Chapter 76: The Investigator from the Fang Household Returns, Lady Zheng Breaks Down in Tears

Chapter 76: The Investigator from the Fang Household Returns, Lady Zheng Breaks Down in Tears

Lady Zheng was utterly stunned by these revelations.

Even Zheng Hongxu, who had always found Zheng Jinyu displeasing to the eye, was rendered speechless.

Zheng Hongyan had heard from Zheng Jinyu that she had worked tirelessly solely to avoid being sold.

The speaker continued, "Despite all this, the Fang Family's eldest daughter still frequently suffered beatings."

Madam Zheng was startled. "Why must one be beaten when they work hard but eat little?"

"It's the life of a country lass. That's how it usually goes. Compared to being sold, it's much better to just be hungry while working more."

Born into an esteemed family, Madam Zheng had never known the hardships of the lower classes.

Upon realizing that her own daughter had suffered so much, she wept uncontrollably.

After the servants were dismissed and her sons had returned to their respective courtyards, only the couple, along with a few long-serving elderly servants, remained in the main courtyard.

"Old Master Zheng, she has suffered so much. Look how long she's been back, yet she never speaks of it to us. My dear, we owe her an apology. If not for our negligence in swapping the babies, how could she have endured such hardship?"

"Sigh! My lady, the deed is done, so there's no use blaming yourself. Let's think about how we can make amends."

"How can we make amends? Many people outside are spreading rumors that she seduced Prince Chen and stole her own sister's husband. We know the truth, but we dare not speak up, and instead try to clear Jinxiu's name. But in doing so, we're harming Jinyu. Old Master Zheng, do you think we've made a mistake?"

"Sigh! It's like trying to choose between the palm and the back of the hand. I don't know what the right thing to do is."

Now they were at a loss, but days ago, they hadn't hesitated to defend Zheng Jinxiu.

If the truth had exploded earlier, their stance might not have been so resolute.

Lady Zheng wept, "We've always treated Jinxiu as our own flesh and blood, but look at the Fang family. How have they treated our daughter? They don't even treat livestock that way. Why would they do this to my daughter? Could it be..." A horrifying thought struck her, "Old Master Zheng, do you think they might know that Jinyu isn't their biological child, and that's why they treated her like this?"

"What?" Old Master Zheng was also startled, "That can't be. The Fangs seem like honest villagers to me."

"One can never truly know the heart of another. If she were their true daughter, would they treat her this way?"

"They did say that country girls are often treated like this, some even sold. At least Jinyu wasn't sold."

Upon hearing this, Lady Zheng's resolve wavered once more.

She turned to an elderly matron who had been with her for many years and asked, "I recall that you were also sold by your family. Is that the way it is in the countryside?"

The matron nodded and replied, "Indeed, peasant girls are considered worthless, their lives no more valuable than livestock. Back then, my parents had seven daughters before they finally had a son. My sisters and I were worth less than the animals at home. There was always endless work to do, and beatings were a common occurrence. It was entirely normal in the countryside. Apart from my eldest sister, the rest of us were all sold."

"Ah? Why wasn't the eldest one sold?"

"Our eldest sister was like half a mother. She had to help our parents take care of the children; our brother couldn't bear to be apart from her. And she was much more capable at working than the rest of us younger ones."

They imagined that this was likely the reason why Zheng Jinyu hadn't been sold.

Lady Zheng broke down in another bout of sorrowful tears.

After her crying fit, she unleashed a tirade against the Fang family, cursing them for mistreating her daughter so horribly.

But when she asked several servants who had also been sold as children, their answers were similar.

There was never-ending labor at home, bellies that were never full, and punishments and scoldings were routine. Eventually, they were all sold off.

After inquiring around, only two said that their parents treated them decently; they were sold because their families truly had nothing to eat and they would starve otherwise.

Madam Zheng spent a day gathering her composure. She didn't sleep well that night either. The next day, with dark circles under her eyes, she came to visit Zheng Jinyu.

Zheng Jinyu had already stopped pretending to be ill. She was currently sitting at the desk, sketching designs.

Upon seeing Madam Zheng, she greeted her as she usually did, obediently bowing and softly calling her mother.

Madam Zheng's ears turned red from embarrassment, feeling even more guilt towards her.

She no longer mentioned anything about biological or adopted status. Jinxiu's broken engagement wasn't Jinyu's fault; if anyone should be blamed, it was they, as parents, for not looking after them properly.

Why should her biological daughter suffer through all this?

She hadn't seduced Prince Chen. Jinxiu's broken engagement happened because she wasn't their biological child.

Yet, to protect her adopted daughter, not only did she fail to clear their names, but she also continuously spun lies, causing them to be misunderstood and hurt once again.

The mere thought of the circulating rumors outside made Madam Zheng feel uneasy inside.

"Jinyu, I've wronged you," said Zheng Jinyu with a serene expression. After a couple of seconds, she suddenly smiled and continued, "You've raised your elder sister for so many years and your affection for her is deep. I understand that. You couldn't stand by and watch her suffer, nor allow misunderstandings to fester. I comprehend that. The truth about my marriage to Prince Chen is not as the outsiders perceive it to be. Father, Mother, and my brothers all know the real story, and that's enough for me. As for those outsiders, I don't know them, nor do we share the same roof. They can think whatever they want. The most important thing now is to protect your sister and our family."

Her words were spoken with such righteousness that Madam Zheng, who already felt guilty about the situation, was now overwhelmed with remorse, wishing she could give her heart to Zheng Jinyu.

With tears in her eyes, Madam Zheng looked at Zheng Jinyu and said, "Despite not being raised by your mother, you've grown up so well. It must have been hard on you. I always feel like I'm an unworthy mother for a daughter as wonderful as you. I don't deserve to be your mother."

Zheng Jinyu secretly sneered inwardly, thinking that Madam Zheng indeed wasn't worthy.

A mother who couldn't even protect her own flesh and blood—what kind of mother was that?

"Mother, please don't say that. No matter what, it doesn't change the fact that you're my biological mother," replied Zheng Jinyu softly.

Madam Zheng was deeply moved. "Do you truly feel this way, Jinyu?"

Zheng Jinyu nodded gently.

Madam Zheng began to cry again, "Why are you so understanding? We helped Jinxiu but not you, so you should be angry. It would be fine if you scolded me. It's reasonable for you to get upset and make a fuss. With your understanding, what am I supposed to do?"

Zheng Jinyu observed her crying calmly, even offering her a handkerchief and patting her back soothingly.

Mrs. Zheng seized her hand, her heart aching as she noticed the scars that had healed over time. "Did it hurt, child?"

Zheng Jinyu shook her head gently. "It's all better now, it doesn't hurt anymore."

Mrs. Zheng spoke with sorrow, "If only we hadn't switched you back then, you would have had a better life than this."

Mrs. Zheng had finally uttered the words "if only we hadn't switched you back then," something she had never said before. Previously, she was grateful for the mistake, as it led her to Jinxiu and resulted in two obedient and sensible daughters. She believed it was fate's kindness to her. Huhu.

Now, she finally acknowledged that it was an error in the past.