Top-Tier Omega: Chasing Alpha to the Crematorium – Chapter 57

The Truth of Her Origins Surfaces

Song Qingpei and Ming Yu returned home, exhausted.

As soon as they pushed the door open, they saw Song Song puffed up like a little pufferfish, sitting on the living room sofa with a bun-like face, her eyes full of grievance and dissatisfaction.

            

Butler Su hurried over, explaining helplessly, “Admiral, Miss Song, you’re finally back. When I went to pick Song Song up from kindergarten today, she didn’t stop chattering the whole way back. She kept saying she wanted to wait for both of you to pick her up together. No matter how much I tried to persuade her, it was no use. Look at her now—she refuses to go to sleep and is just waiting for you.”

Song Qingpei and Ming Yu exchanged glances, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

They quickly went over and sat beside Song Song. Song Qingpei reached out first, pinching Song Song’s chubby cheeks, and said softly, “It’s Mama’s fault. I was too busy today and missed the time to pick you up. Don’t be angry, okay?”

            

Song Song turned her face away. “Hmph, you only know how to be busy. I waited in the kindergarten for a long, long time. All the other kids got picked up, but I didn’t. I even told my friends that Mama and Mommy would make a grand entrance together to pick me up today. But in the end, it was only Grandma Su.”

Ming Yu also quickly coaxed her in a gentle voice, “Mommy and Mama really had too many things to do today. Just forgive us this once, alright?”

Song Song was unrelenting. “Hmph, you promised. You didn’t keep your word.”

            

Seeing their daughter’s puffed-up appearance, Song Qingpei and Ming Yu were filled with guilt.

They racked their brains for a way to coax the child.

An idea struck Song Qingpei. She said softly, “Song Song, how about you sleep with Mama and Mommy tonight, and we’ll tell you stories?”

            

Hearing this, Song Song’s eyes instantly lit up. “Okay! You aren’t tricking me again, are you?”

Ming Yu nodded hurriedly. “Mommy will tell you a story about piloting mechs, how about that?”

Song Song finally broke into a smile. Her little hands tugged at the hems of their clothes as the three of them headed toward the bedroom together.

            

In the bedroom, Song Song was like a happy little sparrow, bouncing onto the bed and quickly burrowing under the covers, not forgetting to leave space for Mama and Mommy.

Song Qingpei and Ming Yu followed her into bed, lying down on either side of Song Song.

The moment they lay down, Song Song opened her chatterbox again, her little mouth chattering without stop: “Mama, Mommy, where did you go today? Why didn’t you pick me up? I was bragging to my friends that my Mama and Mommy are the most amazing, but I didn’t see you after school…”

            

Song Qingpei made sounds of agreement while soothing her.

Song Song’s voice gradually grew quieter as she spoke, still muttering from time to time, “You’re not allowed to do this again, or else I’ll get really angry…”

As she muttered, sleepiness washed over her. She let out a big yawn. Forget about listening to a story; she didn’t even finish her sentence before she rolled over and fell asleep.

            

Looking at the tiny person in their arms, the two of them couldn’t help but say in unison:

“We can’t break our promises anymore.”

“We can’t just casually promise things anymore.”

            

After speaking, they couldn’t help but laugh together.

Having been busy all day, both were exhausted and soon fell asleep one after the other.

The bedroom was quiet and warm. The three of them snuggled together, a picture of peaceful years.

            

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The next day, the two returned home early to prepare for Old Marshal Song’s birthday banquet.

Not long after they arrived, the doorbell rang.

Butler Su opened the door, and the stylist Elena walked in with her team.

            

Elena smiled at them. “Admiral Ming, Miss Song, I will definitely dress you both up to look radiant today.”

“Sorry to trouble you, Elena.”

Elena’s team quickly got to work, arranging their formal gowns, doing their makeup, and styling their hair.

            

Song Song was also attracted by the commotion and couldn’t help running out of her room.

Seeing Mama and Mommy sitting in front of the mirror surrounded by a group of people, her eyes immediately widened in curiosity.

“Mama, Mommy, you’re so pretty today!”

            

She ran over excitedly, unable to resist circling around them, occasionally letting out a gasp of awe, “Mommy, your dress is so sparkly! Mama, your hair is so pretty!”

