Chapter 13: Sensibility

“You might not have a son, but at least you have a daughter. If even the daughter isn’t yours, then think of the consequences yourself! ‘Of the three crimes of filial piety, having no children is the greatest’. If you end Qin Meng’s line, you break one of the seven laws! Both your father and I will have nothing to say if Qin Meng casts you out!”

Née Sun was rendered speechless for a moment, unable to collect her wits. When she could gather her anger again, she shrieked, “He wouldn’t, he wouldn’t dare cast me out!”

“He wouldn’t?” The duchess snorted, feeling her headache worsen as she stared at her seemingly brainless daughter. “What kind of person do you think Qin Meng is?! He has shown nothing but stunning talent and decisive resolve his entire life! He was able to get rid of Northern Ji’s Protector of the Nation as a mere youth, and his career has seen no bump ever since. When has there ever been such a young prime minister in the history of our Great Yan?!”

Née Sun could only shake her head dumbly at this brutal assessment. There truly was no man with as smooth a rise as Qin Huaiyuan in her memory. But she still couldn’t accept this, “That’s all because of father’s help…”

“Idiot!” The duchess flicked her daughter hard in the forehead, the force enough to overbalance née Sun as she collapsed to the floor. “We’re allied to the Qin family by marriage. It is only natural for the two families to help each other. Even I find your constantly superior tone irritating, much less Lord Qin. He’s an outstanding and upright man. Would he be scared to bring back a mistress?"

Née Sun’s lips trembled when she thought of everything that had happened after meeting Qin Yining. She murmured softly to herself, “Did I really give birth to daughter Yi? Daughter Hui was someone else’s swapped in at birth?”

When the formerly enraged duchess saw how heartbroken her daughter had become, her heart softened. Her tone became much more gentle. “Since Lord Qin has said so, then it most likely is so. Even if not, you still have to take this child for your daughter, and that too with joy. If you don’t, you bear the crime of having borne him no children at all. Taking her in as your daughter creates another layer of support for your status in the Qin family. Daughter Han, do I really need to teach you such basic logic?”

Née Sun’s tears trickled down like a broken string of pearls. Sobs began to rack her petite frame, “How could the daughter Hui that I’ve raised for so many years be a fake! It’s all Qin Meng’s fault! If it wasn’t for him making enemies, why would my child have been switched at birth!”

“And have you ever thanked him for all the adoring, fawning attention that’s come to you because of this marriage? A married couple is supposed to go through the ups and downs of life together!” The tiny bit of goodwill born in the duchess’ heart was immediately extinguished by her daughter’s words.

Née Sun was thrown into silence by this retort, but then shot right back. “I don’t care! It’s his fault!”

“Has everyone wronged you in your eyes? Forget it, no need to share that with me. Just tell me, what are you going to do from now on?” Her mother rubbed her forehead resignedly. 

Née Sun thought for a moment. “Mother, can’t we quietly get a sample of the girl’s blood and conduct a maternity test without anyone knowing…?

“You cannot conduct a test! Did I not just explain this to you? Was I just wasting my time and effort just now?!” The duchess nearly exploded in anger as she shrilled sharply at her daughter. Née Sun was frightened into absolute silence and lowered her head, trembling. 

“You should also know the situation of Great Yan these days. Your father, brothers, and I have analyzed the situation countless times recently. Remember this, Great Zhou is growing stronger by the day. Its emperor is wily and crafty, while Pang Xi ravages the land with brutal ruthlessness. Our Great Yan grows ever weaker, and the future looks dim as well. At this time, it’s even more imperative that our house works well together with the Qin family. There cannot be the slightest bit of discord between us.”

When it came to national matters, even née Sun’s expression grew solemn. The charging Prince Pang and his Valiant Tigers were like a sharp blade sunk into their belly, twisting with abandon until they begged for relief from the pain. Each breath taken was just another moment towards their deaths. Née Sun felt her limbs grow cold at the mere thought. Compared to home and country being lost, losing one’s child and finding them again didn’t seem to be so devastating.