Chapter 30: Surpassing the Crowd

It was just Elder Zhu's misfortune that Zhu Village was so isolated, leading him to blindly hit a dead end.

Elder Zhu wept, "On what grounds are they innocent? This is unacceptable! I won't agree to this!"

Gan Ze couldn't help but laugh at the old farmer's outrage, "The lord is keenly observant and would never resort to wrongful accusations! What do you, an old man, know about the case?! If it weren't for your age, just for bullying a widow and committing extortion, I would have personally ensured you received a proper beating!"

His voice was loud enough for the onlookers to hear the words "widow" and "extortion," each showing an understanding nod. Such incidents were all too common. More than a dozen strong men tugging and pulling at two women in the street, tsk tsk.

Since Gan Ze had come to "know" Zhu San, he felt inclined to speak up a bit more on his behalf, believing he had done a good deed.

Indeed, he had done a good deed, and on the way back, Jin Liang even praised him for it.

Jin Liang was incredibly busy that day, yet he undertook his tasks willingly. Upon returning to the yamen, he playfully complained to Zheng Xi, "San Lang really lacks tact, just going home without coming to kowtow to you. He only asked me to express his gratitude, saying he couldn't leave home right now. I've become his messenger!"

Zheng Xi laughed, "It's better he didn't come. What for? To catch someone's eye? When can't he express his gratitude? Alright, his matter is settled now, though I didn't expect him to already have a wife. Tsk!"

Jin Liang added, "Indeed, otherwise we might have found him a bride." If someone proved useful, whether a subordinate of the Zheng family or a maid from the Zheng estate, picking a good wife for Zhu San would have effectively tied him to their side.

Zheng Xi's smile faded as he said, "Our business here is nearly done, the memorial to the emperor has been sent, and whoever becomes the new prefect here is no longer our concern. We need to speed up the search for Shen Wu's niece; we can't wait any longer if she's not found soon. Handle this in the next few days."

"Yes. I even mentioned asking Zhu San to help search a few days ago, but it seems he's not in the mood now."

"Oh? What’s he up to now?"

"Nothing, just saying the person is either dead or gone, hard to find. Xu Youfang died before he was even born, difficult."

Zheng Xi responded, "Well, that's that then. You may go." With that, he got up to speak with Shen Ying.

Coincidentally, Shen Ying also brought his nephew, Chen Meng, to see Zheng Xi, understanding that Zheng Xi's delay these past few days was ostensibly to allow for the prisoners' recovery from injuries but was actually to buy time for the search for his niece. However, they couldn't keep delaying indefinitely; if she wasn't found in a few more days, even without Zheng Xi saying anything, Shen Ying would have to take the initiative to return to the capital to report.

His visit to Zheng Xi was precisely to discuss this matter, also to request a grace period of two more days. Just two days; if she still couldn't be found, they would return to the capital first.

Zheng Xi was easy to talk to and agreed immediately, "Alright."

Shen Ying felt embarrassed, "My apologies to Seventh Master. These past few days, I've neglected my official duties because of family matters, truly failing the grace of His Majesty. I heard some commotion just now, is there something that needs my attention?"

Zheng Xi said, "It's nothing serious, just a minor lawsuit. They found their way to me, and I've directed them to the yamen."

Seizing the opportunity to educate Chen Meng, Shen Ying praised Zheng Xi subtly, "Learn from this. Although we are imperial envoys, sent here on command to act as the eyes and ears of the Emperor, when faced with issues, we must not retreat, avoid, or shun them. Yet, we also cannot meddle in everything and overstep our bounds in local affairs. Those are the responsibilities of the local officials appointed by the court. Stretching our hands too far will only make us as unwelcome as that person."

Zheng Xi smiled.

The life and death of rural folk hardly concern the nobles of the capital. Shen Ying didn't inquire about the case Zheng Xi had handed over and hurriedly went to look for his niece again. The Xu family still had relatives who went to the countryside to bring back their elderly.

