Chapter 650: Chapter 650

Fang Lingjun’s scalp went numb as soon as she heard Xie Jue’s name. She hurriedly put down her chopsticks. "I don’t want to marry Xie Jue. I don’t like him!"

Marshal Fang and Mrs. Fang were both quite affectionate toward their daughter. If Fang Lingjun was unwilling, they wouldn’t force her. However, both Marshal Fang and Mrs. Fang understood that Fang Lingjun hadn’t developed an understanding of love. They thought that her current dislike was due to a lack of familiarity and that she might change her mind after spending more time with Xie Jue. Marshal Fang was very satisfied with Xie Jue, believing that if one disregarded his status and position, he would wholeheartedly support him as a son-in-law.

"Why? What’s wrong with Ting Feng?" Fang Chuning blurted out.

"He’s too stern and appears unapproachable." Newest update provıded by novel⁂fire.net

"Junjun, what nonsense are you talking about? How is he unapproachable, and how is he stern?"

From the side, Xiaoqi fanned the flames and said, "Brother, do you want Sister to marry Xie Jue or not?"

Mrs. Fang chuckled lightly and said, "Ting Feng grew up with your brother. They are good friends. His demeanor might seem a bit cold, but he cherishes his family, is intelligent and steady, and is someone worth entrusting one’s life with. Would you like to slowly get to know him? Of course, the prerequisite is mutual willingness—we haven’t even asked Ting Feng’s opinion yet."

"Ting Feng will definitely refuse!" Fang Chuning said firmly.

"How would you know?" Marshal Fang finally spotted an entry point into the conversation. "Junjun is kind-hearted, lovely, and sensible. What does she lack that would make her unworthy of him? In the entire Capital City, no one compares to Junjun."

Fang Chuning was at a loss for words, while Xiaoqi added, "Sister Ayu said that many people in the Capital have inquired about the Prince’s marriage prospects. She mentioned that the Prince likes gallant and heroic generals, and Sister Junjun should align well with the Prince’s criteria for choosing a wife."

"He already has children!" Fang Lingjun shook her head like a rattle. "Even if my brother likes him, I certainly don’t. I don’t want to raise someone else’s child. I won’t marry Xie Jue."

When she mentioned her brother liking him, Fang Chuning’s heart raced, filled with guilt. He didn’t dare meet his parents’ eyes, though luckily their attention wasn’t on him. His childhood friendship with Xie Jue—a bond seemingly inseparable to outsiders—left Fang Chuning unable to further advocate for Xie Jue, fearing that the more he praised him, the more his parents would insist on accepting him as their son-in-law.

Mrs. Fang wouldn’t, under any circumstance, ask Fang Lingjun whom she liked in front of the men at home. This matter thus reached no conclusion and was left to unfold naturally. After finishing her meal, Fang Lingjun returned to her own courtyard. Xiaoqi went to practice his swordsmanship, leaving Fang Chuning alone with Marshal Fang and Mrs. Fang.

"I heard that a few days ago, you fought with Xie Jue’s Hidden Guard at the gate of the Prince Manor. What exactly happened?" Marshal Fang’s expression grew displeased. His eldest son quarreling with Prince Yan’s men caused too much of a stir, prompting many generals to check in out of concern over potential conflicts. Marshal Fang himself hadn’t yet had time to inquire into the situation.

"I spar with his Hidden Guard often. It’s no big deal—onlookers are exaggerating this." Fang Chuning naturally couldn’t tell the truth.

However, Marshal Fang wasn’t easily deceived. "Sparring doesn’t happen at a training ground? Why must it take place at the manor’s entrance? Clearly, he refused to see you, and you insisted on barging into the Prince Manor forcefully. I’ve told you before—times have changed. You can’t behave as recklessly as you did in the past. Don’t let me hear similar rumors again. If I do, prepare to face punishment yourself."

"What punishment? Ting Feng hasn’t said anything. Why are you reprimanding him? Young people arguing occasionally is perfectly normal. They’ll resolve it themselves. Why interfere? Besides scolding him, what else can you do?" Mrs. Fang’s tone turned chilling. Previously, when Marshal Fang disciplined Fang Chuning to secure the Fang Family’s alliance with the Li Family, she chose to endure for the family’s benefit. But now that Xie Xun had ascended the throne and the dynasty had shifted, Fang Chuning’s bond with Xie Jue was strong. Mrs. Fang had nothing left to fear.

"Madam, this isn’t mere youthful squabbling. With Dugu Jing and Han Ziqi both in the Capital, such public clashes provide an opening for manipulation." Marshal Fang explained patiently.

"If one acts uprightly, there’s no need to fear shadows. As long as their hearts remain steadfast, they will not be misled. Stop wielding your strict military discipline here—this is a household, not the barracks. If you want to exert the Marshal’s authority, go back to Jiangnan." Mrs. Fang replied indifferently.

"Madam..." Marshal Fang’s face grew cold. Yet, unwilling to argue with her in front of their son, he remained silent. Fang Chuning, likewise unwilling to intervene, chose to keep quiet. Marshal Fang said instead, "The Fang Family and the Imperial Family indeed need to solidify ties through marriage. Consider Junjun and Xie Tingfeng as candidates—it’s a decision for the long-term."

He turned to Fang Chuning and said, "Tunan, you’ve grown up with Ting Feng and share a close bond. Go sound him out about this marriage proposal. If Junjun marries him, both your mother and I will feel assured."

Fang Chuning never expected that one day he’d be tasked with persuading Xie Jue to marry his sister. He couldn’t bring himself to do it. "Ting Feng doesn’t like Junjun, and Junjun doesn’t like Ting Feng either. Forced unions never end well."

For once, Mrs. Fang unexpectedly sided with Marshal Fang. "But ultimately, our family must establish matrimonial ties with the Imperial Household. Junjun cannot become a concubine or enter the palace as a wife. Xie Jue is the only option left. In aristocratic families, marriages are often dictated by parents. Born into a prominent household, our children have little control over their own lives. I don’t want Junjun’s happiness sacrificed for a political union either. But Ting Feng is truly someone worth entrusting. If he’s willing, I can persuade Junjun. This wouldn’t be a blind or forced match; feelings can be cultivated after marriage."

"If they dislike each other before marriage, how can feelings be cultivated afterward?" Fang Chuning said pointedly, leaving unsaid that if post-marital emotions could truly blossom, why had they themselves lived as resentful partners for over twenty years?