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Zhou Chen nodded silently and sighed: "Although my eldest brother may have already made arrangements, these are also our intentions. In the future, we will also need to take care of Sister Fu'er's affairs. You go and tell my eldest sister-in-law that as long as I am here, no one will dare to bully her and Sister Fu'er."

Hua Lan agreed silently and agreed with Zhou Chen's decision in her heart. She was a kind person. Her eldest brother passed away, leaving behind only an orphan and a widow. If they didn't take care of them, a home without a man would definitely be bullied by those unkind people.

How did the phrase "eating the whole family" come about? Even the emperor could be bullied by his subjects because he had no offspring, let alone the subjects themselves.

If he had a choice, Zhou Chen would not want this title. He could create a new world for himself with his own abilities, but things often go against one's will. Zhou Tong was also considered to be extremely talented, but unfortunately, he ended his life because of a serious illness.

"Sir, how is my father?"

"Not very good. The death of his elder brother was a big blow to him. In addition, his health was not very good to begin with. With such a huge stimulus, it has become even worse."

Zhou Chen could understand Zhou Yexiong, even though he usually acted very cold and was very dissatisfied with Zhou Tong.

But in the final analysis, Zhou Tong was also trained by him. He spent most of his energy on Zhou Tong, wanting to train Zhou Tong into his ideal successor.

But who would have thought that the son he had raised with all his heart would eventually die before him. This was such a huge blow to him.

Zhou Yexiong's health was not good to begin with, and after suffering such a blow, he suffered both mental and physical damage and became even weaker.

Fortunately, there is a capable son like Zhou Chen, otherwise, who knows what kind of chaos the Marquis Zhongjing’s Mansion would be in now.

Zhou Chen also went to see Zhou Yexiong many times. Zhou Yexiong was very weak now and didn't want to take care of anything anymore. He handed over all the affairs of the Marquis' Mansion to Zhou Chen, including all the foundation, property, connections, etc. of the Marquis' Mansion.

Now, except for the fact that he no longer has the title of Marquis Zhongjing, Zhou Chen is already the de facto master of the Zhou Mansion, and the Zhou Mansion now revolves around him.

In fact, Zhou Yexiong was already terminally ill, but he still persisted, and Zhou Chen knew what he was persisting in.

Even though Zhou Xu and Zhou Yexiong had an unhappy relationship, at this time, Zhou Xu finally couldn't let Zhou Yexiong go, so she moved to Zhou Yexiong's yard and began to take care of Zhou Yexiong wholeheartedly.

A few days ago, Gu Tingye, Zhou Chen's younger brother who admired him, left Tokyo and went to Bai Ludong Academy for further studies. Zhou Chen happened to be free, so he went with Sheng Changbai to see him off.

Gu Tingye is also a pitiful man. His mother died early and he has a bad relationship with his father. In addition, he has a stepmother who keeps flattering him. In recent years, he has become one of the most famous playboys in Tokyo.

Zhou Chen knew that his trip would cause trouble, so he gave him some special instructions before leaving.

"Zhong Huai, it's a good thing for you to go to school, but you must control yourself and don't let women get in the way."

Gu Tingye looked embarrassed at the time: "Brother Zhou San, do you also believe those rumors from the outside world and think that I am a playboy who only knows how to visit brothels?"

Zhou Chen patted his shoulder and said, "Of course not. I know your ability, but your biggest problem right now is that you are easily influenced. I'm afraid you will suffer in this regard with women."

The current Gu Tingye is not the Gu Tingye in the later part of the plot. His mind is still very simple, especially when it comes to women. He has not suffered enough losses, so naturally he is not on guard.

What role does Zhu Manniang play in the plot? She was able to deceive Gu Tingye. It cannot be said that Gu Tingye is not smart, but that he lacks love and is not sufficiently defensive against women.

"I remember what you said, brother."

Although Gu Tingye felt that he could not be that stupid, he still thanked Zhou Chen for the reminder. He and Sheng Changbai were best friends, but he admired Zhou Chen from the bottom of his heart.

He had great respect for Zhou Chen's knowledge, ability to lead troops in battle, and unparalleled personal combat power.

