If he had not favored his concubine at his wife's expense, Liu Jinran's military achievements would have been enough to preserve the ducal title for the household.
Their ducal title could have been passed down for another three generations.
But Liu Jinran clearly had no such intention. His sole request was a divorce for his mother.
Seeing that his son Liu Jinran had no regard for the future of the Duke's Residence, Duke Liu hurriedly explained to Nian Cenyi:
"Your Majesty, my unworthy son has had a few too many drinks and has started spouting nonsense.
Please forgive him, Your Majesty!
His mother was my first wife. I will not agree to a divorce."
"My mother passed away long ago. I imagine she would have been willing to divorce you, too."
Liu Jinran ignored Duke Liu's words entirely. Still kneeling, he kowtowed to the emperor several times and said:
"Please grant my request, Your Majesty."
Nian Cenyi asked again:
"General Liu, are you certain you wish to exchange your military merits for your mother's divorce?"
"I am."
In truth, Liu Jinran also wanted to tell the emperor that he wished to sever his father-son relationship with Duke Liu.
But in this world, filial piety stood above the heavens. If he did that, he feared the world would revile him, and he might leave the emperor with a poor impression as well.
After weighing it over and over, he swallowed the words about severing their father-son relationship.
Seeing Liu Jinran's determination, Nian Cenyi nodded his approval.
Guagua: [And so, Liu Jinran took away everything belonging to his mother in the Duke's Residence, along with everything belonging to his wet nurse.
Liu Jinran was also overwhelmed with guilt toward his wet nurse. He had caused her death.
Liu Jinran learned that his