Elena was amused by Song Song. She crouched down and said to her, “Little treasure, when you grow up, Auntie will dress you up to be this pretty too, okay?”

Song Song nodded happily. “Okay!”

            

By the time they were finished, an hour had passed. The two finally set off.

When Ming Yu and Song Qingpei arrived at Old Marshal Song’s Residence, the entrance was already bustling with vehicles and a continuous stream of guests.

Hand in hand, the two stepped out of the hover car, instantly drawing quite a few gazes.

            

Ming Yu wore a long red gown, her demeanor elegant and her aura fully unleashed. Song Qingpei’s deep blue formal dress accentuated her tall, straight posture and extraordinary temperament. Standing side by side, they truly were, as Elena had said, a perfect match.

The moment they stepped into the residence, a server stepped forward to guide them.

Song Qingpei unconsciously tightened her grip on Ming Yu’s hand. Ming Yu squeezed back gently, “Don’t be nervous. I’m here.”

            

When they reached the Main Hall, Old Marshal Song, dressed in her military uniform and looking hale and hearty, was chatting and laughing with several old friends.

Seeing Ming Yu and Song Qingpei enter, her gaze lingered on them for a moment, ultimately resting on Song Qingpei’s arm intertwined with Ming Yu’s. A trace of doubt flashed in her eyes, but she quickly returned to normal.

“Ming Yu, you’ve arrived.”

            

Ming Yu stepped forward respectfully, “Marshal Song, wishing you a happy birthday, and good health and longevity.”

Old Marshal Song nodded. Her gaze fell on Song Qingpei, and she asked, “Ming Yu, and this is?”

Ming Yu smiled, her tone candid, “This is my wife, Song Qingpei.”

            

Hearing this, Old Marshal Song furrowed her brow slightly, clearly surprised by the term “wife.”

She scrutinized Song Qingpei without changing her expression, but didn’t ask further, merely saying politely, “Miss Song, I’ve heard Xihan mention you. Later, I will have her come over and properly entertain Miss Song.”

Song Qingpei smiled reservedly and said respectfully, “Marshal Song, wishing your fortune to be as boundless as the Eastern Sea, and your life as long as the Southern Mountains¹.”

            

Just as Ming Yu and Song Qingpei were exchanging pleasantries with Old Marshal Song, at the other end of the Banquet Hall, Old Madam Ming walked in, accompanied by her daughter Ming Yuandai and Ming Rui.

The moment she entered, her gaze locked onto Ming Yu and Song Qingpei, and her expression instantly darkened.

Seeing this, Ming Rui hurriedly whispered, “Maternal Grandmother, Cousin brought Miss Song today. Do you want to go over and say hello?”

            

Old Madam Ming gave a cold harrumph, her tone laced with displeasure, “She certainly has nerve, daring to bring this kind of person to Marshal Song’s birthday banquet.”

“Maternal Grandmother, Cousin and Qingpei are already together like this. Please don’t be angry anymore,” Ming Rui advised helplessly.

Her grandmother ignored Ming Rui’s persuasion and walked straight toward Ming Yu and Song Qingpei.

            

Seeing her approach, Ming Yu whispered to Song Qingpei, “Qingpei, my grandmother is here. Don’t be nervous. I’m here.”

Her grandmother walked up to the two of them, her icy gaze sweeping over Song Qingpei before fixing on Ming Yu. Her tone carried several degrees of reproach, “Ming Yu, how could you bring her to this kind of occasion? Aren’t you just making yourself a laughingstock?”

Ming Yu’s tone was firm as she said, “Grandma, Qingpei is my wife. It is only right and proper that I bring her to attend the birthday banquet.”

            

Her grandmother’s expression grew even uglier. She lowered her voice and said, “Ming Yu, don’t forget your status! You are the heir to the Ming Family. How can you casually marry a woman of unknown origins? By doing this, you are not only throwing away the Ming Family’s face, but you will also ruin your future!”

Seeing that she was still peddling this same old rhetoric, Ming Yu’s initial intention of leaving her some face in front of the crowd completely dissipated. Her eyes instantly turned cold, and her tone left no room for doubt.

