How could I possibly be confined in a cage?

Chapter 198 Asking about one's origins again

Song Fu went back to his room and locked himself in, becoming withdrawn.

Song Fu didn't get up and go out until he heard some noise coming from Lao Hei's room.

Just as Lao Hei was about to drink his tea, he suddenly felt a shadow looming over him.

Looking up, I saw it was Song Fu.

"Is something wrong?"

Song Fuxin was indignant, and said succinctly, "Yes, you were quite shocked when you saw the birthmark on my back that day. I wanted to ask you why?"

Old Hei frowned. "I didn't know. I thought it was a wound, that's why I looked at it a few more times. Now it seems it's not. It's a birthmark. That's really rare."

Song Fu could tell he was being perfunctory, but he persisted and asked again, "Mr. Xin, I have always respected you. I just want to know who my parents are. If you know anything about this birthmark, please tell me. I would be extremely grateful."

Old Hei put down his cup, frowned, and stared at him for a long time. "I really don't know."

"But your reaction clearly indicates that you recognized me."

Old Hei said coldly, "I was just curious for a moment. I'm sorry if you misunderstood."

Song Fu's eyes were red and he was almost crying.

"Do you know how I grew up? I was with Uncle Ren, the steward of the Song family. At first, he wasn't married yet, and he often left me in the servants' quarters to be watched over. Those people would agree to Uncle Ren's request on the surface, but behind his back they would pinch and bite me, specifically targeting the thickest parts of my skin, so that Uncle Ren wouldn't notice when he came back. I was young and couldn't speak properly, so all I could do was cry. Every time, Uncle Ren would apologize and thank them for taking care of me."

Old Hei was somewhat tempted, but still didn't speak.

Song Fu continued, "Later, Uncle Ren got married, and I finally had a better life. But soon Aunt Ren also had a child, so she stopped paying much attention to me. As Uncle Ren became more important to me, he gradually came home less often. Every time he wasn't home, I was terrified because Aunt Ren would beat me and confiscate my food. I grew up like this, sometimes hungry, sometimes full. When I got a little older, I lived among the servants. I did whatever they did. Because I was young, all the blame was placed on me. Since I was the steward of Uncle Ren's household, no one dared to punish me even if I did something wrong. Therefore, I always felt like I was walking on thin ice. I not only had to do other people's work, but also clean up the messes they made, otherwise I would be neglected and ridiculed..."

Song Fu poured out all the bitterness he had endured since childhood, each word dripping with tears.

As he spoke, a few tears welled up in his eyes without him even noticing.

Finally, Song Fu sighed deeply, "It's all because I don't have biological parents. If I had biological parents, at the very least I would have someone to rely on, which would be better than being all alone like I am now."

Old Hei lowered his eyes and remained silent.

After a long pause, he looked up and said, "The Uncle Ren you mentioned, his original surname wasn't Song, was it?"

Song Fu nodded. "Uncle Ren once said that of the five stewards of the Song family, representing 'benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness,' only he was not originally surnamed Song; his original surname was Du."

Old Hei fell silent again.

After a long silence, he finally spoke: "Uncle Ren knows your background best. Go back and ask him. Your parents may already be dead."

Song Fuxi asked, "Do you know my parents, sir?"

Old Hei turned his back, unwilling to see Song Fu. He spoke with difficulty, as if he could hardly utter a single word, "Your father is dead, your mother may still be alive. If you really want to know, you might as well ask Uncle Ren. As for your father, I have already buried his remains."

Song Fu was stunned for a moment, then knelt down with a thud and kowtowed repeatedly to Lao Hei, his lips trembling as he said, "Thank you! Thank you so much for your kindness, sir!"

After saying that, he stood up, turned around, and ran away.

It took Lao Hei a long time to turn around, and he slumped into the chair.

Well, what's meant to happen will happen eventually.

Song Fu rushed to the Song residence without stopping for a moment.

Just as Song Ren was on duty, Song Fu was also waiting with great excitement.

As soon as Song Ren returned to his room, Song Fu immediately rushed out.

Song Ren was startled, but breathed a sigh of relief when he saw it was Song Fu.

"You silly child, you didn't even tell me you were coming."

Song Fu's eyes shone brightly, brimming with tears, filled with anticipation and affection.

"Uncle Ren, I've found my parents."

Song Ren, who was drinking water, choked and coughed. "Cough cough... What did you say?"

While patting Song Ren's back to calm him down, Song Fu said, "I told you I've found my parents."

After catching his breath, Song Ren looked at Song Fu with suspicion and uncertainty. "You weren't tricked, were you?"

Song Fu shook his head. "No, Uncle Ren, please sit down and I'll tell you slowly."

Song Ren quickly sat down; he wanted to know where Song Fu had found his parents.

“My father is dead,” Song Fu said with some disappointment, then continued, “but my mother is still alive. The teacher said to ask you, and you will know.”

Song Ren touched Song Fu's forehead to check if he had a fever. "Xiao Fu, which doctor told you this? You're not just lying to yourself, are you?"

