Chapter 37: Who Exactly Said the Zheng Family’s Child Was Swapped?

Chapter 37: Who Exactly Said the Zheng Family's Child Was Swapped?

Perhaps, their current thoughts were not too different from her initial ones.

When they first found out that their biological daughter was living outside, they were also devastated and couldn't accept that the daughter they had raised as their own was actually an adopted child.

They had considered not bringing their biological daughter back and even pretended not to know about it.

But Mother said that in a large family, there was no justification for letting one's own bloodline be scattered outside. Bringing her back to raise for two years before marrying her off would also prevent the matter from being exposed and becoming a disgrace.

Initially, they had arranged for someone to fetch Zheng Jinyu with the intention of nurturing her for two years before providing a generous dowry to dismiss her quietly.

To their great surprise, they found themselves increasingly fond of their daughter after her return.

The meal was consumed in a climate of unspoken thoughts. Afterward, the couple returned to their main residence in silence.

Madam Zheng commented, "My Lord, I believe it's because they haven't spent enough time with her. As they interact more in the future, they will surely grow to love Jinyu like we do."

Master Zheng nodded in agreement. "Let's proceed with this plan for now. After tomorrow's meal, we'll send Second and Third back. Following the autumn examinations, they will transfer to the National Academy for their studies and can return home daily. With increased interaction, their relationship will improve."

The two consoled themselves.

"Alright."

Not long after Zheng Jinyu returned to Yusheng Courtyard, Chunmei came to report that Zheng Hongxing was looking for him.

"Let him in."

Zheng Jinyu thought to himself that this younger brother of his was indeed an upright man.

At present, only Second and Third Brother Zheng seemed to have rusty minds.

"Second Sister," he approached with a white paper fan in hand, "could you draw a painting for me? Consider it as a gift from you, would you?"

Zheng Jinyu nodded in agreement. "Sure, and thank you for speaking up for me today."

Zheng Hongxing replied, "I didn't really help you. I just spoke the truth of what I witnessed."

Zheng Jinyu smiled but said no more. Instead, she went to the cabinet to retrieve the expensive set of colored ink that Miss Wang had given her previously.

Employing contemporary painting techniques, she created a vivid and colorful fan-sized depiction of bamboo and songbirds.

He had been watching her the whole time, but he didn't really understand the intricacies. He only observed that the lines of the bamboo were distinct, and the feathers of the birds seemed almost lifelike, clapping his hands in admiration.

"How beautiful! These birds seem as if they could fly off the page."

Upon hearing his words, Zheng Jinyu knew he didn't comprehend the artistry; he was simply appreciating it for its entertainment value.

And that was precisely what she aimed to achieve with her painting - to captivate even those who viewed it casually.

"Sister Two, why did you choose to paint bamboo?"

Zheng Jinyu smiled and replied, "You're just like bamboo."

"I'm like bamboo? Do I look skinny?"

Zheng Jinyu shook her head with a smile, knowing he would understand in time.

The next day, Zheng Hongxing strolled into the dining hall with his folding fan, deliberately using it to cool himself during the meal. He then showed it to Father Zheng, saying, "Father, look, this is what Second Sister drew for me. I don't know much about painting, but do you think she did a good job?"

Zheng Ji took the scroll with both hands, examining it attentively. He stroked his beard and nodded in approval. "Excellent, indeed excellent. For someone so young to possess such skill is truly remarkable."

In the past, he had only heard his wife extol their youngest daughter's prowess. Now, witnessing it firsthand left him deeply impressed.

He hadn't expected his youngest daughter to possess such a natural gift for painting.

"There are no characters on it. Let Father inscribe a poem or phrase for you, shall I?"

"Great, thank you, Father."

"Fetch me a brush and ink, please."

The mere touch of Master Zheng's calligraphy elevated the entire fan to an exquisite level.

Zheng Hongqi and Zheng Hongxu blushed; as scholars, they appreciated such refinement more than someone like Little Wu, who was less educated. They could easily discern the quality of the painting and understood its true value.

