Steal my marriage? Turn around and marry the tyrant to take the throne

Chapter 1754 A legitimate son is needed to uphold the family's honor.

The child had delicate features, resembling his birth mother, Aunt Chen.

But those eyes always seemed to dart away when they looked at people, lacking the liveliness that a child should have.

Shen Maoxue casually asked, "Where are you in your studies?"

Shen Zhimian lowered his head even further: "Father, the Analects... I just... I just learned the 'Governing' chapter."

He was eight years old when he began to learn the "Wei Zheng" chapter of the Analects.

Shen Maoxue sighed silently in his heart.

When he was Shen Zhimian's age, he had already thoroughly read the Four Books and could even debate a few points about their meaning with Confucius. Although he seemed immature, he often had surprising insights.

Shen Maoxue then asked, "Is there anything you don't understand?"

Shen Zhimian shook his head, then nodded, his face flushed slightly. After a long while, he managed to stammer out, "What you said, sir... I am dull-witted and don't quite understand some parts."

The old woman smiled obsequiously from the side: "Master, the Third Young Master has been studying very hard lately, getting up early every day to recite."

Shen Maoxue didn't say anything, but simply raised his hand and gently patted his young son's shoulder: "Put more effort into it. Go on."

Shen Zhimian felt as if he had been granted a pardon. He quickly bowed and followed the old woman away in a hurry, his back view even showing a hint of fleeing.

Shen Maoxue stood there and shook his head.

He had three sons born out of wedlock.

The eldest son, Shen Zhiqin, is fifteen.

The second son, Shen Zhijian, was thirteen.

The third child, Shen Zhimian, is eight years old.

They were all born to his concubine.

Their birth mothers were either maids who had served them in their early years or respectable women from humble backgrounds, whose knowledge and talents were inherently limited.

The children were raised in the inner quarters, cared for by nannies, and educated by tutors. But whether due to their innate talent or improper upbringing, they were all... mediocre.

No, to call them mediocre is to give them too much credit.

Shen Maoxue also patiently examined their homework and personally guided their writing.

But the eldest brother's writing is stiff and lacks any inspiration.

The second child is alright at math, but gets confused when it comes to classics and history.

The third child even stumbled over his words while reciting...

Sometimes, when he looked at his three illegitimate sons, he couldn't help but think that he was very clever, and that Zhi Nian had achieved ninety percent of that.

Of the remaining ten percent, Nan Qiao at least got half. Was the final half to be divided equally among the three illegitimate sons?

This thought is somewhat harsh, but it is also true.

Fortunately, things are different now.

The child in Xia Lingshu's womb is a legitimate heir.

With Xia's intelligence and understanding, his wisdom and character, that child will surely be exceptional!

Shen Maoxue could imagine what a child who inherited Xia's meticulousness and intelligence would look like.

If it is a boy, he will surely be diligent and studious, with a clear mind. In the future, he will pass the imperial examinations, enter officialdom, and bring honor to his family.

If it's a girl...

Shen Maoxue smiled, thinking that he must be as intelligent and graceful as Zhinian.

With this anticipation in mind, his steps became lighter.

After passing through a lush bamboo grove, you arrive at the main courtyard.

Xia Lingshu was being accompanied by two maids as she slowly strolled under the grape trellis in the courtyard.

She wore a loose-fitting ginger-yellow Hangzhou silk long gown, with a moon-white thin silk vest over it. Her belly was already noticeably protruding, but she still moved with composure.

Sunlight filtered through the layers of grape leaves, casting dappled patterns on her skin and making her complexion look radiant. Her face was full, and her eyes radiated the gentle grace of someone about to become a mother.

Hearing footsteps, Xia Lingshu turned around with a smile on her face: "Master is back?"

Shen Maoxue quickly stepped forward and gently helped her up, saying, "I've told you so many times, you're feeling heavy now, you should just rest inside, why bother coming out and walking around?"

"It was the imperial physician sent by the Imperial Noble Consort who instructed that moderate movement is beneficial for childbirth."

Xia Lingshu, with Shen Maoxue's help, slowly walked back to the eaves: "I've been cooped up in the house all day, and it's making me feel suffocated. Besides, the weather is nice today, so I'm coming out for some fresh air."

The two entered the main room, where a maid served tea and snacks, and then tactfully withdrew to the outer room.

Shen Maoxue scrutinized Xia Lingshu's face and asked, "How are you feeling today?"

Xia Lingshu stroked her belly, her eyes and brows full of smiles: "This child is considerate and not fussy."

"But sir, how did things go at court today?"

Shen Maoxue briefly mentioned a few minor controversies that had occurred during the court meeting, and then sighed, "...His Majesty's mind has been preoccupied with border affairs and the investigation of internal spies lately. The atmosphere in the court is tense, and many matters are discussed without resolution, which only wastes his energy."

Xia Lingshu listened quietly, not interrupting on matters of state, but gently advising Shen Maoxue when he paused: "Master, you are naturally worried about sharing the emperor's burdens. But your health is also important, so don't overwork yourself."

"Everything is fine at home, and I can take care of myself, so please don't worry, sir."

Shen Maoxue's gaze fell on Xia Lingshu's swollen belly, and his eyes softened: "Has the baby moved today?"

Xia Lingshu nodded with a smile: "It moved twice in the afternoon, and it was quite strong."

As she spoke, she took Shen Maoxue's hand and gently placed it on her stomach: "Try it, sir. The child may know that its father has returned."

Through the soft fabric, I could feel the warmth in my palm.

Shen Maoxue held his breath and waited.

A moment later, I felt a slight thumping, as if a tiny person inside was giving me a gentle kick.

In that instant, Shen Maoxue felt as if something soft had struck his heart.

This is the legitimate son he has been hoping for for more than ten years!

It carries the hopes for the Shen family's future!

"well!"

A smile spread across Shen Maoxue's eyes: "Judging by this, he must be a healthy and lively son!"

Xia Lingshu asked jokingly, "How do you know, sir, that she isn't a quiet and gentle daughter?"

"A daughter is fine too."

Shen Maoxue said, "If it were like the Imperial Noble Consort, it would be a great blessing for the Shen family."

That's a sincere statement.

Although the Imperial Noble Consort's current status and glory are earned by herself, they are also the greatest reliance and pride of the Shen family.

If he could have another daughter as intelligent as Zhi Nian, Shen Maoxue would probably be laughing in his dreams!

Of course, deep down, he still longed for a son.

The Shen family in this generation truly needs a legitimate son who can uphold the family's honor.

There's no hope for the three illegitimate sons.

Only the child in Xia's womb can truly inherit his aspirations and continue the Shen family's traditions.

"Master, please don't be too harsh on Zhiqin and the others."

Xia Lingshu seemed to see through Shen Maoxue's thoughts and said softly, "The children are still young and their temperaments are not yet settled. We will teach them slowly."

"Moreover, harmony between legitimate and illegitimate children is essential for a peaceful family."

"It would be good if the child had older brothers to take care of him after he was born."

Shen Maoxue patted the back of her hand: "You're so thoughtful."

"If they had even a fraction of your sense of reason, I wouldn't need to worry about them."

Even so, he knew that Xia's words made sense.

Even if the legitimate son is not born, and the illegitimate sons are incompetent, they are still of the Shen family bloodline.

He only hoped that they would behave themselves in the future, not seeking merit, but only avoiding mistakes.

As they were talking, a maid came in to announce that the eldest and second young masters had finished school and come to pay their respects to their father and mother.