Chapter 110 What evidence is there?
"Mother, you still have me."
Inside the room, Niu Tielan buried himself under the covers, not uttering a sound. Song Jin, like a gecko, lay sprawled on the covers, his long arms and legs snaking across them, his head buried deep inside.
It was pitch black inside the blanket; her mother had her head buried, and she could only see the dark top of her head.
Song Jin poked her head in, nudging the person with her chin, muttering, "It's okay, it's okay, it's just getting scolded, I don't care, Mom, don't be sad. That old man is old, it's nothing for me to be lenient with him..."
Niu Tielan remained silent.
Over the years, what she learned most was to be quiet. Crying was useless, arguing was useless; quiet observation and figuring out a solution were the only ways to overcome the problem.
She buried herself in the blankets, letting the tears flow freely, her heart clenching with unspeakable anguish and sorrow.
Time flies, things change and people change.
It turns out everyone was there, but she missed them little by little.
For the past sixteen years, she has gained nothing, except this little puppy that only knows how to paw at people.
Niu Tielan reflected on her sixteen years of cautious, timid, and unproductive work, seeing only her own foolishness and powerlessness. She clutched her head tightly, her voice hoarse: "Get out, don't bother me."
Song Jin, still worried, was shocked: "Mother, do you find me annoying?"
Listen to this! It's only been a short time, and he's already showing disdain for her before even getting to know her. He should have killed that old man just now!
Niu Tielan didn't want to argue with her right now, and said weakly, "Song Jin."
Song Jin pouted: "Okay, okay, I'll go out. Don't be too sad. You still have me. I'll be right outside. Call me if you miss me..."
She muttered to herself as she slowly slipped out of the covers.
Niu Tielan curled up in the blankets, the thick blankets blocking out the light, plunging him into complete darkness. The sounds outside gradually faded into the distance, the noise disappeared, and in their place came boundless solitude.
However, it didn't last long.
Footsteps stopped again beside the bed.
His steps were more steady; it was clear from his voice that it wasn't Song Jin's, so there was no need to guess who it was.
Niu Tielan gripped the blanket tightly, turned over, and didn't want to say a word. Then she heard a sigh, and the person sat on the edge of the bed, pulled the blanket down, and then got into bed.
She was held down, blanket and all.
Niu Tielan felt a little annoyed
Both the young and the old are the same; she just wants to be alone quietly for a while. Is that so difficult?
Qu Maoze lay on his side, one hand supporting his head, the other pulling him and the blanket into his arms, when he was kicked hard. Even through the thick blanket, he could almost see the resentment in the kick.
He smiled wryly, "Your father recognized me."
The initial plan was for him to die a horrible death, known only to Qi Ye. However, ever since he encountered the mother and daughter in Shangyang Village that day, things have spiraled out of control.
Niu Tielan was furious. So you recognized him? You recognized him but not her? Are you trying to show off in front of her?
She threw back the covers and crawled out, her hair disheveled, her face wet, her eyes bloodshot, glaring at him fiercely like a snow fox whose tail had been stepped on, utterly devoid of any intimidation.
Qu Maoze chuckled: "How are you going to compensate me?"
Niu Tielan gritted her teeth, glaring at him intently. Seeing him lounging comfortably on his side, she became even angrier. She pounced on him and grabbed his neck with both hands: "How dare you say that? Did you do it on purpose?"
Yesterday, this person revealed her real name, and Tai Qingxin's subsequent unusual behavior aroused her suspicion. Today's commotion, coupled with his nonchalant attitude, made her realize that if she hadn't guessed anything, she would have been dead countless times over the years.
Qu Maoze showed no remorse for her anger, twirling her hair behind his back and laughing, "It would be better if you were a little dumber."
That would be so much more fun!
Niu Tielan took a deep breath: "You've always known?"
Qu Maoze replied innocently, "No, it's just that I'm a little bit smarter than you."
I guessed it beforehand.
He was incredibly resourceful, but not exactly a divine strategist. How could he possibly have known all of Ruan Donglin's wives, children, and servants? These things weren't important to him in the past; he only knew the general outline.
