The car was moving at high speed and the sun was s.h.i.+ning outside the window.
The main door of the Xiao family slowly opened, and the guards on both sides lined up properly.
Xiao Yao stood at the head of the group. His expression was not that complicated and was as solemn as usual.
The old mistress of the Shen family was the first to step forward. She looked around the entire Xiao family"s courtyard as she said with a smile, "The last time I came, it was late at night. The light today was sufficient to allow my old wife to see things clearly."
"The madame must be joking."
Qin Ran was wearing a Chinese cheongsam and was rather unperturbed. She had heard from the old master that the Shen family wanted someone from them. At first, she was hesitant as to why the Shen family would come to the Xiao family at this time.
After that, he heard that his own daughter was coming back together with him. Could it be that she was trying to make meritorious contributions to him?
"I don"t like hearing those words. Are you saying that the Xiao family can"t be seen when I have them?"
The old mistress of the Xiao Clan coldly snorted as she glared at Gu Qingcheng.
"Whether these words sound good or not, to a kind person, they are pleasant words. To a sarcastic person, it"s not something that can be heard."
Old Lady Shen walked up the stairs, their gazes locked.
"You intentionally messed around with me today, right? It seems that after staying in the mountains for so long, not only did you become narrow-minded, you even lost your eyesight."
"It is truly inferior to big sister Xiao"s mean ability. This child of yours was able to throw out the family for twenty years. Speak then, with your sharp personality, I"m afraid that in a few more years you will be in a desolate state."
"This is a good day for the new year. I"m too lazy to say anything to an ignorant person like you."
Old Madam Xiao turned around to leave arrogantly.
Elder Shen, on the other hand, continued to smile as she looked at Marshal Xiao Yao and said, "It seems that Marshal Xiao sending your mother off is the right decision. Big Sister Xiao has been dominating for so many years and should really calm down now."
"It"s cold outside, let"s talk inside."
Xiao Yao didn"t want to discuss this topic too much.
The group of people entered the mansion in a grandiose manner. The servants put down their refreshments and orderly left the hall.
The room was filled with a rich fragrance and the faint fragrance of tea. The entire living room was filled with the melodious sound of music.
Xiao Yao looked at the two who had been silent since they entered the room. He unintentionally picked up a cup of tea and took a sip. "Didn"t you say that you wanted to talk to Xiao Jing? Take her upstairs."
Qin Ran said in a reserved tone, "The guests are all here. Is it appropriate for us to just leave like this?"
"It"s fine. Let"s go up. I"ll call for help here."
Xiao Yao put down the teacup and looked at Xiao Jing.
Xiao Jing knew that her father intentionally sent her and her mother away, so she stood up and went upstairs first.
Qin Ran didn"t ask any more questions and directly went upstairs. When the door was closed, she finally relaxed her taut nerves.
Xiao Jing had her back to her mother. She wanted to say something, but was forced to swallow it back. What should she say? What could she say?
Qin Ran walked forward, "Why aren"t you saying anything?"
"Mother, there"s something I want to tell you."
"If you have something to say, say it. Did your captain and Old Lady Shen come at this time because of your continuous meritorious deeds last time?"
Your mother is proud of you for being appreciated by her superiors. "
Qin Ran raised his hand and gently pinched the child"s shoulder. His body became a lot st.u.r.dier.
Xiao Jing hesitated for a moment, but in the end, she told the truth, "They didn"t come here to make contributions, they came here on purpose to visit you and father."
"What are you doing here?"
Qin Ran asked uncomprehendingly.
Xiao Jing"s eyes were somewhat unsteady. She tried her best to be as natural and tactful as possible. She said, "It"s about me."
"What"s it to you?"
When Qin Ran saw how serious the child was, he couldn"t help but be cautious. Could it be that the child had committed a crime in the army camp?
But if he did, there was no need for the Shen family"s elders to come and speak with the Xiao family.
Xiao Jing hooked her fingers back and forth. Lowering her head, she avoided the expectant gaze of her mother and said, "It"s related to me and the captain."
"About you and the captain?"
Qin Ran felt that she had neglected something. Yes, she had clearly overlooked something. This was the third time she had met Captain Shen Chengfeng.
The answer was already very clear. There seemed to be something very clear between his daughter and Captain Shen Chengfeng.
Xiao Jing continued, "The captain and I are already together."
Qin Ran almost tripped and fell down like a bolt of lightning. Her mind was filled with these words: "You"re with the captain?"
What were they doing together?
Training?
Or battle?
Well, that must be it, that must be it.
Seeing her mother"s face change from green to white, it made people shudder, and she hurriedly said, "Sit down first."
Qin Ran took a step back and looked at her daughter seriously. She had grown up with delicate facial features. She had always been in disguise. As time pa.s.sed, she had almost forgotten that she was a girl.
But even if he forgot that she was a girl, even if she dressed like a boy, she would still be a real girl.
In a closed military camp, how could he not have feelings for a handsome man?
"Mother, did you hear me?"
Xiao Jing looked into her mother"s lifeless eyes and panicked for a moment. She hurriedly helped her sit down.
