Chapter 60: The Greatest Chance of Victory

Cen Yichu looked up at Fu Heng with a slightly bewildered expression. His clear, bright eyes reflected the figure of this unfamiliar man. The little boy neither believed nor disbelieved, but simply straightened his small frame and bowed respectfully, offering a proper greeting: "This humble one, Cen Yichu, greets you."

Fu Heng was surprised that his two-year-old son was not only unafraid of strangers, but also behaved and spoke with propriety. At such a young age, he showed a maturity and intelligence beyond his years, which made him proud. This was his and Qing Ci's first child. With such precocious talent and excellence, he had a worthy successor.

However, before Fu Heng could even manage a smile, his son turned his slightly chubby little body around and said to Zhu Youyi in a serious tone, "Mother, he's alright looking, but he's a bit old. Mother and Father are still the best match. Don't you want Father anymore?"

Fu Heng stared at the small face that already bore a striking resemblance to Meng Qingci's features, listening to this earnest "profound discourse." The overwhelming emotions he had felt upon first seeing his son suddenly subsided, and he almost laughed in exasperation. He, Fu Heng, had been wise all his life, and it was bad enough that his wife disliked him; now, even his own son was complaining about his age.

Fu Heng could understand why his son, whom he had never met, refused to call him "Father" without knowing the reason. However, he was not so lenient with others.

Fu Heng lifted his robe and sat in the main seat, scrutinizing Zhu Youyi with a sinister look in his eyes, a cold smile curving his lips: "You're quite bold and composed."

Although Zhu Youyi had seen some of the world, she was still a merchant by birth. Under Fu Heng's long-held, powerful, and life-and-death authority, she felt a chill run down her spine. She hurriedly lowered her head and knelt on the ground, her voice trembling slightly: "This commoner is guilty, I beg Your Excellency to have mercy." Even though she was prepared, she was still afraid in the face of life and death.

Cen Yichu is usually accompanied by Meng Qingci and Zhu Youyi when he meets guests. No matter who it is, they are all friendly and pleasant to him. That's why he dared to speak so freely just now.

He had never seen his usually composed mother kneel before anyone. Although he couldn't understand the subtle nuances in their words, he keenly sensed that his mother was very afraid of this man. After all, he was only two years old. He grabbed Zhu Youyi's sleeve in a panic, turned his head, and looked timidly at Fu Heng.

Zhu Youyi sensed her son's unease, gently patted his little hand, forced a reassuring smile, and said softly, "Go, go to your father's side."

In the past two years, Zhu Youyi has taken Cen Yichu with her almost every time she goes to see anyone, and she boasts to everyone that her son is handsome and intelligent.

Therefore, despite his young age, Cen Yichu was neither shy nor timid in public. He tactfully walked up to Fu Heng and curiously looked him over. He suddenly realized that this person's eyes, well, seemed to resemble his own.

Since he was old enough to understand, Cen Yichu has been troubled and confused. Why is he the only one in the family with a pair of slender phoenix eyes? His eyes are nothing like his parents' eyes. To be more precise, he seems to resemble his father more, but he doesn't resemble his mother in any way.

Fu Heng was meeting his son for the first time and didn't want to frighten him, so he restrained his temper and snorted coldly, "You're quite clever. This is none of your business. You may leave."

Zhu Youyi responded hesitantly, still trying to coax Cen Yichu: "You stay and talk to your father for a while, and later... later you'll see your mother." Afraid that she wouldn't be able to bear it, she quickly got up and left after saying that, not daring to look at her son's expression, and not knowing if this was the last time she would see her son.

Cen Yichu watched his mother's almost hasty departure, but didn't insist on following her. The little guy had his own thoughts; with his father not around, he was the pillar of the family and had to protect his mother.

