Chapter Forty-Six: Punished by the Family Law

Cheng Yunting sat at the edge of Leng Zheng’s bed, gazing at her. He didn’t want to face this, but he had no choice.

“What will it take for you to let me leave?” Leng Zheng’s voice was cold as she looked at Cheng Yunting.

“Xiao Zheng, let’s talk when you’re stable, alright?” Cheng Yunting clasped her hand, pleading.

“Cheng Yunting, I don’t like you. To be precise, I loathe you. Don’t show yourself in front of me again.” Leng Zheng closed her eyes. “Even if you insist I stay here, at least keep away from me.”

Cheng Yunting lowered his head, tasting blood in his mouth, a bitter tang. “Alright.”

He nodded and walked out, closing the door behind him.

He lingered by the bedroom door, unwilling to leave. He meant to smoke, but found he was out of cigarettes. He thought of drinking, but suppressed the urge, fearing Leng Zheng might need him suddenly.

“Aunt Li, it’s me. I want you to come and look after someone for me. I’ll explain things to my parents, whatever salary you want is fine. I just hope you’ll take good care of her.

Yes, yes, good. I’ll send a driver to fetch you. Once you arrive, I’ll speak to my parents.” Something occurred to Cheng Yunting, and he called Aunt Li, the woman who had raised him. “She’s a bit spoiled, a pregnant woman not yet three months along, about two months. She has a wonderful temperament, you might even know her. Good, yes, I’ll wait for you at the villa.”

He hung up and drew a deep breath. This secret would not remain hidden; those around him would soon know…

…

Aunt Li arrived at Leng Zheng’s villa. Cheng Yunting explained her preferences, her health, and the doctor’s advice before driving alone to the Cheng family home to “face the music.”

He wasn’t afraid of his parents, but they had called over all the Qin brothers. This… would inevitably lead to a stormy confrontation.

No, perhaps that’s not the right phrase—not a bloodbath, but many truths would come to light.

…

“Dad, Mom, brothers-in-law.” Cheng Yunting entered with an uncharacteristic meekness, at least a little subdued.

“Kneel, you little bastard!” Cheng Changfeng, the patriarch of the Cheng family, glared furiously at his rebellious son.

Beside him, Shao Suya, rarely, didn’t urge her husband to calm down, for she was furious herself.

“Cheng Yunting, your father and I wanted you and Xiao Zheng to nurture your feelings for each other. And what happened? You vanished for four months without a word. Do you know how much Xiao Zheng suffered because of your absence?

Then you reconciled, and I said nothing more. But now? Now you’ve gotten Xiao Zheng pregnant, and you say she’s a substitute for someone else.

Ha! Aren’t you impressive! How did your father and I raise you? You think you’re so capable!” Shao Suya’s anger rose as she scolded him.

“Godmother, don’t be angry, please!” The Qin brothers hurried forward to comfort her.

“As Xiao Zheng’s brother, I know why you left then, and I know you love her deeply—more than any of us do. But I have one question: What’s the story with Du Ruoyan?” Qin Cheng looked at Cheng Yunting, seeking clarification.

Shao Suya glared at Cheng Yunting and said irritably, “Why are you defending him? Just expel him from the Cheng family genealogy!”

“Because Du Ruoyan threatened me with her,” Cheng Yunting suddenly raised his head and spoke.

…

“That’s how things are. I ask for nothing else, only that my brothers-in-law and my parents allow me to be with Xiao Zheng. Even if she doesn’t wish to see me, to glimpse her from afar would suffice.

No matter the cost, I’m willing to pay it. I only ask that you do not prevent me from staying by her side, protecting her.”

Everyone fell silent, sighing and shaking their heads.

“Alright, I permit you to accompany Xiao Zheng, to protect her. But you have hurt her. How should we settle this?” Qin Xiaonan looked at Cheng Yunting.

“Whatever you decide, I will accept.”

“Then will you kneel here for a whole day?” Qin Xiaonan asked with interest.

Before Cheng Yunting could answer, Shao Suya spoke, “No, let the steward administer family discipline first, then kneel for a day.”

“Whatever you decide.”

“Fine, steward, carry out the family discipline,” Cheng Changfeng nodded. “I’ll do it myself.”

“Yes, sir.”

PS: About Xiao Zheng—she is a sensitive person who dislikes betrayal and would never betray another herself.

She may understand Cheng Yunting had his reasons, but Du Ruoyan’s presence greatly bothers her. Du Ruoyan’s words made her feel abandoned.

Xiao Zheng is someone who loves fiercely and hates equally so. If someone betrays her, she will leave them, no matter what.

Cheng Yunting knows this well, yet for Xiao Zheng, he chose the most extreme path.

Like certain parents, he thought he was acting for Xiao Zheng’s good, but in truth, he wounded her heart.

From beginning to end, Xiao Zheng has only ever loved Cheng Yunting, and he has only ever loved her.

He met her in his youth and fell for her.

Aries are perhaps like that—decisive in everything, especially in matters of the heart.

Leng Zheng has always waited for Cheng Yunting’s explanation, hoping he would reveal everything, so she could continue loving him.

But Cheng Yunting kept everything bottled up. Even if Leng Zheng left him, he would be content to watch her from afar.

Cheng Yunting loves humbly, loves deeply, but at times his love leaves Xiao Zheng disheartened. That is why she insists on leaving him.

She loves him, has always loved him, but she is exhausted—she no longer wishes to love.

And so, this situation arose. Perhaps it will break in the future, and Xiao Zheng will learn what Cheng Yunting has done, but she cannot entirely let go.

Outwardly, she is cold, but inside, reluctant; she is truly contradictory.

Later, Xiao Zheng may use drastic means to leave Cheng Yunting. Her innate pride will not allow her to be anyone’s substitute.

She is mistress of the Qin and Su families. Even if she were at her lowest, she is cherished by six brothers, friends, and her godparents. Though the Qin couple used her, they still spoiled her fiercely.

Such a pampered queen cannot be bullied by just anyone.

Ah, it’s all very complicated. Well, that’s all for today’s update. See you tomorrow.