Hearing these words, Song Yin couldn’t help but change his expression. This was his pain, and also the most shameful thing for a man. Having it spoken out loud by the Lady of Duke Qiguo in public, his face felt as if it was burning, and at that moment, he couldn’t help but feel a murderous intent.

The Lady of Duke Qiguo continued, "Actually, back then, Lord Song, do you remember a maid by the name of Ru Hua by your side?"

Song Yin’s pupils contracted as he recalled those years.

The maid called Ru Hua was once his most favored chambermaid, and they had shared intimate moments. He had even promised that after he got married, he would raise Ru Hua to be a concubine.

Ru Hua was gentle, agreeable, and deeply enamored with him. However, after he went on a trip post-marriage, Lady Wang told him that Ru Hua had eloped with someone. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

He, of course, didn’t believe it and searched everywhere for her, but unfortunately, he never found any news. In his heart, he was convinced that Ru Hua must have died at Lady Wang’s hands. Since then, he had hated Lady Wang.

Now, hearing this name from the Lady of Duke Qiguo, he nearly couldn’t return to his senses.

The Lady of Duke Qiguo continued, revealing that soon after Lady Wang’s marriage, she discovered Ru Hua was pregnant.

Lady Wang was naturally not a person to tolerate such things, but having just gotten married and holding some semblance of conjugal affection with Song Yin, she had to maintain a facade of virtue for a few days.

After sobbing to her family, Duke Qiguo couldn’t stand seeing Lady Wang aggrieved, so they found an excuse to send Song Yin on a task outside.

As soon as Song Yin left, Lady Wang planned to take action against Ru Hua, tricking her into leaving so she could have her bound and sold off by a trafficker, thus eliminating this major threat.

It’s unclear how word got out or if Ru Hua was simply lucky, but once Ru Hua left, she inexplicably disappeared.

The people sent by the Wang family didn’t see Ru Hua; when they realized something was wrong and went to look for her, she was nowhere to be found.

It wasn’t until a few days ago, when the stewardess of an estate outside the Capital City returned to pay her respects to Duke Qiguo Residence, that things changed. As she was originally a person by the Lady of Duke Qiguo’s side, she naturally had to see her master upon returning.

Somehow, the topic of conversation turned to a steward of a neighboring estate encountered on her journey back. He seemed familiar, bearing some resemblance to a former son-in-law.

When she detailed his approximate age and appearance, the Lady of Duke Qiguo became suspicious, inexplicably recalling the missing Ru Hua of old.

After discussing it with Lady Wang, who has a fiery temper, she was eager to investigate immediately.

Yet, the Lady of Duke Qiguo was more cautious. Moreover, more people were needed from Duke Qiguo, and with major matters at hand, they couldn’t act recklessly.

She thought that once the major affairs were settled, and if the situation indeed involved Song Yin, they shouldn’t have any problems uncovering the truth. Thus, she persuaded Lady Wang to hold off momentarily.

They sent the stewardess back for further investigation, but before any news came back, the Duke Qiguo Residence had already met its downfall.

Now, left in such dire straits, pondering over and over, this news seemed the most useful, especially to Song Yin.

As expected, upon hearing it, Song Yin looked as if struck by lightning.

It took him a long while to collect himself, "You, you mean that Ru Hua didn’t die back then and may have given birth to my son? Where are they? Where? Tell me—"

If not for the prison bars, he would have rushed in to shake the Lady of Duke Qiguo, demanding she tell him.

Swallowing, the Lady of Duke Qiguo disclosed the name and location of the estate where the stewardess was based.

Hearing this, Song Yin couldn’t be bothered with anything else and immediately dashed outside.

The Lady of Duke Qiguo screamed after him, "Don’t forget what you promised me—"

But unfortunately, Song Yin paid no heed to these concerns, disappearing quickly, leaving the Lady of Duke Qiguo at the prison gate, cursing and crying.

Meanwhile, outside, Song Wu and the Court of Judicial Review official exchanged glances. They initially thought the Lady of Duke Qiguo might confess to some grand conspiracy, but all it turned out to be was some backyard scandal.

Nevertheless, Song Wu and the official understood Song Yin’s loss of composure. For someone who had already resigned to the idea of having no descendants, suddenly having a grown son appear was astonishing.

But Song Wu remained cautious, sending someone to follow Song Yin and handle the situation, while also returning to report the news to Song Hong.

Song Hong, too, was surprised for a moment, but it soon passed, especially after a few days when news spread that Song Yin had indeed found the child and the long-lost Ru Hua.

The child was indeed Song Yin’s, now married with children, working as a small steward on the Imperial Estate.

For a time, people in the Capital City talked endlessly about it, marveling at the Song Family’s fortunes. While others might lose a child forever, the Song Family’s children seemingly returned like boomerangs.

Born or unborn, it didn’t matter. Once they became successful, married with children, they’d come back on their own without any trouble.

This was like losing sesame seeds only to recover watermelons years later, an effortless transaction!

After this incident, it was evident to the observant that the Song Family, as long as they didn’t commit treason, would remain secure. The future prospects for the whole family seemed assured.

However, with Song Hong busy on duty, people found it hard to cozy up to him directly.

Those astute enough knew they couldn’t approach Song Hong, so instead, they frequented other avenues within the Song Family. Coupled with a month rife with terrifying news, this intriguing piece of gossip provided a rare, harmless diversion.

From the most noble aristocrats to small official households, none could resist visiting the Song Yin’s home under the pretense of offering congratulations and catching the spectacle.