Qin Ran patted her back, "I told you before, how did you forget?"
"Mom, we can"t force things like feelings, and we can"t stop it either. Captain and I are sincere."
Xiao Jing squatted in front of her, her eyes filled with expectation.
Qin Ran"s eyes reddened, "What use do you guys really have?"
Have you forgotten who you are?
You"ll hurt him if you do that, son. "
Even if I used a mistake to deceive everyone, I did not let them down. My honor was earned by myself with hard work, and my military exploits were obtained by risking my life on the battlefield. I have a clear conscience, so why should I be afraid of their troubles and threats?
"But, but it shouldn"t be at this time."
Qin Ran shook his head. "I am the one who has wronged you. Child, it was your mother"s selfishness that caused you to feel so wronged."
"Mom, I"ve never complained about you. I chose it myself."
Xiao Jing stood up and hugged Qin Ran, "I"m very happy and happy right now. Thank you."
Qin Ran nodded, "Mother will not stop you from doing anything. Since you chose it yourself, since it"s something you like, you can do it yourself. As long as you are happy, it"s fine."
The breeze blew and the curtains swayed gently.
The atmosphere in the main hall was not as harmonious as he had expected.
Old Madam Shen spoke frankly, "I can see that Marshal Xiao Yao does not like our Shen Family coming."
"Yesterday, Marshal Shen Tian said he doesn"t like us Xiao Jing in front of everyone. I think that no matter how good of a person"s temper is, he must have a bit of a bad mood."
Xiao Yao spoke casually and would occasionally glance in the direction of Shen Chengfeng.
Shen Chengfeng remained calm and said gently, "My father was probably scared out of his wits yesterday."
"Judging from her expression, she must be quite frightened. That"s right, my daughter isn"t the most good-looking either. Her personality is also very carefree, and she is indeed not someone to be trifled with."
"Marshal Xiao Yao is wrong. This young lady has a gentle personality and is courteous to others. I rather like her."
Old Lady Shen said.
"To be able to get the madame to praise me like this is my little girl"s honor. It"s just that I also have a bad temper, but my heart and mind are too small."
"From what Marshal Xiao Yao said, he wants to get angry with the juniors?"
Old Madam Shen smiled as she watched the old mistress of the Xiao family lead a group of men over.
Old Madam Xiao sat on the sofa and hugged her newly acquired pet. "What are you two doing here?"
"Sister Xiao, you want to hear it too?"
Old Madam Shen"s smile grew wider. "But I think it"s better if you don"t listen. I"m afraid it won"t be appropriate if you faint from excitement."
Old Madam Xiao cast a cold glance at Shen Chengfeng, who was standing beside Gu Qingcheng. Based on the road she had walked in the past few years, how could she not see through such a simple and clear answer?
But she had to be steady, she had to be steady.
Old Madam Shen raised her teacup and took a sip. "Marshal Xiao Yao"s tea is still delicious. I prefer this mild taste to that of my son"s."
"If madame likes it, I"ll have someone prepare a few boxes and bring them back."
Xiao Yao said.
"How can this be possible? We agreed that we would come to visit you, and that we would be able to take your things with us when we leave."
"As long as the madame likes it."
Xiao Yao glanced at the butler standing at the entrance.
The butler understood and quickly ran to the other side of the house.
Old Lady Shen leaned back in her chair and hammered her own leg. "This old man"s hands and feet are always cold when winter comes. I wonder if big sister Xiao is used to living in Jiangcheng these days?"
"I"m not used to it, am I?"
"Are you laughing at me on purpose?"
Old Madam Xiao couldn"t be bothered to deal with her and went straight to the point.
"Elder Sister Xiao"s words are too despicable. Do I look like I"m here to laugh at you?"
"You yourself are a joke, and you still need me to make fun of you?"
"Gu Qingcheng."
Old Madam Xiao raised her voice and shouted, "We are guests. I won"t say any disgusting words to a woman like you during the better part of the new year. You can leave now."
"Don"t, at least I"m here. I should finish eating lunch before leaving, right?"
Old Madam Shen looked at Xiao Yao.
Xiao Yao stood up, "I"ll have someone prepare it."
"In the end, Marshal Xiao Yao still knows how to deal with people. Sister Xiao, you"re probably too old these years, and you"ve done too many things. Before treating others, this person must be humane."
Old Madam Xiao"s face fell. "You dare to humiliate me?"
"Elder Sister Xiao, are you deliberately trying to disappoint me? Are you trying to humiliate me with my words?"
"I"m just talking about things. Sister Xiao, don"t think that you"re old and want to live a life where you can live it."
Old Madam Xiao put down the kitten in her hands and stood up, speaking with a domineering tone, "Gu Qingcheng, it"s rare for our Xiao family to reunite. Don"t get involved with an outsider like you."
"What outsiders? We will be a family in the future."
"What do you mean?"
The corners of Old Madam Shen"s lips curled up slightly. "Elder sister Xiao, you still don"t know what I"m implying?"
