Chapter 61

That night, Ning Zhen barely slept. 

Outside, the frost settled on the rooftops in a thin layer, and the cold wind seeped through the gaps in the window panes. 

The bed was icy. 

Ning Zhen thought of Sheng Changyu. 

“His bed must never be cold; he always seems to have a fire within him.” 

She felt a bit envious. 

She also thought about Cheng Baisheng’s words. 

“I still side with the Governor.” 

No matter the position, the Governor at least was not muddled. Compared to him, the Old lady acted purely on whim, caring only about personal preferences rather than merits. 

The Governor, on the other hand, cared more about achievements. 

—In this light, it seemed easier to please the Governor than the Old lady. 

The Governor was the more central issue, so Ning Zhen didn’t need to seek distant solutions. 

Understanding the crux of their mother-son problems also pointed a path forward for Ning Zhen. 

“Cheng Baisheng is indeed a reliable friend.” 

Ning Zhen decided to visit home when she had the chance and ask her father or grandmother about the Sheng family’s secrets. 

It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Cheng Baisheng, but he spoke from a certain stance. 

His stance was aligned with the Governor’s. 

To be well-informed, Ning Zhen wanted to hear how someone with no vested interests would evaluate the situation. 

It was another day off for Ning Zhen. 

She woke early and made a call, saying she would be home for a day. 

The family had prepared the bed in advance and made several of her favorite dishes. 

Her father was not at home, having gone to his stationed location. 

But her elder brother was there. 

After lunch, several people wanted to play mahjong, setting up the game table. 

Her sister-in-law took the main seat, and Ning Zhen didn’t ask about Sheng Changrong. 

She later gave up her seat to her mother and went to find her grandmother. 

“… I vaguely remember that elder brother was going to marry Sheng Changrong, but then he changed his mind. Why was that?” Ning Zhen asked her grandmother. 

Her grandmother was slightly surprised, “Who told you that?” 

“I heard it from the housekeeper on my mother’s side. It wasn’t specifically told to me, but I happened to be present when they were talking.” 

Her grandmother said, “This isn’t a complicated matter. But you should know that now you’re the Governor’s wife, even small matters are important.” 

“It’s a small matter?” 

“Not a major one,” her grandmother replied. 

She continued, “At that time, the Governor was interested in your elder brother and wanted him as a son-in-law. Your elder brother was indifferent. The Governor hinted at him, and he came back to ask us how to respond to the Governor. 

Your father didn’t agree, saying the Governor’s daughter was difficult to get along with. Having such a princess in the family would likely be hard to handle. 

After thinking it over, I also disagreed. Your father and I honestly told your elder brother. At that time, your elder brother was young and didn’t want someone in the house controlling him, so he declined the Governor’s offer.” 

Ning Zhen asked, “So, this matter was never made public, only discussed privately?” 

“Indeed.” 

“Did you not like Sheng Changrong?” Ning Zhen asked further. 

Her grandmother pondered and chose her words carefully, “Miss Changrong’s personality is not very open and generous. She is the daughter of the third concubine but received the Old lady’s affection and indulgence. 

However, she can be somewhat stubborn, a bit petty in her actions, and places great importance on dignity. She has many contradictions in her character. 

Your elder brother is the eldest grandson of the main branch, with many younger siblings, uncles, aunts, and cousins. If he were to marry a wife with a prickly personality, the whole family’s life would likely be difficult. I chose your sister-in-law because she is cheerful, open-minded, and sincere. 

You see, after marrying her, the whole family has been harmonious. Even if there are minor conflicts, your sister-in-law handles them well. 

If it were Sheng Changrong, even minor issues would be linked to her, leading to suspicions that the Ning family disliked her background. If problems weren’t resolved, she would cause a ruckus herself, which would make things difficult for both me and your mother.” 

Ning Zhen couldn’t help but admire her grandmother’s foresight. 

Given Sheng Changyu’s personality, Sheng Changrong’s questionable reputation would likely make her even more extreme. 

Ning Zhen’s mother-in-law had ruined her two children. Those children, living in anguish, were full of doubts about what they had gained and lost. 

“Grandmother, was there really no child swap back then?” Ning Zhen asked again. 

She felt certain there had been no swap, but she wanted to hear her grandmother’s opinion. 

Her grandmother said, “I’ve heard about this countless times. Sheng Changyu was born first and was taken from the delivery room. The third concubine hadn’t given birth yet. 

There was a half-hour difference. A half-hour, not a few seconds. With so many people and so many eyes, and the Governor sitting outside. 

How could a child be swapped when another was still in the womb? It’s unbelievable to believe such stories.” 

Ning Zhen said, “My mother-in-law might believe it.” 

“She was under some spell.” 

Ning Zhen couldn’t help but smile. 

“Besides that, I can’t think of why she would believe such rumors,” her grandmother continued. “She is a mother; she should know which child is her own bloodline. 

Let me say something harsh—if the child had really been swapped, what difference would it make? If the Governor had intended to raise the child, it would have been a sign of his favor and affection. 

If she had any brains, she should have been grateful. The third concubine passed away, and Changrong was raised by her. If she were truly her daughter, she would have been loved equally, and both children would have had their place. 

But she didn’t. She seemed cursed by some spell, deeply troubled by this matter, distorting both children’s lives and making their hearts twisted as they grew up.” 

Ning Zhen: speechless 

“That’s also why I didn’t want your elder brother to marry Sheng Changrong. The Sheng family’s tragedy should not be passed on to us. If possible, I wouldn’t want you to marry Sheng Changyu either.” Her grandmother said, with a hint of sadness. 

Ning Zhen: “The Governor treats me well.” 

She added, “Grandmother, sometimes marriage is about luck. Even the most carefully selected match might not be ideal. Sometimes a chance encounter might yield good results.” 

“He’s willing to give you respect; I’m happy about that.” Her grandmother said, “It’s unexpected.” 

Ning Zhen spent the day playing mahjong at home, and her mood improved significantly. 

In the evening, her third brother came back. 

“Aren’t you going out on a date?” Ning Zhen asked him. 

Ning Ce: “Date with whom?” 

“How should I know whom you’re dating? You’re an adult.” Ning Zhen said, then asked her mother, “Aren’t you finding him a match?” 

“We’re in the process,” her mother replied. 

Ning Ce’s face grew serious: “We can discuss it after the New Year.” 

His sister-in-law chimed in, “I have a cousin who is also looking for a match…” 

Ning Zhen remembered the young lady she had seen at the Ge family’s place and asked, “Is it Chu Jingyue?” 

“You remember her?” His sister-in-law was pleased, “What do you think of her?” 

“She has a good personality and is beautiful,” Ning Zhen said. 

Ning Ce: “Aren’t you done yet?” 

“We’ll meet her during the New Year.” His sister-in-law ignored him and said to their mother, “Mom, I’ll make sure she comes.” 

Their mother said, “Alright. But first, let’s show her to your grandmother; she has a keen eye.” 

“Grandmother will surely approve.” His sister-in-law said. 

Ning Ce: speechless 

Amid the laughter and conversation, Ning Ce awkwardly slipped away. 

The next morning, Ning Zhen returned to the Sheng family’s old residence. 

As soon as she arrived, Cao Ma informed her, “The Governor’s office called yesterday, asking you to return the call.” 

“Was it the adjutant or Chief of Staff Cheng who called?” 

Cao Ma looked a bit uncertain: “I couldn’t tell; it was just a young man’s voice.” 

Ning Zhen teased her: “Could it be the Governor himself?” 

Cao Ma looked anxious: “I couldn’t tell from the phone either, and I didn’t dare to ask!” 

Ning Zhen laughed.