However, as someone capable of transforming himself, he is far superior to the average person in terms of portraiture.
Tai Qingxin's appearance and her reaction both prove a lot.
However, it was just a guess, and he couldn't say for sure. If it wasn't true, it would only disappoint her again. But wasn't it that old man Ruan Donglin who delivered himself to her doorstep?
Qu Maoze gently stroked her hair, then slowly touched her cheek, saying softly, "This is a good thing, why aren't you happy?"
Niu Tielan tightened her grip on his neck, her lips pressed tightly together, remaining silent, her eyes somewhat vacant.
Are you happy? Of course I'm happy.
But more than anything, there was helplessness and disappointment.
If we hadn't been so certain so early, if we had confirmed it again, if we had gone back to search for it all those years...
She always seems to miss out.
Niu Tielan lowered her eyes, looking at Qu Maoze lying beneath her, letting her pinch him, tears falling one by one as she wept silently.
Tears fell, and Qu Maoze paused, his hand that was twirling Qing's hair. He slowly released her, gently stroking the corner of her eye, and sighed, "Is this happiness or sadness?"
Tears blurred her vision, and Niu Tielan couldn't make out his face. She suddenly remembered that day on Jinling Mountain, when she confronted this man, he had also touched the corner of her eye in this way, asking her...
Was this crying a sign of joy or disappointment?
Niu Tielan didn't answer then, but quietly withdrew, creating distance between herself and the man. Now, she released his grip, pressing her hand against his wrist, where the wounds were still raw and not fully healed. She turned her cheek slightly and gently pressed it against his, her voice soft, trembling with barely concealed emotion.
"regret"
Qu Maoze was taken aback.
She turned her head slightly, her nose was red, and her almond-shaped eyes were filled with tears. Through her teary eyes, she looked as fragile as a flower on a snow-capped mountain, trembling and yet resilient and stubborn, desperately trying to grow.
Tears fell
She repeated, "I said I regretted it."
If she hadn't left back then, she wouldn't have had to hide away, raising her child alone, missing out on over ten years, missing this person, and missing out on that other person.
If she had been a little bolder back then, she would have stayed there. He could have cured her of the Gu poison, and she wouldn't have suffered for over a decade, her child wouldn't have had to grow up wild and untamed in the countryside, and she wouldn't have had to wait over ten years to find out about her parents.
If only Qu Maoze missed out, Niu Tielan could comfort herself that she hadn't made the wrong choice.
She's doing just fine raising her child on her own; she has no regrets.
But now that Ruan Donglin and Tai Qingxin are both doing well, her psychological defenses are crumbling little by little. Since leaving the Women's Garden, it seems like every step she's taken has been a mistake. Even this trip to the capital was Song Jin's decision, not hers.
She's not smart at all, hopelessly stupid.
Niu Tielan: "I shouldn't have left in the first place."
Qu Maoze was speechless
She was indeed ruthless when she left, so ruthless that he felt she was the one who did it, and since she wanted to leave, he let her go.
Even knowing that she was also acting against her will, it's impossible to say that he didn't feel resentment.
Qu Maoze recalled the first time he met her some time ago; she looked sickly, frail and delicate, as if a gust of wind could blow her away, and appeared to be on her deathbed.
How did she end up like this? Is this what she wanted?
But what could he say?
Qu Maoze sighed deeply, sat up halfway, put his arm around her waist and pulled her close, wiping away her tears and gently comforting her, "Who can predict what will happen ten years from now? You've taken good care of yourself and Jinjin."
Although her health was poor, her spirits were excellent; it was clear that she had only taken medication and hadn't endured the hardships of life all these years.
If it weren't for the Red Thread Gu, she would be living a very, very good life.
Qu Maoze looked at her tightly clenched lips, reached out and gently pried them open, placing his knuckles on them: "I'm tough, bite me."
Niu Tielan sniffed, unable to bite down.
During this time, he suffered numerous new and old injuries on his body because of her, making him as tough as iron. He never complained or cried out in pain, and he was incredibly stubborn, never uttering a kind word or mentioning the word "love."
