She's skilled in medicine, martial arts, and even understands animal language—the abandoned dau

Cui Jinrong's shouts echoed in the room, carrying a hint of madness and struggle.

Seeing his reaction, Meng Zhuo's hopeful gaze dimmed slightly. He took a step forward, as if trying to grab his nephew who was on the verge of emotional collapse, and said urgently, "Rong'er, calm down. How could I lie to you about something like this? You are Meng Zirong, the eldest grandson of the Meng family, and your father is Meng Xiao!"

Think about it, how heroic the Meng family was back then! Your grandfather spent his life defending the border, and your father was also loyal and courageous. How can the spirit of our Meng family be severed now?

Seeing this, Shen Man also spoke up to persuade him: "Cui Jinrong, look at Uncle Meng. Over the years, he has been hiding his identity to find out the truth. His heart is full of sorrow and persistence. If it weren't for the deep kinship, how could he have gone to this point?"

"Now that you are assisting the Duke of Xingguo's family in committing evil deeds, have you considered the innocent people who have died tragically, and the families that have been torn apart? If you are truly a descendant of the Meng family, then repenting in time is the right path."

Cui Jinrong clutched his head in his hands, crouched down in anguish, and vague childhood memories flashed through his mind like a revolving lantern.

The occasional strange glances, the hesitant expressions of the servants, and the plum blossom birthmark on his chest that he had never shown to anyone—everything seemed like a foreshadowing that had been planted in the dark long ago.

He grew up in the Duke of Xingguo's mansion. The Duke and his wife had raised him with great kindness. Although his brothers and sisters in the mansion were not close to him, they had never bullied him.

But Meng Zhuo's appearance suddenly created a huge crack in his long-held belief about his origins.

Looking at Cui Jinrong curled up on the ground, Meng Zhuo felt a pang of heartache. "Rong'er, will you come back with me?"

Just as Meng Zhuo reached out to help Cui Jinrong up, Cui Jinrong abruptly shook off his hand, stood up abruptly, her eyes bloodshot, and roared, "No, I can't go with you! I'm going to find the Duke and ask him clearly: if I really am the last descendant of the Meng family, why has he kept it from me until now?"

“Cui Jinrong, you must investigate this matter secretly and not let the people of the Xingguo Duke’s Mansion find out. If the Xingguo Duke finds out that you know your true identity, he will definitely kill you,” Shen Man reminded him.

Cui Jinrong grew up in the Xingguo Duke's mansion and had witnessed the Duke's ruthlessness firsthand. He knew that Shen Man was right.

Outside the house, Cui Jinrong's men, hearing their young master's shouts, thought something had happened to him and rushed in to check on him.

"Sir, are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Cui Jinrong suppressed his inner turmoil and waved to his men, signaling them to leave.

After everyone had left, he turned to Meng Zhuo and Shen Man, his voice tinged with weariness: "You can go now. I will investigate my background thoroughly."

If I find out you're lying to me, I will come back and take your lives!

Meng Zhuo and Shen Man exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with helplessness and worry.

Meng Zhuo sighed softly and said, "Rong'er, everything we said today is true. You should take care of yourself. If you need anything, you can come to us anytime."

After saying that, he bent down, carried Doctor Yu on his back, and turned to leave with Shen Man.

Cui Jinrong watched their departing figures, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

He knew that his life would never be peaceful again from this moment on, and that he had to find the truth that had been hidden for many years.

"Young master, why did you release them?" Shuqin stepped forward and asked, puzzled.

"Shuqin, tell the brothers to return to the capital immediately!" Cui Jinrong didn't answer Shuqin's question, but directly gave him the order.

"Young master, but our mission is not yet complete. If we go back like this, the Duke will surely punish you."

"Last time, it was because of the failed assassination attempt on the Crown Prince that you were tortured and your injuries were so severe that you were bedridden for over a month. Have you forgotten?"

A flicker of pain crossed Cui Jinrong's eyes, but it vanished in an instant, replaced by unwavering resolve: "When we get back, we'll say that the First Prince has a capable advisor by his side, and we are powerless to contend with him..."

Shuqin hesitated, still wanting to persuade him: "Young Master, your position in the household is already precarious. If you go back this time, what if..."

Cui Jinrong raised his hand to interrupt him: "I know what I'm doing. Just go and make the arrangements, the sooner the better." His tone left no room for argument, and although Shuqin was full of worries, he could only obey and leave.

Throughout the journey, Cui Jinrong remained silent, his mind replaying Meng Zhuo and Shen Man's words, as well as the childhood memories that had been stirred up.

The once familiar capital city now felt strange and full of unknowns to him.

Shen Man and Meng Zhuo carefully helped the doctor onto his horse and returned to Qiufeng Town without stopping.

Throughout the journey, both of them were filled with anxiety and worry, fearing that something might happen to Dr. Yu.

Finally, they returned to the clinic.

When everyone in the clinic saw Shen Man return safely with Doctor Yu, they burst into tears of joy.

Shun'er excitedly ran forward and helped Shen Man and Doctor Yu dismount: "Man'er, you're finally back! I was so worried about you and Master!"

Lin Yu also walked over quickly, his face beaming with joy: "Man'er, you single-handedly rescued Master from those people, you're truly amazing!"

Others also gathered around, expressing their concern for Shen Man and Doctor Yu. Their words were filled with admiration and gratitude for Shen Man, which made her feel incredibly warm.

"Senior brother, Master is injured and a bit weak. Quickly find a place for him to lie down and recuperate!" Shen Man instructed them.

"There are empty rooms in the backyard, let's take Master there!" Lin Yu said, and he and Shun'er helped Doctor Yu to the backyard.

After they settled Doctor Yu into bed, Shen Man personally took Doctor Yu's pulse and prescribed him a formula to replenish his qi and calm his mind before heading to Xiaoyao Village with Meng Zhuo.

Throughout the journey, Shen Man continued to ponder Cui Jinrong's background and the future situation. Meng Zhuo, meanwhile, remained silent, his brows furrowed.

"Uncle Meng, what do you think Cui Jinrong will do? Can he really trust what we say?"

Meng Zhuo reined in his horse and sighed deeply: "Rong'er grew up in the Xingguo Duke's mansion since childhood. It's only natural that he finds it hard to accept the kindness of the Duke and the complicated relationships within the mansion. But I believe that he has the blood of the Meng family flowing in his veins and will eventually make the right choice."

"I hope so. But what if he remains obstinate?"

Meng Zhuo shook his head. "If he remains obstinate, he will be guilty of the same crime as the Duke of Xingguo's family. Don't blame me for not showing any mercy then."

Shen Man felt a pang of sadness upon hearing this. She knew that Meng Zhuo was always loyal and righteous, but faced with this situation, he had no choice but to make such a difficult decision.

Thinking of this, Shen Man couldn't help but sigh inwardly, gazing into the distance as if trying to see the unknowable future through the scene before her.

But the light ahead was dim, and she couldn't see clearly at all.