“Grandma, my marriage does not need anyone’s interference, nor is it anything shameful.”

            

Enraged by Ming Yu’s attitude, her grandmother’s voice involuntarily rose a few pitches, “Ming Yu! Don’t be ungrateful! I am doing this for your own good! Do you know how many people will look at our Ming Family as a joke because of what you’ve done?”

The surrounding guests, hearing the commotion, cast curious glances over, and whispers arose from all sides.

“Isn’t that Admiral Ming? Who is that beside her?”

            

“I heard it’s her wife.”

“When did Admiral Ming get married? I’ve never heard of this before.”

“Don’t you see Old Madam Ming doesn’t seem to acknowledge it? There’s going to be a good show to watch.”

            

Sensing the surrounding gazes and discussions, Song Qingpei felt a bitterness she couldn’t express. It wasn’t that she was particularly afraid. She just didn’t want Ming Yu to be subjected to all this gossip. After all, Ming Yu now held a high position and was caught in the vortex of the military academy matter; it really wasn’t appropriate to make an ugly scene at this kind of occasion.

Thus, having remained silent the whole time, she couldn’t help but speak up, “Old Madam Ming, I know you don’t like me, but this is Marshal Song’s birthday banquet. Let’s discuss private matters when we go back.”

How could Old Madam Ming, who had always demanded absolute obedience, possibly listen to her persuasion? She only felt that Song Qingpei was relying on Ming Yu’s affection to provoke her. She said sharply, “Song Qingpei, look at your own status. You have no right to speak here.”

            

Song Qingpei…

She had originally thought that although Old Madam Ming was overbearing, she at least possessed a superior intellect. She never expected her to act like a mindless… mad dog right now, biting whoever she caught. It seemed that having the Mental Imprint shattered, and Ming Yu gradually breaking free from her control, had truly affected her deeply, to the point where her defenses completely crumbled and she lost her reason like this.

Since she was Ming Yu’s grandmother after all, Song Qingpei decided to keep her mouth shut.

            

But Ming Yu clasped her hand and firmly stated her position, “Grandma, no matter what you think, my decision to be with Qingpei will not change. This is Marshal Song’s birthday banquet, after all. If there is a matter to discuss, we will talk about it when we return. Please do not lose your grace here.”

Seeing that Ming Yu wasn’t backing down in the slightest, her grandmother’s face turned livid. She lowered her voice and hissed, “Ming Yu, don’t think that just because you are an Admiral now, you can disregard the family! I’m telling you, if you insist on being with this woman, the Ming Family truly will not support you anymore!”

“Grandma, the Ming Family’s support is no longer important to me.”

            

For the first time, Ming Yu spoke so directly—almost scathingly—tearing away the final shred of dignity. “At the position I’ve reached today, it will be the Ming Family relying on me in the future, not me relying on the family’s protection.”

“You—you—you are simply unfilial…”

Her grandmother trembled all over with anger at Ming Yu’s words. Just as she was about to explode, Ming Yuandai quickly supported her from the side, advising, “Mom, don’t be so angry. If there’s an issue, let’s talk about it when we go back. Ming Yu, you should speak a few words less too.”

            

While the two were deadlocked, Song Xihan, having heard the commotion, walked over briskly and smoothed things over with a smile, “Grandma Ming, please don’t be angry. Today is my grandmother’s birthday banquet. It’s best if everyone is amicable.”

Her grandmother glanced at Song Xihan, forcefully suppressing her fury as she said, “Xihan, you certainly know how to speak. However, this is our Ming Family’s private affair. You don’t need to speak up for her.”

Song Xihan smiled, her tone mild, “Grandma Ming, you are right. But today is my grandmother’s birthday banquet, after all. It wouldn’t be appropriate to make a scene. How about this: I’ll take Ming Yu and Qingpei somewhere else for a while. You can cool down and go chat with my grandmother, alright?”

            

Her grandmother gave an angry harrumph. Without another word, she turned and left.

Seeing this, Ming Yuandai hurriedly chased after Old Madam Ming to support her. Afraid that Ming Rui would cause more trouble, she glared at her and said, “Rui-rui, what are you standing there for? Hurry up and come support your maternal grandmother.”

