AWB Chapter 398 The Zou Family Has Arrived
Chapter 398 The Zou Family Has Arrived
Xie Yanli frowned slightly when he heard the name "Zou family".
But he didn't say much, just said, "Since you're here, we'll treat you well."
The next day.
Qin Jiuwei got up early on purpose and personally chose clothes for the three children.
After getting dressed, a look of satisfaction flashed in her eyes.
Xie Jingchun was wearing a dark blue martial arts robe.
A jade pendant hung from his waist, exuding youthful vigor.
Xie Jing wore an elegant long robe with dark orchid patterns embroidered on the cuffs, exuding a gentle and refined air.
Xie Jue wore a light yellow short jacket with delicate cloud patterns adorning the hem, making her look lively and adorable.
"Mother," Xie Jingchun looked down at her clothes and asked in confusion, "Why are we suddenly wearing new clothes today?"
And it's a bit strange that they started dressing them up so early in the morning.
Qin Jiu smiled calmly: "Your maternal grandparents are coming today, so dress up nicely and give them a good impression."
Upon hearing this, Xie Jing raised an eyebrow.
No wonder.
My mother never gets up early unless there's a reason.
Xie Yanli looked up at them.
"A simple meeting and a greeting are enough. Afterwards, you can go to the training ground and the academy. There's no need to stay at home entertaining guests all the time."
The children nodded.
After having breakfast, the family went to the gate of the Marquis's residence.
At this moment, a carriage was already parked at the gate.
The car body is decorated in an elegant style, and the curtains are slightly lifted, swaying gently in the wind.
Then, three people got off the carriage one after the other.
The first person to alight from the car was an elderly lady, dressed elegantly and dignifiedly, with a kind face yet exuding a certain authority; it was none other than Madam Zou.
Following closely behind was a middle-aged man, with a composed demeanor.
He was the son of Madam Zou, and also Madam Zou's only brother, Zou Qinghe.
Finally, a sixteen or seventeen-year-old boy jumped out of the car.
He was handsome with delicate features and a tall, upright figure; he was Zou Jingwen, the son of Zou Qinghe.
The family of three stood still, all looking towards the gate of the Marquis's mansion.
Xie Yanli stepped forward, cupped his hands in a salute, and greeted them in turn in a gentle voice: "Grandmother, Uncle, Cousin."
Qin Jiuwei also stepped forward and bowed in return.
Madam Zou's gaze fell on Qin Jiuwei and Xie Yanli, her face almost expressionless.
There was absolutely no joy or excitement in seeing relatives.
More than anything, there is... indifference.
Madam Zou gave them a cold glance and nodded slightly in response.
Zou Qinghe did respond, but he wasn't very enthusiastic.
The children stood quietly to one side. Xie Jue secretly tiptoed closer to Xie Jing and whispered, "Second Brother, do the Zou family members not like us?"
He blinked his dark eyes, his face filled with confusion and caution.
Xie Jing did not respond to Xie Jue's words.
She simply touched his shoulder lightly, signaling him to be quiet.
He then stepped forward, leading Xie Jingchun and Xie Jue, and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Great-Grandmother, Uncle, and Cousin."
Upon seeing the three people, Madam Zou's expression remained unchanged.
Finally, Zou Jingwen spoke up, a smile on his face.
“Nephew Jingchun, nephew Jing, nephew Jue, I’ve heard of you before in Linyang, and now I’m finally meeting you.”
His expression was kind, and his tone was very friendly.
Their attitudes were completely different from those of Madam Zou and Zou Qinghe.
Qin Jiuwei observed silently.
Madam Zou glanced at Zou Jingwen, her tone still indifferent: "That's enough. Go and offer incense at the memorial altar for Madam Hou."
Her voice wasn't loud, and Zou Jingwen immediately stopped talking upon hearing it.
I returned to my original spot and said no more.
Madam Zou turned and walked towards the Marquis's residence.
Taking the opportunity, Qin Jiuwei reached out and tugged at Xie Yanli's sleeve, her eyes filled with a hint of unspoken words.
Xie Yanli turned his head, his gaze gentle and calm, and put his arm around her waist, whispering in her ear, "I'll tell you when we get back."
Qin Jiuwei nodded slightly.
The group entered the mourning hall, and everyone stood solemnly with their eyes lowered.
When Madam Xie heard that the Zou family had arrived, she specially came from the backyard to greet them.
"Older sister, it's been so many years since we last met, I've really missed you. I never expected you to come."
Madam Zou remained expressionless and said calmly, "It's only right."
That was all he said; his attitude was extremely cold.
Madam Xie looked slightly embarrassed, but quickly regained her composure.
She didn't make a big deal out of it, but said gently, "Since everyone is here, let's offer incense first."
She stepped aside slightly to make way for the Zou family to come forward and pay their respects.
The Zou family members offered incense in turn in front of the mourning hall.
The atmosphere was solemn and quiet.
Qin Jiuwei stood to the side, her eyes lowered, her gaze quietly sweeping across their faces.
She carefully examined the appearances of the Zou family members.
Madam Zou had delicate features and a rounded face.
Zou Qinghe's facial features have a distinctly scholarly air.
The whole family has round faces and slightly blunt features.
Qin Jiuwei's gaze shifted and landed on Xie Yanli.
In comparison, a slight thought stirred within me.
The members of the Zou family bear absolutely no resemblance to Xie Yanli.
Is it possible...
The moment this thought crossed Qin Jiuwei's mind, her heart began to race.
But he didn't say it aloud; he kept it hidden.
After paying their respects, the Zou family bowed to the center of the mourning hall before turning back to the side.
Qin Jiuwei stepped forward and said in a gentle voice, "Grandmother, Uncle, Cousin Jingwen, you must be tired from your journey. Why don't you stay here for the night?"
Madam Zou frowned, seemingly about to refuse.
But her gaze shifted at that moment, landing on Zou Jingwen who was standing to the side.
She hesitated for a moment, then finally looked away.
"In that case, I'll trouble you for the night."