"Aren"t you trying to pretend that you don"t understand? If you do, you won"t need me to explain anything."
Old Madam Xiao"s expression darkened, "Gu Qingcheng, your Shen family is truly unparalleled in this world for being so shameless."
"It can"t compare to big sister Xiao"s cultivation in all these years."
Old Madam Shen"s smile grew brighter and brighter, just like the smile of a couple of young ladies.
"Gu Qingcheng, I"m in such a good mood today, I don"t want to quarrel with you."
Old Madam Xiao walked around Old Madam Shen, preparing to head up to the second floor.
Old Madam Shen, on the other hand, stood in front of her, smiling. "I"m in a good mood today. I"ve been wanting to talk to you."
Old Madam Xiao emphasized, "Get out of the way."
Old Madam Shen turned a deaf ear to her words. "Sister Xiao, don"t you think it"s a good day to go out for a walk?"
"Gu Qingcheng, not only are your eyes bleary, your ears aren"t working as well, are they?"
"I said get out of the way."
Madam Xiao thought about pus.h.i.+ng the person in front of her aside, but she was also worried about the humiliation she had suffered in front of everyone. She helplessly chose to give up on resisting her head on.
The smile on Madam Shen"s face didn"t diminish at all. "Sister Xiao, aren"t you purposely saying that you"re more blind and deaf? Don"t be too sad. You"re getting old and blind. It"s no big deal if you"re deaf."
Old Man Xiao was so angry that his face and neck were red. He gave up on going upstairs and walked to the other side of the building.
Old Madam Shen insisted on following behind her and said without mercy, "Big Sister Xiao, you can walk slowly. You"ve accidentally fallen down again. The biggest taboo of all at this age is to stumble and b.u.mp into each other. Slow down. If you fall, you might not be able to get up."
Madam Xiao"s movements became faster and faster. She almost wished that she could get away from this fellow who was hot on her heels.
"Clang!"
Madam Xiao was in a hurry to leave. She had been too careless to see the vase on the floor. Her body was caught by the vase and she fell straight to the ground.
Madam Shen covered her nose with one hand as she looked at Madam Xiao, who was baring her teeth in pain after a fall. She smacked her lips and said, "I have kindly reminded you, but you chose not to listen. Now you"ve fallen."
Old Madam Xiao gritted her teeth. "Get out of my way."
Old Madam Shen shook her head, "Sister Xiao, don"t be angry. This woman"s face is covered in wrinkles. Look at your anger, the wrinkles on her face are the skin of a pug."
"Who are you scolding?"
Old Madam Xiao supported herself by the wall and stood up, "Gu Qingcheng, I"ve already given your Shen family face. If you still come here to cause trouble on purpose …"
"I was really thinking of making a scene with you. I heard that you wanted to chase Xiao Jing and her mother out of the Xiao family, right?"
Old Lady Shen touched the jade bracelet in her hand with a faint trace of emotion.
Old Madam Xiao"s expression darkened. "So you ran off to cause trouble for Xiao Jing. She really has a lot of face."
"No, no, no. Xiao Jing has never told me about this matter. If I, Old Lady Shen, want to know about such a small matter, why would I need to speak?"
Old Madam Shen circled around Old Madam Xiao and examined her from top to bottom.
Madam Xiao felt uneasy seeing her expression. "What are you looking at me for?"
"I want to know if your heart is black or red, or if you have a heart."
"Gu Qingcheng, if you"re here to speak up for Xiao Jing, don"t say anymore. This is our Xiao family"s own business, you should go back to your deep mountains and forests and raise your family." Gu Qingcheng, if you"re here to speak up for Xiao Jing, don"t say anymore.
"Sister Xiao, aren"t you still alive and well? Don"t worry, I will definitely live one more day than you."
Old Madam Xiao was too lazy to bother with this woman and pretended that she wanted to leave again.
Old Madam Shen grabbed her arm and smiled, "My purpose for coming today is simple. Yes, our Shen family is here to propose marriage."
Old Madam Xiao forcefully shook off her hand and sneered, "Propose?"
"Your Shen family is really interesting. You dare to take someone like Xiao Jing? Alright, take her back. When she announces it to the public in the future, don"t mention our Xiao family."
"Big Sister Xiao, you"re wrong. I won"t just announce that she is the Fourth Miss of your Xiao family. Our Shen family will also gloriously marry her back."
"You dare? Our Xiao family won"t admit her ident.i.ty."
"That doesn"t count."
Old Lady Shen turned around and her gaze fell on the two figures who were negotiating in the living room. "Look at this son-in-law, he"s having a pretty good time chatting."
"Gu Qingcheng, why are you guys still trying to embarra.s.s yourself?"
Old Madam Xiao was infuriated and was about to turn back.
Old Madam Shen held her hand once more and glanced at the madame, who was so angry that she was about to stomp her feet. She continued, "Whether you are willing or not, I look upon our Marshal Xiao"s only daughter with heartache."
I know very well that our Xiao family will never forgive Xiao Jing for this. Your Shen family can take her away at any time if you want, but you must have her cut off from our Xiao family.