Chapter 566: Chapter 566: Zhong Yi, Let’s Have a Child

In the Zhong Family’s study, infused with the rich scent of ink,

Old Master Zhong was seated in a thick chair carved with dragon heads, with Zhong Lingxiao and a nervous Lin Xifei standing beside him. Zhong Lingxiao had just handed the pregnancy test report to the Old Master of the Zhong Family.

“I have taken Xifei for a comprehensive examination, confirming that she is indeed pregnant. Furthermore, we consulted a renowned master who indicated that this child is very likely to be a boy.”

As the year’s end drew closer, even the normally composed Zhong Lingxiao became somewhat restless.

If Zhong Yi and Lu Yingxue were to be engaged and Lu Yingxue then happened to become pregnant by accident,

the position of the heir would be firmly secured.

He could not just hand over the immense family business of the Zhongs to an illegitimate child.

Thus, he had to prove to the Old Master that he was capable of fathering a child.

Old Master Zhong’s fingers tapped lightly on the chair as his shrewd eyes scanned the two people before him.

He looked at Lin Xifei: “Are you truly bearing Lingxiao’s child?”

Very oppressive!

Lin Xifei’s fingers curled up, her back went cold, and she was terrified!

“Yes… To answer the Old Master, I am indeed pregnant.” She dared not fool the Zhong Family with the pregnancy, but the risks involved were known only to Lin Xifei herself.

Old Master Zhong said slowly: “The bloodline of the Zhong Family must not be confused, and the Zhong Family will not tolerate deceit from others.”

Zhong Lingxiao’s expression revealed some relief, confidently saying, “Don’t worry, Old Master. Xifei has been with me for many years and has always been obedient. The doctor mentioned that a DNA test could be done in three to five months. When the time comes, I will submit the report for your review.”

He himself was very strict about his offspring.

Cannot be confused!

The Old Master asked again: “How far along is the child?”

Lin Xifei’s throat tightened as she said, “Four weeks pregnant, just found out.”

“Hmm, take good care of your health. The Zhong Family will provide you with everything you’re due.”

“Thank you, Old Master!”

Old Master Zhong then turned to Zhong Lingxiao, advising, “Take good care of your wife, the Zhao Family is also a family with status. Given your special situation, I will not hold you accountable for this matter.”

“I understand. The Zhao Family has always been very reasonable, looking to me for guidance. Shuyuan is a very generous and virtuous wife.”

Zhao Shuyuan and Zhong Lingxiao treat each other with mutual respect, not very intimate.

Zhong Lingxiao having a mistress was something she never inquired about, nor did she confront him about it.

It seemed that she had tacitly consented to his behavior. The Zhao Family even proposed that if someone becomes pregnant, the child could be brought back home to raise.

To be treated as if born in wedlock, so as not to attract criticism.

In reality, the Zhao Family just wanted to maintain Zhao Shuyuan’s status in the Zhong Family. Zhong Lingxiao held some contempt for this in his heart, especially mindful of Zhao Shuyuan’s past involvement with Zhong Yi.

Who knows whether anything truly happened that night.

Knock knock.

The door to the study was knocked on.

The butler gently cracked open the door, reminding, “Old Master, Young Master Zhong Yi has returned.”

“Let him in.”

“Yes.”

“Young Master Zhong Yi, please.”

The butler stepped aside, and Zhong Yi, walking straight in, greeted the Old Master with an indifferent expression, then said to Zhong Lingxiao, “Big brother.”

He gave ample face in public.

“Second brother.”

Zhong Lingxiao smiled, his face betraying none of his distaste for the illegitimate child.

Just like the rumors suggested, they were amicable brothers, but beneath the surface, the battle for inheritance was full of undercurrents.

Zhong Yi’s gaze swept over the tense Lin Xifei before turning to the Old Master, “You asked for me, do you have any instructions?”

“Your brother is going to be a father. I wanted to share the good news with you.”

Old Master Zhong’s intention was to stir and warn Zhong Yi. To prevent this wayward son from straying too far, he also wanted Zhong Yi to know he had other options.

Though Lingxiao’s schemes may be slightly inferior to Zhong Yi’s, he is also capable of shouldering great responsibilities!

