When the carriage arrived at the Marquis's residence, it was already close to evening.

Marquis Zhenbei sat in the front hall with a furious expression.

Finally, Ye Lanyin and her group returned.

When she went back to her parents' home to see such an important person, she didn't even bring Shixuan along.

He stood up and walked to the door, his face dark as he looked at Ye Lanyin: "Madam, why are you back so late?"

When Ye Lanyin heard him call her name, a hint of disdain flashed in her eyes. She then stopped and, upon seeing his face, felt a wave of nausea wash over her.

He spoke coldly, "What is it, Lord Marquis?"

"Madam, why didn't you bring Shixuan?" Ye Lanyin's family has three officials, all of whom are highly regarded by their colleagues.

Besides, we're relatives now.

How could he not bring his precious son along for such a wonderful occasion?

Every word the Marquis of Zhenbei spoke was accusatory.

“I left in a hurry today. I saw them writing family precepts, so I didn’t take them with me.” Ye Lanyin’s expression was somewhat unpleasant. “What does Your Excellency mean by asking this?”

“Madam, Rui’an is not well, and Chang’an is unruly. When you go to see your father-in-law, you can take Shixuan with you, as he can be of some help.”

"The autumn imperial examination will be in six months, so Shixuan can start learning some things earlier." Marquis Zhenbei disregarded the presence of Lin Rui'an and Lin Chang'an.

Say these words as you normally would.

He didn't believe that Ye Lanyin would disregard the Marquis's reputation, nor did he believe that Ye Lanyin would be so heartless.

[That scumbag! He's incompetent himself, yet he tries to screw over my mother.]

[Using my mother's identity to climb the social ladder, then killing them all with a single blow.]

[You jerk, why didn't I cripple you?!]

Lin Wanwan was fuming.

A small hand emerged from under the covers, a chubby little hand pointing at the Marquis of Zhenbei.

"Chirp chirp...chirp chirp..."

Upon seeing this, Ye Lanyin quickly wrapped her small hand in hers.

She was afraid that if the Marquis of Zhenbei were displeased, he might harm her.

She stared at the Marquis of Zhenbei for a long time, until he felt his scalp tingle, before she slowly spoke:

"My lord, you are joking. Shixuan is my adopted son, raised under my care. How could I possibly mistreat him?"

"Is it because Shixuan isn't here that I can't manage when I go back to my parents' home?"

“My son Rui’an is not in good health, but it’s not to the point where he has to give way to my adopted son.”

"Among the children, whoever has the ability can climb the ranks. You haven't even taken the imperial examination yet, and you're already bribing officials to help him. If His Majesty finds out, your career will be in jeopardy."

The Marquis of Zhenbei was so angry that his teeth were chattering, but he couldn't utter a single word.

He didn't expect Ye Lanyin to have really changed, to have developed resentment towards his son.

As expected, if they're not related by blood, they're not related by blood. It turns out they were just pretending all along!

She's from a prestigious family, well-educated and knowledgeable; how could he possibly fall for someone like that?

He was so disappointed.

“Madam, the child has been raised by your side since he was a child, and has called you mother for more than ten years. He is more than a mother to you than a biological mother. How can you keep referring to him as your adopted son?”

"Honglang, don't you know the definition of an adopted son? If he didn't come from my womb, he's not an adopted son. Are you suggesting he's a bastard?"

“You—” Zhenbei Hou raised his hand in anger.

Lin Rui'an strode forward, grabbed his falling arm, and looked at him with icy eyes: "Father, that's my mother!"

“Mother said that my elder brother is an adopted son, but you were the one who humiliated me first. Everyone has seen how Mother treats my elder brother.”

"Now that you're behaving like this, could it be that Shixuan is Father's child?" he asked casually.

boom!

Marquis Zhenbei took a step back in fright at Lin Rui'an's words.

His eyes were filled with shock.

How could his son have such a look in his eyes? The coldness almost made him feel as if he had fallen into an ice cellar, and there seemed to be a trace of resentment in them as well.

Could it be that he knows something?

He immediately adopted a stern expression and said in a stern voice:

"Ruian, how dare you speak to me like that? I'm your father, is this how you talk to your father?"

Lin Chang'an ran up to Lin Rui'an, stretched out his two hands, and looked like a local tyrant.

"Father, you mustn't hit my mother. My elder brother is right. You don't even like your own son, but you do like that adopted son."

"Chang'an hates him, and now, because of him, her father and mother are arguing!"

"Chang'an doesn't like her father anymore!"

With that, he stormed off, bumping into the Marquis of Zhenbei as he passed by.

The Marquis of Zhenbei was so startled by his performance that he almost lost his balance, but fortunately, his servant behind him caught him.

"You unfilial sons, you are all unfilial sons!"

[My father is an abusive man.]

[They resort to violence when they can't reason with someone.]

Look at that mistress, she's beaten her to a pulp.

[He can even make her love him to the point of obsession.]

[Feed naturally suited for fishponds.]

Hehe, a scumbag and a bitch, a match made in heaven.

May you be together for all eternity, and even in death be bound together.

Hua Xin and Hua Mei stood behind, furious, but they dared not speak carelessly about the Marquis and his wife's affairs.

"His Majesty has specifically requested that you attend the palace banquet tomorrow." With these words, the Marquis of Zhenbei angrily flung his sleeves and left, supported by his servant.

The Spring Banquet was only open to officials of the third rank or above, and he was not qualified, yet the Emperor suggested that Ye Lanyin be allowed to enter the palace.

They actually have more face than I do.

Ye Lanyin frowned, not understanding why the Emperor would allow her to participate.

The next day.

Ye Lanyin got up very early, intending to go by herself.

But it startled her sleeping daughter awake.

"Beautiful mother, I want to go too..." Lin Wanwan waved her paws, her face full of excitement.

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