Zheng Xi instructed Jin Liang to send a message down the line, preparing for the return journey. His departure also meant bringing back some local products, plus finalizing the entire case file, arranging for prisoner transport, and organizing the escort. Two days might not be enough for all these tasks.

Jin Liang went to the yamen but couldn't find Mr. Huang, who was actually in charge. The gatekeeper was anxious, "My lord, it's late, and everyone has gone home. Mr. Huang has already left. However, he mentioned going to congratulate Zhu San today, so he should be there. I can look for him for you."

Jin Liang said, "No need, I'll go myself." It was also a good chance to see Zhu San.

………………

At this time, Zhu San was also at home.

This lawsuit was resolved so smoothly it could be noted in the annals of the prefecture as such. Ordinary cases, taking three to five days just for summoning and questioning, were considered quick. This one, from start to finish, was completed before dusk! And aside from her being a faux son-in-law, everything was handled legally.

With the case concluded, the aftermath proved more troublesome than the lawsuit itself. Zheng Xi's favors could be settled in time, but Yu Miaomiao and her mother-in-law needed immediate arrangements—night was approaching.

Zhu San planned to take the mother and daughter-in-law back to his rented place, but Zhang XianGu objected, "Stop talking nonsense. That place has only one room. Even if we could squeeze in, it's too shabby and lacks household essentials, not even an extra bed. You'd end up sleeping on the door plank. How could we let the lady stay there?"

Yu Miaomiao felt uneasy and was about to speak when Zhang XianGu added, "We have some spare money now, so why not stay in an inn? Let's all go to an inn together." She didn't mind renting a cramped house for herself, but with Yu Miaomiao's arrival, she realized it wasn't fitting for the lady and Hua Sister to stay in such poor conditions. "Huh? We can afford to let them stay somewhere nicer, so why don't we all stay somewhere nicer too?"

Zhu San suggested, "Inns are too noisy with people coming and going. If the house is too small, we can rent the neighboring room from Xu Jia for a few days."

He then assured Yu Miaomiao, "I'm worried that Elder Zhu and his folks haven't left yet, posing a potential threat. It's better for us to stay close for mutual support."

Seeing her "son-in-law," Yu Miaomiao didn't want to stay separately and said, "What does it matter if it's a bit cramped? Staying together is what's important."

With their accommodation decided, Zhu San had other matters to attend to. He grabbed the thief girl who had been watching the commotion, saying, "Come with me." He took the girl who had brought news back to his room, telling Yu Miaomiao and her mother-in-law, "Foster mother, elder sister, please sit."

He then dug out a basket, first taking out several strings of coins and untied them, placing them inside, and gave the girl some silver coins, "The money is to thank them, the silver is just for you. Also, thank my master for me with this bottle of wine." The wine was brought by Zheng Xi, and since Zhu Shenhan couldn't drink alcohol due to medication and Zhu San didn't drink, it was perfect for the old thief.

The girl pocketed the silver, took the wine, and with the basket on her head, hopped away cheerfully, "Sharing the money now!"

Zhu San couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time, then went out to find Xu Jia.

This time, Xu Jia didn't haggle and unlocked the door, saying, "It's been a while since anyone lived here. Please wait while I clean it up. If the ladies are staying, I'll have my wife bring a new set of bedding!"

Zhu San agreed, "Good." With Xu Jia and his wife taking care of the cleaning, he took Yu Miaomiao and Hua Sister to his own room. Zhu Shenhan, leaning on his cane, only then realized what it meant for his daughter to become someone's son-in-law, found himself at a loss for words, and could only say to Zhang XianGu, "Wife, come inside." He needed to discuss with her how to keep their secret from being exposed.

Inside, the couple whispered among themselves, while outside, Zhu San asked Yu Miaomiao, "How did you end up coming to the prefecture city?"

