World's First Traitor System (388)

Chapter 388 - Father-in-Law Knows Best

When Qing Qiu returned, her elegant green robes were stained crimson. Fan Li’s heart leaped into his throat.

“Are you alright?!” He rushed to her side, but she seemed unharmed, her expression, however, was more subdued than usual.

She shook her head slightly. “He escaped.”

“What?” Fan Li was taken aback.

Qing Qiu glanced at him, then lowered her head like a child caught in mischief. “Yan Shifan escaped. There were twelve men. Not powerful, but they cultivated self-destructing techniques. They delayed me. By the time I broke through, he was gone.”

The Embroidered Uniform Guard’s Twelve Protectors had sacrificed themselves to ensure Yan Shifan’s escape. Looking at Qing Qiu’s downcast expression, Fan Li knew her sadness wasn’t entirely due to the failed pursuit. It was the loss of her clone. They looked at each other, words unnecessary. Impulsively, Fan Li drew her into his arms. Her body stiffened momentarily, then relaxed against him. He felt the shift, the unspoken comfort, but he knew this wasn't the time for sentiment. He hesitated, then spoke.

“Come… live in the palace.”

“Mmm.”

…

Back in Jin City, Fan Li recounted the events to his brother, who listened with a mixture of astonishment and concern.

“Brother,” Fan Li said gravely, “return to the Great Chu. With Wu Zhao’s ascension, the Later Jin and Southern Tang, no longer restrained, will surely act. Those who descend from Heaven have a certain… disregard for the mortal realm.”

“Alright.” Fan Zhengming nodded. He managed the Fan Clan Trading Company, a responsibility Fan Li rarely interfered with. A snake couldn't function without its head. If war erupted between the Great Chu and Later Jin, the trading company, without Fan Zhengming’s guidance, would surely be caught in the crossfire.

After his brother’s departure, Fan Li prepared to meet with his officials.

“Your Majesty,” Eunuch Qin Shun whispered, “you haven’t yet met with your father-in-law.”

Father-in-law? Fan Li blinked, then remembered Lu Chunqiu. “Where is he?”

“In the harem, Your Majesty, instructing Princess Chan in her studies. Their lesson should conclude shortly.”

Fan Li was puzzled. Diao Chan was barely a toddler. She was already studying? He rarely paid attention to the child, who was neither related by blood nor conventional in her origins. He hadn't expected Lu Chunqiu, the esteemed Marquis Wenxin, to personally tutor her. Was it affection for his granddaughter, or did Diao Chan possess some hidden talent?

Fan Li hurried towards the harem, unaware that Qing Qiu followed, her tail swishing softly behind her.

“Marquis, it’s been a while!” Fan Li called out, entering a side room in the Empress’s quarters, now converted into a makeshift study.

Lu Chunqiu sat with a book in his hand, lecturing. Before him, little Diao Chan, though tiny, knelt properly, her own book held respectfully, mimicking Lu Chunqiu’s intonation as she recited the text.

Fan Li’s sudden entrance, especially his overly familiar greeting, seemed to irritate Lu Chunqiu. The old man frowned and glared at him in silence.

Fan Li scratched his head, unsure of his offense.

“Father,” Diao Chan’s sweet voice suddenly said, “my lesson isn’t over yet. The study is a place of learning. Parents should excuse themselves.”

Excuse himself? Fan Li pointed at his own nose, wondering if he had misheard. As Emperor, was there anywhere in his own palace he couldn’t be? Yet, Lu Chunqiu, hearing Diao Chan’s words, his frown softened, his gaze towards his granddaughter filled with affection.

“Marquis, I…” Fan Li began awkwardly, unsure if he should retreat.

“Get out!” Lu Chunqiu snapped. “You’re an Emperor, yet you behave worse than a child!”

The tone, like a father scolding his son, stunned Fan Li. He retreated. What was going on? Lu Chunqiu had always treated him with respect, even deference. Why the sudden change?

He stood outside in the sun, lost in thought, when a gentle voice startled him.

“Your Majesty, you’ve returned.” Lu Fubao stood beside him, greeting him, yet her gaze was fixed on Qing Qiu.

Women understood women. She saw the unspoken connection between them. Lu Fubao walked towards Qing Qiu and took her hand. “We are family now,” she said, smiling. “Xingle Palace, Liuyin Palace, Huayang Palace, Zhiyang Palace, Lanchi Palace, Yichun Palace… which would you prefer, Qing Qiu?”

Fan Li wanted to disappear. He felt as if even breathing was an offense.

“Wherever Fan Li resides, I will reside,” Qing Qiu replied simply.

Lu Fubao blinked, then chuckled. “Alright, I will make the arrangements.”

After a short while, Lu Chunqiu and Diao Chan emerged from the study, their hands clasped, discussing the lesson. They seemed… close. Fan Li wondered if studying was truly that enjoyable. Recalling his own childhood, spent poring over textbooks, he shuddered.

“Marquis,” Fan Li said, forcing a smile.

Lu Chunqiu’s face immediately hardened. He glared at Fan Li, then ignored him completely.

Fan Li scratched his head again, utterly baffled.

“Daddy.” A sweet voice made him look down. Diao Chan stood before him.

“Uh… yes?” He nodded. He hadn't fully accepted this adopted child, but since she addressed him as “Daddy” in public, how could he deny her?

“Daddy used the wrong title,” Diao Chan said seriously. “You addressed Grandfather by his title, ‘Marquis.’ But you are family. Shouldn't you address him as ‘Father-in-Law’?” Her childish voice held a surprising authority.

Fan Li was stunned. It was a careless oversight. But Diao Chan? She was still practically a baby, yet she spoke with such… propriety! He looked at Lu Chunqiu, who, despite his stern expression, a hint of pride touched his lips. Was he mocking Fan Li? Or was he proud of Diao Chan’s impeccable manners?

“…Father-in-law,” Fan Li said, bowing deeply, “please accept my respects.”