AWB Chapter 104 His sharp gaze fell upon Jiang Chirang.
Chapter 104 His sharp gaze fell upon Jiang Chirang.
Her voice trembled slightly, with a hint of sobbing, as she softly called out, "Uncle."
After her mother passed away, her uncle became the kindest person in the world to her.
In her previous life, her uncle was transferred back to the capital and also wanted to come to the palace to see her.
However, many invitations were sent, but they were all rejected by Consort Xian.
Later, at a palace banquet, the two met again, but they were interrupted after exchanging only a few words.
Then, news of his uncle's arrest and imprisonment reached the palace.
At that time, she had only recently entered the palace and was of low status. She inquired around and learned that her uncle had been arrested for stealing relics.
Qin Jiuwei didn't believe it; her uncle wasn't that kind of person.
However, she was trapped in the palace at the time and was unable to investigate the matter.
She could only dress in plain clothes and remove her hairpins every day, kneeling and crying in front of the Hall of Mental Cultivation to beg for mercy.
But no matter how much she pleaded, Gao Xian remained unmoved and still ordered his uncle to be beheaded.
She also fell ill on the day her uncle was beheaded.
He was bedridden for three whole months due to his illness.
Thinking of this, Qin Jiuwei's eyes became even more moist, filled with tears.
Jiang Ling felt heartbroken upon seeing this and quickly stepped forward to comfort her, saying, "Good child, it's a joyous occasion that we've met again, so please stop crying."
"My uncle will be staying in the capital from now on, so we'll have plenty of opportunities to meet in the future."
Qin Jiuwei took out a silk handkerchief and wiped the corner of her eyes, then nodded gently.
She secretly made up her mind that she would never let anything happen to her uncle again in this life.
"Cousin." A gentle and pleasant male voice rang out.
Qin Jiu raised her eyes slightly, looked at the handsome young man in front of her, and blinked.
It took her a while to recognize him, and she asked with some uncertainty, "Cousin?"
When Jiang Chirang saw Qin Jiuwei's pretty face, a look of amazement flashed in his eyes, and his heart skipped a beat.
He pursed his lips slightly and nodded.
Qin Jiu chuckled softly, "Cousin, is it really you? It's been a long time."
When she was a child, her mother often took her to meet her cousin and uncle.
At that time, her mother was favored, and although Li was dissatisfied, she dared not say anything in front of her father.
After my mother passed away, my uncle passed the imperial examination and took the whole family to the south to serve as officials. I never saw him again after that.
I never imagined my cousin would grow up to be so handsome.
Jiang Chirang smiled and said, "Yes, it's been a long time."
When he was a child, he said that he would marry his cousin Jiuwei when he grew up.
But I didn't expect...
Jiang Chirang looked up at the tall plaque of the Marquis's residence, and his eyes dimmed slightly.
"Uncle." When Song Mama saw Jiang Ling, she couldn't help but call out in a tearful voice.
Jiangling sighed heavily when he saw Granny Song.
Granny Song was part of Qingqing's dowry when she got married, but later... alas...
"It's a joyous occasion to see each other, so let's not gather at the entrance," Qin Jiuwei said.
Jiang Ling nodded, "Jiuwei is absolutely right. Let's go and pay our respects to the old lady and the Marquis first. It's only proper."
The Marquis was not in the manor at the time.
Jiangling only saw Lady Hou in the main courtyard.
The Lady Hou was very considerate and did not treat them poorly; the group chatted casually.
Qiu Yueli watched from the side.
Ever since she was publicly humiliated by Consort Chen at the autumn banquet, she has stayed in the Marquis's residence and never left.
She's lost all face; why would she want to go out and become a laughingstock?
But when she heard that Qin Jiuwei's uncle had arrived, she couldn't help but come out to see.
Qiu Yueli's gaze fell on Jiang Chirang, a glint of light flashing in her eyes.
Unexpectedly, Qin Jiuwei's cousin was born so extraordinary.
She was tall and slender, dressed in a long robe, exuding a refined and elegant charm.
He was also very handsome, and his every move exuded gentleness and humility.
But this stunning moment was fleeting, and Qiu Yueli gave a soft hum.
Jiang Chirang is not bad, but he is still far inferior to Xie Shizi.
The thought of Xie Yanli caused Qiu Yueli a dull ache in her heart.
Compared to the coldness of Madam Hou, Old Madam Xie seemed much more approachable.
She patted Qin Jiuwei's hand and couldn't stop praising, "It is truly a blessing for our Marquis's mansion to have a granddaughter-in-law like Jiuwei, and even more so for Yanli."
Although it was just polite talk, Madam Xie genuinely believed it.
Since Qin Jiuwei married into the family, the three children have become healthier and more talkative.
Yanli also clearly felt that things were different from before; he no longer only came back once every few days.
