In the mindset of the Commander, not opposing Fang Chuning and Xie Jue is already being a very tolerant and considerate parent, just asking for a descendant, which is a really simple wish.

Fang Chuning was left speechless, feeling like his father was here to sow discord.

Xie Jue agreed to let Fang Chuning tell the identities of Ruyi and Mingzhu. From the Commander’s words, he likely didn’t know their backgrounds. As a father, having such thoughts and feeling uneasy was normal. Xie Jue was in a dilemma: he couldn’t say they weren’t biological as it might imply he didn’t have his own children, and Fang Chuning wouldn’t allow any, appearing too domineering. But if he didn’t explain, the misunderstanding would linger, no wonder the Commander never showed him a kind face, despite seeing him before as a gifted, intelligent, and sensible child.

He couldn’t easily say it, but Fang Chuning could. The Commander glared at him, "You made up such lies just to get me to accept you?"

"Who lied to you? Ruyi is the child of the eldest brother and sister-in-law; otherwise, why was the Feng Family so partial to him? You’ve been in Jiangnan for years, you’re unclear about matters in the Capital City. I already told Mother, and if she didn’t tell you, you should reflect on yourself. Mingzhu isn’t Ting Feng’s biological child either, does that balance your heart?" Fang Chuning knew his father was fixated on descendants and finding a woman willing to bear children for the Fang Family wasn’t difficult. But he didn’t want to create a rift with Ting Feng, who clearly didn’t want to put the matter on him, and he himself wasn’t willing either.

The Commander really wanted to beat this unfilial son, it’s just having a child, is it that hard for you? Xie Jue, seeing them at each other’s throats, simply drank tea and did not partake in the conflict.

No matter how smart you are, this is unsolvable, you can’t just agree or say something insincere to deceive your elders, otherwise, in the Commander’s eyes, you’re nothing.

The Commander glanced at the calm and composed Xie Jue, then at his disappointing son, feeling like he was the villain breaking up a loving couple, though he would never admit they were lovers. Furious inside, almost all the conditions discussed were agreed with Xie Xun, had it not been for a gamble with Fang Chuning, he may have held his ground, but Fang Chuning didn’t give him a chance to go back on his word and resolutely drank poison. Now that his son won, he couldn’t possibly go back on his word.

"The last condition, I absolutely won’t allow Fang Chuning to move into the Prince Manor!"

This was his final bit of stubbornness!

If Fang Chuning moved into the Prince Manor, what would it look like? He’d truly become the Princess Consort Yan in people’s mouths.

Fang Chuning, "..."

Xie Jue said, "Alright!"

Living life behind closed doors. Whether to stay over or not wouldn’t be announced to the world, which Xie Jue didn’t mind, the Fang Family and Prince Manor were quite close anyway.

Fang Chuning saw his father finally relent, this final condition made him very happy. This joy was gentler and calmer than when he first confirmed his relationship with Xie Jue, he finally understood why Xie Jue insisted on gaining parental approval. They could have blindly forged ahead, ignoring parental opinions, prepared to be disowned, but only when his parents truly recognized them did Fang Chuning feel complete in life, realizing this was the feeling.

Yes, complete!

It was the emotion he felt seeing his parents accept them, with no regrets left in life.

To Xie Jue, it wasn’t quite complete, because his parents passed away early, not witnessing him finding someone to spend life with.

Precisely because of this, Xie Jue did his utmost to ensure Fang Chuning’s completeness, avoiding a break with family and preparing early for a prolonged fight with the Commander.

He also knew Xie Xun must’ve discussed terms with the Commander, Xie Xun didn’t say, the Commander didn’t say, so Xie Jue never asked, let it be a selfish moment letting Xie Xun be troubled.

If the Commander hadn’t entered the palace to discuss well with Xie Xun first, things wouldn’t have progressed so quickly, Xie Jue could somewhat guess what the Commander might ask for.

Xie Xun had a clear mind.

Once settled, it caused quite a stir in the Capital City, the elders of the Lin Family were astounded, no one expected the Commander to agree to Xie Jue and Fang Chuning’s matter.

In fact, the Lin Family elders had also talked to Xie Jue, advising and scolding, but ultimately, they weren’t his parents, only able to persuade from the sidelines, changing nothing, hoping instead in the Commander, unexpectedly he and his wife agreed.

The matter became an open secret in the Capital City, Zhang Boju even joked, "They say you’ve truly become the genuine Princess Consort Yan, asking when they can have a wedding banquet."

They referred naturally to Fang Chuning’s childhood friends, ties forged in the Imperial College, now the second-generation clan leaders, each a friend of Fang Chuning. Even if he resigned, he wouldn’t be bullied in court, Zhang Boju being his staunch defender throughout. Others though not as firm as Zhang Boju, at least never uttered insulting words, and since the Fang Family accepted, this had long been widespread, they too gradually accepted, asking for a wedding banquet.

"Spare the banquet, but you must give a gift. I gave hefty gifts when you married."

"Wherever you hold the wedding, they just want gifts. You dare to wed, we’ll send you half our estate!" Friends jokingly said.

Fang Chuning truly couldn’t dare!

With Commander and wife agreeing, Xie Jue and him able to appear together publicly, sometimes dining at the Fang Family, was great tolerance. He dared mention a wedding, and his father would break his leg, he wasn’t that greedy.

Attending friends’ weddings, Fang Chuning couldn’t help but feel a bit of regret, if only he could wed amidst blessings from family and friends, it’d be a fine thing.

Xie Jue calmly said, "No need to envy, we had our wedding in Beiman."

Fang Chuning laughed heartily, both leaving the banquet. Winter had passed, spring’s chill remained yet barren trees sprouted new leaves. The Capital City was lively with growth, Fang Chuning naturally held Xie Jue’s hand, fingers interlinked.

"I don’t envy others’ weddings at all. In this cold weather, we’ll warm ourselves by the fire, drink, and listen to your music, that’s my heart’s desire for life."

"Alright!" Xie Jue returned the grip on his hand, "Let’s go home!"