Chapter 1476: Chapter 1414: Changing the Family Name
No matter whether they divorce or not, Wu Lihong is the biological father of that girl. This is an ironclad fact, and he doesnât believe Madam Zhou would rebut it on the spot.
Sure enough, Madam Zhou didnât say anything, standing aside silently like an outsider.
Purple Jade saw the pride in Wu Lihongâs eyes and a hint of mockery flashed in her own. She handed another piece of paper to Governor Huang and said, "My young lady said that since the parents have separated, it would be improper for her to continue using her fatherâs surname. My young lady wants to change her surname to Zhou, following her mother, and resettle in Changan. Conveniently, our young lady has an estate on Cypress Lane, so it wonât trouble either party. Please, Lord Huang, have someone follow up, and sorry for the trouble."
Along with the paper, there were also two silver notes worth a thousand taels, causing Governor Huangâs eyes to widen in surprise. He hurriedly pressed the paper over the silver notes, surprised by the blatant bribery.
"Does Mrs. Zhou also agree to the change of surname?" Governor Huang looked at Madam Zhou.
Madam Zhou was taken aback, clearly not expecting Wufu to have planned this. Purple Jade quickly interjected, "My lady does not want you to worry."
Hearing this, Madam Zhou thought that since they had already divorced, her daughter could never marry out from the Wu Family. It would be better for her to take her own surname and establish a different family, so that when she marries in the future, she wonât lack a clan.
"Please, my lord, give us a hand." Madam Zhou bowed in salute.
Wu Lihong recovered from his shock and jumped up, saying, "What, you want her to change her surname? Are you insane!"
Purple Jade stepped in front of Wu Lihong and said, "Lord Wu, please mind yourself. My lady is pregnant and cannot be startled."
"You vile maid, get out of my way!" Wu Lihong glared at her and turned to Madam Zhou, exclaiming, "Zhou Meiniang, are you mad, letting her change her surname!"
Madam Zhou looked up at him and said, "We are already divorced. Does it matter what her surname is? You donât lack this one daughter to care for you in your old age and lay you to rest."
"You... I am her biological father!" Wu Lihong was somewhat exasperated. How was he to proceed when Wufu no longer bore the surname Wu but Zhou?
"Youâre my ladyâs biological father? Yet my lady says she never ate a grain of your rice. It was my lady, going without food and drink, who never let her starve, so she follows my ladyâs surname. This is how she repays this debt of life and upbringing!" Purple Jade said with a faint smile.
Madam Zhou felt a pang of sorrow.
"My lord, thereâs nothing left for us here, is there? We trouble you with the matter of surname change and residency registration!" Purple Jade offered a polite bow and added, "If there is anything, please send someone to summon us at the Changqing Residence on Cypress Lane."
Governor Huang waved his hand, thinking that todayâs drama was worth buying two pots of wine over.
Purple Jade then helped Madam Zhou turn around to leave.
"Zhou Meiniang, donât leave!" Wu Lihong blocked Madam Zhou, saying in anguish, "How did you become like this? Did that wretched girl force you? Speak!"
"Lord Wu, this is a public court, after all. You should adhere to some gentlemanly conduct!" Governor Huang fiddled with the two silver notes hidden in his sleeve, considering everything in terms of the silver at stake.
Moreover, Wu Lihongâs inappropriate behavior was truly disgraceful. A man being so tenacious when he already had a beautiful wife and concubines at homeâwhy make things difficult for a widow and orphan?
Stung by Governor Huangâs words, Wu Lihong trembled with rage. This obstinate old man planned to hold onto his position till death. What did he know?
But in this court, there were more than just a few people present. He really didnât dare to act this brazenly and neglectfully, lest he lose face.
Hesitating momentarily, Madam Zhou and her party had already left. Wu Lihong stomped his feet and hurriedly chased after them.