Chapter 1203: Past of the Zhao Family

Editor: Henyee Translations

Zhao Mu and his wife, Ms. Zheng, forged a robust marriage alliance that bore the marks of strength and prosperity.

The Zhao Family embarked on their entrepreneurial journey in the realm of silk production and printing. Ms. Zheng, Zhao Mu’s first wife, possessed an impressive expanse of mulberry fields spanning over 100,000 mu.

Ms. Zheng held a special place in the hearts of her parents as their only beloved daughter.

The Zheng Family harbored aspirations of securing a worthy husband for their cherished daughter. With assets including the vast 100,000 mu of mulberry fields, a sprawling farm extending across more than 10,000 mu of fertile land, and a grand residence occupying nearly 10 mu, they possessed substantial wealth that undoubtedly qualified them to attract a fine prospective son-in-law.

Such endeavors were pursued to ensure their daughter’s prosperous future.

As fate would have it, Ms. Zheng unexpectedly crossed paths with Zhao Mu on two separate occasions. Their chance encounters fostered a favorable impression between the two individuals. Seizing the opportunity, Zhao Mu dispatched a representative to formally request Ms. Zheng’s hand in marriage. Her consent was readily given, leading to the formalization of their marital bond.

Ms. Zheng, being the sole heiress of her lineage, and Zhao Mu, now joined in matrimony, initiated the process of merging their families’ assets, creating an intrinsic connection.

Moreover, an advantageous synergy emerged due to Ms. Zheng’s family’s significant holdings in mulberry fields and silkworms, complementing Zhao Mu’s involvement in the silk trade. The products of the Zheng Family’s silk endeavors naturally found their way into Zhao Mu’s commercial dealings.

Several years later, Ms. Zheng welcomed a son named Zhao Shu, who eventually showed no inclination towards overseeing the family business. Consequently, Zhao Mu assumed primary responsibility for managing the enterprise.

Over time, the unfortunate passing of Ms. Zheng’s parents resulted in the gradual integration of the Zheng Family’s possessions under the stewardship of the Zhao Family.

Undeterred by external chatter, Ms. Zheng remained unfazed in the face of some superficial remarks from other women during social gatherings. She took such remarks in stride, choosing not to be affected.

After all, what need was there to be concerned? Her efforts were directed towards safeguarding her legacy for her son’s benefit. The amalgamation of the two families’ resources was, essentially, a preservation of wealth for her son’s future.

When her son reached the age of seven, a pivotal moment arrived. Zhao Mu returned with an unexpected entourage: a woman named Qin Shi and two young boys, both his offspring.

Zhao Mu’s revelation left Ms. Zheng utterly stunned. He explained that Qin Shi was his former flame, and the two boys were indeed his biological children. The time had come for them to reintegrate into the Zhao Family fold.

This shocking revelation left Ms. Zheng speechless, her mind reeling.

The two boys, aged 10 and 7, were older than her own son—an unexpected turn of events that transformed her son from the singular heir of the Zhao Family into the Young Master, now sharing his position with his newfound half-brothers.

Qin Shi’s demeanor appeared fragile and timid, yet intriguingly complex. Almost immediately after Zhao Mu’s words settled, Qin Shi knelt before Ms. Zheng, accompanied by her two sons, engaging in a sincere kowtow, pleading for forgiveness and imploring Ms. Zheng to take them under her care.

“…This is entirely my responsibility; please do not hold Old Master accountable. He’s grappling with his own set of challenges. Old Master has always held you in the highest regard, and should you place blame upon him, his heart would be burdened with sorrow. If my presence disrupts your harmony with Old Master, I would rather live apart in tranquility. I beseech you, Madame, to extend your compassion…”

Ms. Zheng clenched her handkerchief tightly, overwhelmed by disgust that nearly caused her to regurgitate last night’s dinner.

The situation before her was utterly repulsive.

Never could she have anticipated being confronted by such an appalling predicament.

The sheer horror of it all seized her.

In this moment, a recollection flashed before her—her mother’s gaze in her final moments, marked by compassion and concern. Back then, she failed to comprehend the meaning behind those eyes, assuming her mother merely struggled to part with her. Yet her mother had mustered a faint smile, disguising her worries and reassuring her that everything would be alright, urging her to remain untroubled.

She finally understood what her mother’s worries were….

During Qin Shi’s tearful and kneeling plea, Ms. Zheng maintained her silence. The sight of Qin Shi, along with her two distressed children, stirred no words from her. Meanwhile, her husband’s countenance displayed clear signs of displeasure.