But if the two were in each other's shoes, and she had to bleed and scrape her flesh like that, she probably would have run away long ago.
Niu Tielan's heart skipped a beat, her body gradually softening. She leaned over, wrapped her arms around his neck, and pressed her head closer, until they were intimately close.
She said in a tearful voice, "I'm sorry."
...
On the rooftop, Song Jin leaned against the black tiles, gazing at the azure sky. She bit her hair, which was ruffled by the cold wind, spat it out, then sat up and turned her head.
"That old man hit me, so I went and hit his son. Is that too much to ask?"
Qi Zheng doubted his ears. He should have explained everything clearly just now, right?
He reiterated, "They should be your maternal uncles."
Although half-siblings are still blood relatives, they certainly weren't Song Jin's. However, it's now almost certain that those two are Song Jin's legitimate maternal uncles.
Song Jin said earnestly, "That's why we need to start as soon as possible."
Disciplining children should be done early.
She'll have to call the two little brats "uncle" from now on, so what's wrong with giving them a couple of beatings first?
Qi Zheng was speechless. After thinking for a moment, he still advised, "I'm afraid your mother will be in a difficult position later."
Song Jin sneered, "This is already a dilemma. They're no good either; they're just good at surviving."
Because of her past life's experiences, she was inherently selfish and extremely possessive. She wouldn't give away anything she liked, even if it meant breaking it. She held absolute favoritism; even things that everyone had, or a small piece of genuine affection, were of no value to her.
Her mother was the same.
Either be decisive and straightforward, or cut it in two. There's no room for hesitation or indecisiveness.
Who cares about something that everyone has?
A sudden flash of anger crossed Song Jin's face as she asked, "Are you going or not?"
Qi Zheng stared at her intently, his eyes deep, his expression cold and stern, seemingly as hard as iron, yet gradually softening into helplessness: "Go."
Song Jin was satisfied. She stood up, dusted herself off, and reached out to him with a touch of arrogance: "Let's go, I'll take you downstairs."
Qi Zheng chuckled at her cute expression, then took her hand and helped her up.
This person is both hard to please and easy to please.
Song Jin gave a soft snort, grabbed his hand, and flew directly down from the third-floor rooftop.
Landing steadily
**
Nanxin Inn
Ruan Donglin and Tai Qingxin, who followed behind, sat on the edge of the bed. The couple were restless, glancing at the stairwell every now and then.
By the end of the morning, all the guests staying at the restaurant had been cleared out, but they still hadn't seen anyone come down.
Tai Qingxin looked at the food on the table with great concern: "It's so late, and she hasn't eaten breakfast. I wonder if she's hungry."
Ruan Donglin thought more deeply than she did. After such a long silence, could it be that everyone had left, let alone eaten?
He dared not speak, nor dared he go up to look; he had already made plans to go to the capital in some time.
However, he still had to stick to his guns, saying, "We can't just believe whatever others say. Madam, have you forgotten what happened ten years ago?"
Many people know that he lost a child, and over the years, several people have come looking for him. In most cases, the truth is quickly uncovered, but there are also cases with very similar circumstances.
Every ten years, a child would come looking for her, bearing a resemblance to Ruan Donglin, even sharing the same birthmark. Everything seemed similar, so they assumed she was the one and settled her and her family in a comfortable manner.
The result almost caused an accident for both sons.
Further interrogation revealed that someone had ordered them to do this.
They haven't been able to find out who the person outside is, so anyone could be a suspect. You can't be too careful in this kind of situation.
Tai Qingxin also recalled that incident, and her expression dimmed for a moment, but she quickly recovered, emphasizing, "But I think she is. Look, she looks so much like me. If it were someone from outside, they wouldn't think that way."
She was kidnapped in her early years, a fact known to many outsiders.
After Ruan Donglin found her, he naturally didn't mind her past experiences, but he was also afraid that the rumors outside would cause her further harm, so he changed her identity and made her have no connection with her before.
If she really came for them, Ruan Jinling shouldn't resemble her.
But it just happened to be exactly as she imagined.
