19 Suspicion

Old Qin was actually quite furious that his son’s engagement had been called off. However, out of respect for Yao Jingzong, he couldn't easily vent his anger. His eldest son, Qin Yicheng, was the one he cherished most; otherwise, he never would have arranged for the boy to marry into the Yao family. To wait for Yao Jingjing to come of age, Old Qin had turned away countless matchmakers over the years. Jingjing was only eighteen, and they would have had to wait another two years to register the marriage. By then, his son would be twenty-five—what a waste of his prime youth. And yet, Yao Jingjing had broken the engagement.

Though Old Qin maintained a facade of decorum, he was so angry he didn't sleep all night. Calling Yao Jingzong now was his way of demanding an explanation. To his surprise, Yao Jingzong was quite sincere and even offered to become his son’s godfather. That was fine, too; with a high-ranking officer as a godfather, Yicheng’s future path would be much smoother. He wouldn't have to endure the indignities of being a son-in-law, especially since the two families were not social equals. Besides, Yao Jingjing was too pretentious and lacked ambition—she hadn't even managed to graduate from nursing school. She was simply not good enough. He would find Yicheng someone better tomorrow! Someone who would put Yao Jingjing to shame.

Suppressing his resentment, he replied, "Very well. I will leave Yicheng in your care, Chief."

"It is only right," Yao Jingzong said, looking down at the two letters he had received that day. "Old Qin, do me a favor and ask Yicheng if he has the time to attend a wedding on my behalf."

"A wedding? Where?" Old Qin asked, curious. He hadn't heard of anyone in the military compound getting married recently.

Yao Jingzong sighed. "You remember Qi Guozhong, don't you?"

Of course, Old Qin remembered him; they had been comrades-in-arms. Old Qin had been lucky enough to survive, while Old Qi, true to his name, had given his life for the country and was buried in a foreign land. He felt a sudden wave of melancholy. "I remember. He left behind a widow who became a police officer, and a son... a sickly boy, wasn't he?"

"Yes, that’s the one. He’s getting married. The date is August 8th. I have to be in Beijing for a meeting then and cannot get away. I wanted Weiguo to go, but he couldn't get leave. If you’re willing, have Yicheng go in my name. Please take the wedding gift and the cash gift for me as well." Yao Jingzong had thought this through carefully. He had considered sending his wife, Xie Chunxing, but she was too prone to tears; if she started crying at the wedding, it would be more of a nuisance than a congratulation. Furthermore, having Yicheng represent him would not only show respect to that mother and son but also prove how much he valued Yicheng. After all, if he could represent him, he was as good as his own flesh and blood.

Old Qin reached the same conclusion and agreed without hesitation. "Fine. Yicheng is a Level 8 technician; his unit leaders will give him face. Getting leave won't be difficult."

"Good, I leave it to you, Old Qin. I will cover the travel expenses and room and board," Yao Jingzong said, feeling relieved. That was Old Qi’s son; if he didn't show some gesture, he wouldn't be able to rest easy. Without Old Qi’s sacrifice, there would be no peace today. He had thought of that mother and son for years, but he had been too busy and they lived too far away.

After hanging up, he wrote his reply. He didn't want to attend the wedding of Yao Erdan’s fourth daughter even if he had the time, so he would just send ten yuan as a token gift. But for Qi Changxiao, Old Qi’s son, he had plenty of time and could prepare a proper gift.

As he went out after finishing the letter, he saw Yao Jingjing talking to Duan Cheng at the compound gate. Duan Cheng was 1.78 meters tall, fair-skinned and refined, with a scholarly air and a pair of glasses. He was a notorious bookworm, obsessed with his studies. Who would have thought this honest man would be so easily swayed, falling for a good-for-nothing slacker like Jingjing?

Yao Jingzong felt embarrassed. Duan Cheng’s father was his colleague; though they were of equal rank, Duan’s mother was a leader in the art troupe, his grandparents were based in Beijing, and his maternal grandparents were renowned scholars. Their family background was a cut above his own. Yao Jingzong suspected his daughter had abandoned Qin Yicheng specifically to climb the social ladder. Yet, in reality, Duan Cheng’s salary wasn't even as high as Yicheng’s! A university lecturer’s base pay was equivalent to a Level 13 higher education rank, totaling 52.5 yuan a month, whereas a Level 8 technician earned 99 yuan! Not to mention the differences in ration coupons and housing benefits. He truly couldn't fathom what this foolish girl was thinking. She was utterly hopeless!

However, since Duan Cheng was the son of Political Commissar Duan, Yao Jingzong couldn't simply break them up. So, when Duan Cheng greeted him, he offered a polite smile.

He went to the military base after mailing the letters, as his lunch break was short. After dinner that evening, he called Yao Weiguo over. "Weiguo, here is five hundred yuan and some coupons. Take them, ask for leave tomorrow, and go to the largest state-run department store in the provincial capital. Pick out the best clothes and shoes; I’ll have Yicheng take them to Old Qi’s son."

"Dad, isn't that too much?" Weiguo asked, surprised. His father was usually stingy; why was he being so generous today?

Yao Jingzong sighed heavily. "I’m only worried it’s not enough! Take it. A widow and her son—it hasn't been easy for them. They refused money when I tried to send it before, but since the son is getting married, I want to show my support. It would be even better if you could go yourself; Yicheng is only a godson, after all."

