“Your father told me he believed there was a misunderstanding, that he felt Qin Lang wasn't the type to commit treason, so he was working tirelessly,” Yun Shi continued.
Qi Zhenzhen didn't think the current Qi Tianming was the kind of person to go through fire and water for a friend. Perhaps in his youth, when he was full of vigor and passion, he truly valued friendship. But if that were the case, knowing Yun Shi was betrothed to Qin Lang, why did he take Yun Shi and have her and Yi Ge'er?
“Later, your father told me he had found a key witness who could turn the situation against Qin Lang. But at that crucial juncture, someone abducted Qin Lang from prison,” Yun Shi said. “This made Qin Lang a fugitive, adding to his crimes. No matter how hard your father tried, it was useless!”
This was too much of a coincidence.
The moment Qi Tianming found the witness, this happened. It cut off all of Qin Lang's escape routes. Qi Zhenzhen didn't believe there wasn't something fishy going on.
“The court issued a warrant for Qin Lang’s arrest. Once a fugitive is caught, there is only one outcome: execution by slow slicing. My hope was dashed again, and I thought of ending my life. But the people your father sent to look after me were very vigilant, and I couldn't find an opportunity. Later, your father was framed and sent to me. He was given an overdose…”
Yun Shi's face showed embarrassment, finding it difficult to speak of the situation at the time.
“When your father woke up, he was furious. He knelt before me and said he was sorry for the kindness of your maternal grandfather's teachings and for the brotherhood with Qin Lang. But since this had happened, he had to take responsibility for me. At that time, I was set on dying, so he stayed by my side every day. Later, when you were conceived, I gave up the idea of dying and followed him, your father, back to the Marquis's mansion. Your father treated me very well; apart from not having the status of a legal wife, he didn't mistreat me in any other way. The Old Madam saw that I knew my place and treated me well too. However, I always carried something in my heart, and I was neither warm nor cold towards your father. I was grateful to him, but I didn't love him. Your father always thought it was too soon, and that with enough time, I would eventually make room for him in my heart. But I couldn't. As time went on, he became annoyed, and coupled with the fact that I gave birth to Yi Ge'er, Madam became very wary of me, as he was the eldest son of the Marquis's mansion.”
Qi Zhenzhen basically knew the rest.
Qi Tianming's intention at the time was likely to make Yun Shi suffer a little, so she would realize how comfortable her life had been. This way, she would surely understand what was needed to live a comfortable life. Qi Tianming hadn't expected that the kind of life was irrelevant to Yun Shi. He also hadn't expected that Madam Qin would be so audacious!
This led to Yun Shi and her and Yi Ge'er being left to fend for themselves.
“After experiencing so much, Mother’s feelings have all faded. I only wish to see you and your brother doing well. Nothing else is important,” Yun Shi said slowly. “So, please don’t worry about me anymore.”
What else could Qi Zhenzhen say? Since Yun Shi had made up her mind, she naturally went along with her. As for what Qin Lang had said, unless Qin Lang brought the matter to light, produced sufficient evidence, and Yun Shi was willing to get involved, she wouldn't interfere.
“Anyway, Mother, you must remember that the Marquis's mansion means far less to me than you do,” Qi Zhenzhen said earnestly, holding Yun Shi's hand.