Only then did Yu Miaomiao and Hua Sister truly allow themselves to cry, with Hua Sister asking, "And you? Is the lawsuit settled?"

Yu Miaomiao and Hua Jie were unaware that Zhu Shenhan's case had been resolved. Thankfully, their neighbors, still harboring a sense of community, promptly informed them once people from Zhu's village arrived.

Yu Miaomiao, never one to sit idly by, and her daughter-in-law didn't even pack their bedding. They fled to the capital with just the clothes on their backs, taking only small yet valuable items like gold and jewelry, and important documents. They didn't even lock the door in their haste. The mother and daughter-in-law were caught up to in the capital, but fortunately, Zhu San's timely intervention and the help of some local thieves and ruffians provided unexpected assistance.

Yu Miaomiao exclaimed, "Heaven be praised! I thought I'd never see the sun again."

Inside, Zhang Xian Gu had already calmly discussed with Zhu Shenhan. They agreed that their child was indeed a girl. Pretending to be a man to go to the capital might work, but a spouse would inevitably find out. They didn't want to delay her youth, and it was also unfair to Hua Jie. They decided to share some of the money given by Zheng Xi with the mother and daughter-in-law and leave the rented house to them, so everyone could go their separate ways.

Zhang Xian Gu came out and reassured, "Don't speak such disheartening words. We've overcome so many obstacles." She brought water for Yu Miaomiao to drink and slowly explained, "The Imperial Envoy wants our youngest to go to the capital. We've got nothing left here; we might as well leave. What are your plans, madam?"

Yu Miaomiao, momentarily stunned, quickly responded, "Let's go together! We still have some private savings. We can start afresh in the capital."

Zhang Xian Gu became troubled, "What about our home? Our child's grave is still here."

Hearing this, Hua Jie couldn't help but cry.

Zhu San questioned, "Why bring this up? How will my godmother and sister manage here?" When she agreed to Zheng Xi's proposal, she hadn't considered the Yu family's situation, as they had parted ways, and she was already overwhelmed with her father's care. Now, faced with the mother and daughter-in-law who had done them a favor by delivering news, she couldn't ignore them.

"If I were foolish enough to think everything's settled with the case closed and leave my godmother and sister here to fare well, then so be it. But I'm not that naive. How can two widows without support manage?"

Yu Miaomiao's sobbing grew louder.

It was at this moment that Mr. Huang arrived, accompanied by a servant carrying two loads. One contained food boxes, and the other bedding and some clothes and cosmetic boxes, supposedly prepared for Yu Miaomiao and her daughter-in-law: "My wife doesn't know any better, just grabbed what she could. Please don't mind."

His visit was primarily to pave the way for future interactions with Zhu San. Regardless of how well Zhu San fared with Zheng Xi, Mr. Huang wanted to ensure he hadn't wronged her, leaving a good impression.

Yu Miaomiao and Hua Jie, both astute, stood up without thanking Mr. Huang but looked towards Zhu San instead.

Zhu San felt obliged to agree, nodding in acknowledgment.

Mr. Huang then smiled, mentioning he had prepared some food and also presented Zhu Shenhan with medicine for his wounds, apologizing for the time spent in jail. Zhu Shenhan held a good impression of him, considering the relatively favorable treatment he received compared to the capital's sorcerers.

Mr. Huang also brought gifts for Zhu San – some travel funds, two sets of new clothes, explaining the haste in preparation, acknowledging Zhu San's release of his father and reunion with his wife as a double celebration. He mentioned others wanted to visit too but were held back to give the family some privacy, promising to come for a proper send-off when it was time to depart.

Zhu San solemnly remarked, "My sister is still in mourning."

Mr. Huang, taken aback and noticing the mother and daughter-in-law in mourning attire, acknowledged the day's legal proceedings with a nod.

Meanwhile, Xu Jia and his wife, having seen Mr. Huang’s arrival, cleaned the house more diligently. The house was sparse to begin with, lacking household items. Xu Jia approached, suggesting they would bring bedding for the wife.

