AWB Chapter 67 Old Friends of the Xiao Family
Chapter 67 Old Friends of the Xiao Family
When the Spring Equinox first peeked out from the sedan chair, many female guests turned to discuss it.
"This is the Qiao family's sedan chair. Could this be the eldest daughter of the Qiao family?"
"What a beautiful woman, with a face like a flower and the moon. No wonder she was able to marry the most favored grandson of the Xiao family."
As everyone was marveling at the sight, Chunfen jumped off the carriage, bowed low, and lifted the curtain to greet another woman.
The noisy commotion in the courtyard immediately subsided.
Everyone froze on the spot, staring intently into the sedan chair.
Qiao Qingshu wore a plain white brocade jacket with a dark floral pattern of eight treasures, a cloak with peony flowers, and a bright red feather gauze crane cloak. Her hair was styled in a high bun, and she wore a complete set of red gold necklaces and headdresses.
With skin as white as snow, noble features, and a powerful and intimidating aura, she slowly stepped out of the sedan chair with Chunfen's help.
"Oh my, who is this? She's even prettier than the last one!"
"She's like a fairy princess! This must be the real eldest daughter of the Qiao family!"
"No wonder the Qiao family has such a good reputation, and the Xiao family still went to great lengths to marry them. Now we finally know the reason."
Even Madam Xing, who was greeting guests at the door, was momentarily stunned.
It must be admitted that Qiao Qingshu does have a beautiful appearance, and an exceptional one at that.
Madam Xing quickly put on a smile and stepped forward to take Qiao Qingshu's hand, saying affectionately,
"Shu'er, I've been looking forward to your arrival. I've missed you terribly for half a month, and my rascal has been thinking about you every day."
A hint of disdain rose in Qiao Qingshu's heart, but a faint smile appeared on her lips.
Her mother-in-law from her past life was a master of acting; she would pamper, love, and coax you in front of others, but behind your back, she would trample on you, curse you, and humiliate you.
Qiao Qingshu bowed respectfully to Madam Xing.
"Shu'er has come today specifically to congratulate the Xiao family. The Imperial Concubine's visit home is an honor beyond measure. The Qiao family has prepared some small gifts, and we hope that Madam will accept them with pleasure."
Every move she made exuded the demeanor of a woman from a prominent family, radiating indescribable nobility and elegance.
Seeing how charming and eloquent Qiao Qingshu was, Madam Xing was in a great mood and eagerly offered to personally lead her inside.
Then a cheerful voice came from behind.
"Madam Xing, Shu'er!"
The visitor was Shen Wenying, Qiao Qingshu's second aunt.
Shen Wenying had just stepped out of the sedan chair, and today she was dressed in luxury and nobility, exuding the elegance and grandeur of a noble family.
The Bai and Xiao families were already close, and the women of both families knew each other well. Madam Xing was even more delighted to see Shen Wenying and smiled.
"Wenying, you've finally arrived! It's been quite a while since I've seen you. Please join me at the table later so we can have a few drinks and catch up."
Shen Wenying smiled and agreed to Madam Xing's request, then stepped forward and took Qiao Qingshu's arm.
“Your Xiao family is busy today, and you, as the eldest wife, must be even busier. There’s no need for you to accompany my niece; I’ll go in with her.”
For nearly a month, the Xiao family has been in a frenzy, with everyone working late into the night to arrange and prepare for the Imperial Concubine's visit home.
She hasn't been able to sleep since the early hours of last night. As the first wife, Madam Xing has gained favor with the old lady in recent years, so she's naturally even busier.
She was eager for Shen Wenying to share her burdens, and nodded with a smile.
"That would be perfect. Take Shu'er inside and have a rest. If you need anything, just ask Gu Rong from the third branch of the family. She's watching over things inside."
Shen Wenying took Qiao Qingshu's arm and walked towards the inner courtyard.
Qiao Qingshu's emotions were complicated along the way; every plant and tree here was all too familiar!
Qiao Qingshu lived in the inner quarters of the Xiao family mansion for eight years. Recalling her past life, she couldn't help but feel a surge of resentment.
Eight years, a full eight years!
How many eight-year periods does a woman have in her lifetime?
She rose from granddaughter-in-law to mistress of the house, enduring hardships and torment from being tormented by her sisters-in-law and mother-in-law in the Xiao family until no one dared to bully her anymore. The suffering she endured was indescribable.
She sighed almost imperceptibly.
He secretly vowed in his heart, "Qiao Qingshu, you must never again be bound by romantic relationships, trapped in marriage and wronging yourself for half your life. You worked hard all your life and only to find out on your deathbed that it was all a huge illusion."
Qiao Qingshu clenched her fist tightly in her sleeve, vowing never again to yearn for a lifelong, monogamous relationship.
In this life, I only seek wealth, honor, and a peaceful and carefree life.
Shen Wenying walked arm in arm with Qiao Qingshu, saying as they went.
"Shu'er, your uncle and I came here today. The old lady specifically instructed us to take good care of you. You were invited by the Xiao family today to discuss the marriage again. The old lady asked us to accompany you. If you have any grievances or dissatisfaction, just tell your aunt. Your aunt and uncle are like the Bai family. With us here, the people of the Xiao family won't dare to do anything to you."
Qiao Qingshu smiled and nodded.
She secretly thought to herself that it didn't matter what the Xiao family wanted; what mattered was what she, Qiao Qingshu, wanted.
She didn't come today to discuss marriage with Xiao Chengyan.
She came to personally choose a suitable husband.
She not only wanted Xiao Chengyan to be dumbfounded, but also the entire Xiao family to be dumbfounded, and she wanted everyone in the Xiao family to bless her.
Upon entering the inner courtyard, it immediately became lively, filled with young women and wives chatting and laughing in small groups.
Qiao Qingshu glanced around briefly. The Xiao family banquet was naturally mostly attended by members of the Xiao family, with few outside guests invited.
Looking at these familiar members of the Xiao family, Qiao Qingshu felt a surge of emotions; these were all old friends!
Knowing that Qiao Qingshu was not familiar with the Xiao family's inner workings, Shen Wenying whispered an introduction in her ear.
"The old lady of the Xiao family has four sons and one daughter. Except for the second master, Xiao Zhinuo, who is a son born out of wedlock and registered under her name, the other three masters and the fifth young lady are all the old lady's biological children."
"Shu'er, all four men of the Qiao family are outstanding, which is known throughout the capital. Even this fifth young lady is a legend. A few years ago, she entered the palace as a low-ranking official in the Imperial Palace Bureau, in charge of the records and registers of the inner palace. She was just a sixth-rank official. Now look at her, she has actually climbed to the position of Imperial Concubine."
Shen Wenying clicked her tongue twice in admiration.
“There’s not a single bad one in the Xiao family this generation. They’re all prominent figures in the capital now. Our Bai family doesn’t have the deep roots and extensive connections of the Xiao family.”
Qiao Qingshu nodded in agreement.
The imperial concubine visiting her family today is none other than the youngest daughter of Old Madam Xiao, the Fifth Miss Xiao Zhiwei. This woman is by no means an ordinary person.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to secretly switch her own prince with a baby girl several years ago, keeping it a secret from everyone.
This secret was only discovered by a eunuch three years after Xiao Zhiwei's death. He reported it to the emperor, and only then was the real prince brought back.
This prince is Xiao Chengyan.
Shen Wenying then pointed to a group of women not far away and said softly,
"Shu'er, remember this: of the four wives in the Xiao family, only the second wife, Madam Su, is gentle and easy to talk to. The other three are all formidable. Be careful if they try to talk to you."