Although Zhou Chen was not a Jinshi, he was a top scorer in the imperial examination and served as a vanguard general to conquer two states. Naturally, he was good at martial arts and even challenged Zhou Chen in private, but the result was horrible. Once Zhou Chen got serious, he couldn't even withstand a few moves.

Therefore, he always regarded Zhou Chen as his role model and goal, hoping that one day he could catch up in Zhou Chen's footsteps.

"Brother, Zecheng, we'll see you next year at the exam."

After bidding farewell to Gu Tingye, Zhou Chen invited Sheng Changbai to go to the Marquis' Mansion. Sheng Changbai was also a little worried about his elder sister, so he followed Zhou Chen to the Marquis' Mansion to meet his elder sister Hualan.

Time passed quickly, and seeing that Hualan was about to give birth, everyone in the Zhongjing Marquis's mansion became nervous.

Hualan's identity is different now. As Zhou Chen is the future Marquis of Zhongjing, Hualan is the future Marquis's wife and the master of all the servants in the mansion. Naturally, her childbirth concerns everyone.

Zhou Chen came to his father Zhou Yexiong's room. Zhou Yexiong sat up from the bed and looked directly at Zhou Chen. There was no one else in the room except the two of them.

"Sanlang, my time is running out. I have already told you everything I should have told you, but as a father, I still need to remind you of some things."

Zhou Chen stood in front of Zhou Yexiong: "Father, please speak."

"I know you are dissatisfied with me and think that I am too inhumane, but you are so smart. At this point, you must understand why I do this. As the head of the family and a hereditary marquis, if you don't have enough means, you will only be bullied and beaten to a bloody pulp."

"Since the founding of our dynasty, there have been so many nobles, but how many are left in Tokyo now? How many nobles are left with only empty shells? How many nobles like our Marquis Zhongjing who can hold power and have prestige are there? As the head of a family, you may not be capable enough, but you must not be soft-hearted. You must ensure your status and orthodoxy. Anyone who dares to threaten your existence must not be let off."

Zhou Yexiong's face was fierce, and his eyes were flashing with memories: "For this, I paid a lot, your second uncle's family..."

He didn't say anything else, but Zhou Chen understood what he meant, and he felt emotional in his heart that his father was indeed cruel enough. Although the Marquis' Mansion was not as bloody as the Royal Family for the throne, there was indeed swordplay behind the scenes.

"And the most important thing is, remember, you must distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate children, and you must not favor your concubine over your wife."

Zhou Chen said solemnly: "Don't worry, father. I will never do anything like favoring a concubine over my wife. Hualan will always be my most beloved wife, and no one can shake her position."

Zhou Yexiong nodded and said, "I believe you on this point. You can do better than me. Your wife is a kind-hearted person who can manage the household. I am not worried about her. I am only worried about one thing."

"Father, please speak."

"It's still what I just said about legitimate and illegitimate children. Although you haven't taken a concubine yet, I still want to remind you that before the legitimate son is born, there must be no illegitimate children. If there is one, it must not be born."

At the end of his speech, Zhou Yexiong's expression suddenly became extremely ferocious, and even Zhou Chen was frightened.

"I made this mistake in the beginning, so I had to deal with it twice myself. It is also because of this that my relationship with your mother became alienated."

"hiss!"

Zhou Chen took a breath. Zhou Yexiong said it lightly, but how could he not hear it?

This father, in order to ensure the succession, actually killed his own bloodline? And twice, how cruel is this?

It's a completely different feeling when this kind of thing happens to you than when you hear about it.

"Don't be surprised. This is what must be done to maintain the legitimate heir. We must never let the illegitimate son threaten the legitimate son's position. You must remember this, otherwise I will die with regret."

Under Zhou Yexiong's gaze, Zhou Chen nodded in agreement. He would not do anything to his own bloodline, so he had not thought about taking a concubine for the time being. He also did not want anything unstable to happen in his harem.

"Remember what I said. We are loyal to the emperor and will never get involved in the dispute over the succession."

