CHAPTER 51: CHAPTER 51: MY GOOD SON, WELL DONE!

Madam Fu, upon hearing, quickly sent someone to invite them in.

Madam Fu murmured in confusion, "Lady Yong’an? Our family has never had much interaction with the Yong’an Marquis Household. I heard that Marquis Yong’an went back to his hometown for mourning, didn’t the whole family return as well?"

Madam Fu asked curiously, "When did they return?"

After a while, Lady Yong’an and Miss Yu from the Yong’an family were led in.

Madam Fu swallowed her doubt and hurried forward to greet them.

"When did you return to the capital?" Madam Fu asked with a smile, "I actually hadn’t heard a thing."

Lady Yong’an gratefully replied, "We just came back today. After unloading the luggage at home, I thought it inappropriate to wait until tomorrow to pay a visit, so I came over unceremoniously."

"Why would you say that, My Lady?" Madam Fu asked, puzzled.

"Today, upon returning to the capital, our carriage suddenly lost control in the suburbs. Luckily, your eldest son came to our aid, and we were safe and sound," Lady Yong’an said, then quickly looked towards Fu Changqin, "I noticed that the young master seemed to have injured his arm when he left. How is he now?"

"So that’s what happened." Madam Fu laughed, "I didn’t expect my eldest son to do such a good deed. Were Madam and the young lady unhurt?"

"We are fine," Lady Yong’an said, "I even brought a doctor with me. How about letting him take a look at the young master?"

"That would be good." Madam Fu replied, "I just sent someone to call for a doctor, but they haven’t arrived yet. Thank you for your considerate thought."

Lady Yong’an hurriedly called the doctor in to check on Fu Changqin.

"The young master’s arm is dislocated and slightly strained," the doctor said, "Once I reattach the arm, the strain will heal with some time."

"I heard the young master is currently studying and preparing for the examinations," Madam Yong’an said, "Will it affect his ability to write?"

Fu Shinian didn’t expect that Lady Yong’an was quite well-informed.

"It won’t interfere. The young master has some superficial injuries on his hand, but they haven’t affected the muscles or bones. Even if bandaged, it won’t hinder his ability to write," the doctor said, "With just a little time, the arm will completely heal and function as before."

Lady Yong’an finally breathed a sigh of relief, "That’s good, I was worried it would affect the young master’s studies."

"Young master, let me reattach your arm," the doctor said, grabbing Fu Changqin’s arm, and with a tug and a push,

there was a "clack," and the arm was set back in place.

The pain brought tears to the corners of Fu Changqin’s eyes, and just as he was about to cry out, he caught sight of Miss Yu from the Yong’an family looking at him, eyes full of concern.

The cry that was about to escape Fu Changqin’s mouth was forced back down, and he gritted his teeth to endure it.

Lady Yong’an also brought generous gifts to show her gratitude, holding onto Madam Fu warmly.

"We just returned to the capital today, and the house is still in disarray," Lady Yong’an said, "Once we’ve got everything in order at home, we will invite Madam and the young masters and young ladies for a visit."

Since Fu Changqin was not seriously injured and the Yong’an Marquis Household still had many things to handle, Lady Yong’an took the young lady with her and bid farewell.

Even after the two had left, Madam Fu was still a bit dazed, "Did we... establish a good relationship with the Yong’an Marquis Household just now?"

In the past, before Marquis Yong’an returned to his hometown for mourning, the Yong’an Marquis Household was already a prestigious family in the capital.

Marquis Yong’an was also deeply trusted by His Majesty.

The Fu Mansion, being of fourth rank, simply couldn’t compare to the Yong’an Marquis Household.

Who would have thought that today, due to Fu Changqin, they’d forge a good relationship with the Yong’an Marquis Household.

Fu Shinian thought, could it be that good fortune was placed here?

However, it was because of Fu Changqin’s kind heart. Without him stepping in to rescue, how could there be such fortune?

"Brother, you did an amazing job!" Fu Shinian unhesitatingly praised.

"Seeing the reaction of Lady Yong’an, one can tell how perilous it was," Fu Mingzhu said, "Brother, you acted boldly to save them, truly a hero!"

Fu Changqin was so praised by his two sisters that his chest straightened even more.

"I’m an eight-foot man. How could I stand by and watch a carriage full of weak women in danger?" Fu Changqin said.

That night, when Mr. Fu returned from work, he also praised Fu Changqin greatly.

"Today after work, I met Marquis Yong’an who was going to pay respects to His Majesty. Unexpectedly, he pulled me aside to thank me profusely," Mr. Fu said, "He said Changqin saved Lady Yong’an and his daughter. I was wondering if it was a mistake, but it turned out to be true!"

"Marquis Yong’an even invited me for a drink," Mr. Fu said, his mustache twitching with joy, "My good son, well done!"

*

Now the whole capital is watching the response of the Fu Mansion and the Marquis Household, wanting to see how the Fu family plans to handle the marriage between Fu Mingzhu and Xiao Fengxing.

"Although it’s commonplace for a man to take a concubine, which reputable family would accept having a concubine before the main wife enters the household? Even if there were such arrangements, it would be done discreetly. Who would make such a big scandal of it like Xiao Fengxing? I reckon the Fu family won’t swallow this."[

"Indeed, and I’ve heard it was even the maid from his aunt’s quarters. Reaching into his aunt’s room, that’s truly against decorum."

"But it’s not certain; after all, Xiao Fengxing is the heir apparent to Marquis Changping. How can the Fu family easily let go of such wealth and status?"

"But recently, hasn’t Fu Shinian been frequently visiting the Marquis Household? Maybe the Fu family has other plans in mind."

"Are you suggesting they’ve set their sights on the current Marquis Changping? But isn’t it said that the current marquis has only a couple of years to live?"

"Who can say for sure? I see the marquis looks far from being at the end of his days. He could hold on for seven or eight years. As long as he fathers a son before passing, the marquis title would have nothing to do with Xiao Fengxing."

"If that’s truly the case, the Fu family proves to be ruthless, sacrificing their only legitimate daughter."

Under the gaze and speculation of the people, Mrs. Xiao took a carriage to the Fu family.

The carriage stopped in front of the Fu Mansion door, once again drawing attention, leaving the outcome uncertain.

Mrs. Xiao brought generous gifts with her. Fu Shinian thought, ’As expected of the old lady, she plays her part completely.’

Were it not known that Mrs. Xiao didn’t favor Xiao Fengxing, anyone would have believed she was breaking her heart for her illegitimate son.

Madam Fu presented the statement she and Mr. Fu had earlier discussed, saying it was truly unacceptable that Xiao Fengxing’s personal integrity was flawed.

"Our family isn’t the kind that forbids our husbands from taking concubines. However, the rules of our Great Xi have always been that no concubines are to be taken before the main wife enters the household." Madam Fu said, "But it is truly unexpected that Second Young Master Xiao was so wanton, even getting involved with a maid from his grandmother’s quarters at my sister’s birthday banquet."

"And my daughter Mingzhu was also at the banquet," Madam Fu shook her head, "It is evident that Second Young Master doesn’t hold my daughter in regard; therefore, this marriage is off."

The old lady feigned a deep sigh and said, "Indeed, Fengxing was at fault in this matter, and he now regrets it. Would Madam possibly give him another chance?"