Chapter 97: Carefully Choosing an Heir to Continue the Lineage

By July eighteenth, the matriarch first invited the esteemed elders of the clan to the outer garden, and then gathered the heads of each branch along with their children in one place. Yun Xian and the steward Yun were also present to conduct a preliminary selection, rather than making a final decision outright. This approach surprised many but was nonetheless reasonable.

Everyone noticed that the dignified Lady of the Li Xin Marquisate was absent, as was the second young master of the Yun household. It was clear to all that these two had fallen from favor.

After the preliminary selection on July eighteenth, the branches returned to their gardens to await news. Chu Xiu, having not participated in the selection, and with no one coming to inquire at Zhiyan Pavilion, finally enjoyed some peace and quiet. Meanwhile, Yun Xian’s Changfeng Pavilion was teeming with people, with endless streams of news circulating daily, none of which came directly from Yun Xian himself.

Two days later, the preliminary results were announced. Ultimately, the matriarch selected only six children, while those who were not chosen were given equally valuable rewards, ensuring their efforts were not in vain.

The remaining children who passed the preliminary round were placed under strict supervision to prevent any poisoning or sabotage—precautions taken against potential dangers.

On the morning of July twenty-second, the matriarch summoned Chu Xiu to dine with her. Afterwards, in the Rongjin Hall, she conducted a further screening of the remaining children. Present in the inner hall were only the matriarch, the six children, and herself.

Scanning the children brought by each branch, Chu Xiu noticed a curious pattern: some were as young as two or three years old, but those who passed the preliminary selection all had considerable stature. The youngest were at least four or five years old, while the tallest appeared to be seven or eight.

Chu Xiu was puzzled. Aren’t younger children easier to educate? Wouldn’t more mature children be more likely to develop rebellious thoughts in the future?

As if reading her mind, the matriarch quietly said, “A few days ago, I discussed with the clan elders that this is the selection of an heir for the Li Xin Marquisate, not just finding a child to be a wet nurse.”

Chu Xiu was taken aback by the analogy and didn’t know how to respond, but the matriarch continued, “Older children are better. You can roughly judge their character and intelligence. What use are two- or three-year-olds? They may look good now, but who knows what they will become?”

“But isn’t there a saying, ‘You can tell a person’s character at three years old’?” Chu Xiu asked.

“That’s nonsense!” the matriarch snorted coldly. “If that were true, Yun Qi would have been the most beloved as a child — sensible, respectful of elders, and sweet-tongued, far better than Cier or the third son. And now?”

Chu Xiu could only smile, understanding the matriarch’s meaning. There was no need to hide the child’s origins; on the contrary, the child should be told he was adopted. As long as he was kind-hearted and grateful, there was no worry he wouldn’t strive diligently and be filial.

“I won’t say more. I won’t tell you which families these children come from. You just observe them, and tell me which one you favor,” the matriarch said, handing over the decision with a nod before turning her attention back to the sutras.

Chu Xiu was at a loss. Not only had she never been a mother, but how could she judge in such a short time? She glanced over the six children, lined up by height, all with handsome features and dressed in brocade robes. Regardless of age, they stood with bowed heads, obediently awaiting questions.

The longer Chu Xiu looked, the less inspired she felt. For some reason, these children seemed to lack something. Perhaps it was because of her love for Yun Ci, and her mental image of the heir was clear — the appearance, temperament, and talent should all resemble Yun Ci to be worthy of the Li Xin Marquisate.

She felt confused. Though the children were still young and their characters undeveloped, she hoped to see something familiar in them. Yet, she was disappointed.

Sighing softly, Chu Xiu handed the difficult choice back to the matriarch. “Please decide. I really can’t see anything.”

The matriarch’s expression remained unchanged; she didn’t even raise an eyelid, flipping a page in the sutra before replying, “It’s you choosing your son, not me. This child will be your responsibility to raise. Just choose the one you find pleasing.”

Chu Xiu was even more troubled and was about to speak when a report came from outside the door. It was from Zhuying: “Matriarch, madam, a branch from Beixi Minzhou was delayed on the road for several days but has just arrived at the manor. They have also brought a child and wish to pay respects.”

“Pay respects?” The phrase was well chosen—no complaints or mention of the selection, just a formal greeting. Chu Xiu cautiously looked at the matriarch, awaiting instructions.

The matriarch casually placed the sutra on the table and said, “Whatever the reason, missing the preliminary selection means missing the chance. Give them a reward and send them off.”

“Matriarch...” Chu Xiu hesitated, “Zhuying said this branch is from Beixi Minzhou. There is war in Beixi now, and Minzhou is the rebel Chen family’s stronghold. They must have suffered much on the road. Traveling such a distance to participate shows their sincerity. Perhaps you should see them.”

After pondering, she added, “There might be an unexpected surprise.”

Hearing this, the matriarch slowly looked at Chu Xiu, raising an eyebrow with a smile. “You don’t like any of these children, do you? You want to see the Minzhou branch’s?”

Chu Xiu bit her lip and remained silent, tacitly agreeing.