Although he had been staying in the mansion, he knew that the court was currently fighting over the issue of succession. Their Zhongjing Marquis Mansion was also a well-known military family in Tokyo City, and was definitely a target that all parties were vying to win over.

He knew that Zhou Chen was capable, but he was still afraid that Zhou Chen was too young and couldn't distinguish the interests involved, so he reminded him.

"I understand, Father."

"Go, go, I have explained everything I need to explain. What happens to the mansion in the future depends on you."

Zhou Chen left the dim room, but Zhou Yexiong was still sitting there, his eyes full of anticipation. He didn't mind Zhou Chen having opinions about him. What he wanted to see more was what heights Zhou Chen would bring the Zhou family to when he took control of it.

Even though he didn't say it, he knew in his heart that this third son was indeed better than the eldest son he had carefully nurtured. Even he couldn't see through those eyes.

In the Marquis' Mansion, Zhou Chen is the only child whom he cannot understand clearly, but he feels relieved instead, because such a person will not lead the Marquis' Mansion into the abyss.

On an ordinary autumn night, Zhou Chen accompanied Hualan for a walk. Suddenly, Hualan felt a stomachache. Zhou Chen reacted very quickly, knowing that this was a prelude to childbirth, so he immediately asked someone to invite the midwife who had been arranged in the mansion.

Giving birth is a very dangerous thing for a woman, especially in ancient times. Everything depends on the woman's own perseverance. Zhou Chen wanted to help, but was directly driven out by his mother, Zhou Xu.

Although Hualan has always been under Zhou Chen's care, he was still quite nervous when the time came to give birth.

Hearing the screams of pain coming from inside the house, Zhou Chen frowned and couldn't help but worry about Hualan's health.

"Hua'er, Hua'er, where is my Hua'er?"

Suddenly, a panicked call was heard. Zhou Chen turned around and saw his father-in-law and mother-in-law running over, with Wang Ruofu shouting non-stop.

"Father-in-law, mother-in-law."

Wang Ruofu grabbed Zhou Chen and asked, "Is my Hua'er in there? What's the situation?"

"It's been over an hour, but there's no danger. The baby just hasn't been born yet."

Wang Ruofu rushed into the delivery room without saying a word. As a woman, she knew that giving birth was a life-threatening thing, so of course she wanted to stay with her daughter.

Although Sheng Hong was also anxious, he remained calm.

"Sanlang, you don't have to be too nervous. Hualan is a blessed person, and nothing will happen to her."

"Father-in-law, grandma also knows about this, right?"

"Well, after hearing the news, mother did not fall asleep and kept praying for Huaer."

Sheng Hong was naturally nervous, as he knew that the baby in his daughter's belly was very important. If it was a boy, his daughter's position in the Marquis' Mansion would be as secure as it could be.

Even if it's a girl, it doesn't matter. My son-in-law doesn't have a concubine now anyway. As long as I work harder, I will have a son sooner or later.

As everyone waited anxiously, a loud baby cry was heard in the early morning, and the dark clouds suddenly dispersed, revealing a clear sky.

"Born, born."

Sheng Hong jumped up and was even more excited than Zhou Chen. He looked into the delivery room impatiently, wanting to know the result.

Soon someone came out and congratulated loudly.

"It's a little boy. The lady gave birth to a little boy."

"Okay, great."

Zhou Chen looked at his cheering father-in-law in silence. This father-in-law was even more excited than him, a father himself.

"Reward, there will be a huge reward."

When Zhou Chen walked into the room, he saw his mother and mother-in-law holding their child, both with bright smiles on their faces.

Instead of going to see the child, he went inside to check on his wife. He found that she had fallen asleep weakly. After taking her pulse for a while, he breathed a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, apart from feeling a little weak, there are no other problems.

Mrs. Zhou Xu handed the child to Zhou Chen and left.

In the dim room, Zhou Yexiong sat up again. He was waiting for good news.

Soon, his wife came in and brought him the news he wanted.

"Yes, Sanlang has a legitimate son."

An extremely bright smile suddenly bloomed on Zhou Yexiong's ugly face.

"The Zhou family has a successor."

