Father and daughter exchanged a few words. Seeing that it was late, Qiao Ping, fearing his daughter might be tired, told her to go to her room and rest.

Although Xiao Qiao had countless things she wanted to tell her father, now that she was finally home, she wasn’t in a rush. She nodded obediently and agreed. That night, sleeping on the bed she had used before her marriage, her emotions surged, and she found it difficult to fall asleep for a long time. She woke up early the next morning. Just like before she was married, Chun Niang came in with a smile, helping her get up and dress. After washing up and having breakfast, she went to the main house accompanied by her father and younger brother.

Qiao Yue had heard the news of his niece’s return early in the morning. At first, he was startled. His first thought was that his niece had offended the Wei family, or that the Wei family wanted to break off the engagement, which was why they had suddenly sent his niece back home at this time. If so, it would be disastrous! On second thought, when Yang Feng, who had been sent to establish good relations, returned, he reported that the Wei family had been courteous, treating them as in-laws in every way, without any slight.

It had only been a few months, and they hadn’t done anything to offend the Wei family, so how could they suddenly break off the engagement and send his niece back? As he was sitting restlessly, feeling uneasy, he heard that Qiao Ping was bringing his daughter to pay respects. He hurriedly called them in, and after accepting Xiao Qiao’s greeting, his first question was, “Niece, you’ve only been married for a year, and the journey between north and south is long. Why have you returned to Dongjun at this time?”

Xiao Qiao immediately saw what her uncle was thinking and said, “There’s nothing wrong. It’s just that last month I received a letter from my younger brother saying that Aunt had fallen ill and was bedridden. I was worried, so I asked Grandmother for permission to come back and check on Aunt’s condition.”

Only then did Qiao Yue breathe a sigh of relief. He said dismissively, “Your aunt is not seriously ill. It’s just some dietary issues causing her discomfort. We’ve had doctors attending to her and providing medicine without interruption. There was no need for you to come back from so far away at this time, neglecting your duties to your in-laws and potentially causing unnecessary trouble.”

His daughter had returned from afar, yet his elder brother not only showed no joy but spoke with a tone of reproach. Qiao Ping was displeased and said, “Manman is showing her filial piety. The Wei family is not a small household. How could they take offense at this? Elder brother, you’re overthinking this!”

Qiao Yue was originally upset at being contradicted by his younger brother. He glanced at his niece, seeing her standing gracefully before him, and suddenly remembered what the messenger Yang Feng had said upon his return – that the Wei family’s grandmother, Madam Xu, seemed to value his niece quite highly. If this was true, then the peace of the entire family depended on her.

With this thought, his expression softened, and he nodded, saying, “It’s good that you’ve come back. Since you’re here, go and visit your aunt now. She must have been missing you for a long time.”

Xiao Qiao had no fondness for this uncle, so naturally, she didn’t take his words to heart. However, seeing her usually respectful father speak up to defend her against his elder brother, she felt warmth in her heart. She smiled and nodded at her father, then turned to go with Qiao Ci to visit Madam Ding.

…

Madam Ding woke up early and was informed by a maidservant that Xiao Qiao had returned home last night.

Qiao Yue had several concubines. Therefore, besides the daughter Madam Ding had given birth to and raised, Da Qiao, he had also had other children in earlier years, but they hadn’t survived and died young. Now, although Qiao Yue was not yet fifty, a few years ago, due to an accident while out riding where he fell from his horse, he had injured his genitals. Despite various treatments, his kidney function was affected, and he had no more children after that. Qiao Yue gradually had to give up hope of having more offspring and raised Qiao Ci as if he were his son. As for his relationship with Madam Ding, the couple originally didn’t have much to say to each other, and in recent years, they rarely shared a bed. After last year’s incident with Da Qiao, Qiao Yue harbored resentment towards Madam Ding, making their relationship even colder.

Madam Ding had long since given up hope in her husband. She could only privately worry and miss her daughter, gradually losing her appetite and unable to sleep well. A few months ago, she accidentally caught a cold, which left her bedridden and unable to recover. When Qiao Ci returned from Youzhou last time, he secretly visited her one day and relayed a message from his elder sister Xiao Qiao, saying that Da Qiao was now safe and well, and she shouldn’t worry. Only then did Madam Ding know that Xiao Qiao and her daughter were in communication. Although this eased her worried heart somewhat and her condition improved slightly, she still missed her daughter constantly.

Now, hearing that Xiao Qiao had returned home, Madam Ding was overjoyed. Her spirits, which had been low for months, seemed to lift considerably. She hurriedly called for someone to help her dress and do her hair. Before she could even get out of bed, she heard footsteps outside the door and turned to see Xiao Qiao entering.