Ming Rui chased after them reluctantly, giving Ming Yu a thumbs-up behind their backs.

            

Seeing this, the three of them couldn’t help but laugh together.

Song Xihan breathed a sigh of relief and laughed. “You two are really bold. It’s quite lively now.”

Ming Yu smiled. “It was going to be made public sooner or later. Might as well take this opportunity.”

            

Song Qingpei looked at Ming Yu with some concern. “Will your grandmother be very angry?”

Ming Yu held her hand and said softly, “It’s fine. Grandma knows the Ming Family cannot do without me. She will come around.”

Looking at the two of them, Song Xihan couldn’t help but tease, “Alright, stop showing off your affection in front of me. Let’s go. The birthday banquet is still early; how about letting Qingpei rest in my room for a bit?”

            

Ming Yu heard the underlying concern in Song Xihan’s words. It was Song Qingpei’s first time facing this kind of situation, and she was under a lot of pressure. Besides, their goal had already been achieved. She nodded and said, “Qingpei, go rest in Xihan’s room for a while. I’ll come get you later.”

Having felt like she had pins and needles in her back from all the stares since she walked in, Song Qingpei naturally couldn’t ask for anything better.

She followed Song Xihan through the crowd, up to the third floor, and into Song Xihan’s room.

            

The room was a large suite with a reception room on the outside. Song Xihan led her inside and said, “Qingpei, rest here for a while. When the birthday banquet starts, I’ll have Ming Yu come get you.”

Knowing she still had guests to entertain, Song Qingpei hurriedly said, “Okay, go ahead and attend to your tasks.”

After Song Xihan left, Song Qingpei turned and sat on the sofa. Being thrust into such a tense situation just now had indeed made her anxious, her nerves stretched tight.

            

She quietly breathed a sigh of relief, relaxed, and looked around.

A second later, her gaze inadvertently swept over a family portrait hanging on the wall.

In the photograph, several generations of the Song Family were gathered together, their faces full of smiles. She could faintly recognize a younger Old Marshal Song, who was holding a little girl in her arms—likely Song Xihan.

            

On either side of Old Marshal Song, a middle-aged man in military uniform stood on the left, while two young women with beautiful smiles stood on the right. Judging by their facial features, they looked faintly similar—at a glance, they were clearly sisters.

Her gaze landed on the face of the younger of the two women, and she froze instantly.

The woman’s features and demeanor were incredibly similar to the adoptive mother in her memory.

            

Song Qingpei couldn’t help stepping closer to scrutinize the photograph carefully, a stormy sea of shock surging in her heart.

How could this be?

Why was her adoptive mother in the Song Family’s portrait?

            

Although her memories were blurry, she faintly remembered being raised by her adoptive mother on the Garbage Planet since she was a child. She had been too young back then to remember much. If her adoptive mother hadn’t told her otherwise, she would have assumed she was her biological mother.

But her adoptive mother had told her that she wasn’t her mother, instructing her to call her Auntie.

Sometimes she would grow curious about her parents and couldn’t help asking. Auntie would always change the subject, and sometimes she would cry secretly in the night. Later, she stopped asking.

            

Song Qingpei felt a wave of dizziness. She sat down on the sofa, her gaze still fixed on the family portrait, countless questions churning in her mind. She tried hard to recall her adoptive mother’s appearance, attempting to match it piece by piece with the woman in the photo.

However, the adoptive mother in her memories was always sorrowful, while the woman in the photo smiled brightly and radiantly.

She couldn’t help but mutter softly, “Auntie… who exactly are you? Why are you in the Song Family’s portrait?”

            

Just as she was lost in thought, the door was gently pushed open, and Song Xihan walked in.

Seeing Song Qingpei in a daze, she asked with concern, “Qingpei, what’s wrong? Are you tired?”

Song Qingpei snapped back to reality and forced a smile. “I’m fine. I just spaced out for a moment.”

            

She paused, her gaze sweeping over the photo on the wall again. After a moment’s hesitation, she couldn’t resist pointing at the woman in the picture and asking, “Xihan, who is this…?”

Song Xihan followed her pointing finger and replied with a smile, “Oh, that’s my little aunt, Song Zhuohua, when she was younger. She’s a legend in our Song Family, but…” Her tone suddenly dropped. “She disappeared twenty-six years ago, and there has been no news of her since.”

