"I just hope Master and Yan Gong don't bring this up and put me in a difficult position."
Wei Tu shook his head, pushing the matter to the back of his mind.
Once Dan Wu Ju passed away—
Whether or not his daughter would marry, whether or not she would be betrothed, he would still take care of the Dan family descendants and offer them support.
—But he refused to let his daughter's entire future be dictated by his own debts of gratitude, leaving her no choice but to obey.
"That's easy to handle."
Xinghua walked over to the cradle, pinching Yanyan's soft cheeks with a smile. "You just need to put up a notice at the front gate, saying that out of love for your daughter, you won't arrange her marriage before she reaches adulthood."
"Once the Dan family sees the notice, they won't want to offend you and will hold back from making the request."
"Besides, right now it's just Xiao Fang testing the waters. It's not as if Master, Madam, or Yan Gong have formally brought it up yet."
"That could work."
Wei Tu nodded.
As an Eighth-rank Military Commandant, it was only natural that many people would try to establish ties with him through marriage.
Posting a notice wouldn't seem like it was targeting the Dan family specifically.
After discussing serious matters—
Xinghua's cheeks turned slightly red as she blew out the candle and pulled Wei Tu into bed.
"Wei Ge'er, a few days ago, I went to the apothecary and got conception medicine. This year, we're definitely having another child…"
After giving birth to Wei Yanyan, she had taken a year to recover before conceiving again. Unfortunately, the third pregnancy had ended in miscarriage.
It wasn't until April this year that her body had fully recovered, making it possible to try for another child.
"This time, it has to be a boy."
"I can't let Wei Ge'er's bloodline end."
After their lovemaking, Xinghua curled up, raising her pelvis, silently praying.
Ever since Wei Tu married her, he had never taken a concubine. From beginning to end, she had remained his only wife.
But now, she was already over thirty.
If she failed to bear a son within the next few years, even if she became pregnant later, childbirth at an older age would carry serious risks.
—She understood the dangers of pregnancy for older women.
Just as Xinghua had predicted—
After Wei Tu posted the notice at his residence, neither Xiao Fang nor the Dan family brought up the idea of a betrothal for Wei Yanyan again.
Two months later.
Through Wei Tu's diligent efforts, Xinghua finally got pregnant for the fourth time.
This time, with past experience, she was much more cautious. To ensure the baby's health, she spent silver to rent a small courtyard near a medical clinic and moved in for a safer environment.
During this period, Wei Tu also diverted a portion of his internal energy to help Xinghua nourish her body, ensuring she was in peak condition for childbirth.
Ten months of pregnancy.
The time finally arrived.
When the baby was born, Xinghua—exhausted beyond measure—clutched Wei Tu tightly, tears of joy streaming down her face.
"Wei Ge'er, it's a boy!"
With those words, she lost consciousness in the birthing chamber.
It wasn't uncommon for women to faint after childbirth.
After checking her condition and confirming there were no major issues, Wei Tu finally turned his gaze to the newborn baby in the midwife's arms.
"Organs are developed well, breathing is stable… Looks like this child will grow strong and healthy."
Wei Tu let out a long sigh of relief.
His first child, born years ago, had been weak from birth. If he hadn't forced himself to transfer internal energy into the child…
That baby wouldn't have even survived for three days, let alone until nearly a month before passing away.
Now, this fourth child—though physically ordinary and still at risk—had a much stronger chance at survival.
With his abilities, as long as the baby didn't contract a major illness, he was confident he could keep him healthy.
Wei Tu's eldest son, or rather, the second son of the Wei family, soon celebrated his one-month banquet and first birthday feast.
At the first birthday ceremony, Wei Erlang reached out and grabbed a small calligraphy brush.
Seeing this, Wei Tu named him Wei Xiuwen, signifying his hope that his son would one day achieve greatness in the literary arts.
But just half a month after Wei Xiuwen's first birthday, tragic news arrived at the Wei residence—news that made Wei Tu's heart sink.