Mr. Huang interjected, "Hold on, there's no need for that, we have everything here," even contemplating purchasing a servant girl to attend to Zhu San.

The house, already cramped, became even more so with many people inside. Mr. Huang dismissed Xu Jia and instructed his servant to serve the food and drinks. Yu Miaomiao and her daughter-in-law quietly moved next door with their bedding, assisted by Zhu San with a candle. Hua Jie took it and walked away lightly. Inside, Zhang Xian Gu and Zhu Shenhan also calmed down.

Zhu San sat with Mr. Huang, first expressing her gratitude. Mr. Huang modestly replied, "It was nothing special. I recognized your capabilities when we first met, which is why I spoke to you as I did."

Zhu San credited Mr. Huang for his guidance at the time.

After exchanging compliments, Mr. Huang expressed hope for future remembrance, saying, "The new waves of the Yangtze River push the old waves forward. I just hope, should we cross paths again, you won't forget me."

Zhu San said, "How could I forget? I still have things to ask you, sir."

Mr. Huang put down his chopsticks, "There's no need for formality. Whatever you wish to ask, feel free to do so. I'll share all I know."

Zhu San inquired, "Why did Zheng the Envoy decide to move the case to the government office today?"

Mr. Huang laughed, a hint of pride in his demeanor, "Zhu San, you're a smart person. It's only because you haven't been exposed to the ways of the officialdom that you ask such a question. Once you've seen more, you'll understand on your own. It's nothing complicated; sometimes, one doesn't want to dirty their hands or it's inconvenient for them to act, showing personal bias. Or perhaps... they want to disassociate themselves, making it easier to find a scapegoat later. Subordinates need to be perceptive. However, if you're being made a scapegoat unjustly, it's best to feign ignorance and get through it."

He shared a series of "senior" experiences, pausing to drink before Zhu San refilled his cup. Mr. Huang commented, "Why aren't you drinking? Not being able to drink won't do!"

A boisterous voice accompanied by footsteps entered, "Right! You need to know how to drink!"

Jin Liang arrived, followed by Lu Chao.

Mr. Huang, slightly tipsy until now, sobered up instantly and hurriedly stood up to greet them. Jin Liang, though a subordinate of Zheng Xi, held an official position.

Seeing Zhu San's casual demeanor towards Jin Liang, he asked, "What brings you here?"

Jin Liang responded irritably, "Shouldn't I come?" and sat down with a thud, knocking on the table and mumbling. Mr. Huang, quick-witted, hurried to find a cup from the food box to pour the drink. Jin Liang said, "Bring him in! I've been running around so much today I'm about to fall apart for his sake!"

Zhu San smirked, "Okay, thanks!" and poured a cup for Lu Chao.

After a drink, Jin Liang refrained from more, stuffing a piece of pig's ear into his mouth, "Look at you, enjoying your meal! I didn't know you had a wife before! Now you must be feeling on top of the world! If it weren't for this case, would you have left her in your hometown and gone off to enjoy yourself in the capital?"

Zhu San laughed, "Mind your own business."

"Fine, whatever!" Jin Liang merely said for the sake of it, aware that the world is full of men who leave their wives at home to seek fortunes elsewhere. He came looking for Mr. Huang, and the two exchanged a few words on the matter. Mr. Huang hurriedly said, "I will attend to it immediately."

Jin Liang said, "No rush, you guys enjoy your drink. I'll report back! I said there's no need to hurry, so there's no need. Let's not make it seem like Zheng the Imperial Envoy is pressuring his subordinates to the point where they can't even sleep for his own matters. Eat if you should eat, drink if you should drink."

His straightforwardness left Mr. Huang with no choice but to offer a bitter smile and take a couple of steps back, "I haven't finished talking with San Lang yet."

Jin Liang replied, "That's more like it. San Lang, keep an eye on him, get him drunk, but don't let him busily fuss over nothing."

