Chapter 18: I Am the Biological Father

“First, the woman Liu, who serves my mother, is a pawn placed by that person, intending to move against Yueya,” Meng Wenxuan said, extending a finger.

“What?” Even the usually composed head of the Meng family nearly shouted upon hearing this.

Liu was the steward entrusted with managing his wife’s dowry shop for over twenty years, always cautious and dependable. Meng knew well how much his wife trusted Liu—it was unthinkable that she could be a pawn of that adversary.

Would that mean he had been under that person’s surveillance every day for over two decades?

Fortunately, he had always been careful not to reveal such matters to his wife, but now a chill ran down his spine.

Then he considered: if this were true, how many others like Liu might there be within the Meng family? After all, he had seven daughters-in-law, each with numerous attendants.

Cold sweat broke out on his back.

Meng Wenxuan made a shushing gesture and raised two fingers. “Second, my daughter—your granddaughter—was born with a special gift. She can perceive if someone harbors ill intent toward her. This is how your granddaughter discovered it, and after I investigated, I confirmed it.”

The patriarch of the Meng family patted his chest, trying to calm himself. Though he had long known that this long-awaited granddaughter bore some extraordinary qualities, he never imagined she would be so remarkable from birth.

“How did you confirm it?” the family head asked once he regained composure.

Meng Wenxuan recounted how his mother had visited his daughter today, bringing her milk goat, and how his daughter’s reaction upon seeing Liu revealed everything. He then explained the agreement he had made with his daughter.

The patriarch fell silent for a long moment after hearing the story.

Meng Wenxuan remained quiet, waiting patiently for his father to process the news and make a decision.

Looking at his youngest son, the patriarch reflected that although he had always been mischievous, he was also the cleverest of the seven brothers.

His mischief and rebelliousness were merely outlets for his untamed spirit—something his father understood better than anyone.

According to the Meng family’s rules, all male members were forbidden from official government service or engaging in commerce.

But this applied only to the direct line of the family. Those branched off as collateral lines were still barred from official posts but faced no other restrictions.

The direct line’s wealth, apart from ancestral holdings, came from the tributes and offerings annually presented by these collateral branches.

Once separated, collateral lines received substantial inheritances but were obligated by family law to present tributes and offerings to the direct line each year.

Thus, while the direct line did not engage in business, it enjoyed a comfortable life supported by ancestral assets and the contributions from collateral branches.

After all, the Meng family had been established for centuries, with a vast extended family.

Consequently, the sons of the Meng family’s direct line had little to do beyond studying and teaching.

Before marriage, they traveled for scholarly pursuits; afterward, they settled down to teach at the Hanmo Academy.

Only the youngest son, Meng Wenxuan, had been indulged from childhood, developing a rebellious nature. He found his own wives during his travels.

But seeing his youngest son’s actions today, the patriarch realized this son was truly a rare talent.

“What do you intend to do?” the patriarch asked.

Meng Wenxuan was taken aback—it was the first time his father sought his opinion.

He did not hold back; this was not the time for secrecy.

“This matter with Liu shows our Meng family is not invulnerable. There must be others like her. Acting against Liu now would alert others, but we also cannot allow her to harm Yueya. I want you to think of a way to send her away temporarily. During that time, we need to thoroughly investigate the Meng household. We must prevent such threats from arising again—at least not from within our own family.”

The patriarch was not surprised by his youngest son’s thoroughness and nodded. “Sending Liu away is easy, but how can you guarantee no one else we don’t know about will target Yueya in her absence?”

Meng Wenxuan had clearly thought it through. “Yueya can sense anyone who harbors malice toward her. We can use that ability to root out spies in the household.”

“Aren’t you worried Yueya might slip up?” The patriarch was cautious. Though he acknowledged his granddaughter’s special gift, she was just a newborn, with limited strength and spirit. He could not allow any accidents.

Meng Wenxuan replied, “That’s why Yueya must always be guarded by us. I have only told you about her gift. I will explain it to Yuntang when I return but won’t tell anyone else for now.”

The patriarch nodded, acknowledging his son’s careful approach. “We can’t rely solely on Yueya to find spies. She’s too young—her main tasks are to eat, sleep, and grow well. Nothing must harm her.”

Meng Wenxuan glanced at his father and reminded him, “I am her biological father.”

The patriarch smiled. “Alright, go back. Tomorrow Liu will be sent away. Your eldest brother has gone to invite the jade carving master. You brothers can discuss what to do next. But think carefully about how to uncover the culprits without alerting them. Too many people are watching us openly and secretly, including some we don’t even know.”

The patriarch intended to train his sons, especially the youngest. Today he discovered this son was not only clever but something more.

Meng Wenxuan nodded. “Okay, it’s late now. Tomorrow I’ll treat my brothers to a drink—after all, I have a daughter now.”

The patriarch’s lips twitched—this boy was full of schemes.

Meng Wenxuan returned to his courtyard just as his wife awoke, frowning as she ate her confinement meal.

He glanced at his daughter sleeping sprawled on the bed and softly asked, “Not tasty?”

Lin Yuntang nodded slightly and picked up a dish with her chopsticks, offering it to him.

Meng Wenxuan took a bite. “It’s bland and awful. Yuntang, bear with it today—I’ll ask the court physician tomorrow how to make the confinement meals both delicious and nutritious.”

Lin Yuntang smiled at his words. “Okay.”

Meng Wenxuan sat at the bedside, watching his wife eat and his daughter sleeping peacefully, heart swelling with happiness. He smiled foolishly.

Lin Yuntang was speechless. After finishing her meal, seeing him gaze at them so fondly, she couldn’t help but ask, “Do you like them that much?”

Without hesitation, Meng Wenxuan replied, “Yes, very much. Especially you two—my life is complete with you both.”

Though pleased, Lin Yuntang still asked, “Don’t you want a son?”

She was likely the only woman in the Great Yu Empire whose entire husband’s family was delighted to have a daughter.

Though the Meng family traditionally bore sons, her husband had none. She wanted to know if he wished for a son, and if having one would lessen his affection for their daughter.

Meng Wenxuan looked at his wife. “We’ve known each other for years. Have I ever been insincere with you?”

Lin Yuntang teased him with a glance. “Don’t dodge the question—answer me directly.”