The princess regretted it.

Chapter 279 Wu Anshuo's Hope

Thinking of this, Wu Anshuo's suspicions grew even deeper. No wonder his earlier appeals for help from certain forces during his predicament fell on deaf ears, with no response. He presumably assumed they had more comprehensive plans and more solid support, having long since forgotten his crumbling Marquisate. On reflection, it was understandable. How could his increasingly declining Marquisate compete with the thriving Protectorate's Mansion? Furthermore, the Protectorate's Mansion was overseen by the highly respected Grand Princess and the renowned Old Duke. Within the court, their connections, prestige, and power were unparalleled.

Once trust between people collapses, all past friendships become as fragile as a candle in the wind. Alliances that once seemed indestructible may crumble and vanish in an instant. Just like the alliance of interests between Wu Anshuo and Zhangsun Wuwang, once the cracks in trust appear, they will continue to grow and become vulnerable to shocks and impacts.

When Wu Anshuo was in dire straits and urgently needed Zhangsun Wuwang's help, if he didn't get the result he expected, he would feel that the other party was abandoning him, leaving him in a state of deep isolation and helplessness. In this way, this alliance would backfire.

At this moment, an even more alarming thought flashed through Wu Anshuo's mind: Could the grain robbery during the transport have been orchestrated by the Third Prince? Zhong Chuzhou's sudden appearance was also quite puzzling. Could it be a deliberate, carefully planned trap, orchestrated from the outset, designed to lead to his and Feng'er's deaths in this seemingly accidental event? And yet, Zhong Chuzhou would profit from this, reaping the benefits, furthering the trust of the Zhong and Mu families and bolstering his future power struggle?

As he thought about this, Wu Anshuo felt a chill run down his back, his clothes soaked with sweat, and his hatred for Changsun Wuwang deepened. Just as he was thinking of all sorts of dark ways to deal with Changsun Wuwang, he suddenly heard Fan's voice, slightly joyful yet a touch tired, as she mentioned Lanzhu's premature birth of a baby boy.

This news was like a ray of light that pierced through the dark and heavy thoughts in his heart, causing them to collapse. A bright light flashed in his eyes, and he looked at Fan with some joy.

His Wu family had an heir! In the difficult times of the Marquis's mansion, which was in turmoil and full of crises, the birth of this new life was undoubtedly a lamp of hope lit in the dark night. He seemed to see the dawn of the continuation of the Wu family.

Although he was only a bastard, he knew full well that the Marquisate was no longer what it once was. Although Changfeng's looks and talent were outstanding, his family was now mired in trouble, its prestige and influence in the court declining. According to the standards of the past, marrying a daughter-in-law of a distinguished family background was now as difficult as ascending to heaven.

Lanzhu, on the other hand, had been Jin'an's personal confidante, and she had been personally granted the title of concubine by the Emperor. While the circumstances surrounding the marriage were somewhat shady, perhaps concealing the Emperor's deliberations and political schemes, it was nonetheless a genuine imperial decree. This child, therefore, was unlike any other illegitimate son. If Changfeng and I could not recover from our injuries, this child would be the bearer of the Wu family's future hopes.

He clenched his skinny hands into fists and kept saying, "Okay, okay! Madam, you must take good care of this child."

Fan wiped the tears from her eyes again and nodded. "Don't worry, my Lord," she replied, "I've already made all the necessary arrangements. From the midwife and wet nurse to the maids, every one has been carefully selected to ensure the child has no mishaps. It's just that the child hasn't been named yet. Since you're the child's grandfather, it's only fitting that you should choose the name."

Upon hearing this, Wu Anshuo tilted his head slightly, gazing through the window at the vast, lofty sky. After a moment, he spoke slowly, "This child has arrived in such a precarious time, carrying the immense burden of our Marquisate and the mission of reviving our family. I hope he will one day rise like the rising sun, bringing glory to the Marquisate. Let's name him 'Yaozu'. May he emulate his ancestors, bring honor to our family, and bless our Wu family with prosperity for generations to come." His eyes were filled with hope as he spoke.

Fan was slightly taken aback by Wu Anshuo's words. She subconsciously bit her lower lip, her brow furrowed slightly. After a moment's hesitation, she whispered, "Marquis, this is a bastard's son after all. Isn't this name too noble? Can the child of his status bear it? And will it affect Changfeng's marriage?" Her voice was soft and cautious. She worried that if others knew that the Marquis's Mansion attached so much importance to a bastard's son, it would be difficult for Wu Changfeng's wife to look upon him.

Wu Anshuo glanced at Fan with a slightly cold look, "Can't you see the current situation of the Marquis' Mansion?" His voice was low and suppressed, "Changfeng's marriage? Humph, let's not talk about others, just look at your sister. Has she mentioned marrying Qianyi to Changfeng recently? The situation in the capital has long made it impossible for our Jinwu Marquis' Mansion to have a place. Various forces are changing their stance according to the situation and trying to avoid us. Our Marquis' Mansion is now in a precarious situation and is on the verge of collapse!"

He paused, took a deep breath, calmed himself down, and continued, "What kind of noble lady do you think Changfeng can marry? Although the son born to Lanzhu is a bastard, he is now the new hope of the Marquis' Mansion. What's wrong with having high hopes for him? This name carries not only glory, but also the hope for the Marquis' Mansion to survive." After saying that, he looked out the window again, his eyes filled with deep reluctance.

Fan did not dare to refute Wu Anshuo's words, so the frail newborn baby had to bear heavy expectations without knowing whether he could grow up smoothly.

Jin An was unaware of what was happening outside the palace. She was being seated at the dressing table while Hong Yu and Zi Yun were busy preparing her attire for tonight's palace banquet. Han Shuang had been sent by her to the Duke of Huguo's mansion to gather information.

Nanny Zhao had a particularly deep smile on her face today. Now that the Master of the Mu family had returned triumphantly, he would surely have a successful career in the future. In this way, her young master would have a more secure support in the future.

Inside the palace, Concubine Cen was struggling to maintain her health while arranging all the preparations for the evening banquet. Mingyue was also diligently assisting Concubine Cen. The others in the palace were also busy with their respective tasks in an orderly manner. Even the Second and Third Princes were brought along by the Emperor to discuss matters.

The entire palace was busy with the preparations for the celebration banquet, and of course there were also people busy with different things.