The matriarch nodded. “It’s true they were delayed by the war, and the attack is real. If someone opposed their participation, perhaps the child they brought is outstanding. If you want to see, then see.”

She motioned for Zhuying to bring them in.

The Minzhou branch was very prudent; no bystanders entered the Rongjin Hall. Only the head of the branch and the child entered. The father and son knelt and bowed: “Yun Tan of the Minzhou branch, with son Yun Bin, pay respects to the matriarch and madam. We were delayed by the war and ask for forgiveness.”

The matriarch and Chu Xiu exchanged surprised glances. Yun Tan did not complain or mention the attack, only attributing the delay to the war in Beixi.

The matriarch noticed both father and son wore all black, unlike other branches who dressed their children in ornate brocade. She was somewhat pleased and deliberately asked, “Why are you both dressed in black? Has a loved one suffered misfortune?”

Yun Tan did not look up and replied, “Thank you for your concern, matriarch. No casualties on the road. The black clothes... are for the Marquis.”

Upon hearing this, Chu Xiu’s nose tingled. Yun Tan continued, “When the Marquis passed away, the Minzhou branch arrived late and missed the funeral. I have carried guilt ever since.”

“It’s not your fault. Beixi is mountainous and distant; the journey is difficult. Stand and speak,” the matriarch said kindly.

Yun Tan rose, and Chu Xiu took the opportunity to observe. He was around thirty, with sharp, handsome features. She wondered about his son. Looking to the black-clad youth beside him, perhaps around ** years old, he did not bow his head but only nodded slightly. Unlike other children who appeared timid and overly obedient, he showed neither disrespect nor excessive fear.

Perhaps Yun Tan had set the proper tone upon entering, for Chu Xiu found herself favorably impressed with the boy. Just as she was about to ask him to raise his head, the boy lifted his gaze himself. Chu Xiu’s heart skipped a beat, and before she could speak, the matriarch murmured, “Ci’er...”

Chu Xiu turned to see the matriarch’s eyes narrowed as if deep in thought. The black-eyed youth’s gaze shimmered, reminiscent of the night she first met Yun Ci. His nose bridge, face shape, even the jawline bore a striking resemblance.

At least sixty to seventy percent alike, and this was only a **-year-old youth!

Chu Xiu clenched her handkerchief tightly, tears threatening to fall. The matriarch also stared fixedly at the boy, whispering, “So alike... exactly like Ci’er as a child.”

In that moment, the two women exchanged a look, as if having reached a silent decision. But the matriarch was no sentimentalist. Seeing the boy lift his eyes on his own, she asked, “Everyone knows not to look when it’s improper, and not to raise one’s head without summons. How did you come to disregard etiquette?”

The boy frowned thoughtfully and, without fear or unease, answered calmly, “This is my first time meeting matriarch and madam. Out of respect, I could not help but raise my head. I admit it was improper, and beg your forgiveness.”

His words were honest, his tone somewhat mature but still youthful. Calling himself “junior” showed he was unsure how to address them properly, cautious not to offend. He was a careful, polite child.

The matriarch glanced at Chu Xiu, signaling her to ask questions.

Chu Xiu hesitated, then asked Yun Tan, “Has the child’s mother come?”

To judge a child properly, one must consider the mother.

Yun Tan’s face clouded with sorrow. “His mother was frail and passed away four years ago. As head of the Minzhou branch, I am burdened with many affairs and have not been able to discipline my son closely. It was only by the clan’s favor that my son was recommended to participate in the heir selection…”

In a few words, much was revealed. Despite his youth, Yun Tan held a respected position. Though his wife had passed, he had managed to raise his son well. If the child were truly adopted, he would surely grow close to his adoptive mother.

The matriarch considered this carefully. She knew an important fact: Minzhou in Beixi was the rebel Chen family’s stronghold. As head of the Yun clan there, Yun Tan had to pacify the clan and resist the Chen family’s pressures. Yet all reports she had heard indicated the Minzhou branch remained stable, proving Yun Tan’s capability.

Thinking this over, the matriarch regarded Yun Tan and his son more highly. She then asked, “Since your wife passed, have you remarried?”

Yun Tan lowered his eyes. “There are concubines managing family affairs, but no plans for remarriage.” His expression was calm, devoid of the earlier sorrow, likely restrained on purpose.

He seemed a devoted man. The Yun clan was known for loyalty and affection. With such a father, this child’s potential was promising. Moreover, his resemblance to Yun Ci suggested fate.

The matriarch looked at Chu Xiu, who nodded eagerly, and sighed again. “Yun Tan, you must understand, from now on, this child will recognize only the Li Xin Marquis as father and Madam Chu Xiu as mother. He will no longer have blood ties with you.”

Yun Tan paused, seeming both reluctant and resolute. “That is my son’s blessing. It is better for him to be with you than remain in Minzhou.” His face showed no joy, unlike one clinging to wealth and status. Whether genuine or feigned, it was rare.

Caring for one’s child is every parent’s wish and understandable.

The matriarch nodded. “The heir to the Li Xin Marquisate must be courageous and decisive. Just now, he dared to raise his eyes to me—that alone pleases me. He shall stay.”