Chapter 96

Tan Yulou didn't expect his father to say such words under the influence of alcohol. His heart tightened, and his light-colored eyes stared at Wei Ling, unsure whether he hoped he would agree or not.

Wei Ling was seriously considering the proposal, but he wasn't thinking about himself. Over the years, the reason he never thought of marrying was partly because he subconsciously felt that by staying with his Third Uncle, he could atone for his father's sins. On the other hand, he was always too busy, and the military camp didn't provide suitable conditions for marriage.

Now that he had found Yong Ge, he felt relieved in his heart. However, taking concubines was not something he wanted to do just to please Tan Shoubei. Everything they had in the future would belong to Yong Ge, and if someone had ulterior motives, trying to manipulate the people around him to influence Yong Ge, Wei Ling couldn't tolerate that.

Moreover, neither Yong Ge nor Cheng Duo had any children yet. If he took concubines, even if he himself didn't have such intentions, it would be difficult to prevent others from having them.

Wei Ling still felt that the eldest branch owed the little Sister-in-law and Yong Ge too much, especially considering that the little Sister-in-law's life was hanging in the balance…

Furthermore, after they recognized Yong Ge, it was Cheng Duo who saved Little Uncle's life. Even their Wei military's generals, including himself, owed a debt of gratitude to Cheng Duo. Without him, they wouldn't have been able to rebel against He Kuntai so easily.

Cheng Duo willingly offered all the treasures, provided silver to the Wei military, increased their military capabilities, and renovated their camps… If Wei Ling relied on his status as the eldest heir and arrogantly claimed everything, he would despise himself.

For a moment, Wei Ling considered many things and became more convinced that taking concubines was not a good idea. Besides, if he accepted Tan Shoubei's proposal, others might follow suit in the future… In fact, many officials and wealthy households present were likely already entertaining similar ideas; otherwise, why would they bring so many sons and daughters with them?

Setting down his wine cup, Wei Ling had made up his mind to refuse, but for a moment, he couldn't find a good excuse… He turned to Cheng Duo for help, seeking a solution.

Cheng Duo didn't approve of his eldest cousin becoming a stallion for the Wei family, but considering Wei Ling's age, he might have some needs…cough cough! So, he didn't immediately intervene.

Now, seeing Wei Ling seeking help, Cheng Duo blinked his eyes and reminded him of the excuse he used in the past…

Wei Ling instantly understood and was about to speak when unexpectedly, Yong Ge rushed out from the back courtyard in a furious manner, exclaiming, "I don't agree!"

Tan Shoubei was taken aback. "Little Master Wei, what's wrong with you?"

Who could have upset this little master? It surely couldn't be him…

Just as Tan Shoubei was thinking this, he saw Yong Ge, who was reeking of alcohol, glaring at him fiercely. Then, he fixed his gaze on several young masters and young misses from the Tan family who followed him out, saying, "Tan Shoubei, I respect that you and my father are both generals, but what's the meaning of bringing so many sons and daughters here? They even said they want to serve me! My Wei family has strict rules; since my grandfather's time, there has never been a precedent for taking concubines…"

Yong Ge's eyes flickered. Since his grandfather, Marquis Wei, had never taken concubines, and as for his several uncles, they died too young, some of them even before having the chance to marry. Although he was drunk, his grandparents had taught him to put on the big hat first before speaking. Anyway, his eldest cousin would definitely not undermine him.

Indeed, Wei Ling didn't undermine him. Seeing Yong Ge standing in front of Cheng Duo, with the Tan family sons and daughters behind him looking anxious, Wei Ling knew he must have misunderstood.

He quickly got up and held Yong Ge, then said to everyone present, "Yes, my Wei family indeed has such a rule: men can only take concubines after turning forty and not having any children."

Yong Ge excitedly grabbed Wei Ling's hand, "Eldest Cousin, what you said is true tru…truly…"

Wei Ling covered Yong Ge's mouth, giving him to Cheng Duo, then smiled at everyone, "I'm sorry, my cousin Yong Ge can't hold his liquor. He probably mistook the fruit wine for fruit juice just now in the backyard."

