AWB Chapter 126 Seeing My Brother Again
Chapter 126 Seeing My Brother Again
As soon as I arrived at Wanfuzhai, I heard that the room was very lively, with many women's voices chattering away.
Gu Rong from the third branch spoke with a mocking tone.
"Oh dear, today is the day Yan-ge'er's concubine enters the household. The old lady is really something, there's not a single red flower in the whole mansion. What will Liu Wan'er think of this? Will she hold a grudge against our Xiao family in the future?"
The fourth son said hurriedly,
"Third sister-in-law, it seems that this concubine has lost her baby. I just saw her and she looked very weak. She probably doesn't care whether there's any joy in the courtyard."
At this moment, Su Yunzhen from the second wife asked out of genuine curiosity,
"How could this child have just fallen out like that?"
Gu Rong pouted and said,
"Second sister-in-law, don't you even open your eyes and see how many eyes are on our Yan-ge'er? The main wife hasn't even entered the family yet, and a concubine already wants to have a child. Do you think that's reasonable?"
"If that little girl hadn't won the favor of the Princess of Nan'an, she would probably be dead in some pit by now. It's a miracle she's still alive."
The fourth branch of the family echoed this sentiment.
"No matter what, this little girl has now entered our Xiao family. When Brother Yan marries his wife, she will naturally teach her a lesson."
At this moment, Old Madam Xiao came out from the inner room, her face somber.
As soon as Madam Xiao walked in, the whole room fell silent.
Old Madam Xiao frowned and scolded angrily.
“Those who make a racket here, all of you, get back to your own yards.”
The ladies standing below dared not say another word, their heads bowed, and they walked out in a line.
At this moment, Qiao Qingshu seized the opportunity and walked in.
He bowed to Madam Xiao.
"Grandma, are you feeling well?"
Upon seeing Qiao Qingshu arrive, Old Madam Xiao managed a slight smile.
"It's Shu'er, come and sit down."
Qiao Qingshu walked over and sat down next to Old Madam Xiao. They had only exchanged a few pleasantries and hadn't even gotten to the main topic when they heard urgent shouts coming from outside.
"Grandma, Ginkgo Girl, who serves the Empress, has arrived."
The ladies from the other houses had only taken a few steps when they heard this, and they all stopped and stood in the courtyard.
Then the Xiao family's steward rushed into Wanfuzhai in a panic.
"Grandma, Miss Yinxing says she's conveying the Empress's imperial decree!"
Madam Xiao immediately stood up with a furrowed brow and hurriedly said,
"Send it quickly!"
He then turned to Qiao Qingshu and said,
"Good boy, go and stand in the inner room for a while."
Qiao Qingshu immediately stood up and quickly walked into the room, drawing the curtains.
Then a beautiful woman in palace attire walked in gracefully. Although she was a palace maid, she had an arrogant and noble air about her.
This girl named Ginkgo was brought into the palace by the Empress. After decades of experience, she has become the Empress's most trusted confidante.
Grandma Xiao's face showed caution and eagerness.
"Hurry up and serve the young lady tea."
When the fine tea was served, Ginkgo didn't even glance at it. She simply sat down at the main table and slowly began to speak.
"Madam Xiao, I have come today to deliver a message from Her Majesty the Empress."
"I heard that your young master Xiao Er recently broke off his engagement. The Empress's darling, Princess Yongxian, thinks highly of your young master Xiao Er. She sent me to ask him a question, to see if your young master Xiao Er thinks highly of our Princess Yongxian."
The veins on Madam Xiao's forehead bulged; she had long anticipated this turn of events.
The day after Qiao Qingshu broke off her engagement, a steady stream of noble and wealthy men came to her door to propose marriage.
Xiao Chengyan's handsome appearance has indeed attracted many wealthy and noble ladies.
However, Madam Xiao did not give a definite answer. She knew that the most powerful one had not yet come to ask for help, so she dared not agree on her own.
The fact that the Empress's confidant came to her door today tells her that Xiao Chengyan's marriage should be settled.
Without saying a word, Old Madam Xiao knelt down.
"It would be Chengyan's good fortune to marry Princess Yongxian."
Upon hearing Madam Xiao's words, Yinxing's serious face softened instantly.
She smiled and helped Old Madam Xiao up.
"Madam, I cannot accept such a generous gift. If your Xiao family can get in touch with the Empress's family, it will be a great leap forward."
"With Her Majesty the Empress's protection, your Duke's Xiao family will surely prosper for a hundred years!"
Madam Xiao smiled and saw the guests off.
Qiao Qingshu heard the conversation clearly from inside the room.
Her brows furrowed at that moment. A few years after her previous life, the Empress's brother was killed for treason, and the Empress's family was also raided.
The three children born to the Empress also all met tragic ends.
Qiao Qingshu wondered what the consequences would be if Princess Yongxian really married Xiao Chengyan...
"Shu'er, come out."
Qiao Qingshu was startled from her thoughts. She quickly composed herself, forcing a smile.
"Grandma, besides coming to see you today, I also want to ask you to help me find a rare book."
When she learned that the books Qiao Qingshu had found were stored in the library, Old Madam Xiao hurriedly instructed Xiao Zhijie to take her there.
Originally, Madam Xiao had no intention of entertaining Qiao Qingshu. As soon as Qiao Qingshu left, she angrily summoned the eldest son's family.
Qiao Qingshu and Xiao Zhijie walked slowly along the path to the library.
The two remained silent the entire way, simply walking quietly.
After a long while, Xiao Zhijie suddenly asked,
Do you regret it?
Qiao Qingshu was preoccupied with thoughts of the Empress's family when he suddenly asked her a question, leaving her momentarily stunned.
She thought for a moment before realizing that Xiao Zhijie was asking about Xiao Chengyan.
She frowned slightly for a moment, then said seriously.
"I have never regretted it for a single moment."
"Who Xiao Chengyan marries is none of my business, and I have no interest in knowing. I'm here today for my own plans. It has nothing to do with him."
Looking at Qiao Qingshu's resolute and serious expression, Xiao Zhijie nodded, realizing he had been overthinking things.
When the two arrived at the entrance of the library.
Xiao Zhijie was considerate and genuine.
“I’ll stand guard at the door; you go and talk to him yourself.”
Qiao Qingshu glanced at her, her expression somewhat meaningful.
He then nodded and walked into the library.
She had already asked Xiao Zhijie to find out her brother's work hours, and she came today precisely on a day when her brother was on duty.
As she slowly pushed open the door, she felt inexplicably excited.
The door opened, and a slender figure appeared before Qiao Qingshu.
He was still the same thin and frail man I saw last time.
An'er was somewhat surprised, and he slowly stood up as well.
He remembered Qiao Qingshu's face, such a beautiful face, he would never forget it after seeing it once.
He never expected to see that face again.
Last time, this girl came in from the second floor; this time, she came in through the main entrance.
An'er, unaware of her background, hesitated and took a few steps back.
Qiao Qingshu quickly stepped forward, took his hand, and called out to him.
"elder brother!"