Chapter 53

The Sheng family had several aunts.  

Sheng Changyu’s aunts and married sisters were all referred to as “aunt” by the servants. 

Ning Zhen knew about the aunt who married into the Zhou family. Her name was Sheng Changrong, and she had almost married Ning Zhen’s eldest brother. 

Her brother wasn’t too keen on her, but the family had never told Ning Zhen the exact reason why. 

Afterward, Sheng Changrong married into the Zhou family. 

The Zhou family wasn’t just any ordinary family; it was actually the family of Ning Zhen’s mother-in-law, the Sheng family’s old lady. 

“…The old lady really dotes on her,” Ning Zhen remarked. 

The steward replied, “The old lady treats all of the Marshal’s children as if they were her own.” 

Ning Zhen asked, “Since it’s their birthday today, what gift has been prepared for the Governor?” 

The steward (Maid) hesitated, “Uh…” 

Ning Zhen went silent. 

“The children born from concubines are treated like her own, but the ones she gave birth to are ignored?” she thought. 

She didn’t continue the conversation with the steward. 

Instead, she went to see Cao Ma and asked her to find out how the old lady used to celebrate the Governor’s birthday every year. 

While Cao Ma went off to inquire, Ning Zhen prepared to go out. 

Despite her discomfort and the pulling pain in her lower abdomen, she applied rouge to brighten her complexion. 

Enduring her discomfort, Ning Zhen went to the Catholic girls’ school where Sheng Changyin studied. She picked her up early, allowing Sheng Changyin to skip the last class of the afternoon, and took her to eat Western food. Sheng Changyin was delighted. 

“How does the Governor usually celebrate his birthday?” Ning Zhen casually asked during their meal. 

Sheng Changyin replied, “Every year ends in a fight. When Dad was alive, my older brother and mom were more restrained, but after he passed, they argue like there’s no tomorrow.  

The year before last, mom had longevity noodles made for my brother. He threw them out in front of the servant who had delivered them. The servant, not knowing better, told mom exactly what had happened. Mom was so furious she cried her heart out. 

She even wanted to go to Dad’s grave to end her life. The Yao family eventually helped smooth things over, and my brother apologized to mom, and the matter was resolved. Afterward, he told her to stop celebrating his birthday. 

Last year, they didn’t celebrate at all, and things stayed peaceful. I guess they won’t celebrate this year either. My brother has a bad temper; if something irritates him, he’ll explode.” 

Ning Zhen remained silent. 

Before marrying into the family, she had only heard about the Governor’s two concubines causing trouble. 

It turned out the concubines were merely tools in the hands of the real players. 

The real conflict was between Sheng Changyu and his mother, the old lady. 

“And your sister?” Ning Zhen asked. 

“Sister Rong? She also celebrates her birthday today. Mom really cares about her, and since she married my cousin, mom sends her birthday gifts every year,” Sheng Changyin replied. 

Ning Zhen looked at Sheng Changyin and then thought about the Governor’s appearance. 

In fact, Sheng Changyu and Sheng Changyin looked somewhat alike, especially in the upper half of their faces, which resembled the old lady. 

Those beautiful eyes were almost identical. 

After finishing their steaks, Ning Zhen sent Sheng Changyin home. 

Cao Ma had also gathered some information by then. 

It was mostly in line with what Sheng Changyin had said. 

Every year, birthday celebrations were held for all the children, and the gifts were always lavish. It wasn’t something reserved only for the aunt. 

As for Governor Sheng Changyu, he had quarreled with his mother and agreed that they wouldn’t celebrate his birthday anymore, so the old lady stopped preparing for it. 

“What are they fighting about?” Cao Ma wondered aloud, puzzled. 

Ning Zhen replied, “Their conflict runs deep. The Governor even shot his uncle and sent his brother abroad.” 

Cao Ma was shocked. “They’re still mother and son, though—how could things go so far?” 

Ning Zhen suddenly asked, “Do you really believe they’re mother and son?” 

“How could they not be?” Cao Ma was startled. “The Governor looks a lot like the old lady, especially in the eyes.” 

“I think they look quite alike too,” Ning Zhen agreed. 

“Not only does the Governor resemble the old lady, but he and Miss Changyin also look quite similar. They’re blood siblings,” Cao Ma remarked. 

Ning Zhen said nothing more. 

She still felt unwell and drank another bowl of ginger and brown sugar water. 

