“Miss, between you and the Young Master Leng…”
Seeing her unusually downcast, Honglian thought of Hongyan’s earlier words and asked with concern.
“It’s nothing, there’s nothing between him and me. Let me know if there’s any movement over there. You can leave now. I want some quiet.”
The hostility from Hongyan left Wanqing with an indescribable feeling. She knew the enmity between her and Leng Mingye would have to be faced sooner or later. Though she appreciated Hongyan’s past care and kindness, Wanqing was aware that their sisterly bond could never be restored.
Her heart remained heavy. Forcing a faint smile, she dismissed Honglian and sat alone in the room, lost in thought.
“Ah—” Her fingers accidentally brushed against the jade pendant around her neck, a gift from Prince Ning. Thoughts of her parents and the words Prince Ning had shared with her surfaced. Wanqing felt certain that her true identity and her mother’s background were far more complicated than they seemed.
Recalling Prince Ning’s cryptic answers and the fragments of information from Granny Liu, she realized that her mother had passed away nearly fifteen years ago. Aside from her father and Lady Liu, the only person in the household who might know more was Zhongshu, the oldest and most loyal servant.
“Honglian, come with me. Let’s go find Zhongshu.”
With that, Wanqing stood and headed out, instructing Honglian to accompany her.
“Second Miss, you’ve come! Please, come inside.”
Zhongshu had once been the steward of the Marquis’s household in his youth. Now, with age and Lady Liu controlling the household finances, the old man, though still serving her father, was relegated to menial tasks.
Surprised by Wanqing’s unannounced visit, he greeted her warmly and invited her in.
“After all the care you’ve shown me, can’t I come to visit you? This is a small token of my appreciation—please accept it. I do have something to ask you today.”
Though Zhongshu no longer worked as tirelessly as the younger servants, merely running errands for her father, Wanqing couldn’t help but notice how modest his living conditions were—a simple room with a small bed, a table, and a few stools, nothing more.
She handed him a box of pastries she had bought earlier that day, leftovers from her outing. Though hesitant, the old man accepted with visible delight. Only then did Wanqing sit down and address him.
“Second Miss, ask whatever you wish. This old servant will tell you all he knows.”
Despite the recent changes in her demeanor, Zhongshu remained respectful, bowing slightly.
“If not for you and Granny Liu, I might not have survived till now. I was so focused on dealing with Lady Liu that I neglected to visit you. For that, I apologize. Please don’t hold it against me. And don’t be so formal—I’m still the same Wanqing. I remember every kindness shown to me. Sit down. I came to ask about my mother…”
Noticing Zhongshu’s unease, Wanqing spoke earnestly, urging him to relax. Then, recalling the masked man who had harmed Chunhong and demanded the token, she lowered her voice.
“Second Miss, this…” Zhongshu hesitated, glancing at Honglian behind her.
“She’s trustworthy. I want to ask—what were my mother and Granny Liu’s true identities? Please share whatever you know.”
Considering how Granny Liu, a mere servant, had taught her to read and displayed skills beyond an ordinary woman’s, Wanqing smiled reassuringly and pressed on.
“I don’t know much about your mother’s background. Only that she came from the palace. Though she and the Marquis were deeply devoted after their marriage, the old Madam—your grandmother—constantly found fault with her. The old Madam favored Lady Liu and, even after your mother was pregnant within half a year of marriage, still wanted Lady Liu to become the Marquis’s wife.”
“Later, through some scheme of the old Madam’s, Lady Liu entered the household. Soon after, your mother miscarried. Meanwhile, Lady Liu became pregnant with the Eldest Miss. Yet the Marquis’s affection for your mother remained. When your mother was pregnant with you, she was due two weeks later but gave birth early. This made the old Madam suspect infidelity.”
Zhongshu recounted what he knew, his expression growing troubled.
“What happened next?”
Knowing Lady Liu’s cunning, Wanqing wasn’t surprised she could induce early labor. She pressed Zhongshu further.
“At first, the Marquis didn’t believe the old Madam and Lady Liu. But three days after your birth, something happened that convinced him.”
“What was it?”
Wanqing leaned forward.
“Somehow, Lady Liu and the old Madam took you from your mother’s arms and repeated their accusations. To dispel their doubts, the Marquis performed a blood test with you right then.”
“And the result?”
Wanqing’s heart pounded as she waited.
“Your blood didn’t mix with his. Enraged, the Marquis lashed out at your mother. They had their first major argument. The old Madam immediately demanded he divorce her, but out of lingering affection, he refused. Yet soon after, your mother voluntarily moved to the secluded Youming Garden and accepted the status of a concubine. Under pressure from the old Madam, Lady Liu became the primary wife. Miss, I never believed your mother was unfaithful.”
Zhongshu’s voice was thick with sorrow.
“Neither do I. Then how did my mother die?”
Wanqing met his gaze gratefully before asking.
“From what I heard, the Marquis’s distrust wore her down. She grew weaker each day and passed away in sorrow. Who would’ve thought someone so radiant could vanish so suddenly?”
Zhongshu sighed, his eyes distant with grief.
“Was she really that remarkable?”
Despite her own sadness, Wanqing couldn’t help but ask, seeing how Zhongshu revered her.
“Oh, yes. Your mother was beautiful, kind, and gentle with the servants—never harsh or proud. Everyone in the household adored her. But after the blood test, she withdrew to Youming Garden and was gone too soon.”
Zhongshu’s voice cracked as he finished.
“If my mother’s spirit knows how much you cherish her memory, she’ll rest peacefully. By the way, I recall you and Granny Liu were close. Do you know how she died or where she’s buried?”
Remembering Leng Mingye’s reverence for Consort Hui, Wanqing changed the subject.
“That day, I’d just spoken with her in your old courtyard. Not long after I left, word came that she’d died of stomach pains. They say even the physician Lady Liu summoned couldn’t save her. And poor Chunhong…”
Zhongshu glanced around warily before continuing in a whisper. Thinking of how few from that time remained, he wiped away tears.
“Zhongshu, I swear I’ll uncover the truth behind Chunhong’s death and give her peace.”
Knowing how much the old man had cared for Chunhong—almost like a daughter—Wanqing placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, her eyes hardening with resolve.
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