Chapter 177: Chapter 177: The Lucky Farmer is at Ease, While the Husband with No Heirs is Busy Pursuing His Wife 37

Even a stranger like the waiter, upon seeing the trio seated together, would immediately take them for a family without hesitation. Zheye stealthily glanced at Fu Huaichu and began to believe that they indeed bore a strong resemblance as father and son.

Fu Huaichu ordered two dishes and then handed the menu to Zheye and Zhezhi. “Order whatever you want,” he said.

Neither Zheye nor Zhezhi held back, each choosing two dishes they desired. The waiter noted their choices and then left with the menu.

It was not until then that only the father and his two children remained in the private room.

Zhezhi remembered the main purpose of their gathering today and was the first to speak. “Brother, let’s bring father and mother together. Do you have any good ideas on how to naturally make it happen?”

“Zhizhi, we made a promise to make mother happy,” Zheye said with a serene gaze, looking towards Fu Huaichu. Although he was speaking to his sister, his words were meant for Fu Huaichu.

“Brother, father is a good man,” Zhezhi cooed, shaking Zheye’s arm playfully. “Let’s give him a hand.”

Zheye looked at Fu Huaichu with complex emotions. On one hand, as a boy, he naturally admired stronger, more mature male elders. Fu Huaichu, the future emperor of the entire Wang Dynasty, was a master of both literature and martial arts from a young age, tall and handsome, excelling in governance, making him a frequent subject of praise during their tutor’s lectures.

On the other hand, Su Zhiruan had been running around by herself over the years, always alone with her two children, while rumors swirled continuously around her. Although the children were well-protected by their mother, they were smart and understood all the harsh words spoken behind their backs. The more they heard, the more they appreciated the difficulties faced by Su Zhiruan, always striving to trouble her as little as possible by excelling in their studies, becoming famously prodigious siblings far and wide.

“Three years ago, I left your mother, thinking that as soon as I turned to come back, she would be there with me. But I never imagined that it would be for so long,” Fu Huaichu looked out the window where the previous night’s heavy snow had turned the Capital City into a blanket of white. Fewer people walked the streets, their breath misting in the cold air. From his higher vantage point, the scene was distinctly visible, yet people walked with purpose, unaffected by the childish simplicity. He closed the window and returned to his seat. “You siblings have been living with mother since you were young. If I had known about you then, perhaps we would already be a family. As for now, I’m here late as a father.”

“But it’s not too late now,” Zhezhi replied. She looked at her brother and father, noting how identical they appeared, silently admiring them in her heart.

“Father,” Zheye put his sister’s hand back, looking calmly at Fu Huaichu. “Zhizhi and I acknowledge you, but winning mother back depends on your sincerity. If mother is willing, we, as siblings, naturally will help to bring the family together soon.”

“Good,” Fu Huaichu looked up, raising the teacup beside him, exuding an elegant demeanor. Sitting in the humble private room of the restaurant, his presence seemed lazy but sincere, turning a simple backdrop into something akin to a royal banquet. He raised his teacup towards Zhezhi and Zheye. “With the support from you and Zhizhi, that’s enough. I will strive to earn your mother’s acceptance. If she is still willing to be with me, I will strive relentlessly to protect you for the rest of your lives. But if she does not wish for this, then I shall no longer persist.”

He spoke straightforwardly. Zheye stole a glance at him and then forcibly withdrew his gaze, pretending to be calm.

In truth, he dearly hoped that Fu Huaichu could become their father, that their family could genuinely be together, to prove all those who spoke ill, who looked down upon him and his sister, wrong, letting everyone know that he and his sister were the Crown Prince’s eldest children, and not the contemptible “bastards” they were ridiculed as.

Zhezhi humorously observed the interaction, glancing from one to the other. Touching her chin, she couldn’t help but think how similar her brother and father really were.

Having gained the support of these two crucial family members, Fu Huaichu felt a surge of confidence. Su Zhiruan greatly valued these two children, and having spent a month married at Su Family Village, he was familiar with her daily routines and habits. Re-entering her life gradually wouldn’t be difficult.

The only concern was the Third Prince. When he thought about Fu Huaizhong’s confession yesterday, that he had fallen in love with Su Zhiruan at first sight, Fu Huaichu sensed a persistent danger around him.

To eliminate any threats, he decided to act first.

Latter, Fu Huaichu engaged in casual conversation with the two children while they dined. After the meal, he took Zhezhi and Zheye back home.

*

Su Zhiruan had been extremely busy for the past few days.

She owned too many shops in the Capital City, and with the year-end approaching, there was a need to summarize the business transactions both in the Capital City and other State Offices. There were also many year-end orders to handle, so she was busy flying all over the place, finding time for a good sleep had become a luxury.

She spent some time dispatching her trusted aides to continue the trade and worked alongside the general managers of several stores and dozens of accountants to tally the accounts and organize the piles of account books.

After about half a month of hard work, she finally got to rest for a few days and started preparing for the New Year celebrations.

At that moment, Su Zhiruan sat in an armchair in the mansion, feeling drowsy. Not far from her were Zhezhi, engrossed in reading, and Zheye, practicing horse stance by the pavilion. The three did not disturb each other, and though they were together in one place, it was very quiet.

Su Zhiruan half-lifted her eyelids and asked, “Zhezhi, Zheye, is there any New Year gift you want this year, or something delicious you’d like to eat?”

“Will mother be with us for New Year this year?” Zhezhi put down the book, walked over with hopeful eyes, and rubbed against Su Zhiruan’s shoulder.

It wasn’t surprising she asked that—last New Year, the two children had joyfully decorated the mansion, hanging bright red lanterns high, but an emergency at one of the shops had kept her out until late at night, and mentioning it still made Zhezhi feel upset for a long time.

Su Zhiruan quickly hugged Zhezhi, “Not this year, mother will be here the whole time, won’t leave, and we’ll have a joyful New Year together!”

“Okay!” Zhezhi jumped up happily.

Su Zhiruan was just about to say something more.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps outside, not just one person, but seemingly a group.

Then, the Protector rushed in drenched in sweat, “Miss! There’s trouble—”

“What happened?” Su Zhiruan saw his urgency and began to frown deeply, “Speak slowly, who has come?

“The Crown Prince asks for your presence!” the Protector, unaccustomed to dealing with such high-ranking figures, stumbled over his words, barely able to speak clearly.

After hearing this, Zhezhi and Zheye glanced at each other, instantly understanding each other.

“The Crown Prince? He wants me to come over?” Su Zhiruan didn’t know what Fu Huaichu was up to. She stood up, deciding to go out and assess the situation first.

“I’ll go out and see!”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated on Novlove.com