Meng Yunzheng spoke, his eyes slightly red, remembering past events that still stirred strong emotions within him.
The Emperor looked at him steadily. Although the timeline and the causes and effects Meng Yunzheng mentioned matched, yet…
"Who told you all this?"
"It was my mother," Meng Yunzheng said. "My mother knew Gong Qiu was ruthless. To be safe, she told me the entire story. Moreover..." He paused and raised his head, "She instructed me to impersonate Gong Qiu's son at times of crisis to ensure my survival. So, the day I met Gong Qiu's trusted followers, she specifically found the midwife who had delivered me and gave her a sum of money to claim, should anyone inquire, that I was born full-term."
He let out a bitter smile. "Mother knew Gong Qiu too well and has been keeping tabs on the Gong Family's affairs over the years. Gong Qiu had only one son and one daughter and not many offspring. If I became Gong Qiu's son, he would surely let me off."