Zhu San said, "Alright."

Jin Liang and Lu Chao left one after the other, with Lu Chao winking and gesturing at Zhu San before leaving, "Kid, you're doing great! You're in for a treat tonight."

Zhu San repeated, "My elder sister is still in mourning. She and our godmother live next door, and I'll sleep here."

Lu Chao gave a thumbs-up: "Alright, Sanlang, you're a real man!"

Jin Liang also stepped back and returned, saying, "Hey, lad, neither the adults nor I were wrong about you. Keep up the good work!" Mr. Huang respectfully saw them out, then returned to his drink, no longer urging Zhu San to drink but instead started asking him, "That old coffin of the Zhu family, do you want me to take care of him for good and eliminate future troubles?"

Zhu San replied, "Forget the rest, but please look after the graves of my godmother's husband and son back in our hometown. It seems Yu Ping can no longer attend to this."

Mr. Huang, taking on a lot, asked further, "What about your family's ancestral property?"

Zhu San snorted with laughter: "They can't find it." It's hilarious, they didn't even let us be buried with the Zhu family. Like my early deceased brother, buried haphazardly in the mountains, without anyone to guide, the villagers simply couldn't locate the spot.

Mr. Huang assured, "Don't worry! Your big brother here will handle it perfectly! Ah, that old coffin even swindled our godmother's land, didn't he? How much? Where? I'll retrieve it all for you, you just head to the capital!"

His voice was loud enough that Yu Miaomiao next door heard it, scoffed, and spat: "He's just bluffing after a few drinks!" He could do it, but it would require effort, and without Zhu San around, Mr. Huang would lack the motivation.

Zhu San observed this Mr. Huang, so different from the one in his memories, savoring his demeanor and words. Mr. Huang seemed serious: "Really, I'll arrange for someone to tend to the graves! Getting the land back, and making offerings with the harvest is good too. When the rains are heavy and the graves collapse, doesn't every family need to pile up soil every year?"

These words stirred no feeling in Zhu San and his family, but Yu Miaomiao next door felt moved. Her nephew Yu Ping was unreliable, but she couldn't let go of her son's grave. That night, Yu Miaomiao tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

………………

Early the next day, Zhu San bought breakfast to treat Yu Miaomiao and her daughter-in-law, to which Yu Miaomiao delicately expressed, "I'm relying on your influence to ask him to handle this. I have quite a bit of farmland and won't mistreat him, nor will I let you lose face in mediating. As long as he ensures my husband and son's graves are cared for, the expenses can come from the rent. Whatever is left, he can keep as my thanks. Year after year, whatever he earns is his!"

Madame Zhang interjected, "If the lands can be reclaimed and that old brute gets his comeuppance, there's no need for the lady and Hua Jie to go to the capital anymore. With these assets and no disturbances, why bother traveling back and forth? We agreed initially, San serving as your son-in-law was a temporary solution. Hua Jie is such a good match, I'd have wanted her for myself, but San isn't worthy. She's young, and women can't wait forever. Once the lawsuit is settled and the engagement dissolved, everyone benefits, don't you think?"

Yu Miaomiao felt both embarrassed and angry, while Zhu San said, "Mother! Let me think it over."

"San!"

Zhu San shook her head, understanding why Madame Zhang was so eager to break off the engagement, but once it was dissolved, Mr. Huang might not continue to look after Yu Miaomiao and her daughter-in-law.

Zhu San said, "Godmother, Mr. Huang has sent these gifts to us; we should go and thank him in person."

Madame Zhang exclaimed, "Have you lost your mind?"

Zhu San responded, "Mother, please look after father." Then, pulling Yu Miaomiao and her daughter outside, Yu Miaomiao twisted back into her own room, with Hua Jie following to persuade her.