They had previously heard that this country bumpkin, Zheng Jinyu, had a natural talent for painting. As a child, she would use twigs to draw on the ground, which explained her impressive display at the Lotus Appreciation Feast. It seemed that rumor was indeed true.

Although Zheng Hongxu disliked Zheng Jinyu, after suffering consecutive setbacks at her hands, he decided to avoid direct confrontation for now and focus on his impending examinations.

When the time comes for them to transfer to the National Academy for further studies, they can deal with her then since they'll be returning home every day.

Zheng Jinxiu accompanied them all the way to the city gates as they chatted non-stop.

She didn't say much, only expressing her reluctance to part with them, sighing from time to time.

In the eyes of Zheng Hongqi and Zheng Hongxu, it seemed that ever since Jin Yu's arrival, there was no longer any place for the adopted daughter, Jinxiu, in the family.

With Jin Yu's acting skills, even they had stumbled frequently under her manipulation. One could only imagine how many losses Jinxiu had suffered at her hands.

Life is difficult, so why wouldn't one sigh in distress?

Zheng Hongqi said, "Jinxiu, endure it for a few more months. Once we finish the exams and return home, there'll be nothing to fear."

Zheng Hongxu grumbled, "Why should Jinxiu have to endure? That country bumpkin—I've never acknowledged her as our sister. Is blood relation that significant? Jinxiu was raised under our care."

Zheng Hongqi and Zheng Hongxu were only two years older than Zheng Jinxiu. Since childhood, she had followed closely behind them, forming a close bond with the pair.

Zheng Hongqi sighed, "What else can we do but endure? Jinxiu is on her own, while Zheng Jinyu has parents who favor her. Our parents must believe she's suffered out there, hence their intention to make up for it. They might even think that Jinxiu caused Jinyu's hardships over the past decade and that Jinxiu has been enjoying the benefits at Jinyu's expense, thus treating Jinxiu poorly on purpose."

"Ahh? How can Father and Mother be like this? Then we can't leave. Come on, Second Brother, let's go back home."

"Third Brother," Zheng Jinxiu hurriedly intercepted him, tears swirling in her eyes as she shook her head vigorously. "It's not true, Second Brother is just guessing. Father and Mother have been very good to me, and Jinyu is obedient, always calling me 'sister.' The servants still address me as Miss Eldest, just like before. The only difference is that we now have a younger sister."

"Jinxiu, you're still defending them? Look at yourself, you're crying because of them."

Zheng Jinxiu wiped away her tears and said, "No, no, I'm not crying because of them. I'm crying because I'll miss Second Brother and Third Brother when you leave."

But they didn't believe her; they felt that Zheng Jinxiu was merely enduring for the sake of harmony.

In the end, they were still sent away by Zheng Jinxiu, who insisted on keeping them from causing trouble by returning.

Seated in the carriage, as it rolled along, Zheng Jinxiu's figure grew increasingly distant.

When they were out of sight, Zheng Hongqi sighed, "We were such good siblings, a harmonious family... Sigh!"

Zheng Hongxu clenched his fists and said, "It's all because of Zheng Jinyu. Why did she have to come back?"

Zheng Hongqi looked up at him, equally indignant. "Who knows who that messenger was, either."

"That person must envy our prosperity. Once I lay my hands on them, I'll make sure they regret their actions."

"Enough of that for now. Focus on the Autumn Examination. We'll discuss further after it's concluded."

...

Zheng Jinxiu extended an invitation to Miss Wang Fuzhen to attend a theatrical performance.

When speaking with Lady Zheng, she mentioned that Wang Fuzhen had invited her to watch a play and inquired if Lady Zheng would like to join.

The Wang and Zheng families were both prominent aristocratic households, but the Wang family held a higher status. Lady Zheng would be delighted to see her daughter befriending the young miss of the Wang family.

She smiled warmly and said, "Of course, that would be wonderful. When do you plan to go?"

"Tomorrow. I was thinking of taking my sister along. What do you think, Mother?"