Rejected Beauty Practices the Villain Play-Chapter 972 - 947: Making a Formal Complaint

Xie Jue actually didn’t really want to bring Fang Chuning back to the capital. The rumors in the capital back then were too harsh, and Mrs. Fang had no choice but to leave, avoiding others’ ridicule and probing. After Fang Lingjun married Dugu Jing and was stationed in Sannan, she had no worries. If Fang Chuning returned to the capital, he would surely be attacked by rumors.

Because Xie Xun was protective, he had accumulated great prestige over time, and the Xie family were part of the imperial family. Clearly, it was a matter where one hand couldn’t clap alone between him and Fang Chuning, but the one who had to endure rumors and ridicule was Fang Chuning. Even if someone wanted to criticize him, they’d only dare to whisper behind his back. Fang Chuning was different; those who had grievances with the Fang family would dare to attack him to his face. He didn’t want Fang Chuning to suffer that, especially since he had amnesia and it was uncertain if he could handle it.

Fang Chuning, however, didn’t mind, "At least I’m a legitimate second-rank military general. Whether traveling the world with you or stationed in Zhongzhou, I must account to the court. Escaping by faking death is not my wish. We should discuss our matters after your eye condition is completely healed. No matter which path we choose, I can face it with integrity and composure."

"Your sister is with her husband in Sannan Mudan City. Your parents are in Jiangnan, leaving you isolated in the capital."

"Who says so? Aren’t you my backing? The greatest support in Beining. How am I isolated? Let me enjoy the pleasure of riding on the power of the tiger."

Xie Jue couldn’t help but laugh.

Cui Lansong, upon hearing this, was deeply worried, "Mr. Fang, have you thought it through? The general has quite a few enemies in the capital. Going back alone, even if the officials aren’t against you, the aristocratic families won’t let you off."

After Xie Xun’s ascension, the clans hoped the general would send troops to aid the king, quelling the Xie family’s rebellion. Unexpectedly, the general bowed and submitted, which angered the clans. The affair between Fang Chuning and Xie Jue had frequently subjected the general’s family in the capital to rumors.

"Let them be!" Fang Chuning raised his eyebrow, "I can’t hide my whole life and be Xie Jue’s boy toy, can I?"

"Do you know why they only set you up?"

"Why?"

"Because the prince has both a son and a daughter; he’s even been married. Surely it’s you who led him astray, clouding his judgment. The eldest princess and the little commandery prince might also hold animosity towards you."

Though Ruyi is naive, Mingzhu is at an age of understanding. They’ve probably long heard the rumors. Such situations involving Xie Jue could affect the princess’s friendships and marriages. Even future proposals for the little commandery prince would be difficult. This is why the children of aristocratic families abide by rules from a young age, not daring to make mistakes. One mistake by an individual can implicate an entire clan, like pulling a single thread that moves the whole body, and no one dares to do such unprincipled things lightly.

Fang Chuning propped his chin, saying something shocking, "Doesn’t that mean I have someone to care for me in old age?"

Cui Lansong, "..."

Indeed, they were speaking at cross purposes.

The court had appointed a new county magistrate, a newly qualified scholar at twenty-two, with upright appearance and stature. He came lightly equipped for the position and brought Du Fang’s appointment letter. The cabinet agreed to appoint Du Fang as County Governor, exempting him from exams as a special case. With the county magistrate in place, Xie Jue could let go. This county magistrate was from Jiangnan, had a mild temperament, but was just and honest. He was personally selected by Lin Helin from all the new officials and placed in Pingnan County for training. Most notably, he had no prejudice against the Beiman, treating everyone equally.

In fact, the Beiman were hated by the northern people due to decades of war, nearly leading to the desolation of the twelve states, leaving nine out of ten households empty with deep resentment. However, in Jiangnan, the hatred wasn’t visible because they were too far away. Jiangnan only knew about Ningzhou’s perennial battles, but the war hadn’t affected Jiangnan’s livelihood. What made life difficult was lazy governance and corruption, not warfare. Therefore, Jiangnan people didn’t hold as much hatred towards the Beiman.

