After all, this was a high-stakes gamble. If she lost, the worst that could happen was spending her points to buy a portal to the next world. But if she won, she’d earn enough to cover the cost of a leg.

Of course, the Yu Family knew nothing of this.

The conversation between the two heads of the Yu Family continued.

Yu Chongshan said, "So now, the most important thing is that child’s own wishes. As long as she doesn’t want to, no one can force her to do anything."

He looked at his wife and added, "So, my dear, you must remind our eldest daughter-in-law properly. Whether for the sake of the Yu Family or her own children, winning that child’s favor is more important than anything else.

Sincerity begets sincerity. Look how just a little more care than her parents gave her has already brought returns."

The Old Madam Yu also smiled and said, "Exactly. That child is honest and genuine. I’ll make sure our eldest daughter-in-law doesn’t play any tricks on her. If it comes to it, I’ll take the child under my own wing."

She believed her eldest daughter-in-law was smart enough not to force her into personally raising a granddaughter.

As the Old Madam had expected, the eldest branch of the family was overjoyed at the news of Yue Fuguang being adopted into their household.

"Husband, did Father and Mother really say they’d give Yue Fuguang to us?"

Madam Zhang was dizzy from the sudden good news her husband had brought home, hardly daring to believe such fortune had fallen into their laps.

"Father announced it in front of His Majesty and all his colleagues—how could it be false?" Unlike his third brother, Old Master Yu was riding high on success.

Even after the wine had worn off, his face still glowed with excitement, as if he were still tipsy. But he wouldn’t admit it was pure joy making him lightheaded—he’d rather credit it to the vitality pill his "dear daughter" had given him.

Yes, in his mind, Yue Fuguang was already their daughter the moment his father declared her adoption into their branch.

"Will Third Brother really agree? Third Sister-in-law may not have cared for Yue Fuguang before, but now that she knows her true status, wouldn’t she cling to her for the sake of her own son and Sixth Daughter?"

Madam Zhang had never held a high opinion of her third sister-in-law. Neglecting her own flesh and blood in favor of the child who had wronged her—even if she hadn’t known before, continuing to do so after learning the truth was just foolish.

Even if years of raising her had fostered some affection, how could a child brought in through malice ever surpass one’s own blood?

At the mention of his third sister-in-law, Old Master Yu’s expression cooled. "Father’s decision stands. Their objections won’t change anything."

Then, with concern, he added, "As for that child, I don’t expect you to treat her exactly like our own. But whatever our sons have, she must have too. That was my promise to Father—otherwise, she’d be sent to the second branch."

Yue Fuguang was his niece by blood, so he could love her as his own. But Madam Zhang shared no such bond, and he worried she might neglect the girl. If so, it’d be better not to adopt her at all.

Madam Zhang gave her husband a reproachful glance. "Husband, don’t you know me by now? I’ve always wanted a sweet, delicate daughter.

Now that Father and Mother have given her to us, she’s as much my child as our sons."

"Good, good. With your word, I’m at ease. That child may have her status, but she’s honest at heart.

If we treat her sincerely, forget the rest—just having her in our family will ensure stability for at least three generations.

Our sons’ careers will be secure, and even our grandsons will have an aunt no one would dare cross."

Madam Zhang nodded eagerly. "Tomorrow, I’ll send for our three boys from the academy. This is a joyous occasion for our branch—how can their sister’s adoption proceed without them?"

Old Master Yu praised, "You’ve thought of everything, my dear. Write to those rascals and explain properly, so they don’t come home and… let anything slip."

Though most people today couldn’t hear thoughts, Old Master Yu was confident his three sons could.

Even if they couldn’t, making them aware of their sister’s uniqueness would ensure they treated her well and avoided offense.

The matter of the "inner voices" heard at the banquet wasn’t just a topic within the Yu Family—every household that had heard them was discussing it behind closed doors.

Though Emperor Mingxi had ordered silence on the matter, those who’d experienced it couldn’t resist whispering among themselves.

At the residence of Imperial Academy Scholar Wu Tianyu, Madam Wu remarked, "From what you’ve said, the Yu Family’s eldest branch is on the rise!"

Wu Tianyu agreed. "With the Young Preceptor in their household, they’ll enjoy stability for decades at least."

Shaking his head in admiration, he added, "Minister Yu Zhongchun is truly blessed! A heaven-sent daughter—as long as his branch doesn’t commit treason, no one would dare touch them."

Even the Crown Prince had shown clear favor toward the Yu Family today.

"I’ve always gotten along well with Madam Zhang. I must offer my congratulations properly." She began mentally listing suitable gifts for a young girl.

Wu Tianyu smiled. "A wise wife keeps her husband from trouble. With you managing this, I’ve nothing to worry about."

Third Master Yu Qinchun, after all, had married unwisely and lost his chance at fortune.

Many shared this sentiment.

While discussing the Yu Family, they didn’t forget the affairs of Marquis Changqing, Zhou Fushan’s household.

Particularly, whether Zhou Qi'an, the Zhou Family’s eldest son and famed prodigy, was truly as remarkable as the Young Preceptor had claimed. By tomorrow, they’d have their answer.

The next day, at the grand court assembly...

After routine proceedings, Wei Ping, Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, took a deep breath. It was time for his performance—no, his moment to shine.

Stepping forward, he bowed. "Your Majesty, this official has a report."

Emperor Mingxi thought, Finally. Though he’d received partial information earlier, he hadn’t yet reviewed the full findings.

"Wei Qing, what matter do you bring before us?"

Wei Ping declared, "Your Majesty, I petition for a thorough investigation into Marquis Changqing, Zhou Fushan. Recently, our agents have detected increased activity by Beili spies within our borders.

Among them is a ringleader named Xu Changyue, who maintains suspiciously close ties with Zhou Fushan. In fact, the current Marchioness was once Xu Changyue’s concubine."

Hiss—

Hiss—

Hiss—

Unaware of the details, the assembled officials gasped in shock, the hall sounding like a den of serpents.

Zhou Fushan immediately cried out, "Your Majesty, I’ve been wronged! My loyalty to you and the empire is absolute! I beg Your Majesty to see the truth!"

Pale with terror, Zhou Fushan knew any association with foreign spies would doom his household.

He did know a Xu Changyue—they’d been acquainted for over a decade. But his wife was supposed to be Xu’s distant cousin!

It was through this connection that he and Xu had grown close, with Xu facilitating many of his business ventures.