Chapter 643 Just Not Raised by Oneself

**Chapter 643: The One Not Raised by Blood**

Daxisipo ranted about Nie Lvming being no good while sending Xingxing to the kitchen for a jar of sesame oil. She used it to wipe down the bow several times, neutralizing the poison.

"The nerve! The former emperor was a brilliant strategist in his early years, yet later in life, this poison drove him to kill his own wife. Does that boy think he can compare? How dare he use this poison on himself? He’s got no shame!" Daxisipo grew angrier with every word, finally snapping at Xingxing, "Until we find who poisoned this, you’re not to have anything to do with that Nie boy!"

Xingxing gave in reluctantly, stepping forward to soothe Daxisipo's back. "Alright, alright, Granny Daxi, I’ll listen. Don’t stay mad—you’ve been furious since earlier, and I’m worried you’ll make yourself sick."

The soft-spoken girl leaned against her, and Daxisipo’s anger began to fade.

Besides...

Daxisipo knew Xingxing was clever—she had likely guessed her ties to the old dynasty. Yet she never asked a single question.

The girl was so thoughtful and kind—how could she not adore her?

"Fine, I can’t be bothered to stay angry," Daxisipo muttered, clasping her hands behind her back as she walked inside. "Your second brother sent over some game today. I was thinking of roasting it. Don’t go home tonight—stay and eat with me."

"Great! That sounds wonderful!" Xingxing chirped happily, following close behind. "Granny Daxi, show me how to make that dipping sauce you made last time?"

"Tch, that’s my prized recipe."

"Please show me! Pretty please, Granny Daxi~"

"Alright, alright, quit tugging on me—you’re making me dizzy. Fine, I’ll show you!"

Their voices floated through the courtyard, warm and cheerful.

...

Jiao Shi knelt before the small prayer hall, eyes closed, her face ghostly pale.

Yu Chongjie stood at the entrance for a long while before stepping inside and calling out, "Mother."

Jiao Shi grabbed his arm tightly. "Have you seen your sister?"

Yu Chongjie hesitated.

He had gone to White Cloud Temple that day to deliver supplies to his sister Yu Mingzhu. As luck would have it, he happened to see her kneeling weakly before a statue, praying tearfully. She swore to give her life in exchange for her family’s safety. She admitted her past mistakes, saying she now realized how selfish she had been, and begged the gods to bless Mao Shi with good health and a child.

It felt like a knife to his heart.

Since Mingzhu left the estate, Yu Chongjie had returned home every evening to be with Mao Shi. On days off work, he even took her out. Her health had improved steadily, her complexion rosier.

He could no longer lie to himself—his wife’s illness truly stemmed from his sister.

He struggled with guilt for days.

If not for Jiao Shi pleading with tears that she had dreamed of Zhu Zhu suffering at White Cloud Temple, begging him to deliver supplies, he might still be avoiding her.

But seeing her there, hearing her heartfelt prayers—it moved him deeply.

And after all, though not blood-related, he had raised her with love and care for years. Seeing her tiny frame drowning in Taoist robes, her face gaunt and pale—how could he bear it?

He couldn’t stay firm. Bowing his head, he answered honestly, "Mother... Zhu Zhu’s having a hard time at White Cloud Temple."

Upon hearing this, Jiao Shi staggered slightly.

Yu Chongjie quickly steadied her, but Jiao Shi clutched his arm again, her voice trembling, "What exactly is wrong?"

"Zhu Zhu has lost a lot of weight—her clothes hang loose on her. She grew up in luxury, surrounded by servants, but now at White Cloud Temple, she has to do everything herself. Her hands are even calloused..."

Jiao Shi let out a sob, covering her mouth as tears streamed down her face. "My Zhu Zhu... She’s never suffered like this since the day she was born! Zhu Zhu... my poor Zhu Zhu..."

She sobbed uncontrollably.

Yu Chongjie helped her sit in a chair and comforted her, "Mother, don’t cry. I’ve been thinking—wasn’t it Grandfather and Grandmother's idea that Zhu Zhu go to White Cloud Temple to pray for Fu Qu’s well-being? Now, Fu Qu’s health is much better. Your birthday is coming up soon—why not use that as a reason to bring Zhu Zhu back?"

Jiao Shi immediately wiped her tears and nodded eagerly. "Yes! That's perfect!"

She couldn’t help but mutter, "Chong En has finally learned to consider me and your father, willing to settle down properly. I've always said that Wei Shuangyan, though the daughter of a prince, acts like a spoiled princess—no talent, no virtue, and with terrible fortune. Getting entangled with her would only curse our entire Duke of Xinguo household..."

As she rambled, it occurred to her—Xingxing had such a gentle temperament. Even as a noble lady, she never lost her temper...

But the moment this thought surfaced, Jiao Shi froze.

Xingxing, who looked so much like her younger self, was probably her real daughter... Yet Xingxing was distant toward her, indifferent to her as a mother, while being so affectionate toward her mother-in-law!

At this realization, Jiao Shi bit her lip, her heart aching. They'd never be close.

Her Zhu Zhu...

Jiao Shi made up her mind—even if she acknowledged her biological daughter later, she must not let Zhu Zhu feel neglected.

Gripping Yu Chongjie’s hand, she pushed the thought away and earnestly instructed, "...Chongjie, go back and talk to Mao Shi. Tell her that Zhu Zhu was young and foolish before, but she’s repented now. Ask Mao Shi not to take it personally and not to give Zhu Zhu the cold shoulder when she returns!"

Yu Chongjie hesitated for a moment before agreeing.

After leaving Jiao Shi’s prayer room, Yu Chongjie ran into his younger brother, Yu Chongen, whom he hadn’t seen in days, on his way back to his own courtyard.

Yu Chongen’s chin was covered in stubble, dark circles under his eyes, looking like a complete mess.

Yu Chongjie frowned. "What’s wrong with you? Why are you in such a state? If Mother sees you like this, she’ll worry again."

Yu Chongen gave a mirthless laugh. "Why would she? I’ve already done as she asked and met with other young ladies. What more could she possibly want?"

Yu Chongjie sighed silently, patting his brother’s shoulder. After a pause, he said, "Let’s find a place tonight—just the two of us—and have a good drink."