The little guy often went out with Zhu Youyi and considered himself quite adept at distinguishing between high and low-ranking officials. Seeing how afraid his mother was of the old man in front of him, he knew that this uncle must be of higher status than his parents. However, he seemed to treat him quite well; otherwise, he wouldn't have wanted to be his adoptive father upon first meeting him.

Cen Yichu's small head quickly turned several times. He wasn't shy at all, after all, his mother had said that no one could dislike such an adorable child.

He climbed onto Fu Heng's lap using both his hands and feet, and Fu Heng helped his son up so that Cen Yichu could sit on Fu Heng's lap and look at him at eye level.

Believe it or not, Cen Yichu could actually sense a certain familiarity from the older man, much like he felt with his own father.

The little guy's curious little hands unconsciously reached out to touch Fu Heng's slightly stubbled chin, thinking that this was different from his own father's; his father never had this thing.

His son's little hands were soft and smooth, and touching Fu Heng's chin gave him a novel feeling that made Fu Heng's heart melt.

Mo Jian said that the scouts had reported that Zhu Youyi had suffered a severe hemorrhage while giving birth at the manor. Fu Heng's heart tightened again. He knew that it was Qingci who had suffered the hemorrhage, and his eyes welled up with tears. This child was one he had planned to have, but he hadn't expected her to be so adorable.

He never longed for offspring before, after all, his children would continue his filthy and despicable bloodline. But the son before him was such a real existence. Just one glance was enough to tell that he was different from the Fu family. Qingci had raised him very well.

After touching Fu Heng's chin, Cen Yichu touched his own chin, and then cautiously tried to touch Fu Heng's Adam's apple. His other hand was still touching his own throat as if to confirm. After looking at each other for a while, the little guy asked again, "Are you really my biological father?" He thought about it. After all, in the past, when others wanted to recognize him as their godson, his parents had never agreed, let alone recognizing another biological father. He felt that his mother would never joke about this.

Fu Heng nodded, unable to contain his emotions. He felt that his son in his arms was so soft and cuddly that he couldn't bear to let go of him and couldn't hold him any longer.

"Then how come I have two fathers?" Cen Yichu's crystal-clear black eyes became misty: "My father told me that every child can only have one father and one mother."

Fu Heng affectionately patted the little guy's head and said patiently and gently, "I am your biological father. Your father is a woman disguised as a man, and she is actually your biological mother. Your current mother is not your biological mother."

Cen Yichu seemed to understand, nodding his little head, but then seemed not to understand. He looked left and right at his 'father', then back again, and stroked his chin like an old scholar, unaware that he was supposed to stroke his beard. He then asked, "Am I also a man dressed as a woman? Look, I don't have a beard like my father, but you do."

Fu Heng's expression instantly soured. He bounced his son's chubby little body, hugged him tighter, and pursed his lips: "You're a boy. When you grow up, you'll naturally be like your father." He knew that a child this young, who had always regarded his mother as his father, would naturally be confused when suddenly faced with this situation, but he still felt inexplicably heartbroken.

Cen Yichu was at a curious age, seemingly with a million questions. With his father coming to visit, he sensed that the adults were just trying to coax him, so he didn't hold back: "So, from now on, will it be the four of us living together as a family?"

Fu Heng's slightly gloomy thoughts were dispelled by these words. He felt that his son's cunning appearance at this moment was very much like Qing Ci's. He didn't ask him for anything, but he did. He didn't acknowledge him, but he did.

It's hard to believe that a two-year-old could be so shrewd and calculating. Instead of answering her son immediately, she calmly asked, "Did you really like your original mother?"

"Of course! My mother loves me the most." Cen Yichu puffed out her little chest and said generously, "My mother never refuses me what I want. She always takes me out to play and buys me so many things..."

Fu Heng saw through his son's little scheme at a glance, but then he wondered: Was Qingci just as adorable when he was little?

