Chapter 878 Stunned
Upon hearing Tang Wan's words, the War King asked, "What is it?"

“It’s about Wang Fuwang.” Tang Wan carefully chose her words. “I want to know his current situation, especially his relationship with the Wang family of Taiyuan.”

The War King did not ask Tang Wan why she suddenly asked about Wang Fu. After a moment of silence, he said, "His birth mother was the principal wife of the Wang family of Taiyuan, but she died young from illness."

Tang Wan's heart stirred slightly. It turned out that Wang Fu was the legitimate son. Given the Wang family's social standing, her sister's wish was probably difficult to fulfill.

The War King paused for a moment, then continued, "Later, his father remarried, taking his current second wife as his wife. A few years after she entered the family, she gave birth to a young son and began to plot to replace the eldest son with her own. She dared not act openly, so she used some underhanded methods. When Wang Fu was young, he suffered a lot from her secret harm, and his reputation was almost ruined several times."

Tang Wan's heart clenched as she listened, and the knuckles of her fingers gripping the bell turned slightly white.

"Later, Wang Fu passed the provincial examination with top honors," Zhan Wang said. "His stepmother couldn't sit still. She was afraid that he would use his academic achievements to secure his position, so she coaxed his father, saying that young people should go out and travel to broaden their horizons. Wang Fu believed her and left Taiyuan Prefecture with a few servants."

The War King paused, his voice growing even deeper: "Who knew that we would encounter assassins as soon as we left Shanxi. And not just one group. His servants were either dead or scattered, leaving only him, which is how he met you and me."

Tang Wan gasped.

"And then?" she asked softly.

"Later I sent people to investigate," Zhan Wang said. "Those assassins all pointed to his stepmother. After gathering all the evidence, I had someone pass it on to the head of the Wang family—his father."

Did his father believe it?

“At first I didn’t believe it,” said the War King, “but the evidence is conclusive, leaving him no choice but to admit it. My stepmother has now been sent to the family temple, supposedly to devote herself to Buddhism, but in reality she is under house arrest and will never be able to leave.”

Tang Wan was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "So, Young Master Wang can go back now?"

“It is possible,” said the War King. “His father sent someone to deliver a message, and the elders of the clan have also taken turns to persuade him, adopting an extremely humble attitude. He is unwilling, but his father is still alive, and his roots are still there. Moreover, his birth mother’s memorial tablet is still in the Wang family ancestral hall.”

Wang Fu did not want to go back and was adamant about it, but now that he had entered officialdom, he probably had no choice but to return home.

The War King paused, then said in a complicated tone, "He may not acknowledge that family, but his birth mother needs someone to support her. As the eldest son, he cannot shirk this responsibility."

Tang Wan remained silent. She understood—returning home was only a matter of time.

"Does he have any plans to get married now?" she asked the most important question.

The War King softened his tone and said gently, "He has no plans to get married for the time being."

I actually asked him about this, since Wang Fu is now one of my own, and the War King will care about his subordinates, so I understand his thoughts quite well.

Tang Wan's heart sank, and she couldn't help but worry about her older sister.

But the War King explained, "It's not because he has someone in his heart, nor because he doesn't want to. He told me that he's currently embroiled in legal troubles, just getting started in his job, and the Wang family of Taiyuan is pressing him relentlessly. He doesn't want to drag others down before he establishes himself, nor does he want to be distracted by other matters."

Tang Wan felt a mix of emotions after hearing this.

When the War King heard that Tang Wan did not speak, he spoke again: "Are you now interfering in his marriage, hoping to bring your sister and him together?"

He couldn't think of any other reason besides this.

Hearing the War King ask this, Tang Wan carefully asked, "Yes, then is there absolutely no possibility for my sister?"

"No," the War King answered decisively, "it's just that he hasn't considered marriage yet."

Tang Wan held the bell, unsure what to say. Zhan was silent for a moment before slowly speaking, "If you feel it's necessary, I can ask him what he thinks for you."

Tang Wan hesitated, after all, in this era, it's not appropriate for the woman to be too proactive.

The War King explained, "It's not a direct marriage proposal. It's just a test to see if he has feelings for your sister. If he does, we can slowly plan for the future; if not, it's better for your sister to let go sooner rather than later, so she doesn't have to wait in vain."

Actually, if I acted as matchmaker myself, I was confident I could make the marriage happen. However, since Wang Fu was one of our own, it was best to sound him out first.

Tang Wan felt comforted and whispered, "Thank you, Your Highness."

"There's no need for thanks between us," the War King said gently. "It's late, you should rest early. I'll find an opportunity to ask Wang Fu about it."

"Yes, you should also get some early. You can contact me later if you need anything," Tang Wan instructed. She was worried that when the War King was about to close in, the timing might be wrong, and he might not be able to contact her then.

"Alright, I've got it!" the War King replied with a smile.

After hanging up the bell, Tang Wan was still thinking about Wang Fu and her sister's relationship. Although she didn't know if it would work out, at least someone would ask and she would get an answer.

Tang Wan went back to rest with peace of mind, but Wang Shi hadn't returned yet. Wang Shi waited until three-quarters past 9 PM before Tang Bojun finally came back, smelling faintly of alcohol.

"Master is back." Madam Wang stepped forward to help him take off his outer garment, then instructed the maid to fetch hot water for him to wash his face, and also had someone bring him a hangover soup.

After a flurry of activity, Tang Bojun sat down in a chair, rubbed his temples, and said, "Why aren't you asleep yet? I told you not to wait."

Wang smiled but didn't respond. Instead, she sat down beside him and said with great joy, "My lord, I have something important to tell you."

Tang Bojun looked up at her and asked, "About the Duchess of Anguo?"

“That’s right.” Madam Wang lowered her voice. “Today I found an opportunity to ask Wan’er.”

Tang Bojun paused slightly in his teacup: "What did she say?"

Madam Wang's smile deepened, and she said happily, "She said it's up to her parents to decide. Sir, that means they've agreed!"

As she spoke, Wang's eyes were full of joy, and she said with a smile, "I was worried that Wan'er might have some thoughts in her heart, and that she might not be willing. Who knew that she answered so readily, without the slightest hesitation. My lord, our Wan'er is a woman of her own mind. She nodded, so she must have thought it through herself. Now that's all right, I can finally put my mind at ease."

As Wang talked on and on about her plans, her face was full of relief and ease.

However, as she spoke, she gradually realized that something was wrong.

Tang Bojun remained silent.

He held the teacup, his brows slightly furrowed, his expression showing no sign of joy, but rather as if he were pondering something.

Wang's voice gradually lowered, and she said somewhat uneasily, "Master?"

Tang Bojun raised his eyes, met his wife's questioning gaze, and slowly said, "This matter is not urgent."

Wang was stunned upon hearing this.

Updated! Thank you everyone for your support!

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