“Disappeared?” Song Qingpei’s heart skipped a beat. Her adoptive mother’s figure flashed through her mind, and she muttered to herself, “But… she looks so much like my adoptive mother.”

            

“No way. Are you mistaken?” Song Xihan froze, looking surprised. “My little aunt has been missing for so many years. How could it be…”

Song Qingpei shook her head, her tone resolute, “I’m not mistaken. They look exactly alike.”

Seeing her serious expression, Song Xihan also furrowed her brows. After hesitating for a long time, she whispered to Song Qingpei, “Qingpei, keep this quiet for now. I’ll find an opportunity to speak to my grandmother about it first.”

            

“The banquet is about to begin. Let’s head down first.”

Song Qingpei nodded, though in her heart, she felt increasingly certain that there was some hidden secret involved.

Inside the Banquet Hall, the lights were dazzling. Guests raised their glasses in conversation, the atmosphere lively.

            

Weighed down by her thoughts, Song Qingpei walked over to Ming Yu absentmindedly. But since they were surrounded by people, it really wasn’t convenient to bring up what had just happened, so she had to forcefully suppress it.

At this moment, the banquet’s master of ceremonies stepped onto the stage and announced with a smile, “Esteemed guests, please welcome today’s birthday star—Old Marshal Song—to the stage to say a few words!”

Thunderous applause erupted. Under everyone’s gaze, Old Marshal Song walked slowly onto the stage.

            

She wore her military uniform, her chest covered in medals. Although advanced in years, her steps remained steady. However, there wasn’t much joy on her face; instead, it carried a faint sense of desolation.

On the stage, Old Marshal Song took the microphone. Her gaze swept over the guests below, her voice calm and powerful. “Today, I am very happy to see so many old friends and comrades gathered together.

“In my life, I have witnessed the rise and fall of the Federation and weathered countless storms. Now, I am advanced in years. It is time for me to step down and allow the youth to shoulder more responsibility. I hope our younger generation can continue to strive for the Federation’s prosperity.”

            

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Thunderous applause rang out from the audience as Old Marshal Song concluded her speech and stepped down from the stage.

President Zhan Li, standing at the very front, stepped forward with a smile and said, “Old Marshal Song, your voice rings like a great bell. Your imposing aura truly hasn’t diminished with age.”

Marshal Song’s sharp gaze swept over Zhan Li. Her tone was polite but somewhat cold as she replied, “President Zhan, thank you for coming in person.”

            

Zhan Li replied, his face full of smiles, “Marshal Song, you have achieved illustrious military merits for the Federation. How could I not attend your birthday banquet today? The Federation’s current prosperity is inseparable from your contributions.”

Old Marshal Song gave a faint smile. “President Zhan overpraises me. I only did my duty.”

Their conversation appeared polite, but one could feel the subtle tension beneath it.

            

Because of the matter with her adoptive mother, Song Qingpei paid extra attention to Old Marshal Song. Seeing this, she couldn’t help but whisper to Ming Yu, “Ming Yu, is there… some bad blood between Marshal Song and President Zhan?”

“Marshal Song and President Zhan seem to have some old grievances, but those are matters from many years ago. I am not very clear on the hidden details.”

Song Qingpei nodded, but in her heart, she couldn’t help guessing if it had anything to do with her adoptive mother.

            

After Old Marshal Song’s speech, the guests raised their glasses one after another to congratulate her.

However, there wasn’t much of a smile on Old Marshal Song’s face. She only responded mildly before citing ill health and leaving the Banquet Hall early.

Song Qingpei watched her retreating figure, unable to stop thinking about the photo she had seen earlier that so closely resembled her adoptive mother. Her heart was in a complex turmoil; she really wanted to find an opportunity to speak with the Old Marshal.

            

Noticing that something was off with her, Ming Yu couldn’t help asking softly, “Qingpei, what’s wrong? You’ve been acting strange ever since you came back.”

Pulling Ming Yu to a secluded spot, Song Qingpei couldn’t hold back anymore and whispered what had just happened to her.