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 1121: The Newly-appointed Marquis Zhongjing and the Bold Maid

Hualan gave birth to Zhou Chen's eldest son safely, filling the entire Zhongjing Marquis Mansion with joy.

This era places particular emphasis on inheritance. Zhou Chen is now a foregone conclusion as to who will become the Marquis of Zhongjing. Now that he has a legitimate son, it means that the Marquis of Zhongjing's Mansion has a successor, which makes everyone in the mansion feel more at ease.

Zhou Yexiong was already terminally ill and didn't have much time left, but the birth of this child seemed to have aroused his desire to survive, and like a last ray of light, his spirits actually improved a lot.

Zhou Yexiong directly snatched the naming rights of the child and named him Zhou Ji, the meaning of which is very obvious.

Even though he was in poor health, he would come to visit his grandson every day, and every time he was full of smiles. Zhou Chen had never seen him smile so brightly and happily. One could imagine how important this grandson was in Zhou Yexiong's heart.

Because Zhou Tong had passed away a few months ago, there was no fanfare around Zhou Ji’s birth and full month, and the family just celebrated it on their own.

Hualan was officially released from confinement after a month and a half. Because Zhou Chen took good care of her and her family also paid attention to her, she did very well during the confinement period and recovered quickly.

After the confinement period, Hualan asked to go back to her parents' home. Zhou Chen naturally did not object. He took Hualan back to Sheng Mansion on the day off.

As soon as they got back, they were immediately welcomed warmly. The old lady and Wang Ruofu were all happily surrounding the baby Zhou Ji and looking at him.

The old lady and Wang Ruofu were both happy for Hualan. With this child, Hualan's position in the Marquis' Mansion would be more secure. Now everyone in Tokyo City knew that Zhou Chen would be the future Marquis Zhongjing, and the eldest daughter of their Sheng Mansion would be the future Marquis's wife.

Recently, many wives of officials have sent visiting cards to the Sheng Mansion, either wanting to visit, or inviting Madam Wang to the mansion, or to go to places like Sanqing Temple to pray together.

After arriving in Tokyo, Wang Ruofu felt a sense of status for the first time. She knew that this was not brought by her husband, but by her daughter and son-in-law.

A son-in-law of a marquis, she had never dared to even think about it before.

"This child is so cute. Look at his little appearance. He really looks like Sanlang."

The old lady held little Zhou Ji in her arms, with an extremely bright smile on her face. Although no one in the Sheng family had a blood relationship with her, this child was not only the grandson of the Sheng family, but also the blood of her nephew's grandson. Even though he was far away from her, she was still related by blood, wasn't she?

Hua Lan said with a smile: "My mother said so too. She said that this child looks exactly like you when you were a child. It's obviously my child, so why doesn't anyone say that he looks like me?"

Her pretended jealous words immediately caused everyone to laugh.

"Grandma, why don't I see Minglan? And why isn't Ruolan here? Usually when I come back, she's the first one to come to me and ask for delicious food."

Wang Ruofu said, "Your father used his connections to find the famous Zhuang Xuejiu to teach in our house. He was originally planning to teach only Changbai, but then he thought, teaching one child is no different than teaching several, so he let all the children in the family take Zhuang Xuejiu's class."

Hualan was very surprised: "Really? Is this Zhuang scholar very famous? Father actually let Rulan and Minglan go to class as well?"

She knew her father very well. He was a man who cared a lot about his reputation. It would probably not be easy to invite Master Zhuang, let alone let him teach a girl. This was not something her father would do.

Wang Ruofu snorted lightly without explaining, but Hualan quickly understood that the only person who could make her mother behave like this was probably that Miss Lin in the mansion. It seemed that Miss Lin must have contributed to it.

The old lady took the initiative to cover up for her daughter-in-law: "I think girls should also be educated, so I asked your father to ask for help from Master Zhuang, and Master Zhuang agreed."

Zhou Chen agreed and said, "Grandma is right. A woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent. This does not mean that women do not need talent, but that women should be humble and docile. Therefore, if conditions permit, we should still cultivate women's education."