’t engage in idle chatter with him and led Xie Jue and the children inside.

He deliberately fell back a few steps to walk alongside Xie Jue, while the housekeeper led the children ahead. Fang Chuning lightly tugged on Xie Jue’s sleeve with two fingers, smiling, "Ting Feng, don’t be nervous, I’ve got everything covered."

"Besides quarreling with the marshal, what else can you do?"

Fang Chuning was left speechless for a moment, then laughed, "Who says that? I’ve recently been very humble, not retaliating or talking back."