Yu Mengzhi and Li Ziqing were like two peas in a pod.
The only difference, perhaps, was their age.
No matter how stunning Li Ziqing had been in her youth, time had left its mark on her face.
Chen Jinzhao quickly averted his gaze. Staring at someone's face for too long was impolite. He asked in a humble tone, "Hello Auntie Li, I'm Chen Jinzhao, Mengzhi's boyfriend."
Li Ziqing was also appraising Chen Jinzhao.
Her first thought was that Chen Jinzhao bore a strong resemblance to his father, Chen Yangfu. It was a pity that Chen Yangfu was already dead.
"Sit down and let's talk," Li Ziqing said.
Chen Jinzhao sat opposite Li Ziqing, hoping to leave a good impression on his future mother-in-law. However, he felt a hint of solemnity in Li Ziqing's gaze as she examined him. He was certain he wasn't mistaken.
Why was that?
"Is your father Chen Yangfu?" Li Ziqing asked, her words startling.
Chen Jinzhao's pupils contracted for a moment, as if he'd experienced an earthquake, then quickly returned to normal. He nodded, "Yes, my father was indeed Chen Yangfu. But he passed away when I was young, so I have no memories of him. Judging by your tone, Auntie, it seems you knew my father?"
"Of course, I knew him," Li Ziqing replied.
Chen Jinzhao's heart tightened. Perhaps this was the real reason Li Ziqing wanted to speak with him alone.
Before Chen Jinzhao could ask, Li Ziqing said with a sigh, "Your father, my husband, and your father were university classmates. All graduates of Ninghai University."
"Oh, yes, I almost forgot about your mother."
"Your mother's educational background was even higher than ours. She graduated from Yanjing University."
Chen Jinzhao was dumbfounded.
It had been a long time since he'd been so shocked.
After the shock subsided, Chen Jinzhao chuckled, "Auntie, you must be joking. My mother is just an ordinary worker in a small town. How could she have graduated from Yanjing University? Yanjing University is a top institution, a tier above Ninghai University. As far as I recall, my mother doesn't seem very educated."
It was then that Chen Jinzhao realized he'd never truly inquired about his mother's life. He'd always assumed she'd lived in Leyang County her entire life, never leaving the town.
Now it was Li Ziqing's turn to be surprised. She frowned and retorted, "As Chen Yangfu's son, how can you not know your mother's educational background? Let me ask you this, is your mother Li Qiurong?"
"Yes!"
"Then that's right. I haven't misremembered," Li Ziqing said.
This further shocked Chen Jinzhao. Seeing his astonishment, Li Ziqing's mind raced with possibilities, but she lacked concrete evidence to support them.
Chen Jinzhao was lost in thought.
Li Ziqing's words shattered his preconceived notions from the past twenty-odd years. If his mother, Li Qiurong, had indeed graduated from Yanjing University, why would she be content to stay in a small county town? A degree from Yanjing University twenty years ago held immense value, making its holder a cut above the rest.
"Auntie, were you and Uncle Yu both my father's university classmates?" Chen Jinzhao asked.
Li Ziqing hummed in affirmation.
"I still remember how spirited your father was. And you look so much like him. It's a pity I'll never see him again," she sighed.
Chen Jinzhao's mind was a mess.
If Li Ziqing was telling the truth, then a second question arose: if Chen Jinzhao looked so much like his father, why didn't Yu Wendong recognize him at first glance?
Or did he simply refuse to acknowledge it?
Then there was the second question: why had Li Qiurong never mentioned her own academic qualifications, nor Chen Yangfu's?
And the third question: why had Li Qiurong returned to a less developed county town instead of pursuing a career in a major city?
A multitude of questions swirled in Chen Jinzhao's mind, almost making him lose himself.
"What's wrong?" Li Ziqing asked.
Chen Jinzhao snapped back to reality, let out a sigh, and shook his head. "I'm fine. I'm just pondering some things I can't quite understand."
Li Ziqing also said, "It's not just you. I can't understand it either."
They both agreed that there must be something fishy going on.
Li Ziqing added, "And your father, he was as healthy as an ox. How could he have suddenly fallen ill and died? Perhaps he was harmed. That's why your mother stayed in the county town to wait for you to grow up. Of course, this is just my conjecture and might be far from the truth."