Finally, Cen Yichu was tired and his mouth was dry. He felt that he hadn't missed anything and asked, "Dad, will you love me this much too?" The little guy thought: If even his mother is afraid of someone, he can't be too bad. It's not a loss to have a father who's cheap. As for whether his father is his biological mother, he'll just have to see if his biological father wears hairpins or dresses in the future.

Fu Heng hadn't expected to reunite with his two-year-old son. The little guy didn't cry or fuss, and even spoke to him in his childish voice, which surprised him. Instead, he felt a rare interest and chatted with the child in his innocent tone for a while. He then gently coaxed the little guy, asking if he had been to school and who was teaching him.

Speaking of this, Cen Yichu shook her head proudly, took out a book from her arms and showed it off to Fu Heng: "Of course I read books. My parents say I'm the smartest. My father taught me all of them himself."

In his excitement, the little guy still didn't change his tune. Fu Heng understood and didn't correct him. He picked up the special book and flipped through it, his eyes unfathomable. Considering his son in his arms, he didn't show any anger.

He casually handed the notebook back to his son and praised him, "You've learned so much; you must be incredibly intelligent. I've never even seen many of these before. Did your mother teach you all of this?"

"Of course, my mom is amazing..." Cen Yichu said proudly, but suddenly her eyes widened and she covered her mouth with her small hand.

"What's wrong? Your mother is indeed a very capable woman, and I like her very much." Fu Heng asked him with a smile, pretending not to notice anything.

Fu Heng could see it clearly. The book was written with a foreign pen, and its format was somewhat similar to the Qing dynasty's version when it was written with charcoal. However, the handwriting was surprisingly similar to that of his good junior brother, Gu Huaixu.

Fu Heng had never known that Gu Huaixu would also draw primers for children. In particular, apart from the "Nine Chapters", he knew nothing about the other contents of the book. So how could Qingci, who had been a maid in the Marquis of Anyi's mansion for ten years, know these things?

Although this book contains information presented in a simple and accessible style for beginners, its profound meaning is far-reaching and cannot be mastered overnight. Indeed, there is a secret between Gu Huaixu and Qingci that he is unaware of.

So how did these two people, one who had never been to Minzhou and the other who had only been in the capital for two years, come to have such an intersection and so many similarities? Realizing this, Fu Heng felt a moment of panic, intuitively sensing that there was something he didn't know about, and it couldn't be anything good.

Cen Yichu was only two years old, an age when he liked to express himself and show off. Fu Heng was so easy to talk to that he was so flattered that he forgot Meng Qingci's instructions not to mention what he had learned to others.

Realizing she had spoken out of turn, she felt extremely guilty and didn't notice Fu Heng's unusual expression. She tugged at Fu Heng's sleeve and said, "Dad, can you please not tell Mom? She told me not to tell anyone what I've learned."

Fu Heng felt incredibly happy to hear his son call him "Dad." He absolutely adored his son's cleverness. The little guy's ability to "judge the situation" and his sweet-talking manner were just like Meng Qingci's.

“Okay, this is a secret between my son and me.” Fu Heng readily agreed, and couldn’t help but kiss his son on the cheek. If it were before, he would never have imagined that he would spoil his child one day.

Cen Yichu chuckled twice after receiving the assurance, and pleaded, "Dad, I want to see Mom." He thought: I have two mothers, surely I can see one of them.

Fu Heng thought to himself: After all, he is only two years old. He will feel more at ease when he is with someone he is familiar with. There is still a long future ahead for the father and son.

Seeing that her son was a little tired, Fu Heng gently carried the little guy to Meng Qingci's bed and then covered the curtains for the mother and son.

After leaving the bedroom, Fu Heng brought Zhu Youyi to the study. He looked down at the woman kneeling on the ground and remained silent for a long time.

Zhu Youyi pressed her forehead to the ground, not pleading for herself: "Reporting to Your Excellency, the past two years have not been easy for Madam. She bled when she gave birth to the young master and almost lost her life. I hope Your Excellency will not blame her."