Ming Yu was equally astonished. Grasping her hand, she comforted her, “Don’t rush. Later, when the birthday banquet is over, I’ll take you to see Marshal Song.”

            

These words put Song Qingpei somewhat at ease. She forced a smile. “Thank you, Ming Yu.”

The two spoke a few more words before walking over to take their seats. Throughout the entire banquet, the suspense in Song Qingpei’s heart never settled. She only felt that time was passing too slowly.

It was difficult to wait until the banquet finally ended. Song Xihan was seeing the guests out on behalf of Marshal Song. Song Qingpei couldn’t exactly just walk right up, so she waited anxiously. Ming Yu held the back of her hand reassuringly.

            

When the last few guests finally departed, Song Qingpei couldn’t wait to step forward, but unexpectedly, Song Xihan walked over on her own initiative.

“Ming Yu, Qingpei, wait a moment. My grandmother wants to see you.”

Ming Yu and Song Qingpei exchanged a glance, both feeling a bit puzzled, but they followed Song Xihan to Old Marshal Song’s Study anyway.

            

Inside the Study, Old Marshal Song sat in a chair, her expression grave.

Seeing them enter, she gave a slight nod, signaling for them to sit down.

“Ming Yu, Miss Song, thank you for your trouble today.”

            

As Old Marshal Song spoke, her gaze remained fixed on Song Qingpei.

Ming Yu and Song Qingpei offered a few polite words in return.

Song Qingpei couldn’t hold back the questions in her heart, but Marshal Song spoke first, “Miss Song, I heard from Xihan that your adoptive mother looks very much like my daughter, Song Zhuohua?”

            

“Yes, Marshal Song.” Song Qingpei nodded, her expression resolute. “My adoptive mother’s appearance is almost identical to the Ms. Song Zhuohua in the photo.”

Old Marshal Song fell silent for a moment, complex emotions flashing in her eyes.

She said slowly, “Miss Song, could you tell me what your adoptive mother’s name is?”

            

Song Qingpei answered truthfully, “My adoptive mother’s name is Song Yin. However… she never mentioned her past to me. When I was sixteen, she suddenly disappeared without a trace. From then on, I never saw her again.” As she spoke, her expression dimmed with sorrow.

“Song Yin…”

Old Marshal Song repeated the name softly, her brows tightly knitted.

            

She seemed lost in thought. Only after a long while did she say to Song Qingpei, “Miss Song, I will send someone to investigate this matter. If… your adoptive mother truly is related to my daughter, I hope you can tell me more details.”

Song Qingpei nodded. “I will, Marshal Song.”

She wanted to ask more, but Old Marshal Song sighed, her tone lined with exhaustion, “Alright, Xihan, you take Miss Song to rest for a while first. I have some military matters to discuss with Ming Yu.”

            

Song Xihan agreed and led Song Qingpei out of the Study.

Song Qingpei could only tell herself not to be impulsive, to wait for Ming Yu to come out and see what the situation was.

After the two left, only Ming Yu and Old Marshal Song remained in the room.

            

Old Marshal Song looked at Ming Yu with a deep gaze and said slowly, “Ming Yu, have a seat.”

Ming Yu waited quietly. For Old Marshal Song to keep her behind alone, there was clearly an important matter to discuss.

Old Marshal Song fell silent for a moment, her gaze turning to the window as if recalling something.

            

Her voice was low and slow as she asked, “Ming Yu, do you remember the former President, Rong Cen?”

Ming Yu was slightly taken aback, then nodded, “I remember. She was the youngest female president in the history of the Federation, a legendary figure of the Rong Family, and… the wife of your eldest daughter.”

Old Marshal Song gave a bitter smile, her tone carrying a sense of sorrow as she said, “Yes, Rong Cen… She was an extraordinary person, but sadly, she was born at the wrong time. Back then, she was accused of treason and fled with my eldest daughter, but ultimately, she was ambushed and killed by Zhan Li. Her death not only caused the complete decline of the Rong Family, but it also caused our Song Family to be pushed out of the military core, gradually fading away.”

            

Ming Yu listened quietly, not interrupting.

She knew that what Old Marshal Song was going to say next was the main point.

