coobybook Chapter 250 My Brother's Meaning
Chapter 250 My Brother's Meaning
The daughter that Madam Xiao was referring to was naturally Consort Xiande.
However, Consort Xiande has already been buried in the royal mausoleum, where she is now being paid homage by future generations.
Qiao Qingshu thought her plan was foolproof, but she didn't expect that Old Madam Xiao would become suspicious.
She glanced at Old Madam Xiao probingly, a smile playing at the corner of her eye.
"Madam, what makes you say that? I don't understand."
A faint smile appeared on Old Madam Xiao's lips as she gave Qiao Qingshu a deep look.
"I knew you were capable, but I never imagined you had such a talent for deception. You don't need to put on an act in front of me; I wouldn't have come to you if I wasn't confident."
Qiao Qingshu pursed her lips slightly. She had witnessed the power of Old Madam Xiao in her previous life. She had managed to support the large Xiao family for decades and even make it thrive. Such a head of the family must have had her own abilities.
Unlike Old Madam Qiao, who was petty and lacked refinement, Madam Xiao was a true lady of high society. Her dignity and nobility were undeniable. Even though the Xiao family had experienced such a major incident a few days ago, and all four branches of the Xiao family were in a state of panic, only Madam Xiao's courtyard remained as quiet as ever, and even the servants were calm and composed.
This was not a woman who could be easily fooled. Qiao Qingshu knew that it was best to be direct when talking to a smart person.
She also knew that Old Madam Xiao was not a malicious person, so she leaned closer and said,
"The Imperial Concubine is living very well now, so the old lady need not worry."
Old Madam Xiao frowned, her face showing worry and displeasure.
"You are all incredibly audacious! If this is discovered, it could mean the extermination of your entire clan! You have gone far too far in harming your entire family because of one person!"
Qiao Qingshu smiled slightly.
"As long as my grandmother doesn't reveal it, this matter will not be exposed."
Old Madam Xiao glared at her, her eyes revealing three parts anger and seven parts scrutiny.
"Qiao Qingshu, ever since you married into the Xiao family, there has never been peace in the Xiao family. We live in constant fear. What exactly do you want to do?"
Qiao Qingshu took a step back, shrugged, and smiled faintly.
"Madam, don't worry, I've gotten everything I wanted, otherwise I wouldn't have considered divorcing Zhijie in the first place."
Madam Xiao narrowed her eyes. She knew that Qiao Qingshu was not lying. The fact that she insisted on divorce and did not care about a single brick or tile of the Xiao family showed that this woman had lost interest in the Xiao family.
If it weren't for Xiao Zhijie's genuine affection, he wouldn't have been able to keep the cold-hearted and aloof Qiao Qingshu.
Madam Xiao's feelings for her were a mixture of love and hate. She hated that this young girl could stir up such a big storm, but she also loved her intelligence, shrewdness, and skill. She thought she would be overjoyed if such a clever girl were her granddaughter.
Fortunately, she has returned now, and we can gradually hand over the reins of the household to her in the future.
However, Madam Xiao did not say anything explicitly at this moment. Instead, she took out a letter from her sleeve and handed it to Qiao Qingshu.
"Give this to Caiwei, and I won't make it difficult for you to take me to see her."
Indeed, communicating with intelligent people is a pleasure. They won't make things difficult for you or take their anger out on you; they'll simply assess the situation and make the most appropriate choice.
Qiao Qingshu tucked the letter into her bosom and nodded.
She had been recuperating for a few days and was preparing to go to the Qiao family to explain the situation to her brother. If her brother was willing, she would arrange for everyone to meet, and she could also deliver the letter to Consort Xiande.
Qiao Qingshu went back to her room to change her clothes, and then took two maids with her in a carriage to the Qiao family.
Qiu Rui greeted her and led Qiao Qingshu to the study in the backyard with a smile.
“Anlan is talking to Hesong in the study. I’ll take you there.”
Qiao Anlan and Qiao Hesong, sharing common interests, became inseparable friends within a few days, meeting almost daily. They would either enjoy tea or discuss calligraphy, painting, poetry, and literature, displaying a refined taste.
Qiao Qingshu pushed open the door and entered, saying directly that she had something to say. Qiao Hesong was also very sensible and immediately got up to take his leave.
Qiao Qingshu paused slightly, then blocked He Song's path and smiled.
"We're all on the same side, there's nothing we can't listen to."
She didn't intend to keep this from her third uncle; if he found out, he might even give her a push.
My eldest uncle and third uncle have always been on good terms. When my eldest uncle was still living in the Qiao family, he often stood up for my third uncle when he was bullied by Old Madam Qiao.
It was only not long after his eldest uncle left that his third uncle felt there was nothing left for him to cherish in the Qiao family, and so he left with his mother without hesitation.
He even took his wife and daughter to his uncle's temple for a short visit, suggesting that the two have maintained contact privately over the years.
Qiao Qingshu revealed that Qiao Jishen was their biological father, shocking everyone in the room.
Qiao Anlan's expression was just as surprised as when she first heard the news.
Even Qiao Hesong, who was usually indifferent, was so surprised that his mouth was agape and he couldn't close it for a long time.
Qiao Qingshu then explained the twists and turns in the middle of the story in detail, and finally said,
“Brother, it’s your decision. If you want to acknowledge it, then we will. If you don’t want to acknowledge it, then we won’t.”
Qiao Anlan braced herself against the corner of the table and slowly sat down.
"I've never even met him..."
A look of confusion and helplessness flashed across Qiao Anlan's face.
He originally thought he was an unwanted orphan, but he never expected that he was actually the eldest son of the Qiao family and had such a dignified and loving mother.
He was in shock for a very, very long time.
He was truly astonished to be told that his so-called biological father was not his biological father, but someone else who was still alive.
"So, brother, do you want to see him?"
Qiao Anlan hesitated for a moment, then Qiu Rui nudged him and whispered,
"Wouldn't it be a pity if we didn't meet?"
Qiao Anlan was also curious; he wanted to see what this father he had never met looked like. He looked up at Qiao Qingshu.
"Shu'er, is it okay?"
Qiao Qingshu smiled and said,
"Of course, I'll make the arrangements, and we'll go tomorrow."
When Qiao Hesong returned home, he naturally told his father about this strange incident. He understood that Qiao Qingshu's decision not to let him leave meant she was not going to hide it from him.
When Qiao Jiye heard this, he was so shocked that he sat there motionless for a long time. It was Chang Yin who nudged him and said...
"This is a good thing. You always had a grudge because Qing Shu was born to your second brother. Now that it seems that Qing Shu is your eldest brother's child, won't you get along more harmoniously in the future?"
Standing to the side, Madam Liu nodded thoughtfully, pondering.
“No wonder. I knew these two children were so humble and decent, unlike their father. I thought they were just bad bamboo shoots but good ones. Now that I see they are not his children, it makes sense.”
Liu patted Qiao Jiye's hand and said,
"If these two children really acknowledge your eldest brother, you must treat their family well and not let any more grudges arise."
Qiao Jiye nodded in agreement.
Outside the bamboo forest.
Qiao Anlan held Qiu Rui's hand tightly; his hands were sweaty. Qiu Rui shook his hand and said...
"Don't worry, I'm right here with you."