Song Fu quickly shook his head, "Of course not. The gentleman I was talking about is Mr. Xin, the steward of the Lü family. So the information you gave me was true. It's just that Mr. Xin didn't die; he went into seclusion."

Song Ren was genuinely stunned. "Who did you say?"

Song Fu said again, "Mr. Xin Laohei, if you ask me, this doesn't sound like a person's name, but rather like a nickname. Who calls themselves Laohei? 'Xin Laohei Xin Laohei' sounds like an insult."

Song Ren remained stunned for a long time, muttering, "He's still alive? He's nearby?"

Song Fu didn't quite hear him, but seeing that Song Ren looked strange, he still asked, "Uncle Ren, what's wrong?"

Song Ren shook his head and sighed, "Is Mr. Xin alright?"

Song Fu was stunned, then honestly replied, "Fortunately, I am in good health and have found my real nephew."

It took Song Ren a long time to calm down. "Did he say anything?"

Song Fu said, "The master said that my father is dead, but my mother is still alive. If you want to know who she is, you can ask me."

Song Ren turned his head and looked intently at Song Fu. "Did he really say that?"

Song Fu nodded, "Absolutely true."

Song Ren suppressed a low growl, as if hiding immense grievances and resentment.

Then, as if making a decision, he said, "Fine, I'll tell you then. I've kept this secret for twenty years, and now I'll tell you."

Song Fu listened with his breath held, forgetting even to breathe.

"follow me."

Song Ren didn't say who it was, and just walked forward with his hands behind his back.

Afraid of being left behind, Song Fusheng quickly followed.

After bypassing the numerous servants, Song Ren led Song Fu to the flower room.

In April, the greenhouse was bustling with activity as the flowers bloomed.

However, the lively scene wasn't people, but rather the flowers and plants; at first glance, the fallen petals created a beautiful spectacle.

Neither of them had any intention of appreciating it.

This greenhouse is not only a flower field for cultivating flowers and plants, but also a greenhouse for cultivating delicate varieties.

Only one side room was set aside for the servants who were specifically responsible for tending to the flowers and plants.

The person who takes care of the flowers and plants here year-round is called Uncle Ming. He has an eccentric temper; he doesn't like to talk or laugh. If you want any flowers or plants, just tell him, and he'll bring them to you. But before you leave, his eyes will always be fixed on you, and he'll keep staring at you until you're gone.

Therefore, there are very few people in the greenhouse.

Song Ren brought Song Fu to the door, and without even calling out, he raised his hand and knocked.

It was already dark, and there was no light inside; perhaps they had gone to bed.

After a long while, the lights in the house were turned on again, followed by a rustling sound, and someone came to open the door.

As soon as the door opened, Uncle Ming looked at Song Fu first, his eyes sweeping over him before he glared at him fiercely. "What is it?"

Song Fu's heart tightened; this wasn't the first time he'd met Uncle Ming. But he was far too frightening for a child, so Song Fu never considered his background.

Song Ren's expression was unfriendly, and he didn't even ask Uncle Ming to open the door.

“This child wants to see his mother, can you lead the way?”

Uncle Ming looked at Song Fu again with surprise, his eyes filled with undisguised disgust.

The fear that he had dreaded since childhood immediately overwhelmed him, making Song Fu extremely uncomfortable.

"Okay, you can go now."

Song Renyi flicked his sleeve, clearly disliking Uncle Ming.

"Xiao Fu, I won't go with you. There are rules here, and you'll have to go by yourself if you want to."

Song Fu felt a sudden, inexplicable panic. "Uncle Ren, why can't you come with me?"

Song Ren opened his mouth, then sighed, "That's your father's rule. He and I are good friends, so naturally we follow the same rules."

Then Song Ren patted Song Fu on the shoulder and said earnestly, "I made a vow back then that I would take care of you until I died since you have no parents. Once you acknowledge your mother, I will never be able to see you again. Little Fu, you should take care of yourself from now on."

Song Fu then realized the source of his inexplicable panic, but he couldn't understand why someone would abandon Uncle Ren once they had a mother. What kind of logic was that?

“Uncle Ren, I consider you my own father. How can you say you don’t want me and then abandon me?”

Song Ren was also very conflicted and in pain. He had raised her from infancy to the present day, and their bond was undeniably deep, but his mother...

I used to just think he didn't have a mother, but now that he wants to acknowledge her as his mother, what can I do?

You cannot prevent a child from recognizing his mother; that is his right.

He has the right to sever ties, and he will never accept that woman.

Having figured this out, Song Ren was heartbroken. "Go."

But they didn't say anything else.

Song Fu tried to persuade him again, but Uncle Ming pulled him away.

"If you keep dawdling, then you don't need to go."

Song Fu stumbled as he was pulled, but finally hardened his heart and followed Uncle Ming.

Song Ren was heartbroken. Song Fu recognizing his mother was like having his flesh torn out.

With heavy steps, Song Ren also had to go home.

Two people, two directions, drifting further and further apart.

Uncle Ming pulled Song Fu along quickly, and soon they arrived at the entrance of a quiet courtyard.

This is... a Buddhist hall?

Song Fu recognized him and was filled with doubt and uncertainty. Could he be the child of Madam Song?