Joyful Motherhood in a Rural Family

“Well, actually, I am quite hungry!”

Nan Tianzong quickly glanced over Di Yelei’s body, didn’t refuse Liu Sisi’s kindness, and sat down on a chair.

“Wait, Brother Nan, let me have the kitchen make a few more dishes for you.”

Liu Sisi said anxiously, her face flushed.

“No need! We’re not strangers, just a bowl of rice and a pair of chopsticks will do.”

Nan Tianzong waved his hand generously.

“But…”

Liu Sisi wanted to say more.

Di Yelei, who was beside her, instructed Ms. Gao indifferently: “Go ahead.”

“My brother-in-law knows me best!”

Nan Tianzong laughed and took the bamboo chopsticks and bowl that Ms. Gao had brought, and ate the leftovers heartily.

Like a whirlwind, Nan Tianzong cleaned up all the remaining dishes on the table before putting down his bowl and chopsticks, satisfied.

Liu Sisi apologized, “Brother Nan, was that enough food? Do you want me to order the kitchen to make a few more dishes?”

It’s all Di Yelei’s fault!

Liu Sisi shot Di Yelei a resentful glance.

“No need, Sisi, I’m full.”

Nan Tianzong wiped his mouth with a towel and looked at Liu Sisi with a smile: “Sisi, what did that madman say to you?”

Liu Sisi’s narrowed her eyes slightly and shook her head.

“He didn’t say much, just everything that should be said.” And the things that shouldn’t be said as well.

Ms. Gao quickly removed the bowl and chopsticks and replaced them with light tea before withdrawing.

Nan Tianzong and Di Yelei exchanged glances. Reluctantly, Di Yelei stepped out of the room, leaving the two alone.

“Sisi, what exactly did that madman say?” Nan Tianzong’s tone carried a hint of urgency.

“That madman?” Liu Sisi was surprised, looking at the closed room door, and couldn’t help frowning.

“Isn’t he just a madman? Ever since I remember, he’s never done anything a normal person would do.” Nan Tianzong said with a bitter smile.

“Are you…close to him?”

Liu Sisi’s heartbeat raced, and she suddenly felt hot-headed, as if her whole body was dazed.

“Not just close! Actually, I’m your biological elder brother, and you are my biological little sister.” Nan Tianzong’s mouth carried a bitter smile.

Bang!

Liu Sisi suddenly stood up from her chair, glaring maliciously at Nan Tianzong: “You…” She coughed subconsciously: “What did you just say?”

It wasn’t that she hadn’t heard clearly, but she was unable to believe the truth was so shocking!

Nan Tianzong was silent for a moment before letting out a long sigh: “All of this! It’s all because of that man! For his own ambition, he not only killed mom, but also Big Brother, Second Brother, and Third Brother…”

“What exactly happened? Tell me all the details!” Liu Sisi was anxious.

“Thirty years ago, Crown Prince Zhao Dun and Eighth Prince Zhao Wu were the most powerful in the court, equally matched. With the imminent decision to choose the Crown Prince approaching, His Majesty found it difficult to make a choice. At this very moment, a beautiful and talented maiden named Xin’er came to the capital, which led to the two brothers fighting over her.”

“Originally, both of them wanted to use this woman, but as things turned out, both brothers really fell in love with the capable and beautiful young girl, Xin’er.”

“Xin’er gradually developed feelings toward the two, especially the playful Zhao Wu who often made her happy. When Zhao Dun found out, he flew into a rage! He even forcibly took her against her wishes.”

“Of course, this angered Zhao Wu, and together with the treacherous Crown Princess Consort, they forced a palace coup. The late Emperor passed away, and the court was immediately plunged into chaos! The alliance between Zhao Wu and the Crown Princess Consort quickly crumbled, and they all started fighting one another. In the end, Zhao Dun surprisingly managed to escape from the imperial court!”

“Even so, he didn’t forget to take the woman with him.”

“Zhao Wu chased them to the vicinity of Heilong Mountain and successfully caught up with Zhao Dun and his party. At that time, Xin’er was already a few months pregnant. She knelt down on the ground and begged for mercy on behalf of Zhao Dun for the sake of the unborn child.”

“Zhao Wu ultimately relented because he truly loved Xin’er and, for the sake of her and their unborn child, he promised: As long as he, Zhao Wu, was alive, he would ensure the safety of this mountain and the people living on it!”

Nan Tianzong looked up at Liu Sisi, the sorrow on his face undisguisable: “This is the real reason for the secret origins of Heilong Mountain!”

“So… that was it!”

Liu Sisi lowered her eyes, remaining silent.

Nan Tianzong sneered and clenched his fists.

“For Zhao Dun, who had grown accustomed to being high above everyone else, it was so humiliating to have to rely on a woman getting down on her knees, begging his love rival and sworn enemy for mercy, just to survive in this world. This had gradually become his heart’s problem.”

“At first, he naturally loved and cherished Xin’er, even feeling grateful. But as time went by, there were turncoats among his followers. They even caught people slandering him behind his back. From then on, he became suspicious and paranoid, often taking his anger out on Xin’er.”

“Xin’er couldn’t stand the abuse any longer, so she sneaked down the mountain one day, hoping to escape. Unfortunately, she was caught by His Majesty’s horsemen and sent to the capital. On the way, she was intercepted by Zhao Dun’s men and another battle erupted. In the end, Xin’er was brought back to Heilong Mountain once again. At that time, she had already given birth to a baby girl on the road, the baby girl being you—Liu Sisi.”

Liu Sisi’s lips were tightly pressed together, her small face pale, almost devoid of color.

“Why is it that what you and he said are so different?”

Filled with hatred, Nan Tianzong gritted his teeth and slammed the table!

“It’s because he’s crazy! He’s been crazy for a long time, living in his own world, still thinking that he’s the all-powerful Crown Prince! Haha! It’s ridiculous, infuriating, tragic, and pathetic!”

Nan Tianzong suddenly raised his head: “Do you know how Big Brother, Second Brother, and Third Brother died? They were forced to their deaths by his crazy orders! If he hadn’t ordered his men to control most of the economic lifelines of Zhao Country early on, making it impossible for Zhao Wu to discover and reverse the situation in time, would he still be alive now?”

“Then…”

Liu Sisi started to speak but realized her voice was hoarse. She quickly lowered her head to drink some water and hide her emotions.

Nan Tianzong’s face was filled with despair as he wiped his face with a hand.

“In fact, Zhao Wu made his move fifteen years ago. He found out that Zhao Dun had gone insane and discovered the location of mom’s grave.”