Tiantang Splendid

Chapter 5182 Family Reunion
At noon, the rain stopped and the clouds dispersed. The bluestone pavement on the street was washed clean by the rain, and the weather was fresh and cool.

The main door of Fang's mansion had already been opened. The three long halberds standing in front of the door had been wiped clean, with red tassels as red as blood and blades pointing to the sky. The family generals, personal soldiers, and servants were all standing solemnly on both sides of the street in front of the door. The family members had also changed into the most formal attire, waiting to welcome Fang Jun home.

Everyone in the mansion was filled with joy. Everyone knew the importance of this battle to the empire, and even more so to the Fang family.

If Fang Xuanling established the status of the Fang family and was enough to protect it for thirty years, then Fang Jun's achievements in conquering the Western Regions, defeating the Arabs, guarding the border and expanding the territory would continue the power of the Fang family and prolong its existence along with the country.

Of course, the premise is that he will not be involved in an unforgivable crime like "treason"...

Fang Jun and his party came out of the palace, passed through Yeonhee Gate, entered Chunmyeong Gate Street, and entered at Chongrenfang.

At the gate, the village head led all the guards to kneel on one knee on both sides of the gate. Seeing Fang Jun approaching on horseback, everyone shouted in unison: "Welcome the general, he has returned triumphantly!"

There are countless famous generals and brave commanders in the empire, but not every time they return from an expedition they return with such fanfare. This is the admiration that people in Chongrenfang have for Fang Jun's heroic feat in this battle.

Fang Jun rode slowly on his horse and replied from his horseback: "Victory!"

"Wan Sheng!"

Dozens of personal soldiers behind him roared loudly, and the sound spread throughout the Chongrenfang in the coolness after the rain.

The horse's hooves trampled on the road and slowly entered the gate.

On the other side of the alley opposite the Fang family, Changsun Yan, the head of the Changsun family, stood in front of the door with his hands behind his back, listening to the roar that shook the whole alley and was filled with murderous intent. His face was gloomy and his chest was depressed. He was silent for a long time before he sighed, shook his head slowly, and turned back to the mansion.

Fang Jun rode to the gate of the mansion, and his family members lined up on both sides to greet him. When they saw Fang Jun coming, they all bowed and saluted, saying in unison: "Welcome Erlang back home!"

Fang Jun dismounted and quickly walked up to Fang Xuanling and Lu, knelt on one knee, and said respectfully, "I am an unfilial child. How dare I trouble my father and mother to come out to greet you?"

Fang Xuanling was dressed in the attire of a duke, with a Liang crown on his head and a jade pendant on his waist. He stood with his hands behind his back looking at his son who was kneeling in front of him. Although he looked dusty and tired, he exuded a calm and concise demeanor as strong as a mountain, and his heart was filled with emotion.

In the past, he thought that this naive, uneducated, dissolute and bad son might cause trouble and ruin the family business. However, to this day, the second son's achievements are still unparalleled in the court and the world, and have even surpassed his father.

Fang Xuanling leaned over, held his son's shoulders with both hands and helped him up. He looked him up and down with a look of relief on his face, then patted his son's shoulders twice.

"In the past, I was too strict with you because I hoped that you would be able to guard against arrogance and impatience, and be calm and steady in your work. Don't become arrogant and act recklessly just because of a few achievements... Today, I find that those worries were unnecessary. You have done very well, and I am proud of you."

Mrs. Lu on the side showed a look of surprise. It was really unexpected that Fang Xuanling, with his old-fashioned and serious character, could say such words in front of his son.

Fang Jun also felt deeply moved and said respectfully, "Thank you, father, for your affirmation!"

His gaze shifted to Princess Gaoyang, Xiao Shu'er, Jin Shengman and other wives and concubines behind him, as well as the faces of his children who were looking up at him eagerly, and a relieved and happy smile appeared on his face.

A real man conquers territory and dies on the battlefield, isn't it just to ennoble his wife and children and to ensure that everyone can live a happy and peaceful life?
……

As the news of Fang Jun's return spread, many relatives, friends, and colleagues in the court sent their servants to visit him, to express their condolences and congratulations, and to leave a gift before leaving. Everyone knew that today was the Fang family's family dinner, so they could just express their feelings. If they wanted to invite Fang Jun to a dinner, they would have to choose another day...

The family dinner lasts until the hour of You, and the whole family is happy and joyful.

After the banquet, Fang Jun took another bath and changed into soft pajamas. He drank tea and chatted with his wives and concubines in the back house, holding his daughter in his arms while his two sons climbed up and down on his legs.

Although Princess Gaoyang is already a mother, she still has a pretty face, picturesque features, and a mature aura that makes her even more charming and attractive.

At this moment, she blinked her bright eyes and looked at her husband with a little worry: "A few days ago, I went to the East Palace to visit the Queen. The Queen mentioned that she wanted to strengthen the relationship with our family. I didn't know how to respond, so I had to refuse and asked my husband to come back to make the decision."

The so-called "closer relationship" naturally refers to the marriage contract between the two families.

Then the only option is to marry Fang Jing as the Crown Princess...

Fang Jun looked at the cute and beautiful little girl with bright eyes and white teeth in his arms, and hesitated for a moment.

In theory, the Queen's suggestion is a good thing for the Fang family and Fang Jing. As long as the Crown Prince ascends the throne in the future, the power of the Fang family will become more stable, and Fang Jing will be promoted from Crown Princess to Queen. How many women dream of this achievement?
But Fang Jun felt a little reluctant.

