Faced with Feng Yan's words, Wei Mingde opened his mouth but found nothing to say.
"Your eldest son must carry on your branch of the family. I won't bring him into this.
Your second son is now the Fiery Child everyone in the Capital speaks of. He has a reputation, so I won't bring him into this either.
But surely you can't insist on keeping your two-year-old youngest son as well?"
"Wenyue's greatest wish back then was to provide an heir for his elder brother's branch.
If you have even a shred of filial devotion, you ought to see it done."
"If your father's spirit in heaven saw all three of your sons registered under your own name, while the space before your elder brother Mingyuan's memorial tablet stood cold and deserted..."
As Feng Yan spoke, he raised his eyes to Wei Mingde, sighed softly, and shook his head. "I fear he would find no peace, day or night."
Those words, "no peace, day or night," sent a shudder through Wei Mingde.
And he had no way to refute them.
Because Feng Yan was speaking of filial duty, his late father's final wishes, and moral obligation.
Did he dare say no? Of course not!
Yet he knew perfectly well that, although Feng Yan spoke of having his youngest son Shoucheng adopted into the other branch, he was actually paving the way for Wei Nisheng.
He was no fool. That wretched son of his had spoken alone with Lord Feng for so long, and now Lord Feng had brought up adoption...
At the same time, Feng Yan seemed to see through Wei Mingde's thoughts. He said evenly, "Mingde, don't overthink this.
I have only said these things today out of regard for your father, to offer you a reminder."
"Your youngest son Shoucheng is still little. Having him adopted into the eldest branch would neither interfere with the continuation of your own branch nor leave your father's wish unfulfilled.
It serves both ends perfectly. What is there to hesitate over? Could it be that members of the Wei Family object?
If so, you needn't be afraid. This was Brother Wenyue's long-held wish. If necessary, I can come to the Wei Family and preside over the adoption myself."
Faced with those words, Wei Mingde lowered his head, unable to speak.
Feng Yan did not hurry him. He merely sipped his tea at leisure.
After all, given his current standing, he had no need to dance around the issue with Wei Mingde. He could simply lay his cards on the table and name his terms.
In short: I like Wei Nisheng. Since you don't care for him anyway, you might as well have him adopted into your elder brother's branch.
You want a favor from me, and I set a condition. That's perfectly reasonable.
You'll help make this happen whether you want to or not.
But whether I grant the favor you asked for isn't yours to decide-and you'll have to accept that!
I'm speaking courteously to you now and even leaving you the option of choosing your youngest son. That's out of respect for your father, to let you save face.
If you refuse the face I'm giving you...
Then once I come knocking at the Wei Residence, the consequences will be quite different.
For a time, the main hall fell deathly silent.
After a long while, Wei Mingde raised his head and spoke with difficulty.
"Lord Feng... it isn't that I'm unwilling. It's just that Shoucheng..."
Feng Yan raised a hand, cutting him off. "You needn't answer now."
"Go home and think it over at your leisure. Once you've thought it through, see it done."
"What I've said today was merely a reminder, out of regard for your father."
"As for your appointment and your wife's elder brother's affair, I will have someone make inquiries.
Likewise, whether they work out or not is up to heaven."
Wei Mingde knew Feng Yan was giving him a way to retreat with dignity.
He hurriedly rose and bowed deeply. "Thank you for your guidance, Lord Feng. I... I will certainly give it careful thought once I return."
Feng Yan nodded. "Go, then. Gather your family and head home before it gets too late."
Wei Mingde bent at the waist, paid his respects, and turned to leave.
Outside the Feng Residence, the carriage was still waiting where it had been left.
Wei Mingde emerged through the gates with Cui Shi, Wei Shouzheng, and Wei Nisheng, his expression so dark it could have dripped water.
Cui Shi read his expression and dared not ask anything. Holding Wei Shoucheng, she silently climbed into the carriage.
Wei Shouzheng had held his questions in the whole way. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, he leaned toward his father's ear and lowered his voice.
"Father, what did Lord Feng say to you?"
Wei Mingde glared at him. "Don't ask what you shouldn't!"
That single look frightened Wei Shouzheng into shrinking back, and he dared not ask again.
Soon, the carriage began moving and drove away from the Feng Residence.
Inside, there was only deathly silence.
Wei Mingde kept his eyes closed and said nothing, his mind filled with Feng Yan's words.
What's more, he still needed Feng Yan's help.
His own appointment and the affair involving Cui Shi's elder brother were both in Feng Yan's hands.
The more Wei Mingde thought, the more agitated he became. He clenched his fists until his knuckles cracked.
Sensing something was wrong, Cui Shi asked cautiously, "Husband, what did Lord Feng say?"
Wei Mingde opened his eyes, glanced at her, then looked at Wei Shoucheng in her arms. His lips moved, but in the end, he said nothing.
He only let out a long sigh.
Wei Shoucheng nestled in his mother's arms, bewildered, not understanding why all the adults looked so grim.
Wei Nisheng sat in a corner with his eyes closed, resting as though none of this had anything to do with him.
Inwardly, however, he was quietly weighing things up.
After all, he did not know what Feng Yan and his father had discussed.
But he knew Lord Feng had already paved the way for him.
All that remained was to see what his father would choose.
Now I can only wait for the result. If this step succeeds, I'll break away from this branch completely and no longer be his son.
The carriage rattled all the way back to the Wei Residence.
After returning, Wei Mingde went straight to his study without a word.
Cui Shi hurried after him as well.
Wei Shouzheng returned to his own courtyard, while Wei Nisheng walked back to the Side Courtyard alone.
The family scattered the moment they entered the residence.
In the Side Courtyard, Wei An was already waiting by the entrance.
Seeing Wei Nisheng return, he hurried forward. "Second Young Master, how did it go?"
Wei Nisheng entered the room, sat down, poured a cup of tea, and slowly drank it.
Then he raised his head and looked at Wei An, the corners of his lips lifting slightly.
"Uncle Wei, Lord Feng said he would help show me the way."
"Really?" Wei An froze. "Lord Feng truly said that?"
Wei Nisheng nodded.
Wei An shuddered, then dropped to his knees. "Second Young Master! This is wonderful news!
If it truly works out, you'll be the eldest branch's legitimate son, free of these restrictions!"
Wei Nisheng helped him up. "Uncle Wei, don't get ahead of yourself. It hasn't happened yet."
"After all, this is a question of choice." As he spoke, Wei Nisheng walked to the window and looked toward the Main Courtyard.
It was brightly lit.
Someone would be losing sleep tonight.
I just wonder, my dear father, what will you choose?
Before you continue