"No problem, no problem…" Everyone smiled kindly and was about to help smooth things over when they heard Yong Ge, held in Cheng Duo's arms, protest unhappily, "I'm not drunk!"

"I know you're not drunk." Cheng Duo helplessly held him and whispered in his ear, "Tan Shoubei doesn't want to give me people, he wants to add a concubine for your eldest cousin."

"???" Eldest cousin?

Yong Ge widened his eyes, stared at Cheng Duo for a moment, then slowly shrank his head back. So it was for his eldest cousin; then there was no problem…

But when he thought about how he had rushed out without a care, vehemently opposing the idea just now, he blushed and buried his head in Cheng Duo's arms, pretending to be dead.

Cheng Duo laughed softly, then got up and held Yong Ge like one would hold a child, with one hand supporting him at the bend of his legs. This way, Yong Ge could bury his face in Cheng Duo's shoulder.

Cheng Duo was tall, and holding Yong Ge like this didn't seem out of place at all. He straightforwardly said to everyone present, "Sorry, Yong Ge had a bit too much to drink. I'll take him back first."

Wei Ling also felt that enough face had been given, so he bid his farewells.

Tan Shoubei was stunned, "Young General Wei, what about my proposal…"

Wei Ling regretfully said, "Our family rules are as such, so I can only decline your kind offer, General Tan."

"But…"

Tan Yulou quickly supported his father, seemingly helping to save face but actually trying to prevent him from causing further trouble, "Actually, my father's not good with alcohol. When he gets drunk, he tends to talk nonsense. General Wei, please don't take it to heart."

"Of course not." Wei Ling looked understanding and patted Tan Yulou's shoulder, "Then I'll take my leave now. I'll leave General Tan to your care, Tan Young Master."

Tan Yulou blushed, "Of course…"

After Wei Ling left, Tan Shoubei knew his plan had failed. He decided to use alcohol to cover his embarrassment and smoothly left the banquet.

Once on the carriage, he wiped his face and appeared displeased, "Why have I never heard of such a rule in the Wei family? Adding a few concubines wouldn't be a big deal. It seems Wei Ling doesn't trust us!"

"Dad, General Wei has always been lenient towards his subordinates, so why insist on forcing people into his backyard?" Tan Yulou raised his eyes to the sky. His father was good in every aspect, except that he lacked self-restraint when it came to women.

He himself took in a bunch of concubines, not to mention being willing to add people to others' backyards. Many of his half-siblings were sent away like this.

Of course, if his half-siblings were unwilling, Tan Yulou would also stop his father, but if they were willing… just like today, he could only let his father do as he pleased.

"You don't understand. Can we have the same relationship as Wei's trusted subordinates?" Tan Shoubei said gruffly. He wasn't afraid of anything else, just that he was worried about being taken advantage of even after sincerely helping in the war effort.

He had already sent out a plea for help. Now, why bother with this matter?

Tan Yulou was speechless, "If they don't want it, can you force them?"

Then, it wouldn't be forming a relationship, but creating an enemy.

Tan Shoubei was momentarily choked by his son's frank words, then glared at him, "It's just that your aunts are disappointing. If they had given birth to a beautiful ger like Little Master Wei, he would've begged me for them. Do I need to coax them to make them willing?"

His legitimate wife was acceptable; after all, she had given birth to his legitimate son, Tan Yulou. Although he was a bit weak, he was intelligent, and it was Tan Yulou who had worked hard to make their move to Wei's family possible.

In fact, Tan Shoubei didn't dare to provoke Tan Yulou. First, Tan Yulou was his only son, and second, when this unfilial son was displeased, he never spoke directly but would secretly set obstacles for him!

Tan Yulou couldn't respond to this. If he wasn't his son, he really wanted to hand a bronze mirror to his father and let him take a good look at his own face.