Upon meeting, Madam Ding tightly grasped Xiao Qiao’s delicate hands, looking her up and down. She saw that Xiao Qiao’s face was full of vitality, her eyes bright as lacquer. She wore an inner garment of an Xiang-colored skirt and blouse, with an outer casual begonia-red silk cape, which made her even more radiantly beautiful, like a budding begonia flower on a branch in March. Hearing her call her “Aunt,” Madam Ding couldn’t help but think of Da Qiao. She called out “Manman, my child,” her eyes reddening, and pulled her into a tight embrace.

In the first few years when Xiao Qiao had just come to Dongjun, Madam Ding had indeed treated her like her own daughter. Whatever Da Qiao had, she made sure Xiao Qiao didn’t miss out on, showing care in every way. Xiao Qiao had always been grateful for this in her heart. After a year apart, seeing her aunt’s haggard appearance, having aged considerably, she felt sad. She let her aunt hold her and listened to her questions about life in the Wei family, murmuring a few replies.

Gradually, she wiped away her tears, knowing that her aunt must be thinking of Da Qiao. She asked Qiao Ci and the others to leave, closed the door, and sat up from Madam Ding’s embrace. She said in a low voice, “Aunt, my younger brother must have told you that my elder sister is now safe and well. Some time ago, I also received a letter from her.”

She carefully relayed the contents of Da Qiao’s letter to Madam Ding, omitting the part about establishing herself independently in a pig farm. Finally, she said, “Elder sister is now pregnant and everything is going well. In her letter, she said she often thinks of you, Aunt. Because she left home without her parents’ knowledge, she fears she won’t be forgiven by her Uncle and doesn’t dare to come back to visit her loving mother, which makes her feel guilty. My return home this time is not only to visit you, Aunt, but also to convey a message on behalf of my elder sister, asking you not to worry and not to be anxious about her anymore. When there’s an opportunity in the future, elder sister will come to visit you, Aunt, and personally ask for your forgiveness for her unfilial behavior that day.”

The last time Qiao Ci brought a message, it was just a simple sentence or two, and when Madam Ding wanted to ask more, Qiao Ci didn’t know the details. This time, Xiao Qiao spoke in great detail. When Madam Ding heard that her daughter was already pregnant, she was stunned for a moment, feeling both joy and gradually, a sense of bitterness. Even the last trace of resentment she might have had instantly vanished.

She said, “Although I still can’t understand why she abandoned her parents that day and eloped with a horse groom. But now, hearing what you say, I understand. As long as she is content and willing, and Bi Zhi treats her well, what more can I, as her mother, ask for? The next time you communicate with her, remember to pass on a message to me. Tell her to take good care of herself. As long as she’s well, I’ll be well too. Tell her not to worry about me, and there’s no need to come back at this time. I still can’t mention her in front of her father.”

Xiao Qiao took out a handkerchief to wipe away the tears on Madam Ding’s face and whispered in her ear, “Aunt, to be honest, since I’ve come south, if it’s convenient, I might find a way to meet my sister and brother-in-law. If you have anything you want me to bring, you can prepare it in advance. If I can make the trip, I’ll help you deliver it to elder sister.”

Madam Ding was stunned for a moment, then reacted with great joy, nodding quickly, “I’ll prepare something quietly right away!”

With the knot in her heart finally untangled and knowing that her daughter was already pregnant, Madam Ding’s illness improved greatly. She immediately got out of bed and stood up.

The maidservants, who had seen her looking ill when she woke up early in the morning, were amazed to see her becoming spirited and energetic after meeting the returning Xiao Qiao, even walking without needing support.

…

Xiao Qiao returned after visiting Madam Ding. Learning that her father was still in the study and hadn’t left, she knew he must have something to say to her. So she went over.

Qiao Ci was also in the study. Father and son were discussing military matters in Juye City. Xiao Qiao knocked and entered. Qiao Ping asked his son to leave temporarily, then said, “How is it? Is your aunt feeling better?”

Xiao Qiao smiled and replied, “Aunt is much better.”

Qiao Ping nodded, “That’s good. She used to treat you like her own daughter. With your cousin not here, since you’ve come home this time, you should keep her company and comfort her more.”

Xiao Qiao agreed. After exchanging a few more words about family matters, Qiao Ping took out the letter Xiao Qiao had sent back with Qiao Ci from the shelf and placed it on the desk, saying, “I’ve read your letter.”

His expression was somewhat grave.

Xiao Qiao knew they were about to discuss the main issue and focused her gaze on her father.

Qiao Ping clasped his hands behind his back and paced slowly around the room. Suddenly, he asked, “Man Man, tell your father truthfully, has Wei Shao been mistreating you?”

