…
From the ferry onward, no one spoke much. Jiang Zhen preferred silence—she knew that even if Shulan returned, her life wouldn’t improve immediately. She wanted to talk to Shulan first, to hear her wishes.
Qingfeng felt disheartened by his in-laws’ attitude; even his wife considered only the family’s overall interests. Chun Ni, however, was clear-cut in her feelings.
Wan Hongyan was horrified that her husband followed Jiang Zhen’s principles. “We’re the family! How can you ignore your own and swap the sister back forcefully? Something will go wrong.”
Aunt Wan Shuping, holding Chun Ni, muttered: “It’s their own fault. Chun Ni, after seeing your second sister, let’s go back.”
Chun Ni asked: “Can we bring my second sister?”
Wan Shuping shook her head: “It’s not just about bringing her for a meal—you’d be responsible for her for life. I can only care for you, not others.”
Jiang Zhen said: “Aunt Wan, I agree. If you don’t want her, be clear. Compromising usually leaves both sides unhappy. There’s no need.”
Wan Shuping considered: “Comrade Jiang, this isn’t your business. Best not meddle.”
Jiang Zhen agreed: “This is my assignment. I can’t avoid it. Let’s go to the hospital first. If Shulan’s charcoal hasn’t sold, you’ll see her today.”
…
He Shulan’s charcoal would usually sell out quickly. Many people at the hospital entrance felt sorry for the young girl, barely dressed in the cold, and bought her charcoal. Today, with snow falling, it sold even faster.
However, Wan Zhi Zhi, accompanying her expectant mother, sensed He Shulan’s trick and told everyone not to buy.
“Her parents are exploiting your sympathy. She pretends to be pitiful to sell substandard charcoal for top prices. Don’t buy it, or she won’t be forced to sell by her family.”
Wan Zhi Zhi added: “Don’t be mad at me. I’m helping you.”
She even blocked Jiang Zhen: “I told you not to buy. Don’t pretend to be kind. It’s your foolish kindness that lets her parents succeed.”
Jiang Zhen said: “I’ve always known. She sells substandard charcoal for top prices to fight with her family. The difference is her tuition. With such unfair parents, this is her only option. I choose to pay extra—it’s my decision. You haven’t lived her hardships, so don’t act morally superior.”
Wan Zhi Zhi flushed. “School is annoying. I don’t believe anyone would brave the cold to save that money for tuition. My family begged me to go, and I didn’t want to.”
…
He Shulan could have been home studying, but this peer interfered. Would her charcoal sell today?
She muttered in frustration: “You don’t want to study because your family is well-off. You’ll have jobs arranged anyway. I can’t. I need to go to school. Who are you to control me?”
Wan Zhi Zhi sneered: “Look, you’re embarrassed and angry—exposed.”
He Shulan didn’t understand why someone with plenty would watch others struggle: “If my charcoal doesn’t sell, I won’t even have food at home.”
Wan Zhi Zhi: “Then fight for it! It’s not like there’s no police or women’s federation. We’re liberated. You can sue your parents.”
He Shulan laughed angrily, wanting to slap her. But she was the director’s cherished daughter—if she struck her, tomorrow she wouldn’t be allowed to sell charcoal at the hospital anymore.
….
Jiang Zhen patted He Shulan on the shoulder. The household’s charcoal supply was enough, so she instructed the girl to deliver the charcoal to Professor Li next door. “Professor Li’s home today. Just say I sent you—he won’t ask questions and will be happy to have charcoal delivered.”
He Shulan wiped her eyes. “Jiang Jie, you can’t help me forever.”
Jiang Zhen smiled. “You won’t have to sell charcoal forever. From tomorrow, you won’t need to sell it. Deliver it today, then stay at my home. I’ll come back and talk to you about everything.”
He Shulan looked puzzled. “Jiang Jie, why not tell me now?”
Jiang Zhen shook her head. “Because I’m kind, so I won’t tell you now.”
