Chapter 54: Forced Procreation

"Of course there is," Han Yangting said. "I collected an authentic piece by a famous Ming Dynasty calligrapher in Fengcheng. Second Uncle loves calligraphy, so I spent a large sum to buy it for him. Second Uncle can't say I'm unfilial anymore."

Han Yangting handed the gift box to Han Jinbu.

Han Jinbu took it, opened it to look, and was indeed pleased.

After all, it was a birthday celebration, so it wouldn't do for everyone to make things too awkward. Han Jinbu didn't dare to clash head-on with Han Yangting again. In his view, Han Yangting was someone who would seek revenge for the slightest grievance and had a sharp tongue, especially skilled at arguing. As a man in his seventies, he thought it better not to be angered to death so soon.

After staying at Number Two Castle for a while, Han Weimin's branch prepared to return.

Whether it was Han Weimin or Han Yangting, both were the type of people who commanded respect without being angry. Even when sitting quietly, they gave off a powerful aura, so they had to leave early to avoid keeping the people at the castle from enjoying themselves.

Their First Branch family lived in Castle No. 1.

Compared to the boisterousness of Number Two Castle, Castle No. 1 appeared cold and desolate.

Han Weimin's wife had poor health back in the day and only gave birth to one son, named Han Dongbei.

Han Dongbei did not like business; he liked photography and spent his life unbridled, unrestrained, and loving freedom. Because his marriage to Ye Caiyue was a business alliance, he did not care for her. After their son Han Yangting was born, he ran off to Africa to photograph wild animals.

The reason Baiyin Group could develop to its current scale, besides the unique vision of Old Master Han Weimin, was also due to the diligence and hard work of Ye Caiyue. She not only raised Han Yangting but also held her own in Baiyin Group; she was a rare, strong woman.

Entering the castle and seeing how cold and desolate it was inside, Han Weimin couldn't help but sigh: "Sigh!"

Although the First Branch held more shares, the lack of people was a fatal flaw.

He couldn't help but urge Han Yangting again: "Yangting, can't you just have a child with Ruoruo first, and then let her manage the business?"

While helping Han Weimin into the house, Han Yangting said, "No, it's already been agreed upon. Ruoruo wants to wait a few years before having children."

"Then what will happen to this family of ours? Such a large manor, such a large castle, yet there are so few people. Now you're going to Fengcheng again; I'm just afraid that everything here will be occupied by your Second Uncle in the future."

Han Yangting thought for a moment and said, "But this responsibility can't be pushed entirely onto me. Grandfather, now that Grandmother has been gone for so many years, why don't you..."

"You brat, what are you saying?" Han Weimin was so angry he wanted to beat his grandson.

But Han Yangting dodged in time.

Han Weimin looked at Ye Caiyue angrily again and huffed, "And you too! Couldn't you have had a few more before letting Han Dongbei leave?"

Ye Caiyue had been working hard and without complaint in this family for so many years, and she was long used to it: "Han Dongbei might have already spread his branches and leaves in Africa. Why don't I have someone investigate and see if we can bring his illegitimate children back?"

"Nonsense!" As soon as Han Weimin heard the mention of illegitimate children, he thought of the possibility that Han Dongbei might have had mixed-race children with African women. "Forget about illegitimate children; our Han Family doesn't recognize such things!"

People over there had skin that was pitch black all over; at night, if you didn't turn on the lights, you wouldn't even know there was someone in the room.

After Han Weimin went up to rest, only Han Yangting and Ye Caiyue remained in the living room.

Ye Caiyue said to Han Yangting, "Yangting, you haven't been back for so long, chat with Mom for a while."

Han Yangting nodded.

Ye Caiyue instructed the domestic servants to prepare some pastries and flower tea.

The mother and son sat in the living room, chatting while drinking tea.

"Are you getting along well with your wife in Fengcheng?" Ye Caiyue asked.

"Quite well."

"Does she know about your family background?"

"No chance to say it."

Ye Caiyue said sharply, "I'm afraid she already knows and is just pretending not to, so you won't say she's after the money. Or perhaps, she is after the money and is playing a game with you."

Han Yangting took a sip of tea and then said, "Mom, you overestimate her. She's silly; she doesn't have that kind of cunning."

"Look at you, the corners of your mouth curl up as soon as you mention her. It seems you truly like her," Ye Caiyue said.

Romance is indeed only sweet when watching others; as for having one yourself, forget it.

Han Yangting noticed the melancholy in his mother's eyes and couldn't help but ask, "Has Dad not called back during this time?"

Ye Caiyue shook her head: "Don't mention him. That kind of irresponsible man makes no difference whether he's around or not. You must not become that kind of man in the future."

"I won't," Han Yangting said firmly.

"Your grandfather was right just now. Spreading branches and leaves is a major matter; you must take it seriously. Our family is different from ordinary families; we truly have family property to inherit. The more children, the better. I didn't think so before, but look at your Second Uncle's family now—a whole big family, isn't it lively?"

"Mom, look at you, at it again. How come you're just like Grandfather?"

"Maybe it's because I'm older. I truly feel that having many children in the house is lively. Our family is different from ordinary families. You two just focus on having them; you don't need to worry about the raising. We have servants, nannies, and childcare experts at home. If you want to breastfeed, breastfeed; if you don't want to, I'll arrange whatever brand of milk powder in the world our grandchild wants to drink. You two had best have four or five."

Han Yangting drank his tea while humoring Ye Caiyue: "I'll do my best."

As for when to have them, it would still depend on the situation.

Unless there was something wrong with his and Bai Shuruo's health, they would still have children; he also liked little kids.

At the thought of little babies crawling around in this castle in the future, tugging at his clothes and calling "Daddy" with little milky voices, he couldn't help but smile.

Number Two Castle.

Han Jinbu's birthday banquet had already ended, and the guests had dispersed, but the banquet hall was still lively.

The Second Branch had more servants than the First Branch, and there were more family members too.

Han Jinbu had two sons and two daughters. The daughters were married off, but the grandchildren were living at home. Added to that were his own grandsons, granddaughters, great-grandsons, and great-granddaughters. Right now, they were chasing each other in the living room, occasionally knocking over plates and bowls. The servants followed behind cleaning up, just like the eunuchs and palace maids on TV chasing after princes and princesses.

Han Jinbu was so annoyed by the noise that he returned to his room.

Between the First Branch and the Second Branch, to describe it in one sentence: those who are dry are parched to death, and those who are flooded are drowned to death.

Before Han Jinbu returned to his room, he called his eldest son, Han Chunqiu, into the room as well.