CHAPTER 123: CHAPTER 123: ACKNOWLEDGING A THIEF AS ONE’S FATHER

The chubby servant was, after all, a trusted servant of the Imperial Doctor Mansion, having followed his master around and seen much of the world— he was not someone who could be easily fooled with nonsense.

Just now, he had a scare, but upon further thought, when did the young master or Madam of an official family ever stay in such a lowly place, or mingle within a merchant convoy? There had to be something fishy about this.

As soon as the chubby servant asked, Noble Lady Shi and her son, who had just relaxed a moment before, tensed up again.

The mother and son exchanged glances, at a loss for how to respond for the time being.

This damn chubby servant actually had some brains.

Xin Lin cursed inwardly. She gave Noble Lady Shi a look, signaling her not to panic and give themselves away.

"Ah, since you’ve seen through it, I won’t hide it anymore. Actually, she’s not my wife; she’s my mother!"

Xin Lin blinked, her small face crumpled.

"Your mother?"

The chubby servant was completely baffled.

Little Xinzhuo and Noble Lady Shi were also at a loss, not understanding Xin Lin’s intention.

"My father is Vice Minister Huang. My mother is his concubine kept outside. The main wife cannot tolerate my mother, so my father had to arrange for us to blend into the merchant convoy to avoid attention."

Vice Minister Huang—which is to say, the father of Zhu Hana Huang Zhijun.

Xin Lin, new and unfamiliar with the other high officials, only recognized Vice Minister Huang. Using him as a cover was most appropriate.

Upon hearing this, the chubby servant thought it over.

Vice Minister Huang of the Ministry of Revenue had just been transferred back to Purple Cloud City, and considering the travel time, he would have indeed arrived in Purple Cloud City not long ago.

It is said that the Assistant Minister’s House has a daughter, and the Assistant Minister’s wife is a real tigress. Could it be that these three before him truly were the family Vice Minister Huang kept outside?

Vice Minister Huang had recently received great favor, and had good relations with his own master. That being the case, this beauty before him was indeed not someone he could afford to offend.

The chubby servant was a weathercock himself, so he quickly switched his demeanor and spoke with a smile.

"It’s like the big flood that has flooded the Dragon King Temple—family members don’t recognize each other. I am a Manager under Grand Doctor Chu, and I have offended you earlier. I ask that the Madam and the two young lords do not take offense."

The chubby servant quickly ordered his men to release Noble Lady Shi.

"What are you standing there for? Go arrange accommodations for the Madam and young lords."

A quarter of an hour later, Noble Lady Shi and her son, along with Xin Lin, were moved into the largest chamber in the inn.

The chubby servant did not dare to be too presumptuous in front of them and even gave the proprietor some money afterwards.

Thus, the night’s drama came to a peaceful end.

"Little Lin, pretending to be part of Vice Minister Huang’s family might not be right, might it?" Noble Lady Shi was still visibly shaken.

"Madam, it’s still some way to Purple Cloud City. To avoid complications, we must be more careful. I apologize for the inconvenience, Madam, but we must pretend for the time being."

Xin Lin shrugged her shoulders.

After all, it wasn’t the first time she had deceived Vice Minister Huang and his daughter—a stitch in time saves nine. What did it matter pretending to be a concubine compared to the Soul-breaking Arrow in that box?

When the Longteng Empress’s scandal comes to light, that will be the time for Vice Minister Huang to have a tough time.

"Sister, since that man is from the Imperial Doctor Mansion, why don’t we simply reveal our true identities and find Grand Doctor Chu to clear my mother’s name?" Little Xinzhuo asked, puzzled.

Only Grand Doctor Chu could prove the true identities of Noble Lady Shi and Little Xinzhuo.

Grand Doctor Chu was famously elusive, and now that they had finally met someone from the Imperial Doctor Mansion, in Little Xinzhuo’s view, they should seize the opportunity.

"Ah Zhuo, your sister has taught you that things aren’t always as simple as they seem. What do you think of that chubby servant’s character?" Xin Lin countered.

Little Xinzhuo pursed his lips.

"A big bad egg."

It didn’t make sense to Little Xinzhuo. Grand Doctor Chu was a renowned doctor—how could his subordinate be so wicked?