"My father… he won't last much longer."
The messenger was Dan Yan Gong, who arrived dust-covered and weary, his face filled with sorrow.
"A few days ago, my father could still drink wine and eat meat, finishing three full bowls of rice in one meal. But yesterday at noon, his voice suddenly failed him, and his complexion darkened…"
Hearing this, Wei Tu wasted no time in asking further questions.
Without hesitation, he strode out of the house, made his way to the stables, and mounted his horse, spurring it toward Sanyuan Township at full speed.
Before departing—
He instructed Xinghua, who had rushed over upon hearing the commotion, to go and find Fu Zhizhou, requesting that he submit a leave of absence on his behalf at the Provincial Administration Office.
As the Defense Officer of the Prefectural City, Western Gate Defense Officer, his position was not one of great responsibility, but leaving without permission was still forbidden unless there was a special reason.
If he abandoned his post without approval—
The consequences would be severe.
Half a day later—
Wei Tu arrived at the Dan Family Stronghold in Sanyuan Township.
"Where is Master?"
As he reached the entrance of the inner courtyard, he spotted Madam Gao, who was pacing anxiously in the yard. Wei Tu frowned slightly, as if realizing something, and immediately asked.
By logic—
As the concubine who had accompanied Dan Wu Ju for nearly twenty years, Madam Gao should not have left his side in his final moments.
Once Dan Wu Ju passed away—
If Dan Yan Gong or Dan Fang were generous, they might still allow Madam Gao to stay and be provided for.
But if they were heartless, they would cast her out, forcing her to return to her maiden family with nothing.
For Madam Gao, it would make more sense to remain by Dan Wu Ju's bedside, ensuring she gained some favor before his passing.
Why was she standing here instead?
"Miss has returned."
"She brought her… martial artist husband, and they've blocked the entrance to the living quarters, driving me out…"
Seeing that it was Wei Tu speaking, Madam Gao lowered her head and bit her lip, explaining softly.
"I see."
Wei Tu nodded slightly, immediately understanding the situation.
Given Dan Fang's domineering and aggressive nature, it was no surprise that she had done such a thing.
At this moment, Wei Tu also noticed—
A faint palm mark still lingered on Madam Gao's right cheek.
It was barely visible, concealed by powder, but it was there.
Wei Tu could easily guess that this slap had likely come from Dan Fang herself.
"Come with me."
Without hesitation, Wei Tu strode toward the living quarters, throwing out a single command to Madam Gao.
Under normal circumstances, he had no right to interfere in the Dan family's internal affairs.
But not interfering didn't mean he would tolerate Dan Fang's arrogance, especially when she wouldn't even allow Madam Gao to enter the room.
—For more than ten years, Madam Gao had cared for Dan Wu Ju with unwavering devotion.
Wei Tu had witnessed it all.
He knew how much Dan Wu Ju valued her.
"Thank you."
Hearing his words, Madam Gao's sorrowful face lit up with a hint of joy.
She quickly fell in behind Wei Tu, offering a half-bow of gratitude, then followed him closely.
In no time—
Wei Tu led Madam Gao through the courtyard, arriving at the main living quarters, where Dan Wu Ju lay.
"You… blocking the door, do you intend to stop me from entering?"
Wei Tu stood before Qiao Tai, Dan Fang's husband, his eyes narrowing slightly as he assessed the burly man in embroidered robes.
A chill spread across his expression.
Qiao Tai remained silent, his massive frame standing like a wall in front of the wooden door, refusing to let them pass.
Snap!
The air crackled.
Wei Tu let out a cold snort, no longer holding back.
He drew the horsewhip from his belt and lashed it toward Qiao Tai with full force.
Against Dan Fang, he would still show restraint, considering Dan Wu Ju's ties.
But against Qiao Tai, this mere son-in-law of the Dan family—
He had no reason to show mercy.