This is all thanks to Jiuwei.
Jiang Ling smiled and said, "Madam, you flatter me. It is Jiuwei's good fortune to be able to marry into the Marquis's mansion."
He could tell that Madam Xie genuinely liked Jiuwei.
At least in the Marquis's residence, there are people who can protect Jiuwei to some extent.
He can rest assured now.
After paying their respects to their elders, Qin Jiuwei led Jiang Ling and Jiang Chirang back to Qinglan Courtyard.
"Uncle, what official position did you take up when you returned to the capital this time?" Qin Jiuwei asked.
In the letter, her uncle mostly expressed his concern for her, rarely mentioning his own affairs.
I wonder if my uncle held the same official position in both of these lifetimes.
If he hadn't been working in the Ministry of Rites, he might have been able to avoid this disaster involving the relics...
Upon hearing this, Jiang Ling put down his teacup and said with a smile, "This time, upon returning to the capital, I have been transferred to the position of Minister of Rites."
Qin Jiuwei's heart sank; it was still the Ministry of Rites...
But a look of joy still appeared on his face. "He's a third-rank official? My uncle's promotion is so fast."
"I didn't expect that either," Jiang Ling chuckled. "I was already very happy to be transferred back to the capital, but I didn't expect the Emperor to promote me as well."
"By the way, your father is also a vice minister in the Ministry of Rites, and he works under me now."
When Qin's father was mentioned, Jiang Ling's face darkened, and even his voice became much colder.
"Don't worry, I will take good care of him."
He remembered perfectly how Qin Jiang took care of Jiuwei after Qingqing's death, and naturally he wanted to return the favor.
Qin Jiuwei was taken aback at first, not expecting her uncle to bring this up suddenly, but soon a smile appeared on her lips.
Her father...
Ha, it's better to have nothing than to have it.
Qin Jiuwei nodded slightly, "Thank you for your trouble, Uncle."
Jiang Ling waved his hand, "There's no need for such talk between us."
"By the way, where are my aunt and cousin?" Qin Jiuwei asked, somewhat puzzled. "Didn't they come to the capital with you?"
“My mother is ill, and my sister is taking care of her,” Jiang Chirang explained. “The imperial decree was issued urgently, and I will be taking up my post tomorrow, so my father and I will go to the capital first.”
"After a few days, when Mother is feeling better, I will go to the capital with my sister."
Qin Jiuwei nodded gently, "I see. Is Aunt alright?"
Jiang Ling said gently, "It's nothing serious. The doctor has already examined her. It's just a common cold. I'm just worried that the long journey might worsen her condition, so I'll have your aunt recover before going to the capital."
"However, I received a letter last night saying that your aunt is much better and should be able to arrive in the capital soon."
The group chatted for a while longer, and then a clear, childlike voice suddenly rang out.
"Mother~"
Xie Jue, with her small feet, ran into the main house.
His big, dark eyes crinkled with laughter, but the smile froze on his face as soon as he saw the scene inside the room.
Oh my, so many people...
Xie Jue pursed her lips, but her eyes darted around curiously.
Jiangling couldn't help but chuckle when he saw Xie Jue's clever little face.
Jiang Chirang watched quietly from the side, making guesses in his mind.
This must be Xie Shizi's adopted son.
Qin Jiu smiled and waved to Xie Jue, "Jue-ge'er, come quickly and pay your respects to your maternal uncle and cousin."
Xie Jue immediately ran to Qin Jiuwei.
After snuggling close to her mother, Xie Jue's tightly pursed lips slowly relaxed.
He cupped his hands and bowed to Jiang Ling and Jiang Chirang.
"Jue-ge'er greets his maternal uncle and cousin."
Jiang Lingyuan was worried that Jiuwei was too young and might not be able to deal with Xie Shizi's adopted sons.
But unexpectedly, this child became so close to Jiuwei.
Xie Jue was always the first to leave school.
Soon after, Xie Jingchun and Xie Jing also returned.
The two of them were older, and upon seeing Jiang Ling and Jiang Chirang, they did not panic like Xie Jue.
After clarifying the situation, he bowed to both of them with his hands clasped.
Xie Jue has been carefully cared for by Qin Jiuwei during this time, and his personality is no longer as shy as before.
I was a little nervous at first, but I gradually relaxed.
With her big eyes wide open, she started asking Jiangling all sorts of questions.
The child's innocent remarks quickly made the adults in the room burst into laughter.
When Xie Yanli entered, this was the scene of joy and harmony he saw.
His gaze fell sharply on Jiang Chirang and the way he looked at Qin Jiuwei.
Xie Yanli's eyes were cold and dark, and his pupils contracted slightly.
Jiang Chirang naturally noticed his gaze and turned to look at him.
The two stared at each other with icy eyes, neither willing to back down.