latelenovela Chapter 208 Reward
Chapter 208 Reward
The fourth branch of the family echoed this sentiment.
“Jie’er is a filial son. His biological mother died, so how could he expect his adoptive mother to leave him as well? Of course, he should be filial to her. Even if word gets out, it’s a respectable thing to do, and no wealthy family would make fun of it.”
Seeing that the third and fourth wives were helping the second wife, Madam Xing gritted her teeth in anger, but dared not say anything.
Qiao Qingshu smiled and thought to herself that she was not entirely confident she could keep him by herself, but with Su Yunzhen's illness, she was afraid he wouldn't be able to leave even if he wanted to.
The next day, Qiao Qingshu went to Madam Xiao's courtyard again.
This time, it was the old lady who personally sent word to summon Qiao Qingshu. As soon as she stepped into the room, she saw the old lady sitting on the couch with a relaxed and happy expression, eating small mountain walnuts that Bixi had peeled for her.
Qiao Qingshu stepped forward with a smile and bowed. Old Madam Xiao was also delighted and pulled her to sit down on the couch.
"Your idea is indeed excellent; why didn't I think of it sooner?"
"The second son's wife is actually willing to play along with your act."
Old Madam Xiao held Qiao Qingshu's hand and said with great joy.
The matriarch of the Xiao family was also a noblewoman from a prominent family. Although she knew that there were all sorts of tricks in the inner quarters, she disdained to use such petty tricks because of her smooth life. Besides, how could someone as stubborn and rule-abiding as Su Yunzhen agree to do this play with Qiao Qingshu?
Qiao Qingshu smiled faintly.
“My mother-in-law loves my husband dearly. As soon as I explained the situation to her, she agreed. It’s clear that she loves her son very much.”
Yes, everyone in the Xiao family says that Su Yunzhen is quite foolish. Since she can't have children herself, she doesn't seek medical help or medicine to have a child. Instead, she devotes all her energy to Xiao Zhijie and raises him like her own child.
After all, they are not flesh and blood of one's own flesh and blood, so how could anyone raise them with such meticulous care?
Others may not know the inside story, but Madam Xiao understood the reasoning behind it.
Suddenly, someone grabbed her arm, pulling Old Madam Xiao out of her reverie.
"Grandmother, do you remember what I said before, that if things go well, I would ask you to grant me one request?"
Nodding, Madam Xiao smiled.
"As long as it's not something outrageous, I'll naturally agree to it. You've helped me solve a problem that's been bothering me."
Qiao Qingshu stood up, then suddenly knelt down in front of Old Madam Xiao and said,
"Madam, I need to ask you for someone."
The old lady's brow twitched.
"who?"
“I want a page in your backyard library named An’er. Please grant my request.”
After saying that, he knelt down and kowtowed to Old Madam Xiao.
Madam Xiao gently rested her chin on her hand, recalling the pageboys in the library. There was indeed one named An'er, who was handsome with delicate features. If he hadn't been mute and had a crippled leg, he would surely have been a dashing young gentleman.
She became somewhat wary. Qiao Qingshu, the legitimate daughter of a marquis, was kneeling before her for a mere servant. An'er's status must be different.
Upon further reflection on An'er's background, he was startled to discover that An'er seemed to be an orphan.
Old Madam Xiao was a clever woman. She looked at Qiao Qingshu for a moment, wondering what kind of person could make Qiao Qingshu go to such lengths...
She suddenly remembered that Qiao Qingshu had a brother who had been missing for many years...
Could it be...?
They are similar in age and even bear some resemblance...
She used to wonder how an orphan could know so many characters and write so well.
But she calmly asked first.
"Who is he to you? If you don't tell me the truth, I won't let him go."
To Madam Xiao's surprise, she thought Qiao Qingshu would at least try to cover things up, but instead she revealed everything.
She recounted in detail how Xu Biyun and Aunt Chen conspired to abduct her brother, a story that even made Old Madam Xiao's heart pound with fear.
