Greetings, Ninth Uncle

Ch. 43 - Adoptive Mother

Ruan-shi's complexion was pale. Old Madam Cheng gave her a threatening glance, as if deliberately reminding, and said: "Living in the society, the most taboo is being confused. If you do something wrong, it's just proper for your elder to give you a reprimand, and you must reflect on your wrongdoings. Never confuse your own identity and harm yourself and others. Second child's wife, do you understand?"

Ruan-shi realized the warning behind the Old Madam's words. Of course she knew that she gave birth to two daughters, but the Old Madam chose the stronger baby and gave the child away to eldest sister-in-law. When she was physically weak after giving birth, Ruan-shi couldn't help but crying whenever she thought of her other daughter. She secretly went to see Cheng Yujin, but Qingfu Junzhu's mama coldly blocked the way. At this point, Ruan-shi finally understood, Cheng Yujin was born from her, but didn't belong to her. Only Mo'er was fully her own.

The two daughters slowly grew up. Mo'er started to sit, crawl, walk, and talk. All Ruan-shi's attention was on Cheng Yumo, and it was difficult to spare some energy to think about her eldest daughter. After that, she had two sons, Cheng Enci and Cheng Enbi, and Ruan-shi no longer cared about Cheng Yujin.

It was only when she came to pay respect to the Old Madam that she saw Cheng Yujin, standing behind Qingfu Junzhu. Ruan-shi was surprised. Ah, it turned out that Cheng Yujin has grown so much.

Before Ruan-shi knew it, her eldest daughter has grown up in a completely unfamiliar environment. Cheng Yujin was well-behaved and sensible, never noisy or making a fuss. When encountering something she couldn't understand, she would quietly stare at it. Other children were crying at every turn, but she alone was different.

Later, as the children grew up, Cheng Yujin became more and more outstanding, leaving her peers far behind. Ruan-shi often heard Old Madam Cheng praised Cheng Yujin in front of many people, while Mo'er could only sit and listen with lonely eyes. This scene greatly provoked Ruan-shi. Compared to herself, Qingfu Junzhu was born nobler and had a greater say in the Cheng family. Why should it be that even the daughter Qingfu raised was better than hers?

Ruan-shi's feeling towards Cheng Yujin was very complex. There were regret, pity, and remorse, but there were also indifference, anger, and jealousy. Ruan-shi despised the fact that Cheng Yujin was adopted by other people. Whenever she had the chance, she would speak before Cheng Yujin. Ruan-shi wanted Cheng Yujin to live well, but didn't wish her to be too excellent and surpassed Cheng Yumo. More importantly, Cheng Yujin should never forget her biological parents, should get closer to them, and never get close with that woman, Qingfu Junzhu.

Every time Ruan-shi saw Cheng Yujin, her feelings would change subtly, but more complex. But she never expected that Cheng Yujin would resent her, or even denying her as her mother. It was her who brought Cheng Yujin into this world, and it was by her grace that Cheng Yujin was born. How could Cheng Yujin be unfilial to her? Even if Cheng Yujin was raised by other people, she should always think about her biological parents. After she grew up, she should admit her birth and return to her real family, then pay back her parents and brothers twice. How could she put on distance with them? How could she?

For Ruan-shi, this was no different than thunder on a sunny day. She was used to the Old Madam's warnings, but couldn't believe that Cheng Yujin actually thought the same way. Ruan-shi stared at Cheng Yujin, hoping to see some embarrassment and sadness on her face. But no, Cheng Yujin's expression was as calm as usual, and she didn't even respond to Ruan-shi's shock.

Old Madam Cheng noticed Ruan-shi's gaze. Her eyes narrowed, and she said again: "Second child's wife, did you hear what I just said?"

This time, there was a threat in the Old Madam's tone. Ruan-shi was frightened. She retracted her gaze and whispered: "Yes."