“…I think I’ll make a phone call,” she said. 

The call was connected to the outer study of the Governor’s mansion. 

Ning Zhen asked the adjutant who answered, “Is Chief of Staff Cheng still at the Governor’s residence?” 

“He is.” 

“Could you ask him to take the call?” Ning Zhen requested. 

A moment later, a man’s voice came through the phone: “Who is this?” 

The voice was deep and magnetic, not quite like Cheng Baisheng’s. 

“Baisheng, it’s me, Ning Zhen,” she hesitantly said, uncertain. 

“I’m Sheng Changyu,” the voice on the other end replied. 

Ning Zhen was startled, not expecting him to answer personally. “…Governor, am I disturbing you? Is Baisheng not on duty anymore?” 

“Do you have something to discuss?” 

“Actually, I was looking for Baisheng to ask something about you, Governor. I only just heard this afternoon that today is your birthday. I wish you a long life, health, and peace in the years to come,” Ning Zhen said. 

“Thank you, that’s kind of you,” Sheng Changyu replied calmly, without any hint of emotion. 

Ning Zhen continued, “Would it be alright if I sent over a small cake? I’m not sure what you like, so I didn’t prepare a gift, but it’s a little token of my appreciation.” 

“A cake is fine,” Sheng Changyu responded. 

“The cake needs to be fresh, so it might take a while. I’ll be there by eight tonight—will that disturb your rest?” Ning Zhen asked. 

“I’m not so old that I go to bed at eight,” Sheng Changyu said. 

“Alright, see you at eight, Governor.” 

After confirming the time, Ning Zhen quickly changed and prepared to go out. 

Her complexion still didn’t look great, so she applied another layer of rouge to give her face some color. 

Cao Ma was worried. “Are you sure you can handle this?” 

“It’s a great opportunity to make an impression. Even if I can’t handle it, I have to go,” Ning Zhen said. “Fill a wine bottle with hot water so I can keep my stomach warm on the way.” 

As Cao Ma instructed the servants to prepare it, she added, “The Governor seems to be in a bad mood. Do you think it might not go well if you go at this time?” 

Ning Zhen hesitated. 

She shared the same concern. 

However, Cheng Baisheng was at the Governor’s residence, and the adjutant had clearly informed her. Yet, Sheng Changyu had answered the call himself. 

If he was willing to take her call meant for Cheng Baisheng, his mood probably wasn’t too terrible, right? 

Unless something changed midway. 

“Fortune favors the bold,” Ning Zhen said. “When an opportunity arises, you have to seize it.” 

Sheng Changyu was still wary of the Ning family. 

As long as the conflict hadn’t erupted and no one from the Ning family had yet fallen at Sheng Changyu’s hands, they should mend their relationship as much as possible. 

If things turned deadly, and Ning Zhen was trapped in the position of “Governor’s wife,” her own life would be in danger as well. 

Since Sheng Changyu invited her, she had to go, no matter how temperamental he might be. 

Enduring the waves of pain, she first went to a White Russian bakery to buy a cream cake. 

The cake was small, slightly modest. 

Ning Zhen stopped by a nearby shop and bought a dark brown tie as a birthday gift. 

Together, they represented her thoughtful gesture. 

When her car arrived at the Governor’s mansion, night had fallen, and the streetlights cast warm, amber light over the ground. 

The orange glow added a touch of warmth to the early winter evening. 

Waiting at the entrance was still Cheng Baisheng. 

Ning Zhen, clutching the hot water bottle to her stomach in the car, felt slightly more comfortable. However, as soon as she got out and started walking, the pain returned. 

She carried the gifts and forced a smile. “Baisheng.” 

Cheng Baisheng stepped forward and took the gifts from her. “I didn’t expect you to come. Ning Zhen, thank you.” 

“You called me earlier, but you didn’t mention it was the Governor’s birthday. Baisheng, you’re being too polite with me; you could’ve just told me directly,” Ning Zhen said. 

Cheng Baisheng replied, “Changyu didn’t want a big fuss made about it.” 

They chatted while walking to the dining room. 

The adjutants were still setting the table. 

Sheng Changyu sat at the head of the table, quietly smoking, his eyes downcast. His expression revealed nothing, making it impossible to gauge his mood. 

Ning Zhen felt a bit uneasy. 

It wasn’t a good day to make any mistakes—she had to tread carefully and avoid being a spark that set off an explosion.