Fu Heng raised his narrow eyes, looking at her as if she were a dead man, his voice sharp and icy: "If you really cared about her, how could you not know that she was 'planted incense' and couldn't be separated from me? What are your true intentions?"

Zhu Youyi knew he was interrogating her, so she didn't hide anything: "The Cen family bloodline can recognize 'incense planting'. My mother left me a fragment of a scroll that said that as long as the woman who was 'incense planted' had a child with the man who 'incense planted' her, the problem could be solved. I saw that Madam was 'incense planted' twice. Although the problem was solved after she gave birth, she would not be attracted to other men again. Other than that, there was nothing wrong with her."

Zhu Youyi hurriedly kowtowed, her words earnest: "If Your Excellency's anger is not yet appeased, even if it costs Youyi your life, it is no problem! I only beg you to consider that Madam risked her life to give birth to the young master, and that she has endured countless hardships. Please do not make things difficult for her." She had seen too many fickle men, and Qingci was so disobedient to her. Zhu Youyi was truly worried and uneasy.

Fu Heng flipped through the tattered scroll she presented, and indeed, as she said, he casually tossed the tattered scroll onto the table, his index finger resting on it.

The study was silent for a moment, broken only by the soft knocking, making Zhu Youyi, who was awaiting her trial, feel almost suffocated. Although she knew her fate would not be good, the process was yet another kind of heart-wrenching torture. Helplessly, she was like a fish on a chopping board, and could only endure it.

After a long silence, Fu Heng said, "Considering that you were loyal to her, I will spare you this time. However, you will be spared the death penalty, but you will not escape punishment."

Zhu Youyi was greatly surprised and even forgot her fear. She looked up to look at Fu Heng's expression and saw that although his face was cold and intimidating, it did not seem fake. She quickly kowtowed and said, "Thank you for your mercy, Your Excellency. I am willing to accept your punishment."

Fu Heng's lips curled slightly: "From now on, whatever she says to you, whatever she asks you to do, you must report to me in detail."

Zhu Youyi knelt on the ground, her back stiff, remaining silent for a long time, her emotions surging. She had known all along that if this matter came to light, she would surely die, but the governor had given her hope of survival. Who would want to die if they could avoid it?

If Fu Heng had told Zhu Youyi to betray Meng Qingci from the beginning, Zhu Youyi would never have done so. But now, faced with the hard-won chance to survive, she is melancholy.

Fu Heng could tell from her expression that she was wavering. How tough could a merchant's daughter who had never suffered hardship be? He said almost cruelly, "She let you live because she knew she couldn't escape my questioning. She and I are husband and wife, and she doesn't mind. You don't need to be coy."

Zhu Youyi closed her eyes, her gaze fixed on Meng Qingci's clear, bright eyes. She knew Meng Qingci was a loyal person, but to save her life, she was willing to betray her. Even knowing that Meng Qingci had tacitly approved, she would suffer the torment of her conscience. Once she agreed to the governor's request, a chasm would be drawn between her and Meng Qingci, and their relationship could never return to what it once was.

But she couldn't resist the temptation. Not only did she not want to die, but she also wanted to see her again. However, this living punishment was an endless torment that was killing her and destroying her spirit.

After a long while, Zhu Youyi softened her resolve and stammered, "Thank you for sparing my life, sir."

Fu Heng sneered silently. He used subtle tactics to subtly influence the situation. In any case, this woman would not confront Qingci with her face covered. As for Qingci, she was so clever that after this incident, she would no longer treat the Zhu family daughter as before.

Fu Heng then asked, "Tell me, how has she been these past two years? And who has she been close to?"

It's easier said than done. Zhu Youyi felt her heart aching upon hearing this, but she knew that if she lied, she would probably not live. She had no choice but to tell the story in detail. Once she started, it didn't seem so difficult afterward.

Fu Heng only sent Zhu Youyi away after she had vomited everything up.