Zhu San followed them inside, finding Yu Miaomiao facing the wall, seemingly in tears. Zhu San said, "Godmother, my mother has never had ill intentions. Some things are hard to say. My father's lawsuit is unsettled, and the imperial envoy needs my service, so I must go to the capital. Most of what you see here is from him. What can be given can also be taken back twofold. It's hard to say what will happen after I go to the capital. If you have any alternative at all, I don't want to drag you down. If you're out of options, then we'll struggle through together."

Yu Miaomiao wiped her eyes, turned around, and said, "Good child, I know you're a good person. I don't blame your mother, everyone has their own flesh and blood to look after, and I'm a mother too! I have no other way out. My life now depends entirely on your kindness. You are my support; without you, all my strength is useless, and I might as well be dead."

Zhu San said, "I'll repeat what I said before. My elder sister is still in mourning, but if you need me to handle matters, I won't refuse. You've helped me, and I remember that. If my sister finds a good match in the future, don't worry about me. We're all just trying to find a way to survive. If there comes a time when you feel resentful towards me, remember the moment we made our agreement and think of today, let that resentment fade. Is that okay?"

Yu Miaomiao burst into loud tears, "My child!" It was unclear whether she was crying over her deceased son or moved by Zhu San's words.

Once her tears were spent, Zhu San said, "Let's go find Mr. Huang."

Yu Miaomiao agreed, "Alright," and fetched the bag containing their contract.

The two went to the yamen (government office), with Zhu San entering first while Yu Miaomiao and her daughter-in-law waited outside.

Mr. Huang, busy in the yamen to the point of being overwhelmed, had managed to finish the tasks set by Zheng Xi. His head buzzed from half a night's drinking. Hearing that Zhu San had come to see him, he couldn't refuse and welcomed Zhu San into the office, pouring tea and asking what the matter was.

Zhu San asked, "Do the promises made last night still stand?"

Mr. Huang, barely remembering his own words and unable to recall which matter Zhu San referred to, replied, "Sanlang, I said many things last night, but of course, they stand. Which promise do you want me to fulfill?"

Zhu San mentioned, "The matter about the farmland," and explained Yu Miaomiao's plan.

Mr. Huang said, "How could I accept a reward?"

Zhu San argued, "If you don't accept it, she'll feel uneasy. In this world, the things you don't pay for are the most expensive. Don't you agree?"

Mr. Huang then replied, "Alright then, where's the contract?"

Only then did Zhu San invite Yu Miaomiao and her daughter-in-law to come in for a talk. Mr. Huang chided, "Sanlang, what were you thinking, making the lady wait outside? With people coming and going, it's improper for them to see her like that."

Yu Miaomiao bowed solemnly and opened the bag, taking out the documents one by one for Mr. Huang to see. Mr. Huang mentally tallied the amount, finding it a very profitable deal. Yu Miaomiao felt as though her heart was bleeding, but thinking of her son and husband's final resting places, she steeled herself.

Mr. Huang picked up one of the deeds and asked, "The Xu family?" He had been searching for someone with the surname Xu for days, to the point where seeing the character "Xu" in a document made his eyes light up, only to read "allowed to return home" upon closer inspection.

Yu Miaomiao replied, "Yes, my daughter-in-law is a Xu." Hua Jie bowed her head in respect.

Mr. Huang casually inquired, "Are you locals? Do you know the Xu family in this jurisdiction?"

Hua Jie answered, "I am from this place. Although there are some relatives here, we don't communicate much or live together."

"Do you know a Xu Youfang?" he asked.

"He was my father."

Mr. Huang collapsed onto the ground, exclaiming, "My goodness!" He had found her! Finally, he could send the imperial envoy on his way! He prayed she was the niece Vice Envoy Shen was looking for, hoping they would consider his success in finding her and take away Lord Zhong along with them! Zhu San was astonished, Hua Jie! The adopted bride from a wealthy family in Zhu Village, how could she be Vice Envoy Shen's niece?

