"However..."
Xie Yin’s face, still swollen from the previous night, bore the marks of the Cheng Wangfei’s fury. He recalled her cold, cutting words: “You are no son of mine.” His lips turned pale as he murmured, "But Mother is angry with me. She even let Xiao Yan throw me into prison."
He raised his head. "Father, how exactly did Grandmother die? Last night, I believed what you said and questioned Mother, which made her furious. But she insisted she didn’t kill Grandmother. She said it was... you..."
"You believe her?" Cheng Wang abruptly cut him off, his expression darkening. "Have you ever seen a murderer admit to their crime?"
"I was with you when we entered the room. When your grandmother died, the only people present were her, your mother, and the servants who served her. Did you not see how they silenced the servants who tended to your grandmother?"
Xie Yin’s hand trembled.
Cheng Wang lowered his voice, speaking urgently. "But whether you believe your mother or not doesn’t matter. She killed your grandmother and was caught in the act by me. She’ll never forgive me. But you... you’re different. You’re her son. If you align yourself with her and speak on her behalf, if you beg her, she’ll surely let you go."
"You’re my only son. As long as you live, even if I die, I can rest in peace."
Xie Yin wavered as his father’s words sank in. The implicit suggestion that he abandon his father for his own survival filled him with guilt and confusion. "Father, that’s not what I meant. I know you wouldn’t harm Grandmother. The people in the residence saw it too..."
"And what good will that do?"
Cheng Wang let out a bitter laugh. "If I were still free, and if the people in the residence could testify, I could confront your mother in court. But Xiao Yan, conspiring with Wenxin Hou, has accused me of treason and thrown me in prison. They have no intention of letting me speak. They’ll silence me before I get the chance."
The bitterness in his tone, coupled with the heavy sorrow in his eyes, weighed on Xie Yin’s heart.
"I loved your mother deeply for many years. I’ve never wronged her. But now she claims it was all insincere. I thought she was angry about Tang Ning, furious that I deceived her for the sake of the bigger picture. But now I understand—your mother regrets choosing me over the wealth and power of the Gu family."
"She’s entangled with that Gu Helian, unclear and inappropriate. She accidentally caused your grandmother’s death, and there’s no way to mend things between us now. She’s determined to see me die here in this prison. But you’re different. You have a bright future ahead of you. You’re her flesh and blood. As long as you escape this place, you won’t be dragged down by me."
Cheng Wang gently stroked Xie Yin’s hair, his voice low and soft.
"Ah Yin, it’s my fault for failing to protect you. If you must forsake me to survive, it’s only right."
Hearing his father’s heartfelt words and seeing the sorrow etched into his expression, Xie Yin’s tears welled up. Compared to the harsh scolding and blame he had received from his mother, Cheng Wang’s selfless concern struck a deep chord. Even in his dire circumstances, his father’s only thought was to protect him.
In an instant, Xie Yin’s allegiance shifted entirely to Cheng Wang.
Tears streaming down his face, he said, "Father, I’ll never abandon you. I know you care about me, and I know you only acted against Mother because she forced your hand. Once I’m out of here, I’ll go to the Emperor and the royal family to plead your case."
"If Xiao Yan and Tang Ning want to suppress this matter and frame you for treason to protect my mother and Gu Helian, then I’ll expose everything. I’ll make sure everyone knows the truth about their schemes!"
Cheng Wang’s eyes filled with tears. "Ah Yin, you don’t have to go that far..."
Xie Yin, resolute, declared, "Father, don’t worry. I will save you!"
Both father and son were overcome with emotion, their eyes red with tears as their hearts united in hatred for Rong Yue. Cheng Wang, seeing that Xie Yin was completely on his side, was about to instruct him on how to appeal to Rong Yue’s softer side. But just then, the sound of clapping echoed through the empty corridor.
Clap. Clap. Clap.
Tang Ning stepped out of the shadows, Xiao Yan beside her. The extinguished lamps along the corridor were reignited, illuminating the shocked expressions of the two prisoners.
Tang Ning’s gaze swept over them, a mocking smile playing on her lips. "What a touching display of father-son devotion. Truly moving."
Xie Yin’s face turned ashen. "Cousin…"
"Oh, no," Tang Ning interrupted coldly. "Don’t call me that. I’m not worthy to be called your cousin." She paused, as if recalling something, and corrected herself with a sneer. "Actually, that’s wrong. You’re not even a legitimate son anymore, let alone part of the Rong family’s bloodline."
Xie Yin froze, then erupted in fury. "What nonsense are you spouting? I’m the son of Cheng Wang and Wangfei! Tang Ning, don’t think you can spout such lies just because you’ve aligned yourself with Xiao Yan. You’re slandering my mother!"
Tang Ning’s laugh was icy. "Didn’t you hear me clearly? You’re not my aunt’s son. What slander could there possibly be?"
"You—!" Xie Yin’s eyes burned with rage. "You’re lying!"
"Am I? Why don’t you ask Cheng Wang?" Tang Ning’s gaze shifted to Cheng Wang, whose face had turned deathly pale.
Xie Yin looked at his father, desperation in his voice. "Father, she’s lying, isn’t she? I’m Mother’s son, aren’t I?"
Cheng Wang’s heart raced wildly. Even when Xiao Yan had arrested him, he hadn’t felt this level of panic. His hands and feet turned cold.
They can’t know. They can’t possibly know…
Cheng Wang convinced himself it was a bluff, though his expression betrayed his inner turmoil. Forcing a stern facade, he snapped, "Of course you’re your mother’s son! You’re my and Rong Yue’s bloodline!"
His gaze sharpened as he turned to Tang Ning. "Tang Ning, your schemes are vile. You’ve repeatedly tried to drive Rong Yue away from the prince’s residence and now conspire with Xiao Yan to frame me. But falsely accusing my son crosses the line! Your aunt gave birth to Ah Yin under the watchful eyes of the entire residence. How dare you spout such baseless nonsense?"
"Madam Jiang isn’t dead."
Cheng Wang’s words abruptly ceased as though he’d been choked. His mouth opened, but no sound came out.
Tang Ning continued, her expression cool and unyielding. "The wet nurse you thought you silenced long ago has confessed everything. The baby swap, the plot against my aunt and the Gu family, all of it has been revealed."
"You thought cutting out her tongue and crippling her would ensure her silence?"
Cheng Wang instinctively wanted to deny it. He’d seen Madam Jiang’s condition himself—barely clinging to life. His men had assured him she wouldn’t survive. Yet now, Tang Ning claimed otherwise.
Xiao Yan, standing beside Tang Ning, let out a cold laugh. "Did you forget? Qin Nianzi is still in the capital. With her around, even someone at death’s door can be pulled back."
He stood with his arms crossed, his imposing figure towering over Tang Ning’s petite frame. His sharp features carried a detached menace as his phoenix-like eyes bore into Cheng Wang.
"The Emperor has already stripped Xie Yin of his title and royal privileges. Once the truth is revealed, even his survival will be uncertain. Your plan to use him as leverage for Wangfei’s forgiveness? It’s hopeless."
Cheng Wang staggered, his words caught in his throat.
Xie Yin, watching his father’s pale face and lack of refutation, felt the world around him collapse. He clung to Cheng Wang’s shoulders, shaking him. "Father, say something! Tell me they’re lying!"
Cheng Wang remained silent.
Xie Yin’s face drained of color as he trembled uncontrollably. "Speak! Tell me they’re wrong!"
He was the noble heir of the Cheng royal household, the envy of all. How could he be nothing more than a bastard child?
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T/N: The next few chapters are going to be so good================
You can read ahead to chapterr 234 (100+ extra chapters) here
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