Time Travel: The Noble Family

An Zhizhuo seemed to be deep in thought, and after a while, he asked: "Why is it that Madam Lian is unwilling to let Brother Xu be adopted, even if it means that she could see the child anytime she wants, albeit with a different title?" This was something An Zhizhuo couldn’t understand. Logically, being adopted into their family was beneficial for the child’s future, yet Madam Lian was not only unhappy but also very averse.

An Zhichen shook his head and said: "She said she can’t stand the thought of the child calling her aunt; just thinking about it feels like a knife digging into her heart." In truth, An Zhichen himself was not willing to let Brother Xu call him uncle. Yueyao could refuse, but he couldn’t find the words to decline, for fear of being scorned.

An Zhizhuo was not a fool. Looking at An Zhichen, he said: "You yourself were not willing to have Brother Xu adopted, correct?" No matter how renowned Madam Lian’s reputation, An Zhichen was not a man who relied on his wife for status. The An Family was still under An Zhichen’s control. If An Zhichen agreed, Madam Lian’s resistance would be futile. Thus, the crux lay with An Zhichen.

Having reached this point, An Zhichen no longer denied it: "Brother Zhuo, since you’ve laid it out like this, I will be honest. If Elder Uncle had no heirs and he had his eyes set on adopting Brother Xu, I certainly wouldn’t object. But Elder Uncle is not a solitary man; he has you, his own grandson. In truth, what Elder Uncle desires most is his own legitimate bloodline." If the Second Old Grand Master had no heirs and was alone, we wouldn’t hesitate to let him adopt Brother Xu or even take care of him in his old age. But the fact is, the Second Old Grand Master has An Zhizhuo, who is still very young. What if someday An Zhizhuo changes his mind, remarries, and has his own children? Where would that leave Brother Xu? Even parents can be biased towards their own children; how can an adopted child compare to a biological son? When that time comes, Brother Xu will find himself in a very awkward position.

It turned out that his concerns were not unfounded. Just a scolding from Yueyao was enough to shake An Zhizhuo, proving that his resolve was already wavering, merely awaiting the right opportunity. Once he finds that opportunity, he will undoubtedly marry and have children, and An Zhichen’s fears would become a reality. At that time, not only Brother Xu but also Yueyao, Brother Shengsheng, and Brother Feifei would resent him.

An Zhizhuo smiled bitterly and said: "I understand now."

An Zhichen looked guilty: "Brother Zhuo, I’m sorry." An Zhichen admitted his selfishness, but for his son’s sake, he had no choice.

An Zhizhuo felt truly ashamed: "It’s I who should apologize." Due to their grandfather-grandson relationship, the Earl’s Mansion had been thrown into chaos.

An Zhichen saw this as a rare opportunity and discreetly informed the Second Old Grand Master of An Zhizhuo’s wavering stance, encouraging him to seize the moment.

What kind of person was the Second Old Grand Master, if not a true genius! Upon receiving this news, he was overjoyed, and within days, he fell ill with a serious condition.

The Imperial Physician came for a diagnosis, informing An Zhizhuo that the Old Grand Master’s health was poor, though with good care he could live another three to four years; however, if he continued to be agitated, he might not live even a year.

An Zhizhuo simply couldn’t believe it: "Impossible, Imperial Physician, have you made a mistake? My grandfather’s health has always been good?"

The Imperial Physician, seeing An Zhizhuo’s doubt in his medical skills, left in a huff without even writing a prescription, leaving An Zhizhuo dumbfounded.

The Second Old Grand Master remained calm, merely stating that he was satisfied to have lived to such an age, his only regret being that he had no great-grandchildren. If he could hold a great-grandchild, he would die without regrets.

An Zhizhuo felt deeply guilty and eventually agreed to take a concubine.

The Second Old Grand Master was not foolish enough to let this opportunity slip: "If you truly feel a deep affection for Madam Cui, then let the first son born be adopted under her name later, so she may enjoy the blessings of having descendants as well. That would truly honor her." The children of a concubine are still inferior to legitimate offspring. Of course, in the absence of a legitimate child, concubine-born children hold equal status in the family. However, the current dilemma is that while a re-marriage is still considered a principal wife, ensuring family alliances often means a legitimate daughter would be given in marriage. In contrast, if taking a concubine, marrying the daughter of a noble family is out of the question.

An Zhizhuo hung his head in silence.

The Second Old Grand Master sighed: "You must understand, children born out of wedlock are considered a notch below their legitimate counterparts from birth." Seeing An Zhizhuo’s continued reluctance, the Second Old Grand Master adopted a mournful tone, lowering his voice, "If you truly can’t bring yourself to do it, then let it be."