The bottle of poison was indeed drunk by Fang Chuning himself, but in Sannan, he was truly taken away by the Sannan High Priest’s people. When the High Priest was about to administer the poison, a spy sent to Sannan by the Commander found him and brought him back to Jiangnan. At that time, the rumors about him and Xie Jue were already widely known, and the Commander was furious. Despite being severely injured, Fang Chuning was sternly admonished, hoping he would find his way back. But Fang Chuning was determined to follow a dark path, even if the Commander wanted to beat him to death, he didn’t relent, no matter how many people the Commander used as excuses. Fang Chuning never thought of wavering; instead, he dragged his severely injured body, looking for a chance to escape. He knew he had been taken from Sannan, maybe Xie Jue thought he died in that fire. He knew Xie Jue would have difficulties accepting such a blow, desperately trying to send a message. But the Commander closely watched, and Jiangnan was a giant cage he couldn’t escape. During those days, the father and son were like enemies, tensions high.

Fang Chuning was anxious and angry, his condition worsened but refused to cooperate with treatment. The Commander knew this would lead to mutual destruction, and Fang Chuning might truly die in Jiangnan. He didn’t truly wish for Fang Chuning’s death. After understanding the nature of the High Priest’s poison, he tried to threaten Fang Chuning. Who knew Fang Chuning would bet with him: if he lost his memory and Xie Jue found him, and if he still desired to walk with Xie Jue, liking him again, the Commander wouldn’t block him anymore. If during his amnesia, he fell for someone else, got married and had children, following the Commander’s arrangements, then it counted as his win, keeping his promise, and nobody would backtrack.

In truth, the Commander didn’t want Fang Chuning to drink that bottle of poison either. The effects of the Sannan people’s poison were unknown. Initially, he only wanted to threaten Fang Chuning, hoping he’d heal well, not rushing to find Xie Jue, breaking all ties with him. Yet, words like an arrow, the Commander impulsively agreed. He regretted almost instantly. Fang Chuning knew him too well, not giving any chance to regret, tilted his head, and drank the poison. Whether he lost his memory or died, he wanted to fight for a chance to live, refusing to await death. He knew he couldn’t persuade his father and resorted to risking everything.

Poison consumed, he fell into a coma for three days, woke up with no memory, and stayed at Lu Liu Villa to recuperate.

The Commander looked at his stubborn eldest son, knowing words were useless; his heart saddened, uncertain where it went wrong, why things became so chaotic. Yet, if he agreed, it absolutely couldn’t be!

He truly wished the old Marquis were alive. He believed the Marquis wouldn’t sit idle either. Unfortunately, now, he stood alone, and his wife didn’t stand by him. Mrs. Fang disagreed but wouldn’t actively cut off their ties.

"Father, if you can’t stand it, you can expel me from the family." Fang Chuning said lightly, "Just treat it as if..."

The Commander kicked him hard, sending Fang Chuning, kneeling on the mat, staggering forward and falling. The Commander was furious, "In the ancestral hall, what nonsense are you speaking?"

Fang Chuning struggled to get up, feeling his lower back bruised from his father’s kick. It was wrong either way; silence was golden.

The Commander felt they reached a stalemate; neither would compromise, neither would give in. At this point, words were fruitless.

He turned, leaving the ancestral hall, letting Fang Chuning continue to kneel and reflect.

Fang Chuning knew his father lost patience with him. He didn’t feel the urge to fight until the end with his father, no longer in despair like when trapped in Jiangnan. Now, with Ting Feng and his mother, they were his confidence. His father couldn’t truly kill him in anger; one day, they’d reconcile.

Fang Chuning knelt until sunset. Mrs. Fang returned from Mingzhu’s birthday feast, leading him out of the hall. Fang Chuning couldn’t help asking, "Mother, how was the Princess’s birthday feast?" 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Mrs. Fang was somewhat tired, and Fang Chuning felt a pang in his heart, "Did anyone insult you?"

"No." Mrs. Fang laughed, "I just saw old friends, which is tiring after the joy. The Princess handled the feast alone beautifully; the Prince sent invitations to a few madams, inviting them to bring their daughters to celebrate with the Princess, and Beiman Noble Ladies all came.

The Beiman Noble Ladies were refreshing, lively, and open, providing madams much amusement. Mingzhu’s feast wasn’t about ladies chatting about arts; she held polo and archery at the manor’s expanded stables, vibrant and lively. The Beiman Noble Ladies stood out on the polo field, drawing much attention. Each family madam’s view gradually altered, and Mingzhu’s feast was executed excellently. Xie Jue didn’t come to the ladies’ seating but stayed with several men on the men’s side; Zhang Boju and Lin Xiao attended, likely lively.

Even though rumors still swirled in the capital, pointing at Xie Jue and Fang Chuning, whispering out of fear. But the Prince hosting the Princess’s feast, any madam or girl uninvited indicated the Prince’s stance. Neither Xie Jue nor Mingzhu had to flatter anyone; they’d only offend her and Xie Jue by overstepping.

Fang Chuning felt relieved his mother was unharmed, worrying she’d encounter that troublesome Li Family at the manor. In the past, Miss Li was adored, especially by Lady Li, treated as a treasure, with brothers doting highly. Her death riled the entire Li Family clan, prompted by Lady Li bringing it up often; their descendants bore resentment towards Mrs. Fang.

Xie Jue had clear boundaries, never inviting the Li Family, avoiding putting Mrs. Fang in an awkward spot.

Fang Chuning, confined at home, never forced his outings, choosing comfort and health recovery. The Commander attended court daily, and Xie Xun relished the drama, as Jiangnan was peaceful without battles, the military quiet, with Xiaoqi overseeing, allowing the Commander’s extended stay in the capital. Xie Xun knew his father’s temperament, dispatching to gather intel in the Commander’s mansion. Zhang Boxi mentioned the Commander and wife discussing divorce, amusing Xie Xun.

Of course, he was purely enjoying the spectacle, not hoping for the Commander’s divorce. Matters between other families were none of his concern, but he did relish seeing the Commander vexed by his Second Brother. Xie Xun listened to gossip alone, indulging in tales with Fengyu.

Fengyu, never one for gossip, shared none before Xie Xun’s enthronement; their focus was personal.

But post-enthronement, things changed. Historically, Jinyi Guard overseeing officials was routine; Zhang Boxi naturally reported household affairs to Xie Xun, from frequents to brothels to domestic squabbles. Xie Xun’s perception of upright officials waning amidst household chaos, unmarred appearances but flawed within.

Xie Xun was astonished, captivated by the gossip.