Qiao Qingshu spoke frankly, and Madam Xiao actually felt that the child was honest.
Back then, the Xiao and Qiao families had a good relationship. After the Qiao family's eldest son went missing, she went to visit him. She would never forget the tragic scene of Bai Chanzi, such a dignified noblewoman, losing her soul and collapsing to the ground crying in front of everyone.
She naturally felt pity and heartache for the Qiao family, and even lent them a lot of manpower to help them find their legitimate son.
Now, after many years and many twists and turns, the eldest son of the Qiao family is actually living in the Xiao family.
This greatly surprised her. After a moment's thought, she realized that because An'er was gentle and knowledgeable in calligraphy and painting, Old Madam Xiao liked him very much.
Whenever I went to the library to retrieve a book and ran into him, I would always reward him with some pastries or loose silver coins, not for any other reason than that An'er was very likable.
An'er has stayed in the Xiao family for so many years. Old Madam Xiao is glad that she has never punished An'er. On the contrary, because she was unaware of the situation, she has properly settled this legitimate son of the Qiao family for many years.
Old Madam Xiao quickly helped Qiao Qingshu up and said solemnly,
"Shu'er, you should have told me sooner. Why did you have to go through all this trouble? Even if you don't help me with Zhijie's matter today, I will still let the eldest son of the Qiao family return home."
At this point, Old Madam Xiao frowned, and said with some concern,
"Your Qiao family was just raided, and your brother was lucky to escape unscathed. If we bring your brother back now, wouldn't that..."
Wouldn't I also be sent to the Northwest...?
Qiao Qingshu stood up, her eyes shining, and said...
"No, now that I've acknowledged my brother, I have the ability to ensure his safe return to the Qiao family."
Qiao Qingshu spoke calmly, and Madam Xiao quickly thought for a moment. This was no small matter, and it involved the imperial court. How could Qiao Qingshu properly settle her brother so that he wouldn't have to hide from the authorities?
Even though she had been in charge of the Xiao family for many years and had experienced many big events, Old Madam Xiao still had some doubts.
Seeing Qiao Qingshu's unwavering expression, she didn't ask any more questions, but simply nodded and said...
"Of course I agree."
He called out to Bixi and instructed her to fetch An'er's indenture, which he then handed to Qiao Qingshu.
Qiao Qingshu tore the contract to shreds, and a bright smile bloomed on her face.
Bai family
The second master of the Bai family returned to the capital in triumph last night. He passed by his home without entering and was directly summoned to the palace by the emperor to receive his reward.
If it weren't for Bai Zhiqing's timely disaster relief efforts, the consequences of this severe cold wave in the north would have been unimaginable.
Bai Zhiqing saved the lives of tens of thousands of people in the north and was revered as a god by the local people. Posters praising him by local officials were flying to the emperor's desk like snowflakes.
The emperor was overjoyed and ordered Bai Zhiqing to return to the capital and immediately go to the palace to receive a reward.
The current emperor sat high at his desk in the imperial study, his face full of smiles, and spoke in a kind tone,
"My dear minister, what reward do you desire? Just tell me and I will grant it to you!"
Consort Xiande, standing beside the emperor, was also all smiles as she poured him a cup of tea and stood silently. On the emperor's other side stood the eunuch Li Pu.
I thought Bai Zhiqing would want gold and silver jewelry, a mansion and a beautiful woman, or even an official title.
Unexpectedly, Bai Zhiqing knelt down and burst into tears.
"I beg Your Majesty's mercy. My sister had a son who was lost some years ago, but he has now been found. I have no other wish but that my nephew can return home safely."
The emperor frowned slightly. What kind of reward was this...?
Li Pu then stepped forward and whispered in the emperor's ear,
"Your Majesty, Lord Bai's sister married into the Qiao family of the Yongchang Marquis's mansion, which was recently raided. This eldest son went missing many years ago and suffered a lot. Now that he has been found, Lord Bai probably wants to ask you to have mercy and let this child live a good life without suffering."