Ms. Wang spoke with certainty.

Shi Lan hesitated and did not answer.

Lady Wang softened her voice and continued, "The Pan family accompanied the Emperor on his southern tour back then. At that time, everyone was in a state of panic. The Imperial Concubine was six months pregnant and could barely protect herself. The old lady was old and had limited energy. She had to take care of the Imperial Concubine and couldn't take care of others. The Marquis was busy with the affairs of the household and had neglected his family members." She placed her hand on Shi Lan's shoulder and gently patted it twice. "After spending time together, I know you are a sensible child. I understand your resentment towards the Pan family, but people have to look forward and can't live in resentment forever. Didn't you come here to understand this point?"

Hearing her words, Shi Lan was slightly moved and couldn't help but admire her eloquence.

Although her purpose was also to recognize relatives, she wasn't recognizing any clan relatives; her biological father was the second master of this mansion.

The idea of ​​switching babies sounds unbelievable, and I don't know if she would believe it if I told her.

Shi Lan's mind raced, unsure whether or not to speak.

Ms. Wang waited quietly for a moment, and seeing that Shi Lan was still unmoved, she had no choice but to put on a stern face and say, "I meant well. If you are so stubborn, then I will have to hand you over to the head housekeeper. You have signed a contract here, and the matchmaker can't decide where to sell you."

Shi Lan was startled and quickly said, "No!"

Ms. Wang's expression softened slightly, and she said, "If you don't want to be sold into those low-class places, then tell the truth."

Shi Lan stared at her intently, then suddenly said, "I am but a little girl. Even if I stay in the manor, it will not be a big deal. Why is the lady pressing me so hard?"

Lady Wang said, "I am a servant of the emperor and I must be loyal to him. Since I have been ordered by the Imperial Concubine to stay in the Pan residence, I must do my duty and not be negligent in the slightest."

Upon hearing this, Shi Lan lowered her head and pondered for a while. Now that the matter had been discussed to this point, if she wanted to continue searching for the truth, she could only tell the truth.

Moreover, she was now just a servant, and the girl who had taken her place had been serving the old lady for many years. With such a bond formed over their days and nights, Shi Lan wasn't sure if the old lady would save her and abandon the other girl, even though she had the hairpin and the fabric as proof.

In a flash, Shi Lan made her decision, stepped forward, cupped her hands and said, "Lan Niang is indeed as the lady said, here to find her relatives."

Ms. Wang smiled knowingly.

Shi Lan leaned closer, put her mouth to her ear, and whispered the story of Chang's baby swap, then handed her the hairpin and the bib.

Ms. Wang turned to look at Shi Lan with a surprised expression, her fingers gently kneading the bib she had personally dressed her child on years ago.

After a long silence, she slowly exhaled and said, "This matter is of great importance; please allow me to consider it."

Shi Lan knew the gravity of the situation and quietly withdrew.

As evening fell, a figure hurriedly walked out through the side gate.