Put Everything Back Where It Belonged

As he spoke, Xie Jin's expression gradually changed.

When Xie Heng's last word fell, a long silence filled the room.

At length, Xie Jin cupped his fists, his face resolute.

"That woman, Madam Li, dared to wrong Madam Zheng like this. She must not be let off lightly. She should be punished for abducting a child."

Xie Heng shook his head.

"Do you think the Zheng Family has no reputation to protect? Something this serious could even affect Zheng Yuanqing's career. He will never let us report it to the authorities."

"Even if we don't report it, she must face a comparable punishment."

Xie Heng nodded. "Madam Li deceived Madam Zheng. For years, her own child was right before her eyes, yet she could not recognize him, and she raised her enemy's daughter instead. No punishment would be too severe for such a crime. Even if we cannot bring her before the law, we must not let the matter be brushed aside. If need be, I, Xie Heng, will stand behind Madam Zheng."

"The Zheng Family leaves in two days. We cannot delay exposing this. But first, I need you to do something."

"Please give me your orders, Father!"

Xie Jin returned to the courtyard. By then, daylight had filled the sky, and the Residence was bustling with life. Shen Lantang was sitting in the courtyard, about to eat breakfast.

When she saw Xie Jin, she said, "You're back. You haven't eaten yet, have you? Join me."

"All right."

Xie Jin stepped forward, and several maids began setting out bowls and chopsticks.

"Father told me you were the first to notice something was wrong and asked him to investigate. If you hadn't been so observant, this might never have come to light. On behalf of the Zheng Family—and Hongwen—thank