Yu Miaomiao and her daughter-in-law were clueless about what had happened. Hua Jie asked, "What's wrong?"

Mr. Huang said, "Follow me, Sanlang, you too!" Zhu San cautioned, "Mr. Huang, perhaps it's best to be prudent." Mr. Huang replied, "That's why we're going to see if it's true, come on!" Zhu San resisted, "Make yourself clear. They are my family, not your bounty."

Mr. Huang insisted, "I must report this. Why make me go through this again? Would you rather have the imperial envoy summon them, or have them crowd into that room of yours?"

Yu Miaomiao asked, "Sanlang? What's going on…"

Mr. Huang insisted, "No need to speak, don't tell! Whether it's her or not, we'll know at first sight. If you tell her on the way, and she has other ideas, changing her story later might not match up. Don't worry, I'll make sure to fulfill what I've promised you."

Zhu San frowned and quietly reassured Yu Miaomiao and Hua Jie, "It's nothing to worry about."

Holding the deed, Mr. Huang led the three of them to the provincial governor's office, staggering as he walked! He wasn't sure if Hua Jie was the person they were looking for, but with Zhu San there, any issue could be handled by Zhu San at the forefront! He was just the messenger!

Upon entering the office, Mr. Huang reported with a trembling voice, "We've found Xu Youfang's daughter!"

Zheng Xi's entourage initially thought Zhu San was coming to express gratitude, surprised by the actual matter at hand. Lu Chao said to Zhu San, "Well done, lad. Jin Liang merely mentioned it, and you actually found her?" Zhu San replied, "It wasn't me..."

Lu Chao and his friends then pushed them in front of Zheng Xi.

Zheng Xi asked Zhu San, "What's going on? You knew I was looking for someone, and now you've brought someone to me? This isn't how things are done."

Zhu San said, "If I had known it was going to be like this, I wouldn't have gotten involved. Ask Mr. Huang; I don't know anything."

Mr. Huang carefully and urgently presented the deed to Zheng Xi, who examined it. It stated that a certain person handed over his niece, Ms. Xu, to the Zhu family as a bride, including the name of Ms. Xu's father, Xu Youfang. He hurriedly called for Shen Ying to be brought in.

Shen Ying, already in the office and having heard the news, came over without even changing his clothes.

Zhu San quietly explained Shen Ying's situation to Yu Miaomiao, leaving her in shock. When Yu Miaomiao cried before, she wasn't left with nothing, at least having her daughter-in-law Hua Jie by her side. If Hua Jie was Shen Ying's niece, then Yu Miaomiao would truly have nothing left.

Hua Jie was also stunned. Since she could remember, her parents loved her dearly. After their death, her uncle did his best to take care of her. Before his passing, he found her a serious yet reliable mother-in-law in Yu Miaomiao. How could it be that in an instant, her parents were not her parents, and her uncle was not her uncle?

She was a bit frightened and tugged at Zhu San's sleeve, "Sanlang, what's going on?"

Shen Ying had already run up to her, examining her closely. He too didn't know what his grown niece would look like. After looking for a while, he also examined the deed. The names matched, and the ages matched! He asked, "Child, what's your name?"

Hua Jie looked at Zhu San, then at her mother-in-law, who remained silent. Zhu San nodded. Hua Jie said, "My father named me Guanqun."

Tears began to fall from Shen Ying's eyes. The name was correct, a detail he hadn't revealed to anyone, serving as the first checkpoint for verification. Sobbing, he said, "Go to the Chen family, and ask Dalang and his wife to come over. Please, madam, assist with this."

When entrusting his niece, he naturally left a mark, not a birthmark, but three dots burnt with incense on her left foot by Shen Ying's sister. This needed to be verified with the help of his great-niece by marriage.

As soon as the mention of the three incense scars was made, Hua Jie's complexion changed, and Yu Miaomiao also sensed trouble. With a "plop," Yu Miaomiao fainted to the ground.