Doted By The Regent King
Chapter 402

Chapter 402: 402

Wufu’s movements did not go unnoticed by Ah Jiu, who smiled upon hearing Yuan Ye’s report.

"She really is fully prepared, determined to win this competition," Ah Jiu said, his tone a mix of praise and sarcasm.

Yuan Ye’s lips curved slightly, recalling the news he just received, he hurriedly said, "My lord, there’s been progress regarding the matter Miss Wufu entrusted to us."

"Hmm?" Ah Jiu did not quite catch on at first, "What did she entrust us with?"

"Finding someone."

Only then did Ah Jiu remember that he had given Wufu a seal and later that girl had entrusted Wenshan Bookstore with something, to search for her biological father.

"Have you found him?" Ah Jiu sat upright.

Yuan Ye handed over a stack of papers and replied, "We can’t be completely certain. But the only one that matches the circumstances of Miss Wufu and her mother is him. Wu Lihong had indeed visited Maofeng Town for a scholarly tour in the past, and he hurried back only because his family’s patriarch passed away."

As Ah Jiu looked through the papers, almost reading ten lines in a single glance, his brows furrowed deeply.

"Wu Lihong?"

Whatever was written in the documents, Ah Jiu’s expression grew tight enough to squish a mosquito.

Yuan Ye knew though, and it was precisely because he knew that the matter was hard to conclude. If Wu Lihong was indeed her biological father, faced with such a situation, how would Miss Wufu make her choice?

She was a proud woman and one to hold grudges.

With a slap, Ah Jiu threw the documents on the table, saying, "What a mess, better not to have found anything."

Wu Lihong, too, came from an Official’s Family, not as prestigious as those century-old noble families but through ancestral efforts, had climbed among the ranks of nobles and powerful people.

What was more interesting was that Wu Lihong’s grandfather, Wu Taiguang, was recognized for his exquisite jade carving craftsmanship and had joined the Imperial Household Department Silver Workshop as an artisan. The jewelry and Jade Carvings he produced were extremely delicate and luxurious, especially the Phoenix Flying Headpiece, which greatly pleased the Empress Dowager of the Former Dynasty. She not only bestowed upon him a significant official post but also elevated his social status, hence beginning the Wu Family’s rise to prominence.

It is said that the Wu Family’s skills were passed down generation to generation, and Wu Taiguang was the most skilled of them all. However, the talent seemed to suddenly disappear in his descendants.

In the current Wu Family, the only person capable of producing fine works was Wu Liqing, known as Third Old Master Wu, a half-brother of Wu Lihong.

To the next generation, aside from Wu Guanhua, the son of Wu Liqing who followed in his father’s footsteps, there was no one else.

The glory of the Wu Family ancestors gradually declined as a result, but at least they had some inheritance, and both Wu Lihong and his brother Wu Liming also held official positions. Compared to some insignificant minor official families, they were still relatively well-off, and that was also because the Emperor occasionally mentioned Wu Taiguang’s craftsmanship.

"So, her mastery in Jade Carving is due to her family heritage?" Ah Jiu pinched the bridge of his nose and said.

If that was the case, he didn’t know whether to call it a coincidence or a cruel twist of fate. Putting everything else aside, just looking at Wu Lihong’s current situation, with a wife, sons, and daughters, if he truly was the one, how would Mother and daughter Wufu manage?

Wu Lihong was currently a Minister of Rites and a fifth-rank official, but he had already married and had children – his Eldest Legitimate Daughter turned thirteen this year.

With so many people in the Wu Family and an abundance of gossip, how could someone like Wufu fit in?

"My lord, should we deliver this information to Miss Wufu?" Yuan Ye asked.

"Not for now," Ah Jiu shook his head, "She has just taken on this Jade Carving competition; let’s not disturb her with these troubling matters. We’ll talk about it after the event is over."

Though he felt deep down that someone of Wufu’s temperament wouldn’t be affected by this, but you can’t be too sure when she also has a mother to consider.

So, it’s better to wait a bit longer. After more than ten years, what’s a little while longer?

"Has there been any news from Hoo Die?" Ah Jiu looked at the documents and quietly changed the subject.