He Shulan didn’t argue and left the hospital with her load of charcoal.
…
Xiao Qingfeng, overhearing the conversation, felt it was going to end in disaster.
Meanwhile, Wan Zhi Zhi’s eyes reddened as she tried to push Jiang Zhen. “You wicked woman! Our whole family won’t believe a word you say!”
Jiang Zhen, agile, sidestepped; Wan Zhi Zhi fell hard, hitting the ground.
She got up, ready to cause trouble again, but Wan Hongyan, observing from the crowd, stepped in. “Wan Zhi Zhi, that’s enough!”
Their aunt, Wan Shuping, also sighed, speaking to Wan Chun Ni: “Your second sister has cunning and endurance—this family won’t be quiet for long.”
Chun Ni piped up, “Aunt, the girl selling charcoal is my real second sister. She’s pitiful, so being clever is good. Otherwise, the fake second sister could bully her to death.”
Wan Shuping shook her head. “Seeing your real sister’s personality, I won’t take her back—otherwise, the one bullied would be you, little fool.”
Chun Ni thought that wasn’t necessarily true, but adults could be overconfident. Being a child without influence, she didn’t argue.
…
Gu Liancheng, knowing Jiang Zhen’s temperament, anticipated that the mix-up with He Shulan would soon be resolved. He returned early to observe her handling of the situation, ensuring that his relatives would have some preparation for the revelation.
Li Chongling waited at his door. “Finally back—you’re late for lunch.”
Gu Liancheng asked, “Why are you back at noon?”
Li Chongling replied frankly: “I want to see how Jiang Zhen handles He Shulan’s situation. Don’t worry—I took leave yesterday and will stay home today. I’ll be here when He Shulan delivers the charcoal.”
Gu Liancheng shrugged and let him in.
He Shulan, standing nervously, was reassured when Jiang Zhen said: “Everyone knows about your background, including my children. Sit down and eat. We’ll talk as we eat.”
He Shulan remained hesitant. “Jiang Jie, what do you mean, my background?”
Jiang Zhen asked first, “You’ve heard of Du Qiuyi, right? The person who tried to harm me before?”
She had. While selling charcoal at the hospital, she’d heard rumors that Jiang Jie had taken revenge on Du Qiuyi.
“Jiang Jie, what does this have to do with my background?”
Jiang Zhen didn’t sugarcoat it. “Fourteen years ago, Du Qiuyi swapped you with Wan Zhi Zhi. You’re actually the second daughter of the Wan family.”
He Shulan was stunned. She could barely eat. Before liberation, she had begged at the Wan family’s doorstep. That had been her real home? How could such a thing happen to her?
She wiped her eyes, trying not to cry. “I wasn’t so bad before. My sister always protected me. Before her surgery, she told me that if she didn’t make it, I had to learn to protect myself. Even if I had to be a little ruthless, it didn’t matter. She said people like us can’t change our fate by marrying—we have to study. She made me swear to finish my education because that’s the most reliable way to change my destiny.”
“So, I sold substandard charcoal for top prices, saving the difference for tuition and living expenses. But you mean I don’t need to save at all? I’m the Wan family’s daughter, and they can afford to send me to school?”
Jiang Zhen nodded. “Yes. You’ll have a home, food, and won’t need to worry about tuition.”
…
Yet He Shulan wasn’t happy. “Jiang Jie, when Wan Zhi Zhi pushed me, my real family was watching from behind?”
Jiang Zhen nodded. “Yes. Your older sister, your aunt, your little sister—I brought them so they could see you first before deciding. Oh, and your brother-in-law too, though as a son-in-law, he can’t make decisions. Don’t hate him for that.”
He Shulan felt crushed. “They, my parents, all knew about the swap but still let Wan Zhi Zhi bully me? My father is the director. Seeing me selling charcoal at the hospital, he didn’t even come check on me?”
