Xie Jue indeed planned to host a birthday banquet for Princess Mingzhu, something he had already organized while Fang Chuning was at the Prince Manor. He had seen the list of invitees compiled by Xie Jue, and at that time, the Grand Marshal and Mrs. Fang had not yet returned to the Capital City, so they were not on the guest list. The birthday banquet primarily invited female guests and wouldn’t include many male guests. Although Xie Jue wasn’t obliged to attend, he had to step in and invite members of various elite families to support Princess Mingzhu, upon hearing from Ruyi that she had been bullied.

Fang Chuning acted first and informed later, leaving Mrs. Fang very hesitant. The Grand Marshal would certainly not agree to his wife going to the Prince Manor and rebuked Fang Chuning, "Aren’t the rumors vicious enough already? Do you know how much ridicule and embarrassment your mother would face in such a setting? Are you thinking only of your own satisfaction?"

Fang Chuning raised an eyebrow and said calmly, "Ting Feng is hosting the banquet, which woman would be foolish enough to make things difficult for Mother? Do they wish to be ostracized by the wives of the elite families at future banquets? How long has it been since you paid attention to the social trends in the Capital? Do you think you’re the only one who cares for Mother?"

"The human heart is unpredictable; how can you be sure others won’t cause trouble?"

"If you’re so concerned about family honor and prospects, and buried your son hastily before he died fearing disgrace, do you think other madams wouldn’t risk family prospects as well? Outside, if they held a grudge and mocked Mother, perhaps that could happen. But if they dared insult her at such a banquet and she rebuked them, causing a scene, she’d ensure they’d no longer be invited to events attended by Mother, and their daughters too would be excluded from noble gatherings. With a daughter married as the Marchioness to Duke Wu’an and a son who is a real power-holding Great General of the second rank military officer, who would be foolish enough to offend her? A useless husband doesn’t mean her children can’t support her." 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

The Grand Marshal was silent, "..."

Mrs. Fang was shocked, "!"

"You rebellious wretch!" The Grand Marshal berated in fury, "You..."

"Stop arguing!" Mrs. Fang, just recovering from her shock, scolded the Grand Marshal too. Fang Lingjun was not home; this scene, which should have happened in the Fang Family, had arrived albeit belatedly. Though father and son had never been on good terms, Fang Chuning had always been a filial and respectful son. Even if rebellious, he would never confront his father like this, all too clearly hitting the Grand Marshal where it hurt.

Facing his mother, however, Fang Chuning became the picture of a dutiful and gentle son, "Mother, please consider it. Don’t be afraid; I’ll see who dares to humiliate you!"

He had witnessed firsthand how his mother argued with Lady Li, and regretted being too young to help then. Moreover, in women’s disputes, it wouldn’t have looked good for a man to get involved, and others would criticize him for it. So he could only have a physical altercation with Li Si.

Mrs. Fang felt as if Fang Chuning had put her on a scorching rack. She didn’t want to attend, not out of fear of insult—she’d prepared herself for that upon returning to the Capital. Yet, attending would almost mean she tacitly acknowledged the matter between Fang Chuning and Xie Jue, leaving her very uneasy.

"If Mother doesn’t want to go, it’s alright. I was just casually suggesting it," Fang Chuning wished not to force her; his mother’s hesitance gave him some hope.

Mrs. Fang found herself in a dilemma and felt increasingly uncomfortable. If it was mutual affection, then why did Ting Feng have both a son and a daughter, while her son remained alone? It wasn’t fair!!

Now she had to attend the banquet of Ting Feng’s eldest daughter—why?

"You... you are truly hopeless!" Mrs. Fang scolded Fang Chuning in anger, leaving him confused and bewildered. Mrs. Fang couldn’t finish her meal and left in a huff.

Fang Chuning remained silent, "..."

The Grand Marshal sneered, "Did you see that? There’s no way your mother will go, and even if she does, it’d be insincere."

Fang Chuning glared at him, "What are you proud of, Father? At least her desire for divorce is genuine."

The Grand Marshal was speechless, "..."

Rebellious son!

But the rebellious son gave him no chance to react, rushing after Mrs. Fang to apologize, "Mother, please calm down. If you don’t wish to go, I won’t mention it again—let’s just forget about it and not get upset!"

Mrs. Fang stopped in her tracks, feeling helpless in her disappointment. From her perspective, Fang Chuning was giving in despite being wronged, all with a single-minded devotion, while Ting Feng embraced multiple partners.

The woman once married to Lan Ningzhen is still in the Capital City, isn’t she? Princess Mingzhu occasionally stays at Lan Mansion.

"Since Ting Feng has a son and a daughter, can’t you also leave a descendant for the family?"

Fang Chuning was taken aback, "?"