Chen Jinzhao's heart grew heavy. No matter the possibility, none of them were easily digestible.
He was determined to find the truth when he returned.
If someone had indeed caused his father's death all those years ago, he would avenge his father—no matter who the enemy was.
"Let's not dwell on that. I've been a monastic for over twenty years, and some things are hazy. Let's talk about you and Mengzhi," Li Ziqing said, shifting the conversation. Chen Jinzhao’s focus returned, and he listened intently to Li Ziqing's questions. She got straight to the point: "I've heard about your accomplishments from Mengzhi's father. You are indeed a talented young man. However, I don't know if your feelings for my daughter are sincere."
Chen Jinzhao opened his mouth, wanting to tell Li Ziqing his thoughts.
Li Ziqing waved her hand. "You don't need to tell me. As long as you have a clear conscience. I can see that Mengzhi cares deeply for you, so please don't let her down. Otherwise, you should know what I'll do."
"Auntie, you can rest assured. As long as I'm alive, I won't leave her," Chen Jinzhao promised.
Li Ziqing gave a bitter smile. "Speaking of which, I worry Mengzhi might get caught in your conflicts. You've made too many enemies. If possible, you could form an alliance with Tiance. He can shield you from much trouble. Besides, Tiance is also Mengzhi's cousin, so he wouldn't harm you behind your back."
"Did Li Tiance ask you to say this?" Chen Jinzhao asked with a smile.
"No, Tiance is my nephew, and Mengzhi is my daughter. You will also be my son-in-law in the future. I can't bear to see my own flesh and blood become enemies," Li Ziqing explained. Chen Jinzhao nodded slightly, but he didn't agree immediately, stating he would consider it carefully.
Li Ziqing nodded, not pushing the matter.
"Auntie, I still have one question. You've been living in the temple for so many years. Haven't you ever thought of leaving monastic life?" Chen Jinzhao asked.
"If the Li family makes things difficult for you, I can help bear some of that pressure. If Uncle Yu has mentioned me to you often, you should know that I have Elder Xu behind me. After the fall of the Su and Han families, Elder Xu's influence has surpassed that of Old Master Li. He has the power to protect you."
Li Ziqing felt Chen Jinzhao's concern and was somewhat relieved, thinking he truly was Chen Yangfu's son, possessing his father's demeanor.
"Even if I left monastic life, what difference would it make?" she said with a wry smile.
"Jinzhao, you must understand that my heart holds not only Mengzhi and her father, but also many members of the Li family. If I cannot return to the Li family, leaving monastic life holds no meaning."
In a way, she desperately craved Li Buyan's approval. But Li Buyan was so aloof, with no room for familial affection in his heart, making her desire seem childish.
Chen Jinzhao remained silent.
This was something he truly couldn't help with. Unless Li Buyan could sit down and talk calmly with Li Ziqing, which seemed highly unlikely.
Li Ziqing shook her head, no longer dwelling on it. She said to Chen Jinzhao, "I don't have excessive expectations for you. I only hope you will treat my daughter well. If you have time, spend more time with her. She has lacked the love of both her parents since she was young and is desperately craving affection."
Mentioning her daughter, Li Ziqing's expression softened. This was the person she cared about most.
Chen Jinzhao assured Li Ziqing that he would not let Yu Mengzhi down.
"The way you speak is exactly like your father. It makes me nostalgic for those youthful days," Li Ziqing said with a smile.
"It's getting late. You should head down the mountain soon."
Chen Jinzhao keenly sensed that Li Ziqing still had something unsaid. He hesitated, "Auntie, are you hiding something from us?"
For a fleeting moment, surprise flickered across Li Ziqing's face, then quickly vanished.
"Nothing of the sort. You should leave quickly."
Chen Jinzhao rose and bid farewell to Li Ziqing.
As they stepped outside the courtyard gate, before Yu Mengzhi could ask what they had discussed inside, Chen Jinzhao's eyes scanned the surroundings warily. He said to Yu Mengzhi, "Go in and keep Auntie company. Something significant might happen next."
Li Ziqing had insisted on seeing him but not her daughter earlier. Now she was urging them to leave the mountain quickly.
These details indicated that today was bound to be eventful.