"Dad, I’m sorry. It’s too far, and I really can't get that much leave," Weiguo said, feeling ashamed. He was an accountant at a local state-run store and very busy. His wife, Cui Wen, was a designer at a machinery factory, and they had a child to care for; he really couldn't pull himself away.

Yao Jingzong didn't blame him, though he felt a pang of regret. He instructed, "Take it and spend it all, don't leave anything. Remember, the men's and women's outfits for the young couple must match. And buy two sets for a middle-aged woman as well."

"Dad, you're making it difficult for me. I don't know how to pick women's clothes," Weiguo said, his head aching. Even his own clothes were bought by Cui Wen. "Besides, do you know their sizes? Don't just buy random things that won't fit."

Yao Jingzong fell silent. That was a major problem. He remembered that someone from the Qin family lived in the same city as Tang Fengyuan, the widow, and quickly went to make a call. Soon, he returned to the living room. "It’s settled. We'll go next week; I’ve asked someone to find out."

Weiguo was still troubled about the women's clothing. He turned to his mother. "Mom, come with me! I really don't know how to choose clothes. I’ll just follow you and carry the bags, okay?"

Xie Chunxing didn't say anything. She was feeling depressed. This Old Yao was being recklessly generous! Five hundred yuan just like that, plus those coupons—they were national-level, far more valuable than provincial or local ones. He really didn't understand the cost of running a household! Her heart was heavy, and she didn't want to speak.

When her eldest son asked her again, tears welled up instantly. "I don't want to go! You and Wenwen didn't get this kind of treatment when you got married! Your father is a muddle-headed fool who favors outsiders—let him go buy it himself!"

Yao Jingjing, who was nearby, couldn't hold back and interjected indignantly, "Exactly! Dad, you're being way too generous. Why give them so much? Don't they have hands and feet? Do they have to rely on you? And I’m not even married yet! Don't you plan to save some dowry for me? Besides, the second sister's in-laws are unreliable, and the third brother is out in the countryside. If you have the time to play the living Buddha, you should give the money to them!"

"Insolent! Is it your place to speak?" Yao Jingzong snapped. He slammed his thick, calloused hand on the table, startling Yao Jingjing into shrinking her neck and hiding in Xie Chunxing’s arms to cry.

Here we go again, Weiguo thought, frowning. This younger sister was truly bizarre. He and his second sister were straightforward people. His second sister had chosen her own husband, and even when she suffered grievances at her in-laws', she never complained; she just gritted her teeth and worked hard to make things better. She refused their father’s money because she had pride and wanted to rely on herself. And his third brother was even more impressive—talented and devoted to his siblings. The whole family loved him. He had been accepted into a university, but when Yao Jingjing started crying, the third brother—who doted on her—immediately volunteered to go to the countryside in her place, giving up his education. Fortunately, the third brother had met influential people where he was sent and was doing well. Even so, seeing Yao Jingjing’s affected, dramatic behavior made Weiguo feel truly disgusted. It wasn't her place to dictate how the family money was spent!

Furious, he grabbed Yao Jingjing by the collar and tossed her out. Yao Jingjing, not expecting such harsh treatment from her eldest brother, stomped her foot and ran off to cry at Duan Cheng’s house.

Weiguo’s face remained dark. He couldn't be bothered to chase her. After sitting down and hesitating for a long time, he boldly voiced his thoughts: "Dad, Mom, I don't think Jingjing is your daughter."

What? The elderly couple looked at him in total shock.

He didn't blame his father for being careless; he was too busy managing an entire division. He didn't blame his mother for being naive; she was kindhearted, and anyone who shed a few tears could get her to treat them with gentleness. But he blamed himself for being slow to realize it, only considering this possibility after Cui Wen had hinted at it. Perhaps it was the darkness under the lamp; he and Yao Jingjing were eleven years apart and had almost nothing in common. She was the youngest, so it was understandable she was spoiled. But if he stopped making excuses for her? Of the four children, she was the only one who was completely out of line!

Taking a deep breath, he met his parents' astonished gazes. "Don't look at me like that; I’m serious. Jingjing is too excessive—two-timing, shameless... I don't believe my parents could produce a daughter like this! Now she’s even insulting Uncle Qi’s family. I absolutely cannot tolerate it. There is definitely something wrong with her. Give me some time; I will investigate this thoroughly."

Yao Jingzong lit a cigarette and fell into deep thought. Xie Chunxing, meanwhile, was weeping. "Weiguo, how can you think that? Jingjing is still young; it’s just that I’ve spoiled her. If she knew you suspected she wasn't your real sister, how heartbroken she would be."

"Mom, think about it carefully. Could you and Dad ever let a brother give up his university spot to go to the countryside in his sibling's place?" Weiguo was becoming more convinced. Their Yao family didn't have such shameless people!

Yao Jingzong frowned, smoking in silence. Truth be told, Jingjing was a bit rebellious and her personality was indeed pretentious, but she did look somewhat like her mother. That was why he had never considered this. Now that his eldest son had brought it up, he was beginning to have his own doubts. But this wasn't a joke. If Jingjing really wasn't their daughter, then where was their real daughter? And who, when, and where had someone quietly swapped in a fake daughter?

Yao Jingzong fell into a long silence. After finishing five or six cigarettes, he finally instructed, "Don't spread this around. Tomorrow, go and check her blood type first."