Time Travel: The Noble Family

Yueyao muttered: "He is infatuated, but our family is restless." If An Zhizhuo were willing to marry and have children, their family wouldn’t be caught up in such a storm.

Xiang Wei investigated the details meticulously, especially about An Zhizhuo and his wife’s journey from meeting to falling in love and eventually getting married; the details couldn’t be more precise.

After Yueyao finished reading, she took a brush and started drawing circles on the document, spending half a day doodling before sitting in thought for another half a day.

In the evening, Yueyao said to An Zhichen: "Heyue, this matter cannot keep dragging on like this. To untie the bell, one must seek the person who tied it; the root cause of this issue lies with Big Brother Zhuo. Let’s talk to Big Brother Zhuo!"

An Zhichen shook his head and said: "It’s useless."

Yueyao thought for a moment and asked An Zhichen: "How did you try to persuade him in the past?" Knowing more about the situation would give her more confidence.

An Zhichen explained the past to Yueyao: "Elder Uncle wanted to force him to marry in the past, but it didn’t work. I also persuaded him countless times, and those around him tried too, but none were successful."

After listening to An Zhichen’s detailed recounting, Yueyao remained silent for a long time. It was only when An Zhichen thought Yueyao had given up that she said: "Let me talk to him!"

An Zhichen was unwilling.

Yueyao held An Zhichen’s arm and said: "Let me try! We won’t lose anything if it doesn’t work, but if it does, you won’t be in such a difficult position!"

An Zhichen finally agreed to Yueyao’s request. He moved quickly and the next evening told Yueyao: "Big Brother Zhuo will be coming tomorrow." Deep down, An Zhichen hoped Yueyao could persuade Big Brother Zhuo.

The next evening, An Zhizhuo arrived at the An Family residence. Upon seeing Yueyao in the garden, he was startled. Since An Zhizhuo was currently in the cavalry camp, not in the Capital City, An Zhichen had told him that it was an important matter prompting his return.

Yueyao looked at An Zhizhuo, noticing his fair skin and that his appearance was no less handsome than An Zhichen. He also possessed a soldier’s unique aura of lethal energy. Yet for some reason, looking at him gave Yueyao a sense of desolate melancholy.

After delivering her formal greeting to An Zhizhuo, Yueyao said: "It’s me who asked Heyue to invite you over."

Understanding why Yueyao wanted to see him, An Zhizhuo immediately inquired: "Is it about the adoption affair?" Such a major issue, the Second Old Grand Master would definitely mention it to him.

Without any hesitation, Yueyao responded: "Yes."

An Zhizhuo stared at Yueyao and asked: "Didn’t you refuse the adoption? Why are you seeking me now? Have you changed your mind?"

Instead of answering An Zhizhuo directly, Yueyao asked: "Do you know why you were captured by pirates?"

An Zhizhuo’s expression changed several times: "How do you know about this? Did Heyue tell you?" Heyue really spoiled this woman, even telling her such things. Although An Zhizhuo and Madam Cui were very close, he wouldn’t discuss court matters or his brother’s affairs with her.

Yueyao shook her head and said: "No, I heard it from Zhou Shu."

An Zhizhuo’s face darkened even more: "How do you know Zhou Shu? Isn’t it strange for a noblewoman to be acquainted with a pirate?!"

Yueyao appeared calm: "Thirteen years ago, he kidnapped me to Haikou; even if he turned to ash, I would recognize him." This statement revealed that neither the Second Old Grand Master nor An Zhichen had told An Zhizhuo about her abduction.

Startled, An Zhizhuo asked: "What did you say? Zhou Shu kidnapped you to Haikou? How is that possible?"

Unperturbed, Yueyao recounted the events of the past.

Though brief, An Zhizhuo discerned the dangers within those words. In truth, An Zhizhuo was somewhat envious of An Zhichen, but hadn’t realized the adversity he had endured.

After Yueyao finished speaking, she said: "Heyue loathes Zhou Shu to the core and has always wanted to skin him alive. Yet, because he used you as leverage, Heyue had no choice but to release him for your sake."

With a steel-blue complexion, An Zhizhuo wasn’t foolish and asked: "What exactly do you want to say?" If there was no request, Lian Yueyao wouldn’t be saying this.

Yueyao remained indifferent: "Others call you a man of deep affection, able to remain faithful to your wife for so many years. But in my eyes, you are a person lacking filial piety and righteousness."

With a piercing gaze, An Zhizhuo stared at Yueyao, seemingly able to shoot through her.

Unmoved, Yueyao continued, unafraid: "The Second Old Grand Master raised you with great care, yet your selfish actions have grieved him deeply, marking you as unfilial; Heyue is your brother, releasing the enemy who took his wife for your sake, and now bearing the blame of ingratitude due to the adoption issue, marking you as unrighteous." The Second Old Grand Master is burdened with the reputation of robbing someone else’s offspring, and An Zhichen bears the stigma of ingratitude. Of course, Yueyao herself faced criticism.

An Zhizhuo clenched his hand, producing a crisp sound. After a long time, suppressing his anger, he said: "I will handle this matter."

Yueyao chuckled lightly: "If I am right, your method of handling this is to persuade the Old Grand Master to adopt a child from another family?"

An Zhizhuo’s expression was chilling: "This is none of your concern."

Yueyao sneered: "You clearly know the Second Old Grand Master desires a blood-related great-grandson, yet you pretend not to understand; you are aware of the chaos in our family because I opposed the adoption, yet you remain indifferent and detached. An Zhizhuo, others praise you as a consummate man of passion and saints, faithful to your wife for over a decade. But in my eyes, you are nothing but a selfish person." For the sake of a deceased wife, never considering the heartache of an aged grandfather, isn’t this selfishness?

An Zhizhuo said: "I promised Lingling that, in this lifetime, there wouldn’t be anyone else besides her. A man stands against the sky, and his promises must not be broken."

Rather than arguing about promises, Yueyao wouldn’t fall into the same trap as An Zhichen had: "Do you know Duke Ning’s Princely Heir?"

An Zhizhuo naturally knew Ning Lixuan.

Yueyao remarked indifferently: "Back then, Ning Lixuan wanted to marry Mu Qinglian, but even Duke Ning’s Lady threatening to die was futile. People also called Ning Lixuan devoted; what do you think?"

An Zhizhuo stayed silent, having a good idea of what Yueyao intended to say.

Unaffected, Yueyao continued: "From my perspective, you’re even lesser than Ning Lixuan. Despite momentarily distressing his parents, he didn’t end the Ning lineage, didn’t force Duke Ning or his Lady to adopt someone else’s child, and they don’t have to worry about raising a future ingrate."

An Zhizhuo wanted to speak, but Yueyao presented herself as unwilling to listen any further, turned, and left the garden.

An Zhizhuo’s hand couldn’t help but grasp his personal dagger. From young to adult, he had never been insulted like this. Were it not for Yueyao’s status, he might have committed murder.