kvmb Chapter 193 Kicked Out
Chapter 193 Kicked Out
Thinking of these things, Madam Xing couldn't help but smile, a smile she hadn't shown in a long time. She even helped Xiao Zhijie set out the dishes.
Qiao Qingshu watched this scene and naturally knew that Madam Xing's words were aimed at her, but she remained indifferent.
Xiao Zhijie had no idea about the intricacies of relationships between women. He said with a serious expression,
"There's no need to trouble you aunts. Mother is already making arrangements for me, and I will be on time to go to war with the army."
Upon hearing this, Madam Xiao, who was sitting at the head of the table, sighed silently in her heart.
Consort Xiande was reluctant to let Xiao Zhijie go to the battlefield. She had told him this matter to her several times and asked Old Madam Xiao to help persuade him.
At this moment, Old Madam Xiao put down her chopsticks and tried to comfort her.
"Jie'er, logically speaking, you've just gotten married, and leaving Shu'er to join the army is somewhat unfair to your new wife. Besides, you'll be gone for three years, which isn't good for her. If you ask me, why not wait a few more years, until you have children..."
Before he could finish speaking, Xiao Zhijie interrupted him, saying seriously,
“I already discussed this matter with Shu’er before the marriage, and I only agreed to marry her after she agreed. So how can I say I’m wronged? Besides, time waits for no one. The border situation is dangerous right now, and we need people right now. I made this decision years ago, so why would I go back on my word today? If I really don’t go, won’t my peers see me as a person who breaks his promise?”
Upon hearing this, the old lady was at a loss for words.
She had tried to dissuade Jie Ge'er several times, but the boy always stubbornly refused. She even asked Su Yunzhen to persuade him several times, but the result was the same.
Therefore, I brought up this matter again at the dinner table today. Although I know in my heart that the chances of success are slim, I still have to give it a try, so as to give an account to Consort Xiande.
When Madam Xing heard that Xiao Zhijie was stubborn, she couldn't help but smile, wishing that Xiao Zhijie would leave tomorrow.
Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit cold, the third and fourth wives quickly changed the subject, telling stories of the past few days that made everyone laugh again.
Now that Madam Xing was in a better mood, she naturally had the leisure to tease Qiao Qingshu. Remembering her third sister's embarrassing moment on their wedding day, Madam Xing said...
"Oh dear, the one who stole the show on your wedding day wasn't Shu'er, but your third sister, Qiao Qingle."
Madam Xing feigned confusion and looked at Qiao Qingshu, asking,
"Shu'er, was your third sister like this before? She would rush up to any man she saw and confess her love. If it were an ordinary man, it would be one thing, but this was the Crown Prince! She actually dared to go up to him and try to woo him. Is this how your father and grandmother taught you manners? Didn't they teach you young ladies to be chaste and not to daydream?"
"If my Yan-ge hadn't stopped her, who knows what outrageous things she might have done."
These words were indeed quite impolite, and Old Madam Xiao frowned as she spoke up to stop her.
"Hey, eldest son, eat your food."
Although Madam Xing said nothing more, her eyes were fixed on Qiao Qingshu with utter provocation, as if to say, if you don't give me an explanation today, I will prove that your sister is shameless and that your Qiao family has a bad reputation.
Qiao Qingshu maintained a faint smile throughout, neither nervous nor embarrassed.
"Yes, Madam is absolutely right. My third sister is indeed a toad trying to eat swan meat. She's a bit infatuated. It's good that she made a fool of herself on her wedding day. Maybe she should learn some shame by now."
Madam Xing was taken aback. Why wasn't she speaking up for her sister? Instead, she was kicking her when she was down.
Do these two sisters not get along?
Madam Xing continued,
"Alas, although it is entirely your third young lady's fault, it has brought shame upon your Qiao family. The outside world is spreading rumors that your Qiao family lacks family virtue. Once this bad reputation gets out, what will become of your Qiao family in the future..."
Madam Xing glanced at her, trying to see if Qiao Qingshu was uncomfortable, but she found nothing.
Qiao Qingshu maintained her calm and composed demeanor, smiling faintly.
“What the First Madam says is absolutely right. However, our Qiao family has never had a good reputation. This is just another one of them, so it doesn’t matter.”
It doesn't matter...
The ladies in the room were stunned. Even Old Madam Xiao was puzzled. Although Qiao Qingshu was already married, did she really separate herself from the Qiao family like that?
She's going back to her parents' home in three days.
You'll still have to live with your maternal family in the future. Why don't you care about the Qiao family's reputation now?
Old Madam Xiao reminded her,
"Shu'er, when you return to your parents' home, you should go back and persuade your younger sister. Your second sister got married on the same day as you, but your third sister is still young and unmarried. As the eldest sister, you should help her make some arrangements."
Qiao Qingshu didn't say anything more, just nodded and smiled in agreement.
Helping my third sister make plans?
The Qiao family is on the verge of collapse, what are they still planning?
Three days later.
Early in the morning, Qiao Qingshu got up and sat in front of the dressing table to do her makeup. In late autumn, she styled her hair; in late winter, she applied powder; in summer, she helped choose clothes; and Cui Mei prepared things for her return visit to her parents' home.
Qiao Qingshu turned her head and said,
"Cuimei, you don't need to bring any gifts or anything."
It's no use bringing it.
Lin Dong said softly,
"Miss, according to the rules, you should bring it, otherwise it won't look good."
Qiao Qingshu waved her hand and said,
"I said it wasn't necessary. I'm just going home today to watch the fun. I can travel light."
He then glanced at the few maids who had accompanied him in the room and gave them instructions.
"Dress up nicely, and I'll definitely impress you when we get back."
Qiao Qingshu opened the small drawer at the bottom of the box, inside which was a stack of indentures. The indentures of the maids, servants, and young men in her courtyard were all included in her dowry and brought to the Xiao family.
These people are now considered members of the Xiao family.
After tidying up was almost complete, Xiao Zhijie pushed open the door and entered.
Is everything ready?
Qiao Qingshu smiled and stood up,
"Alright, let's go now."
Looking at the radiant Qiao Qingshu before him, Xiao Zhijie was momentarily dazed.
She must be very happy to be back at her parents' home, because Qiao Qingshu was radiating excitement and joy.
He assumed his wife was homesick and quickly helped her onto the carriage.
When the carriage stopped at the gate of the Qiao family, a person was seen huddled next to the stone lions at the gate.
Qiao Qingshu got off the carriage and immediately saw the woman; it was Aunt He.
She rushed forward, and Aunt He threw herself into her arms and burst into tears.
"Shu'er, your father has divorced me, and now I have nowhere to go."
Qiao Qingshu frowned.
"I had Wanqiu deliver a land deed for a house and some silver to you. Didn't you receive it, Aunt?"
Upon hearing this, Aunt He wept even more bitterly.
"After the master gave me the letter of divorce, I planned to pack my bags and leave with the land deed and silver you gave me, but... Cola'er actually snatched those things away, saying that I was just a servant who had been kicked out and was not allowed to take anything from the master's house..."