When Zhu Youyi came out, the sea breeze made her realize that her temples and back were already soaked with sweat. The cold wind whistled into her clothes, and she shivered. Her expression was blank, and she returned to her room with lingering fear.

Zhu Youyi wasn't stupid; on the contrary, she astutely noticed that the governor had repeatedly brought up the relationship between Lord Gu and Qingci. Zhu Youyi closed the door, leaned against it, and hugged herself. She was relieved; although she had some suspicions, she truly knew nothing, and she was relieved that Qingci had never brought Lord Gu before her. As for Qingci's affairs outside, she never inquired, so she genuinely knew nothing.

Zhu Youyi was unaware that her tricks, typical of a young lady confined to her quarters, were utterly insignificant compared to Fu Heng's. He probably couldn't even remember how many people Fu Heng had tortured. He simply didn't want to push Zhu Youyi to the brink and cause her to complain to Qingci, ruining their newly repaired relationship. Observing Zhu Youyi's expression, he confirmed that Qingci and Gu Huaixu had a close relationship, and decided to let it go.

From the moment Fu Heng first met Meng Qingci at the Marquis of Anyi's residence, he knew that there were countless men around her. However, he knew that she never paid any attention to these men, and she didn't even look at him.

If we're talking about the Grand Princess Le'an's residence, Meng Qingci didn't seem to have taken a liking to Gu Huaixu. However, Fu Heng keenly sensed that Qingci's feelings for Gu Huaixu were far from simple.

Fu Heng coldly headed towards the torture chamber, with Mo Jian following closely behind, secretly thinking: He wondered what that Zhu family woman had said that made his master, who had been in a good mood, suddenly become so murderous. Judging from this, there would probably be bloodshed in the torture chamber today.

When Xue Tianlu entered the torture chamber, he was terrified when he saw the walls covered with torture devices. He was a pampered young master, not a tough guy, and had already been scared to death once. At this moment, the torture chamber was filled with a nauseating stench.

"If you can't manage him, then get rid of him. Smell him alive." Fu Heng glanced between his legs after entering and said coldly, "Gouge out his eyes and send him back by boat."

Fu Heng did not take any action himself, nor did he move any closer. He simply gave the cold order: "Deafen your ears."

On the way to Guangzhou, Fu Heng went through almost everything that had happened to Meng Qingci over the past two years. He knew that Xue Tianlu had tripped up Qingci more than once, and even said some hurtful things. He felt that this person was dirty just by looking at Qingci.

If he weren't afraid that Qingci would find out how ruthless he was, taking lives over trivial matters, he wouldn't have gone through all this trouble; he would have simply scraped Xue Tianlu clean long ago.

Xue Tianlu was still unaware of what he had broken. Everyone in the room was watching Jin Yunnian's sword dance, so why was he the only one being arrested? Terrified, he couldn't think straight. Trembling with fear, he cried and begged for mercy, "My lord, spare me! My lord... spare me! The Xue family can redeem me! Please, my lord, have mercy! I'll never dare to watch again..."

Fearing to displease their master, some subordinates quickly gagged Xue Tianlu.

Fu Heng didn't bother to look at Xue Tianlu again. As he walked out, he instructed Mo Jian, "Tell the Xue family to be smarter in the future." He stopped after taking two steps and glanced at Mo Jian sideways, "In the future, there's no need to let Madam know about these kinds of things."

Mo Jian shuddered and quickly agreed, thinking that he should make proper arrangements when he got back. He couldn't let outsiders spread rumors that his master had done this. It was pitiful that he, a mere guard, had to be able to make up stories.

Meng Qingci was woken up by the disturbance. She didn't know how long she had slept, and her whole body ached. Thinking of the awful things Fu Heng and she had done earlier, she immediately became more awake. She opened her eyes and saw her son snuggling into her arms, so she took the opportunity to hug the little guy.