His half-siblings' appearance really couldn't be blamed on their aunts! After all, these women were beautiful women he had collected from various places. If they didn't look good, they wouldn't have been able to enter his father's backyard!

Did his father think that him taking concubines was because they admired his talents?

"""

Yong Ge felt that he had lost face at the banquet, so in the following days when Wei Ling and Cheng Duo went out, he didn't follow them. Instead, he strolled around the stores in Jianxin City alone.

This was something he had discussed with Xie Yuan before leaving. If Jianxin City was willing to surrender, their hotpot restaurant business would naturally be expanded here.

But somehow, every time he went out, within less than fifteen minutes, Du Boyan seemed to appear in front of him, having an "accidental" encounter.

"Little Master Wei, are you also out shopping?" Du Boyan pretended to be elegant while fanning himself, "It seems we have a lot of fate, always running into each other. I wonder what Little Master Wei wants to buy? How about I show you around?"

Yong Ge was annoyed and coolly refused, "No need, I'm just browsing."

"How come I heard that Littlr Master Wei is planning to buy a shop?" Du Boyan didn't give up so easily, "Our Du family has a few shops facing the street. If Little Master Wei likes them, I'll personally decide to give you one."

"I appreciate Young Master Du's kindness, but it's better if you keep the shop for yourself. Otherwise, if this gets out, people might think I, as a son of the Wei family, am not ambitious enough," Yong Ge said nonchalantly. He wasn't really uninterested; he just couldn't accept a gift from him without giving it to his eldest cousin.

But Du Boyan's words reminded him. On the day they entered the city, the officials and wealthy merchants in the city sent valuable gifts. Yong Ge wondered if there were any suitable shops among them.

That night, Yong Ge went back and asked Wei Ling, and indeed, there were suitable shops available. They had their own people in Jianxin City. Wei Ling had someone inquire and eventually provided three suitable property deeds to Yong Ge.

Yong Ge stuffed the deeds into his pocket and said, "Alright, I'll go and take a look tomorrow."

Wei Ling chuckled at his money-loving younger cousin and reminded him, "Remember to bring some people with you when you go out."

Although Tan Shoubei didn't have a problem with it, it never hurt to be more cautious when traveling away from home.

"Don't worry, Cousin. Cheng Duo has told me many times." Now, whenever he went out, he would bring two squads of people with him. Before entering a place, he would have them search it first to ensure there were no issues before he went in.

The next day, Yong Ge went to see the first shop, but felt it wasn't quite suitable. Then, he headed towards Yue Liu Street.

The shop on Yue Liu Street was a two-story building. As he strolled around casually, he walked to a window near the adjacent backyard and suddenly froze in place.

From his vantage point, he could vaguely see the backyard of the neighboring house.

It was obvious that this backyard had been carefully arranged, with pavilions and terraces, vibrant flowers, and an enchanting scenery. Two people were sitting at the stone table by the waterside, flirting and feasting.

One of them had a slender willow waist and a petite figure, clearly a young man. He picked up the wine glass on the table and drank it all in one go, then climbed onto the man's lap, hugging the man's neck and lowering his head…

Even though his view was partially obstructed by the man's back, Yong Ge could tell what they were doing – the young man was feeding the man wine. The two quickly became intimate, kissing passionately as if they could perform a fiery acrobatic show on the spot.

Yong Ge discreetly moved a few steps, but unfortunately, his view was blocked by a branch sticking out at an angle, and he still couldn't see the man's face clearly.

After a while, the two finally separated. The young man playfully tapped the man and said, "Master Cheng, don't be so forceful. You've made me all red… I heard your wife is famous for her beauty. Are you willing to treat her like this?"

The man replied, "What's the use of beauty? It's been four years, and he hasn't even given birth to a fart. I've grown tired of it."

The voice and figure used were actually Cheng Duo's, and the hair accessories, clothing, and robes were exactly the same.