Zhao Shouzhen returned home with a heavy heart, where Zhang Wan was already waiting.

She gently came forward, served him hot tea, and lightly massaged his shoulders, her eyes full of heartache. "The royal duties are tedious and demanding, my lord, you've worked hard."

Zhao Shouzhen sighed deeply and said in a deep voice, "After I finish this mission, I want to resign."

Zhang Wan continued massaging his shoulders, and she gently comforted him, "It's good that you've resigned. You've worked so hard for the court all these years, it's time for you to rest."

A hint of helplessness flashed in Zhao Shouzhen's eyes as he slowly said, "I told the Emperor about my family situation, and he suggested that I and Zhao Rou undergo a blood test to confirm our kinship."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Wan looked up in surprise. "Master, family scandals should not be aired in public. How can you bring such private matters to the court? How will the girls in our household ever get married in the future?"

Zhao Shouzhen grasped her hand and smiled, “It wasn’t in the court, but in the Imperial Study, where I had a private conversation with the Emperor.”

The case the Emperor assigned to me this time is somewhat special. I'm afraid the Emperor might be wary of me, so I must let him know that I also have my own difficulties and hardships.

Only then will he lower his guard against me.

Zhang Wan frowned and said, "Serving a ruler is like serving a tiger. Master is right. Compared to Master's life, this family scandal is insignificant."

Zhao Shouzhen pulled her into his arms and held her tightly. "Wan'er, of all the people in the Zhao family, only you are truly devoted to me. I'm an official here, always careful and cautious, and I'm exhausted, both physically and mentally. I'm really tired and want to rest."

Zhang Wan gently patted his back and said softly, "Don't worry, sir. I know some medicine. After I resign from my official post, we will move to Chaoyang County. I will open a clinic and be able to support our family."

“Chaoyang County?” Zhao Shouzhen asked in confusion, then suddenly realized, “Oh, look at my brain, I’ve forgotten that’s your hometown.”

Zhang Wan asked him how to handle Liu Yun's matter.

Zhao Shouzhen pondered for a moment and asked, "In your opinion, Madam, how should this be handled?"

Zhang Wan thought to herself, "What can I do? Yesterday you clearly said you would fill Liu Yun's well, but now you're reluctant and want me to be the villain."

She smiled slightly, "Master, what you said about filling the well last night was just an angry outburst. I think we should just sell Liu Yunfa instead."

You redeemed her from the brothel; sending her back to that place now would be the real punishment for her.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Shouzhen's brows relaxed, and a hint of approval flashed in his eyes. "Madam is indeed wise. We will do as you say." That was exactly what he meant.

Zhang Wan then had Liu Yun sent back to her original brothel. On the other hand, she had Zhao Rou summoned and, without saying a word, pricked her finger, dripping the blood into a bowl of water that had been prepared beforehand.

Zhao Rou struggled and cried, "Mother, it's Aunt Liu who made the mistake, I'm the third daughter you've raised for over ten years!"

"Rou'er, don't be anxious. Your mother did this to put your father's mind at ease."

Zhang Wan looked at Zhao Shouzhen as she spoke.

The two exchanged a glance, then looked at the bowl of water, where two drops of blood slowly merged together.

Zhao Shouzhen breathed a long sigh of relief.

Thankfully, the girl is still his.

After Zhao Shouzhen left, Zhang Wan instructed Baozhu to close the door.

Zhao Rou felt uneasy as she watched Zhang Wan walk towards her.

“Rou’er, you’ve called me ‘mother’ for over ten years. So, I’ll help you with what you did today.” Zhang Wan gestured for her to sit down.

Zhao Rou dared not sit down.

"What do you mean by that, Mother? I...I'm not Father's daughter?" she stammered.

Zhang Wan looked at her with sharp eyes, "Shortly after you were born, I had someone test you and your father."

She continued, "In this mansion, there is nothing that can be hidden from me, the mistress of the house."

Zhao Rou suddenly looked at her.

"Mother, you...you...you know everything about me?" She slumped into a chair, gripping it tightly, her legs trembling uncontrollably with fear.

“I heard Yinhuan’s last words pointing at you,” Zhang Wan sighed. “You grew up with me since you were little, I know your personality. You were corrupted by your birth mother. Fortunately, there is still a chance to make amends.”

As she spoke, she turned to the outside and ordered, "Baozhu, come in!"

Baozhu responded and pushed open the door, carrying a bowl of dark, murky medicine.

After she put the bowl down, Zhang Wan gestured for her to leave and close the door behind her.

"Drink it." Zhang Wan's tone left no room for refusal.

Zhao Rou bit her lip hard, staring at the medicine bowl.

Zhang Wan didn't urge her, and simply closed her eyes to rest.

Zhao Rou picked up the heavy bowl of medicine.

Her fingers trembled, and the rim of the bowl tapped against the back of her hand, making a soft clinking sound.

She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and brought the medicine bowl to her lips. A pungent bitterness instantly filled her mouth.

The medicine was finally finished. Zhao Rou placed the empty bowl on the table, feeling as if all her strength had been drained, and leaned weakly against the back of her chair.

Her face was as pale as paper, and beads of sweat trickled down her cheeks and dripped onto her clothes, leaving wet marks.

Zhang Wan heard the sound of the medicine being gulped down her throat.

She thought to herself, "Very good, she's much smarter than her birth mother."

She opened her eyes and saw that Zhao Rou had drunk the medicine completely, and nodded in satisfaction.

"For the next month, you shouldn't go anywhere. Just stay in your room and rest. I'll tell the Duke's mansion that you had a miscarriage."

"Thank you, Mother! From now on, you will be Rou'er's biological mother."

Before she could finish speaking, a sharp pain shot through Zhao Rou's abdomen. She sat up abruptly and clutched her stomach tightly with both hands.

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