Besides Du Fang’s appointment, the county magistrate also brought a family letter jointly written by Mingzhu and Ruyi, with every word filled with longing. Ruyi repeatedly asked when he’d return home.

With his last bit of hesitation gone, Xie Jue decided to return to the capital with Fang Chuning. They were born and raised in the capital and would ultimately have to face the storms coming from there.

When the two returned to the capital, summer had already passed.

When Fang Chuning entered the manor, the old steward was shocked, "Eldest Young Master? Eldest Young Master, you’re alive! You’re back!!! You..."

The old steward, who watched Fang Chuning grow up, hadn’t followed Mrs. Fang to Jiangnan and stayed to watch over the manor, managing the Fang family’s business in the capital. He was loyal to the Fang family, and seeing Fang Chuning alive and returned, he was overwhelmed with joy, speaking incoherently. Especially since it was Xie Jue who personally took him home, given the Fang family’s proximity to the Prince Manor. After escorting him home, Xie Jue returned to the manor.

"Uncle Fang, it’s me. It’s been months, how have you been, sir?"

"Good, good, good... The Eldest Young Master is well. That’s wonderful. If the madam knew, she’d be delighted. I’ll write to inform her immediately. The Eldest Young Master has been a lucky star since childhood; truly blessed by fortune, and surely peace and happiness will follow!" The old steward was overjoyed. Even without the owners present, the Fang household was orderly, unchanged since Fang Chuning’s departure.

Fang Chuning said, "Uncle Fang, no need to rush. Mother already knows."

"Good, good, good, then the lady will surely return to reunite with you."

Fang Chuning looked pensively at the familiar courtyard. This was his home. For years, his mother was often apart from his father. No matter how his father begged or how his maternal grandmother longed for her, she wouldn’t go to Jiangnan. How sad she must have been to hide away in Jiangnan? Would she be willing to return?

This was his home, and he couldn’t bear to leave.

Even if the capital would face storms, he refused to leave.

Unless Ting Feng wanted to go. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

Mingzhu and Ruyi always lived in the Prince Manor, occasionally entering the palace. After Fengyu gave birth to a son, for the sake of Ruyi, Xie Xun and Fengyu couldn’t be too indulgent. This was the difficulty of the Heavenly Family. Even though they treated Ruyi as their own, they had to stop others from speculating about Jun Xin. Overly favoring Ruyi wouldn’t be beneficial for him.

Ruyi was a broad-minded and cheerful child. Though he couldn’t go to the palace every day, he lived freely in the manor with his sister as company.

"Daddy..." As Ruyi grew more sensible, he also learned the rules. Xie Xun and Fengyu didn’t overly restrict him. In front of Xie Jue, he was still like a child, reaching out for a hug.

Xie Jue bent down to pick him up, giving him a long-missed kiss, his eyes full of warmth. His son was wearing riding and shooting attire, evidently practicing archery and horsemanship.

From the age of four, the children of aristocratic families practiced for two hours daily, rain or shine.

Ruyi was covered in sweat but still snuggled up to Xie Jue, having always been such a spoiled child, raised with pampering.

"Daddy, I received your letter. You write beautifully," Xie Jue praised, tapping Ruyi’s nose with affection.

Ruyi beamed with pride, his progress noticeable. He wasn’t the child who only knew calligraphy half a year ago. He now read the Three Character Classic, Thousand Character Classic, and could fluently write his name and Xie Jue’s.

"Daddy, Ruyi has learned many, many words."

"Ruyi is truly impressive." Xie Jue smiled, carrying him into the inner hall. The nursing nuns wanted Xie Jue to put Ruyi down as it was against protocol, but dared not speak out. Mingzhu and Ruyi had no fear of these nursing nuns in the manor; even in Xie Jue’s absence, they wouldn’t be bullied.

"Daddy, Sister has lessons today; she’ll be back at Shen time. You came back at the right time to stand up for her because someone bullied her," Ruyi tattled with a knowing look despite his age.