Old Marshal Song continued, “My two daughters—one committed suicide out of love following Rong Cen’s death, and the other’s… fate remains unknown to this day. Now, more than twenty years have passed. Among the Five Great Families, our Song Family can only be considered to be barely surviving.”

            

Her tone carried deep helplessness and exhaustion, as if recounting a past she couldn’t bear to look back on.

Ming Yu was silent for a moment before saying softly, “Marshal Song, you have sacrificed too much for the Federation. The Song Family’s predicament is something we all see clearly.”

Old Marshal Song shook her head, her gaze falling back onto Ming Yu. “Ming Yu, I know you are a capable person. The Song Family is fading now. Although Xihan is smart, she is ultimately unable to shoulder such a heavy burden. I will use all my power to help you become the new Marshal. I only hope… that for the sake of past affections, you will offer some protection to the Song Family and Xihan.”

            

“Marshal Song, you can rest assured,” Ming Yu said solemnly. “No matter what becomes of me in the future, I will do my utmost to look after the Song Family and Xihan.”

Old Marshal Song nodded, a flash of gratification in her eyes. “With your word, I can set my mind at ease.”

She paused, her tone suddenly turning serious. “However, I kept you here today for another matter.”

            

Ming Yu sat back down, her expression focused. “Please, speak.”

Old Marshal Song’s gaze grew sharp, her voice low. “Today, Qingpei said that her adoptive mother looks very much like my daughter Zhuohua. Back then, Zhuohua disappeared precisely because she fled taking that child with her. Add to that Murong Ruixue being a member of the Black Kite organization and deliberately getting close to Qingpei… I suspect that Qingpei might be the daughter of Rong Cen and Taoyao.”

Ming Yu’s pupils shrank suddenly, her disbelief apparent. “That… how is that possible?”

            

Old Marshal Song sighed. “I also wish this were merely a coincidence. But Qingpei’s experiences, her age, and her adoptive mother’s identity all force me to harbor suspicions. If Qingpei truly is that child… then her identity is of no small consequence.”

Mixed feelings churned in Ming Yu’s heart.

She took a deep breath, trying hard to calm herself, “Marshal Song, what you mean is…?”

            

Old Marshal Song looked straight into her eyes, her expression grave. “Ming Yu, I hope you can find an opportunity to secretly run a DNA test between Qingpei and me. If she and I truly are blood-related, then she must really be the daughter of Rong Cen and Taoyao. We must prepare early.”

Ming Yu was silent for a long time before her voice came out strained, “…I understand.”

“Ming Yu, this matter is of vital importance; you must handle it with extreme caution. Once Qingpei’s identity is exposed, it will not only draw Zhan Li’s attention, but it might also trigger turmoil within the Federation.”

            

Ming Yu nodded solemnly. “Rest assured, I will act carefully.”

Old Marshal Song nodded and waved her hand. “Alright, you may go. Xihan and Qingpei are still waiting for you outside.”

Ming Yu stood up, bowed to Old Marshal Song, and turned to leave the Study.

            

Qingpei might be Rong Cen’s daughter…

This speculation left Ming Yu unable to calm down.

Standing in the corridor, she took a deep breath, trying hard to soothe her emotions.

            

Song Xihan and Song Qingpei were standing not far away, conversing in low voices. Seeing Ming Yu come out, Song Qingpei immediately walked over and asked with concern, “Ming Yu, what did Marshal Song say to you? You don’t look very well.”

Ming Yu forced a smile and reached out to grasp her hand. “It’s nothing. We just discussed some military matters.”

Song Qingpei frowned, clearly unconvinced, but she didn’t ask further.

            

She said softly, “Let’s go back then. It’s getting late.”

Ming Yu nodded and turned to Song Xihan. “Xihan, we’ll be leaving first.”

Song Xihan smiled and waved. “Alright, be careful on the road.”

            

On the way home, Ming Yu remained completely silent.

Sensing her strange behavior, Song Qingpei couldn’t help asking again, “Ming Yu, what exactly is wrong with you? You’ve been distracted ever since you came out of the Study.”

Ming Yu glanced at her and forced a smile. “It’s nothing. Just some military matters.”

            

After pondering for a long time, she still decided not to tell Song Qingpei about this matter for now.

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