After all, he has been raised to the standards of a successor since childhood, so how bad could he be?

Zhong Yi looked at Zhong Lingxiao with a faint smile and said, “Congratulations, big brother. You can finally prove yourself to the people of the Imperial Capital. Otherwise, there are rumors out there saying you’re infertile. You must take extra care with this child, and ensure a safe birth!”

He then slowly glanced over Lin Xifei’s belly and said, “I remember a few years ago Miss Lin was also pregnant, and my big brother hadn’t even had the chance to be happy before that child was miscarried carelessly. Let’s hope this year’s joy doesn’t turn into sadness.”

Upon hearing this, Zhong Lingxiao’s eyes flashed with a chilly gleam: “Thank you for your reminder, this time I’ve hired a nutritionist and a nanny to accompany her throughout the entire process, there will be absolutely no mishaps.”

This child is his hope!

“Oh.”

Zhong Yi replied indifferently.

That expression deserved a beating.

Old Master Zhong watched the two brothers’ overt and covert confrontations, lowering his eyes as he spoke, “Zhong Yi, you’re to be engaged to the Lu Family’s girl on the 8th next month. After the engagement, it’s time to think about having children.”

Zhong Yi responded perfunctorily: “Understood.”

The Old Master glanced at them and dropped a bombshell: “Zhong Family has reached this stage of development; it’s enough just to guard what we have. I will reconsider the selection of the heir. Zhong Yi, if Yingxue doesn’t conceive by the year’s end, I’ll have to suspect whether you have other loyalties.”

He intended to have the young man take his heart back.

If it’s not taken back, then he’ll lose the position of heir.

A person preoccupied with personal affections cannot lead the Zhong Family to greater heights.

The words of Old Master fell silent.

The two brothers’ expressions diverged.

Zhong Lingxiao didn’t expect that a child could indeed lead to such a drastic turn of events; it had been widely rumored throughout the Imperial Capital that Zhong Yi was to be the next heir of the Zhong Family!

Yet, he hadn’t expected Old Master to harbor discontent towards Zhong Yi!

Before the year’s end, if Lu Yingxue isn’t pregnant, then Zhong Yi might lose his ticket to compete for the position of heir!

“Little brother, it seems you need to put in some effort.”

Zhong Lingxiao’s tone carried a hint of genuine mirth.

Zhong Yi’s beautiful eyes were filled with cold indifference, meeting the Old Master’s gaze!

He understood the old man’s intentions!

The Trial of Needles, his cooperation with Huo Xingzhou, had indeed completely infuriated him!

This was to make his stance clear!

To vie for the position of heir, he must live contentedly with Lu Yingxue and focus on having children, throwing all past minor love and affections to the back of his mind!

“Zhong Yi, do you understand what I’m saying?”

The Old Master’s voice was loud as he asked again.

Zhong Yi stood tall, his voice cold: “I understand.”

“If you understand, then go take care of it. I am very satisfied with both of you children’s capabilities.”

So what remains is to compete in the ability to bear children?

Spreading the word would be laughable.

The way the foremost noble family of the Imperial Capital chooses its heir has become such a joke!

“All of you, leave. I want some peace. Butler, make me a cup of tea.”

“Yes, Old Master.”

The butler escorted the two brothers out of the study, brewed a cup of warm tea for the Old Master, and asked softly, “Why are you putting so much pressure on the young master? Having children is also a matter of fate.”

Old Master Zhong’s rough fingers picked up the tea cup, blew away the froth, and said: “I have to force him to show his loyalty to the Zhong Family. If he really does it, that’s when you can tell how much he cares about the heir’s position. I’m not afraid of them fighting; I’m afraid that some people care more for things other than the heir’s position.”

He took a sip of tea and said, “It’s not yet certain who will sharpen whom.”

That boy had better not get entangled with the girl from Moon Village!

Recently, it was intentional on his part to keep the two under his watchful eye.

“If he’s smart, he’ll draw clear boundaries with her and treat Yingxue even better and more considerately. Butler, call the Lu Family and invite Yingxue over tomorrow. Also, pass on my words to Zhong Yi today.”

“Yes.”

The butler refilled his tea, not daring to ask more about “her” mentioned in his words.