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After finishing the hotpot, Chu Lingxuan accompanied Chen Feng to the jewelry store to purchase some accessories and ornaments. A maid was sent to buy famous snacks and specialties from the capital. They had almost completed their purchases for the return journey to their hometown.
However, if Wang Liuzhi was indeed Wang Cheng, they wouldn’t be able to return home on the 21st as planned.
That night, Chen Feng anxiously waited for any news.
Early the next morning, Chen Feng made a batch of egg tarts, this time without using mangoes as there were only a few left, which she intended to take back to Tangyuan. She made layered egg tarts with a hint of raisins for a different flavor.
Having made quite a few, she distributed forty to the family and sent forty to the Empress Dowager, and twenty to the Prince Rui’s residence. However, she didn’t give any to Second Madam Li since their relationship had soured, and Chen Feng no longer felt the need to be polite. As the rightful mistress of the Marquis Residence, she couldn’t tolerate favoritism and mistreatment.
After finishing the tarts, she started packing. If Wang Liuzhi had no relation to Wang Cheng, they would leave the next afternoon and stay overnight in the County before returning to Dingzhou Prefecture by boat the following morning.
Around midday, the soldier who went to gather information returned. Not only did he return, but he also brought Wang Liuzhi with him. Chu Lingxuan instructed them to report directly to Bamboo Pavilion.
Inside the main hall, a folding screen was set up. Chu Lingxuan received the two visitors outside, while Chen Feng discreetly peeked from the other side of the screen.
When Wang Liuzhi, dressed in a soldier’s uniform, entered with the soldier, Chen Feng couldn’t hold back her tears. She was certain that this person was her uncle Wang Cheng. His resemblance to Mrs. Wang and Chen Lu was striking, despite his short beard, his features were unmistakable. His eyes were small, slightly hooded, a straight nose, thin lips, and a small, slender frame.
Nervous and unsure why he was at the Marquis Residence, Wang Liuzhi was on edge. As he entered, he attempted to kneel before Chu Lingxuan, but Chu Huai, Lingxuan’s senior attendant quickly supported him. Having heard about the potential identity of Wang Liuzhi, Chu Huai didn’t want him to kneel.
Chu Lingxuan invited Wang Cheng to sit down and had tea served. With a gentle smile, he said, “Don’t be nervous. A relative of mine thinks you resemble someone from her past and asked me to inquire. What’s your name? How old are you? Where is your hometown?”
Wang Cheng quickly stood up, bowing, but Chu Lingxuan gestured for him to sit and continue.
Wang Cheng replied, “My name is Wang Cheng, I am thirty-two years old, and my hometown is Xiaoli Village in Yian County, under Yongzhou Prefecture in northern Jibei Province. I was sold there when I was young, and due to my age, I’ve forgotten my true home. I only remember being named Wang Cheng, but my foster father named me Li Gousheng. Nineteen years ago, during the war with the Western Regions, I joined the army and went to the front lines. My foster family treated me poorly, so as soon as I entered the military camp, I changed my name back to Wang Cheng…”
Before he could finish speaking, the sound of a woman sobbing came from the other side of the screen.
Chu Lingxuan, also moved by the revelation, stood up and said, “Feng, come out.”
Chen Feng tearfully emerged and said to the surprised Wang Cheng, “Uncle, my mother is Wang Juan, and I am your niece, Feng.”
Upon hearing his sister’s name, Wang Cheng also started crying, choked up as he said, “You are my sister’s daughter? My goodness, what a coincidence. Sister, my sister, was the kindest to me when I was young… I only remember three things from my childhood: my name is Wang Cheng, my sister Wang Juan worked as a foster daughter-in-law, and she called me little brother… In memory of my sister, I named my son Wang Xiaodi… I’ve always wanted to save enough money to return to Xiaoli Village, inquire about my origins from my foster family, and find my sister. But I’ve been so incompetent, and after saving all this time, I still haven’t saved much…”
As Wang Cheng spoke through tears, struggling to express himself, Chen Feng understood everything and cried even harder. Chu Lingxuan patted her back, comforting her.
The servants brought a basin for them to freshen up, and they continued to share their emotions.
Chen Feng updated Wang Cheng about Mrs. Wang’s current situation. Learning that his sister was doing well and seeing his niece married to the Marquis’s heir, Wang Cheng became overwhelmed with joy.
Later, Wang Cheng briefly recounted his life over the past years.
Nineteen years ago, Wang Cheng entered the military camp. Despite his young age, he had endured much hardship from a young age, performing various tasks and even learning blacksmithing, which honed his agility and quick reflexes. This led to his assignment to the Inspection Camp.
Chen Feng understood that the Inspection Camp was akin to scouts or special forces in her past life.
Due to his tough upbringing and lack of familial concerns, Wang Cheng possessed a fearless and daring nature, accumulating several minor military achievements. Two years later, he was assigned a particularly crucial task. They had learned that an enemy prince was to visit the frontline to console the troops, and Wang Cheng’s mission was to assassinate the prince.
Before his departure, his commanding officer General Zhao had promised him a promotion upon his return.
In essence, this was a suicide mission, comprising only fifty members to avoid drawing attention. Even if they succeeded against all odds, few would return alive.
Despite the risks, Wang Cheng was happy. He believed that if he died, so be it, but if he survived and earned a promotion, his foster family would no longer mistreat him, and he could uncover his true origins. Returning home in glory would also help his sister, knowing the struggles of being a foster daughter-in-law.
They stealthily infiltrated enemy territory, lying in wait in a forest where the prince was expected to pass through. When the prince rode by on his horse, they unleashed a volley of arrows, piercing the prince multiple times.
The prince was accompanied by several hundred guards, and despite being outnumbered, only a few managed to escape with injuries. Wang Cheng had his palm severed, sustained multiple wounds, and collapsed upon returning to the camp.
Upon regaining consciousness, General Zhao regretfully informed him that the mission had been successful, and Marshal Ye was pleased, promising to reward the returning survivors generously. However, due to Wang Cheng’s severe injuries, they presumed he wouldn’t survive and wrongfully claimed his military achievements. The person who falsely claimed his achievements had powerful connections that they couldn’t challenge.
Feeling pity for Wang Cheng, General Zhao arranged for him to be transferred to a distant camp. Due to his disabilities, Wang Cheng was assigned to tend to the horses.
Honest and understanding his inability to challenge authority figures, Wang Cheng endured the situation in silence. Due to his dedication and skills in caring for the horses, he remained in the military, even after the war ended, as his superiors valued his contributions and didn’t want him to leave. Following troop rotations, he ended up accompanying the military to their current location.
Wanting to save some money to uncover his true heritage, Wang Cheng refrained from seeking a wife. It was only nine years ago, when he was twenty-three, that he encountered Mrs. Wu being harassed.
After rescuing her, Mrs. Wu expressed her gratitude and boldly confessed her love, willing to be with him. Impressed by her embroidery skills, reminiscent of his sister, he promised to marry her…