Although the royal family is the supreme in the world, the power struggle is incomparable. When you are in it, you have to abide by various rules. It seems that they are the supreme and extremely wealthy, but in fact, the dark side of such a place is extremely terrifying, and the pressure they are subjected to is not something ordinary people can bear.

Two generations of the Fang family have worked hard to gain the power and reputation they have today, which is enough to protect their descendants' wealth and glory. His daughter only needs to enjoy life happily. Why should she go to such a dark and oppressive place to gain benefits for the family?
After thinking for a while, he shook his head and said, "Jing'er is too young, there is no rush for her to get married."

Princess Gao Yang was surprised: "You don't disagree with this marriage, do you? That's the Crown Princess, the future Queen!"

Fang Jun looked at them sideways and said disapprovingly: "Does our family still need a crown princess or queen to improve our reputation? Other families may be eager to have one, but we don't need one."

Xiao Shu'er, who had been silent, was a little nervous: "Could something happen to the throne?"

Fang Jun shook his head: "The position of the Eastern Palace is stable, and its supporters are all over the court and the country. How can it change at any time? Even if Your Majesty insists on doing it, it is impossible."

Li Xiang's talent was indeed a little lacking, but the establishment of the Council of State and the Grand Council had greatly restricted the imperial power. Future emperors would not need such great talent and genius. They could just enjoy life in the deep palace, show up when necessary, and serve as a spiritual symbol of the country.

After all, the possibility of a tyrant among the emperors is far greater than the possibility of a villain among the prime ministers.

The ability of the Prime Minister is absolutely beyond doubt. How could he sit in the position of Chief Minister without ability?
As for morality and character... they are irrelevant to the actual controller of a country.

Jin Shengmanqi asked, "Then why don't you want to marry into the East Palace?"

In Silla, the big families always intermarried with each other, and later even the royal family would use marriage to consolidate each other's interests...

Fang Jun held the little girl's soft body in his arms and said with a smile, "Your husband is a man of extraordinary talent and achievements. He will have to keep a low profile from now on."

Whether you are a capable minister or a powerful minister, you cannot always hold power in your own hands. Once you block the way of others, you will inevitably be attacked by everyone.

Moreover, the factional power he has cultivated can now firmly occupy a place in the court, and various reforms are already progressing smoothly. There is no need for him to stand behind and steer the ship. It is time to let go and let the people behind him take over.

Another point is that he supported the Eastern Palace despite the pressure from Your Majesty. If he were to form a marriage alliance with the Eastern Palace again, it would inevitably lead to criticism.

It was late and time to go to bed, but the three children refused to leave.

Different from the "strict father" that is emphasized nowadays, Fang Jun always treats children with a smile, and is gentle and tolerant, which makes him very close to them. Also, because he has been away frequently in recent years, the father and his children have been apart for a long time, which leads to the children being very dependent on Fang Jun.

Fang Jun had no choice but to smile and take the children to the bedroom. After they fell asleep, he handed them over to the nanny to take them to their respective rooms...

……

The clouds gather and the rain disperses.

Princess Gaoyang's skin, as white as mutton-fat jade, glowed slightly in the dark night, revealing her exquisite figure. When her panting gradually subsided, she turned over, hugged her lover's neck and snuggled in his arms, enjoying the afterglow.

Suddenly, Princess Gaoyang burst out laughing.

Fang Jun was slightly annoyed: "Are you mocking me? Come on, come on, wait for your father to continue to work hard and serve you till death, and be a man of honor!"

"No, no, no, how can you laugh at me? My dear, you are the best in the world no matter what you do. Can I beg for mercy?"

"Then why are you laughing?"

"I was laughing at Shu'er's look just now. Oh, that resentful look... How about calling Shu'er over so that you can 'swear to serve until death' together?"

Fang Jun was immediately interested, but after thinking about it, he had to give up regretfully.

Maybe Princess Gaoyang really didn't care, and even wanted to improve her interest, but Xiao Shu'er's strict and introverted personality would definitely not agree...

"Haha, you really want to, sir?"

Princess Gaoyang sneered in Fang Jun's ear and bit his ear.

Fang Jun was at an age when he was full of energy, and he hadn't had sex for a long time, so he was shocked by this and his vigor was revived immediately!

"Ah! What do you want to do?"

Princess Gaoyang was horrified and quickly turned over to hide aside, kicking her husband: "Go find your Shu'er quickly, otherwise if she turns into a resentful woman, I can't stand it! Haha!"

Fang Jun was thinking the same thing, so he took the opportunity to stand up and complained, "You are such an ungrateful woman. I have served you with all my might, but you are not grateful and instead drove me away. You are totally ignorant!"

He got up, put on a robe and ran away.

Xiao Shu'er tossed and turned in bed, her two long, white legs sandwiched between the quilt, unable to fall asleep in the darkness.

It's not that I've been dry for a long time, it's just that I want a son...

The door of the room was suddenly pushed open. Under the dim moonlight, I saw my husband walking in quickly. He took off his robe and got on the bed. I was immediately surprised: "Why is my husband here?"

Fang Jun put his arms around her waist and hugged her without saying anything.

Xiao Shu'er collapsed like water, feeling pleasantly surprised. Suddenly, she felt something was wrong. Her face turned red in the dark and she pushed hard.

"You, you, you haven't washed yet..."