Tai Qingxin, her eyes red, said, "Donglin, I think it's her, it's Lingling."
Ruan Donglin felt a pang of heartache, yet he still sighed, a hint of cruelty in his voice: "Lingling, someone will always guess. Even if it's just a tiny suspicion, they won't lose anything by trying."
In their eyes, a human life means nothing.
Tai Qingxin's face turned pale.
Those ten years were like a nightmare for her; she thought of suicide countless times, but she persevered with sheer willpower.
She did the right thing. In her lingering moments of life, she finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel; her husband rescued her, but also brought devastating news: her beloved Lingling had long since disappeared.
That was her first child, born out of her love, the child who kept her going through those difficult years.
Tai Qingxin felt a pang of sorrow, her voice choked with sobs: "But Donglin... that's a princess, that's a prince!"
If people of such high status are all frauds, how could they possibly find anyone in this lifetime? Is that child really still alive?
Ruan Donglin gently hugged her, comforting her, "Let's not rush, okay? Let's wait for her to come down, then we'll decide, okay?"
So what if they are princesses or princes?
The struggle for the throne is terrifying. They can gain an advantage with just a few words. Who can guarantee that they won't be tempted to do so?
The only thing Ruan Donglin believed was that damned bastard who had come back to life.
But is it really such a coincidence?
Ruan Donglin wanted to believe, yet he was also hesitant to. He had experienced too much disappointment over the years; if he lost his composure, his poor child would never be able to return home.
He didn't want it to be like this.
The couple embraced, comforting each other, until they heard footsteps above.
Without a second thought, Tai Qing forcefully pushed the person away, sat down alone, wiped her eyes, and straightened her clothes.
Ruan Donglin, sitting on the ground, stared at him in shock.
Tai Qingxin felt a little embarrassed and covered her face with her handkerchief. Just as she was about to tell him to get up, she saw the figure over there and immediately changed her words: "What are you doing sitting on the ground? Get up quickly. You're such a grown man, yet you're so unruly."
As she spoke, she patted him with her handkerchief, her eyes urging him to get up quickly.
Ruan Donglin then stood up, turned around and looked at Niu Tielan and Qu Maoze who were walking over, and touched his nose: "You're here? You haven't eaten all day, let's eat and talk."
He subtly observed Niu Tielan.
Oval face, almond eyes, slender and tall, with a refined and elegant demeanor—a beauty from Jiangnan at first glance.
He does indeed resemble his wife when she was young.
As for Qu Maoze standing next to him, Ruan Donglin felt an itch to touch him after just one glance.
Where are you putting your hands, you bastard?
The thought that the person in front of him was actually his daughter, and that bastard would become his son-in-law, left Ruan Donglin unsure whether to be happy or disgusted.
Niu Tielan tightened her grip on her sleeve as she met his scrutinizing gaze. She pursed her lips, walked over, and sat down opposite the couple. Her voice was still a little hoarse when she spoke.
"You don't need to be so wary. I don't mean anything by it; I just wanted to make sure you're still alive. I'll be leaving in a couple of days."
Tai Qingxin's eyes instantly stung with tears: "I didn't, Lingling, isn't she my Lingling? Mother, I'm so sorry for all these years."
Niu Tielan lowered her eyes and said softly, "It's not that anyone owes anyone anything. It's enough that you're all still alive."
Tai Qingxin burst into tears instantly.
It really is her Lingling, it really is her.
Ruan Donglin's eyes stung, and he almost cried too, but he forcefully suppressed his tears. He quickly grabbed Tai Qingxin's hand to comfort her, forcibly suppressing his emotions, and spoke with a very cold tone.
"Further words are pointless. You say you're Lingling, but what proof do you have?"
Niu Tielan looked up at him, and upon closer inspection, she realized he still resembled her in some ways. His features hadn't changed at all, only he had become much rougher and stronger, and also more cold and imposing.
She pursed her lips: "What evidence do you want? I was less than seven years old when I was arrested. I couldn't even remember where my hometown was. What could I possibly remember?"
This statement contains a lot of falsehoods.
