This time, Fang Chuning returns to the capital not only for the reunion with the entire family as Fang Lingjun comes back to the city, but also to follow the elder’s wishes and select a descendant from the clan for adoption. Xiaoqi is already engaged, to the daughter of a prominent family in Jiangnan, with plans to settle there. Even though he is currently the eldest legitimate son of the Fang Family, Xie Xun is aware of his identity. The elder, concerned for his children, doesn’t want to gamble on the constancy of Jun Xin over several decades, allowing Xiaoqi to settle down and start his career peacefully in Jiangnan. Jiangnan is under the control of the Fang Family, far from the emperor’s reach, ensuring a comfortable life. Xiaoqi is willing to settle there. Fang Chuning cannot remain a wealthy idler forever; when the elder steps down, Xie Xun will reconsider arranging a position for him. Therefore, the elder wants to select a child for adoption from the Fang Family’s clan.

The Fang Family is a prominent clan with thin direct bloodlines, and many are willing to offer a child for Fang Chuning to adopt. Fang Chuning only needs to choose among them. Given that he is choosing the next successor for the Fang Family, Fang Chuning is extremely cautious. He cannot choose a child too closely bonded with their original parents yet must be intelligent and understanding. He does not want to select a child with obscure aptitude either. The chosen child must already be sensible, at least over three years old, allowing assessment of temperament and intelligence. Emotional bonds can be cultivated gradually. According to his requirements, the clan has selected over ten children for Fang Chuning, who then outlines the rules for selection.

"Choosing a son is quite a hassle," Xie Jue couldn’t help but complain.

Fang Chuning joked, "Why don’t you give me Ruyi?"

"You’re dreaming," Xie Jue retorted.

Fang Chuning burst into laughter and then earnestly discussed the group of children chosen by the clan with Xie Jue. The children were all between the ages of two and four, and were bright and clever. Fang Chuning had secretly investigated and was somewhat satisfied, though hadn’t yet found one that felt particularly compatible. Adopting a son involves not only the child’s aptitude but, most importantly, fate.

The father-son bond between them!

Just like Ruyi with Xie Jue, a natural father-son bond in terms of appearance, temperament, and conduct. It’s hard to believe he’s not Xie Jue’s son.

Xie Jue smiled, put down his book, patted his thigh, and Fang Chuning naturally lay down, resting his head on Xie Jue’s leg. Xie Jue pulled a quilt over him and gently massaged his temples. The previous year, he finally discovered that Fang Chuning had changed the medicine using Sannan’s secret remedy for his eyes. The incident happened, and it was useless to be angry. It was difficult to find another piece of the secret remedy since the Sannan High Priest’s line was extinct and the Beiman side refused, leaving Xie Jue with no choice but to rely on the Imperial Hospital for slow detoxification.

Fortunately, it didn’t affect his life, only taking time to expel the toxin, with only one lingering effect—he easily gets migraines.

"Once you decide on a son, perhaps arrange an idle position in the Ministry of War first, then reorganize after a few years," Xie Jue suggested, as Fang Chuning wouldn’t just be a passive manager. He needs to carefully nurture, even with Mrs. Fang’s assistance. Since the child originally has parents, it would be difficult for Fang Chuning to cultivate feelings if he often leaves home. Xie Jue hopes the child will be close to Fang Chuning.

Unlike with Ruyi, who he raised at his side from a young age, the blood bond is strong, treated as his own, and Fang Family’s clan children would be less intimate than Fang Lingjun’s child. Without careful interaction and cultivating feelings, closeness is challenging.

"Sure!" Fang Chuning agreed without dissent, "The Prince is watching over me."

"Who’s daring enough to bully you?" Xie Jue flicked his fingers against Fang Chuning’s cheek.

Fang Chuning was heading to the Imperial Hospital and gave Xie Jue a ride to the morning court. Just as dawn broke, they reached the palace gate and encountered Dugu Jing and Prince Jingbei. Dugu Jing called out "Brother" and greeted Xie Jue. After Xie Jue entered the palace, Fang Chuning went to the Imperial Hospital. Dugu Jing asked Prince Jingbei, "Brother, do they really walk together openly without reservation?"

Dugu Jing, who had spent years in Sannan, really didn’t understand the capital.

Prince Jingbei replied, "You’ll get used to it."

He didn’t expect his brother to call Fang Chuning "Brother" so naturally now, considering he hadn’t heard Dugu Jing call Fang Chuning "Brother" even once during the two years since his marriage.

On his way to the Imperial Hospital, Fang Chuning also saw the young Crown Prince practicing martial arts early. The three-year-old Crown Prince followed an adult’s schedule, waking at 5 a.m. (卯时) for studies and martial arts. With a stern face at such a young age, resembling Fengyu, he didn’t seem like a child with a good temperament, no wonder he could quarrel with Er Lang and Da Lang.

"Ting Feng indeed dotes on the children too much."

Clan children mostly rise early for studies and martial arts at this time, except for Ruyi. Xie Jue never restricted Ruyi; since childhood, Ruyi would sleep until naturally waking. Only when attending the Imperial College would Ruyi rise early for washing up.

Fang Chuning himself used to wake even earlier, unless sick or on New Year’s Eve, he never slept until daylight.

Xie Xun indeed asked Dugu Jing whether he wanted his two children to enter the palace as study companions. Dugu Jing’s head hurt upon hearing this, "Emperor, my sons... have bad temperaments, not suitable as companions."

What if they end up hitting the other children?

"A fierce father does not raise a weak child; I quite like your two kids. A bit of friction among children is normal. It’s best if us adults don’t interfere. The Crown Prince will select study companions in half a year, ones who accompany him in daily life and travel, cultivating relationships and skills, becoming his future right-hand men."

Xie Xun was indeed paving the way for the Dugu Family’s two children.

Historically, Crown Prince’s study companions become their confidants and pillars of the court, hence clan children fight tooth and nail to become study companions. Especially for the emperor’s only child, lacking competitors.

If Dugu Jing’s wife wasn’t Fang Lingjun, Xie Xun wouldn’t arrange this way.

Dugu Jing never plays games with Xie Xun, "I still need to discuss this with my wife."

Primarily, he needs to consult Fang Chuning’s opinion, as he better understands court affairs. After surrendering, Dugu Jing realized how complex the relations between Beining Clans were, and he didn’t want to be involved, wisely seeking advice from someone familiar. Fang Chuning wouldn’t harm his nephews.

"Alright, then I await your good news," Xie Xun said.

Dugu Jing silently thought, who agreed to this!!!