She mistakenly got into the bridal sedan chair and married a sickly but powerful minister, becoming

Chapter 296 Secrets of My Origin

Madam Guan said, "Madam, it's being said outside that the Second Master is a descendant of the Emperor."

These words struck the First Madam like a bolt from the blue, leaving her momentarily flustered and somewhat losing her composure.

She quickly calmed down and angrily rebuked, "Granny Guan, since it's a rumor, why are you repeating it to me? If it gets back to the Emperor's ears and he suspects we have ulterior motives, the whole household will lose their heads."

Madam Guan immediately realized her mistake and quickly slapped herself, saying, "Madam, please forgive me. I misspoke."

"Alright, you may leave." The First Madam suppressed the matter, not wanting to say more. She picked up her chopsticks and, seeing Zhao Yi and Shen Qingtan looking at her, said calmly, "You two should eat quickly, or the food will get cold and won't taste good."

Zhao Yi and Shen Qingtan did not know what Guan Mama had said to the First Madam; they only learned from the First Madam about the rumors circulating outside the Duke of Chuanguo's mansion.

The family ate quietly, the atmosphere becoming somber and losing its previous warmth.

After finishing their meal, Zhao Yi and Shen Qingtan took their leave.

The First Madam dismissed the servants in the room and gestured for Guan Mama to stand guard at the door.

Seeing the Madam's grave expression, the master knew the matter was of great importance: "What rumors are circulating outside?"

"Granny Guan said there are rumors outside that Yi'er is the Emperor's son." The First Madam, who had been suppressing her emotions, could no longer contain herself after Zhao Yi and Shen Qingtan left. Panicked and at a loss, she said, "Master, Yi'er's true identity can no longer be hidden. What should we do?"

The old man was shocked. He never imagined that the secret he had kept hidden for more than 20 years would be suddenly revealed.

“Madam, the news of Yi’er’s true parentage won’t suddenly spread outside. I’m afraid the person behind this is prepared.” The master said solemnly after careful consideration, “If all else fails, we’ll tell Yi’er the truth.”

The First Madam fell silent. She knew that it was safer for them to tell Yi'er themselves than for Yi'er to learn the truth from outsiders.

But she was afraid, afraid that if the secret were revealed, she would lose Yi'er.

“Madam.” Knowing his wife’s concerns, the master slowly knelt down in front of her and held her hand. “We treat Yi’er as our own son, and Yi’er is very filial to us. The deep affection between us has long surpassed blood ties.”

He said softly, "As long as Yi'er is willing to call us father and mother, no matter where he is, he will always be our son."

The First Madam was deeply moved; she knew the temperament of the child she had raised herself.

Yi'er may seem aloof and unapproachable, but she is actually very loyal and affectionate at heart.

She just felt sorry for the child and couldn't bear to tell him the truth and make him bear the burden of the previous generation's grudges.

"I understand." The First Madam took out a handkerchief from her sleeve and pressed it to the corner of her eye. "I will go and tell them myself."

Some things, once faced, must eventually be faced.

Rather than being passive, it's better to turn passivity into initiative.

After thinking things through, the First Madam composed herself and went to Lanxue Garden with the First Master.

Zhao Yi was not surprised to see the First Madam and the First Master.

When he returned from Jingde Hall, he heard the rumors circulating outside.

Zhao Yi was not swayed by the rumors, nor did he have any intention of investigating. He believed that his parents would tell him if they had something to say, and if they couldn't tell him, it must be because they had no other choice.

Seeing the solemn expressions on the faces of the master and mistress, his mood suddenly turned heavy.

"Yi'er, have you heard the rumors outside?" The First Madam was a decisive person. Once she made a decision, she wouldn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point: "Now that you're married and have a career, there are some things you should know the truth about."