Niu Tielan still remembered. She remembered the small courtyard of her home, the locust tree in the yard, the maids and nannies who took care of her, and how Ruan Donglin often took her to paint kites and carried her on his back.
The only person she couldn't remember was Tai Qingxin, who had disappeared two years earlier. She was only four or five years old then and couldn't remember people.
However, she was in a bad mood and didn't want to speak properly, much less face Ruan Donglin's questioning.
It's so annoying.
Ruan Donglin didn't believe it: "Then how did you find me?"
Niu Tielan said calmly, "Some time ago, the Dai family in the capital wrongly accused Jin Jin of murder, which later implicated a number of officials and nobles from the Duke of Ying's mansion. You should have heard about that, right?"
Ruan Donglin nodded: "Is there a connection?"
Niu Tielan: "The matriarch of the Dai family who was used as a raft was the one who captured me. I remember her. I got all this out of her. She got into trouble the next day, but thankfully it was a false alarm. She's already gone to the northern desert. If you don't believe me, you can ask her."
Upon hearing this, Ruan Donglin felt a surge of murderous intent: "What's the use of not killing such a vile woman?"
Niu Tielan's mouth was a little dry, so he took a sip of tea to moisten his throat and said softly, "She was also helpless, just a small pawn, insignificant."
Ruan Donglin was filled with murderous intent.
Before he could say anything, Niu Tielan spoke again calmly: "It's your business if you want to investigate, but since I promised to spare her life, you're not allowed to touch her."
Ruan Donglin, unable to contain himself any longer, slammed his hand on the table and stood up: "So, you're saying this because you're afraid I'll find out something?"
Tai Qingxin quickly grabbed him: "Donglin, calm down."
Ruan Donglin's rapid breathing made it impossible for him to remain calm.
How could he remain calm when it concerned his daughter, whom he had been searching for for nearly thirty years?
He clenched his fists, staring intently at Niu Tielan. Meeting her cold gaze felt like being doused with ice water; his anger gradually subsided, and reason returned. He asked in a deep voice, "You said you remember that thief?"
Niu Tielan lowered his eyes and remained silent.
The veins on Ruan Donglin's hands bulged, his eyes bulged, and blood vessels began to appear on them. Combined with his robust and muscular physique, he looked exceptionally frightening.
He said, word by word, "Then why don't you remember me?"
He lost control of his emotions, his loud voice echoing throughout the enclosed restaurant, extremely deafening.
Niu Tielan sat quietly at the table, sipping his tea gently, his expression calm as if he were an outsider. But his hands, hidden under the table, were clenched tightly, digging into his flesh.
Suddenly, a hand covered the back of her hand, gently, little by little, grasping her entire hand, the fingernails digging lightly, releasing the pressure, yet also giving her more strength.
Niu Tielan looked up at Ruan Donglin's furious expression and whispered, "Because you were mean to me."
The tense and oppressive atmosphere dissipated.
Ruan Donglin stared at her in astonishment: "What?" Niu Tielan slowly stood up, her body only reaching his shoulder. Moreover, she was slender; her thighs weren't even as thick as his arms. She was thin and frail, as if she could be easily crushed with a single slap.
She looked up at him, her almond-shaped eyes brimming with tears, a stubbornness hidden beneath the mist: "You temperamental and unreasonable old man, if you had been like this when you were young, I certainly wouldn't have married you, and I wouldn't still be thinking about the ugly butterflies you embroidered for me all these years, or the kites that always lost their luster, and I certainly wouldn't be so nostalgic for your unchanging bedtime stories."
"What kind of ridiculous rabbit is looking for its mother? I don't like rabbits, and I don't want to look for a rabbit father when I can't find my rabbit mother. I like tiger cubs now, fierce tigers that can bite bad guys to death in one bite, preferably swallowing them whole..."
you
Bang!
Before she could finish speaking, she was pulled into a tight embrace.
His chest was hard and solid, hitting her nose painfully, and tears welled up in her eyes.
Ruan Donglin clung tightly to the person and wailed loudly.
"Lingling."
"It's Daddy's Ah Ling."
...
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