Cen Yichu seemed to be born to repay kindness. When Meng Qingci was pregnant with him, he never caused any trouble. Now, sensing that his mother was awake, he opened his sleepy eyes, rubbed his eyes with his little hands, and then curiously and gently reached out to grab Meng Qingci's long hair that was draped over her shoulders.

Meng Qingci found it amusing and asked him, "What's wrong?"

Cen Yichu smiled and buried his face in her soft chest, nuzzling her gently. He asked in a muffled voice, "Mother, am I a boy or a girl?" He still didn't trust that the person he had just met was Fu Heng, so he hugged Meng Qingci and acted coquettishly, "Are you my mother? Why are you acting as my father? Is that person my real father?"

“He is indeed your biological father.” Meng Qingci felt that she owed this child a lot. She lovingly stroked his little head. The little guy’s dark hair was particularly soft. She said humbly, “It’s my fault for making you feel bad. You are naturally my son.”

Cen Yichu nestled in her mother's arms, inhaling the familiar, comforting scent. She nuzzled her head and sighed in a low voice, filled with endless sorrow, "Mother, why don't you stay with him? Is it because he's too old? Mother, you've had it so hard."

Meng Qingci: ...This was the first time she had ever realized that her son's thought process was so peculiar, and she didn't know where she had taught him wrong.

The thought of Fu Heng's reaction to his son's dislike of his age made him chuckle. He instructed, "Tell me in private, but don't say it to his face. It's better to hurt someone than to hurt their feelings. I taught you that, remember?"

Cen Yichu: ...Didn't you say good children should be honest and gentlemen should be upright? Sigh, Mother's advice is a bit late! She thought for a moment, then changed her mind and said, "He doesn't seem to care much."

Meng Qingci didn't hear clearly at first, but when she realized the meaning behind her son's words, she was stunned for a moment, and then she couldn't help but hug her son and laugh as she fell onto the bed.

Cen Yichu, being of limited intelligence, couldn't understand why his mother was laughing so heartily. He was extremely curious about his 'new' father, and raised his head to ask, "Mom, what kind of amazing person is my father? Does he have such a huge treasure ship?"

“Your father is indeed a remarkable person, with a higher status than anyone you’ve ever met before. He is your father, you can go and ask him yourself.” Meng Qingci looked at the stars in the little guy’s eyes and couldn’t help but sigh.

People can't escape their environment. My son was born here, so he's definitely influenced by the local atmosphere. He already knows about social hierarchy at such a young age. I also feel that my past role as a middleman really did wrong my son.

Meng Qingci knew very well that in the current turmoil and with heroes vying for supremacy, Fu Heng had the best chance of winning.

She wouldn't be so naive as to stir up trouble in order to get rid of Fu Heng. She had spent ten years in the Marquis of Anyi's mansion, dealing with powerful figures like tigers, and she knew all too well how ruthless and cunning the powerful could devour people without spitting out the bones.

She and Fu Heng had another son. If she went elsewhere, the powerful figures would only use her as a weakness to exploit against Fu Heng. So from the beginning, she did not choose another place, but chose the darkest place, the coast, which was closest to where she could escape.

Now that Fu Heng has found her and is willing to back down, Meng Qingci won't be foolish enough to run away again and play the chase game.

After all, the world will soon belong to Fu Heng. If he escapes again, it will just be moving from one backyard to another, which is meaningless.

Since she was destined to be entangled with Fu Heng, she had to plan for her son and for herself. After all, her son would eventually inherit the throne, and unfortunately, her husband could legally marry several wives.

The Zhaode Dynasty lasted for no more than three generations. According to Meng Qingci, the previous dynasties lasted for no more than one or two hundred years. She did not want her son to end up childless.

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Author's Note: Meng Qingci: I never expected I'd have a career path too.

Fu Heng: Get out of the way, kid. I'll have to take care of your mother.

Author's note: Thank you all for your support. Without further ado, let's read the article.