Madam Zhou was frantic. Ever since her son learned the truth, he hadn't left his room, not even for his beloved books.
Young Master Zhou often sat alone at his desk, replaying events from his childhood again and again, tears streaming down his face.
When he was little, he couldn't understand why his father, who was supposedly the eldest son of the Zhou family, never held him. He had always envied the affectionate gaze his father bestowed upon his illegitimate half-brothers, always feeling it was because he hadn't done enough. So, when he learned his father admired scholars, he studied with all his might, hoping to change his father's perception. Yet, despite his greater efforts and achievements compared to his half-brothers, he still couldn't earn even a glance from his father.
Back then, he would hide in his mother's arms, feeling wronged. His mother told him some things were destined and couldn't be forced, that he should just focus on his studies and live his own life.
Now, he finally understood that from the moment of his birth, it was destined he would have the title but not the kinship with his father. Looking back, even though his father had always been stern and indifferent towards him, he had passed on everything he needed to. From a different perspective, if he were in his father's shoes, he wouldn't have been able to do as well. His father had done his best.
Hearing his mother knock on his door repeatedly, he lay in bed, agitated, covering his head with the quilt. He admitted he was a coward, wanting to escape, and truly didn't know how to face his mother.
His mother had loved him dearly all these years, always considering him in everything she did. Yet, now, all his taunts came from her. He couldn't help but feel a bit resentful. Moreover, he was deeply traditional and somewhat chauvinistic, unable to accept someone like his mother, believing women should be faithful.
He wasn't entirely ignorant of his mother's actions outside. It was just that his father hadn't objected, so he had no right to speak up. When this matter directly concerned him, he realized how painful it was. He couldn't bear to think about how his father had endured his mother's repeated transgressions. The more he thought, the more his heart ached.
Madam Zhou knew her son had heard her calls but refused to open the door, clearly blaming her. In the past, she would have given him time to process and then sent someone to guide him. But now, he hadn't eaten for two days, and this couldn't continue.
Even if her son resented her, she had to see him and explain. She ordered her guards to break down the door.
The guards initially thought it was just a door that could be easily opened with a push. To their surprise, after pushing for a long time, it remained unmoved. After a moment of thought, they realized the young master had likely placed heavy objects behind it.
They called for more men and, with all their might, rammed the door together. Just as they were celebrating its opening, they, along with the door, crashed to the ground.
Because they had exerted too much force this time, by the time they realized something was wrong, it was too late. They landed heavily on the ground and couldn't get up for a long time.
Madam Zhou paid no mind to their well-being. She stepped over them and went to her son's bedside. After a moment of hesitation, she reached out to pull back the quilt. She had only lifted it slightly, not even seeing her son's face, when the person inside directly pulled it back down.
Given the commotion, her son hadn't reacted at all. She had thought something had happened to him. Now it seemed he simply didn't want to acknowledge her. A sigh of relief escaped her. She spoke with a mix of tenderness and earnestness, "I know you don't want to see me, but no matter what, you shouldn't play with your health. You haven't eaten for two days. Do you know how worried I am? Get up and eat something. After you've eaten, you can resent me however you wish."
After a moment, the quilt trembled. It was obvious the person inside was crying. Madam Zhou hadn't intended to cry, but seeing him like this, she couldn't help but weep. She quickly wiped her tears and, feigning nonchalance, waved for everyone to leave.
Once the room was empty, she choked out, "I didn't tell you the truth all these years because I was afraid you couldn't bear it. Do you think I don't regret it? If I hadn't gotten involved with your father, I would have been a noble's wife. Why would I have married into a merchant family?"
"Who is he?" After a pause, a weak voice came from under the quilt.
Though he didn't explicitly state it, Madam Zhou knew he was asking about his biological father's identity. With a sigh, she replied, "He is the Grand Son-in-Law, the husband of the current Eldest Princess."
Having received the answer he sought, Young Master Zhou fell silent again. Madam Zhou thought for a moment and decided to tell him the whole truth. "Originally, there was a possibility between him and me. But since the Emperor intervened, your father had no choice but to marry me off here. Not long ago, I received a letter from him saying he doesn't want to bother with us anymore. So, don't hold any expectations of him. However, if you pass the imperial examinations, you can seek his help. After all, you are his child, no matter what."
Young Master Zhou mumbled, "Who would want to acknowledge him?"
Madam Zhou smiled and shook her head, thinking her son was still too young. Yet, recalling her own naive thoughts in her youth, she sighed and shook her head again. She believed that as he grew older, he would understand what was best for him.
Madam Zhou quickly followed his lead, saying, "If you want to acknowledge him, acknowledge him. If you don't, don't. Do whatever makes you comfortable."
As soon as she said this, Young Master Zhou's heart calmed considerably, and he was no longer so conflicted. When Madam Zhou spoke about topics that interested him, he would respond with a word or two.
Finally, he even poked his head out. Seeing how haggard he looked after two days was hard for her to bear. However, she couldn't spend all her time here; there were many things waiting for her to handle. She finally instructed someone to bring food and urged him to eat well.
Young Master Zhou looked at his mother's expectant eyes and couldn't bear to disappoint her. He nodded reluctantly. Madam Zhou was overjoyed and left with a much lighter heart.
The Xu parents, having not seen their son for a long time, arrived happily outside his former courtyard with many gifts. They knocked on the door. The person who opened it looked bewildered and asked, "Who are you looking for?"
Upon hearing this, Madam Xu was displeased. This was, after all, her son's residence. How could she not be recognized? She replied impatiently, "I am your master's mother. I've been here a few times. Why don't you remember? Oh, it seems the guard at the door last time wasn't you."
The man sized them up from head to toe with a hint of disdain. "You are Xu Yijie's parents? I'm afraid you don't know yet. This residence was sold to my master long ago. It's now the Zhang Mansion."