“Your father saw, you just didn’t notice. He’s devoted to your mother—she’s his priority. Your mother didn’t know which daughter was swapped before, but she probably does now.”
He Shulan calmed. “Jiang Jie, I want to see how my parents and sister decide. Or if they don’t want me.”
Jiang Zhen, calm and objective, said: “I’ve considered that. The Wan family likely wants you, but they may raise you alongside Wan Zhi Zhi. If you don’t want that, I can reclaim the money Dr. Qi sold his house for, meant for you. That’s enough for your education.”
He Shulan thought for a long time before shaking her head. “No, Jiang Jie, I want to return to the Wan family. Why shouldn’t I go home?”
“Okay. What do you need me to do?” Jiang Zhen asked.
He Shulan shook her head with a smile. “Nothing. Thank you, Jiang Jie. I’ll stay at the guesthouse tonight. I’ve saved some money selling charcoal—you don’t need to worry.”
Gu Liancheng worried: “He Shulan, don’t do anything extreme. If you break the law, no one can save you.”
He Shulan quickly replied: “Gu Jiefu, I’ve grown up in hardship. With a chance to change my fate, I won’t do anything illegal. Don’t worry.”
Li Chongling shared the concern: “If Wan Zhi Zhi provokes you, endure until university—then you can leave. We’re outsiders, naturally siding with you. But your mother hasn’t come yet; she’s weighing things. If she’s partial, you could be at a disadvantage.”
He Shulan shook her head. “It’s not my fault. Why should I back down? I won’t let someone who took what’s mine stay in my home. I won’t break the law, though.”
Jiang Zhen told the children to reheat the food: “He Shulan can handle the swap herself. Let’s enjoy our meal.”
…
In the afternoon, He Shulan’s parents came to Jiang Zhen’s home, asking about her whereabouts. “We heard she was at the hospital, saying strange things, delivering charcoal and not leaving. What did you say to her? Where is she?”
Jiang Zhen stood calmly at the door.
Gu Liancheng stayed beside her, having taken leave to prevent any interference.
Li Chongling, next door, thought Jiang Zhen could handle it herself but still stayed alert, ready to act.
Jiang Zhen smiled. “If you want your daughter, you should go to the Wan family. Your children were swapped. The Wan couple won’t bear to separate Wan Zhi Zhi; they’ll pay, and your family will gain.”
Once the swap was confirmed, He Shulan’s parents were thrilled, not only accepting it but thanking Jiang Zhen.
“Comrade Jiang, your heart is like a Bodhisattva. When we celebrate getting our daughter back, you must come.”
Jiang Zhen politely replied: “You’re welcome. Wan Zhi Zhi may hate me. Whether I go or not, we’ll see later. It’s best to talk to the Wan family at home rather than the hospital. The director cherishes his wife—don’t cause her to go into early labor.”
He Shulan’s parents thanked her again: “Comrade Jiang, you’re thoughtful. We’ll go to the Wan family now. What a surprising connection—such a blessing.”
…
Gu Liancheng was stunned watching it all. “Jiang Zhen, it’s done just like that?”
“Almost,” Jiang Zhen said. “Once the He and Wan families settle, I’ll retrieve the money Dr. Qi gave He Shulan for living expenses. That money belongs to her, not the Wan family.”
Gu Liancheng trusted Jiang Zhen would reclaim it. He only worried: “I don’t want He Shulan to end up like An Xiuqing, going down an irreversible path.”
Jiang Zhen was confident. “He Shulan won’t. She has principles. Her charcoal is honestly measured and priced. If I get fooled, it’s my fault, not hers.”
Gu Liancheng: … Every discussion with Jiang Zhen always changes his understanding.
Li Chongling watched, eyes bright. His personality sometimes mirrored Jiang Zhen’s twin sister, and Gu Liancheng was luckier.
As night approached, Jiang Zhen estimated the He and Wan families were nearly done. “I’ll go check, tie up loose ends, and help He Shulan reclaim Dr. Qi’s money.”