Xiao Qiao was startled, “Not at all. He… he treats me quite well.”

Qiao Ping seemed unconvinced. His gaze fell on her face as he frowned, “Man Man if you’re truly being mistreated by Wei Shao in private, don’t hide it. Although I’m powerless, I won’t stand by and let you suffer bullying!” His tone was quite serious.

Xiao Qiao realized her letter must have raised such suspicions in her father. She hurriedly said, “Father, there’s absolutely nothing of the sort! The Marquis treats me… by propriety in every way. I’m living very well in the Wei family now.”

Qiao Ping studied her for a moment longer before finally letting out a slow sigh, “That’s good then. Yang Feng returned and told your uncle that during the trip to Youzhou, the Wei family received them with courtesy due to in-laws, and Madam Xu was generous in her treatment. What Ci’er said was also similar. So when I saw the letter you sent back with Ci’er last time, I couldn’t help but worry. Now that the Wei family has accepted our Qiao family as relatives, and your husband isn’t mistreating you, why are you so anxious, strongly urging your father to prepare for the future and guard against the Wei family potentially harming us later? Have you perhaps heard some rumors?”

…

The letter Xiao Qiao sent two months ago had caused quite a shock to Qiao Ping.

Although he knew that marrying off his daughter might not truly resolve the Wei family’s grudge against them, he had never really considered whether there might come a day when Duke Wei Shao would disregard the existence of their marriage alliance and take revenge on the Qiao family.

His daughter’s letter had awakened him, especially given the gravity of her tone.

Qiao Ping thought carefully, recalling how Wei Shao had dealt with another enemy, Li Su, who fell into his hands when he was eighteen and shuddered.

At that time, Li Su’s entire clan was executed on the eastern seashore, and Li Su himself was subjected to lingchi, sliced by a thousand cuts before being chopped into mincemeat and fed to the fish.

Ten years ago, although Wei Jing and his son had died directly at Li Su’s hands, the Qiao family could not escape blame for their part in it.

If Wei Shao hated Li Su so much that he inflicted such a horrifying punishment, there was no reason to believe he would turn hostility into friendship just because the Qiao family had married off a daughter to him.

His daughter was Wei Shao’s bedfellow, living with him day and night, and naturally understood him better than outsiders.

Not only did she have concerns, but she also warned him, which was certainly not groundless worry; she must have noticed something.

From the first day he received the letter, Qiao Ping had been pondering it repeatedly in his heart. Now that his daughter had returned home, he naturally asked her about it.

…

Xiao Qiao said, “Father, in my heart, I cannot bear to be separated from you and my brother. That’s why I dare not hide anything from you anymore. The night before I was married, I had a nightmare. It was incredibly real as if I had lived through the rest of my life. In the dream, my husband Wei Shao later dominated the world, but he still harbored resentment over the old grudge between the Wei and Qiao families. He took his revenge, and the fate of the Qiao family was not much different from that of Li Su back then. When I woke from the dream, I was terrified, feeling as if I had lived an entire lifetime, and it seemed like a divine revelation. At the time, I didn’t dare tell you. After marrying into the Wei family, I’ve been on edge every moment this past year. Although I’ve received the loving care of Wei’s family’s grandmother, who has been very supportive, and although Grandmother is merciful and willing to let go of old matters, I’ve observed that my husband’s hatred runs deep and may be difficult to completely resolve. Moreover, he didn’t marry me of his own volition in the first place. If Grandmother passes away in the future, the situation is truly unpredictable. The more I think about it, the more worried I become, fearing that my nightmare might one day become a self-fulfilling prophecy. That’s why I made up my mind to write this letter home to you. I intended to remind you, Father, that even if the Wei family doesn’t hate us, it’s never wrong for our Qiao family to prepare for the future and take some precautions.”

Qiao Ping stared at his daughter in shock. To say that his heart was struck by waves of astonishment would be no exaggeration.

He never imagined that his daughter, not yet sixteen years old, could have such heavy thoughts and speak such words.

As if enlightened, he stood there frozen.

“Father, in today’s chaotic world, you should understand better than I do that only with strong troops and horses can we protect ourselves. Everything else, such as alliances, is merely fleeting. As for marriage contracts, they’re even less significant. As a wife in the Wei family, I will naturally do my best to maintain good relations between the two families. But from now on, Father, you should find ways to recruit talented people and strengthen our military forces. This way, if something happens in the future, we’ll have a backup plan and won’t be at the mercy of others.”

Qiao Ping frowned deeply, pacing the room again, his footsteps heavy and echoing.

Xiao Qiao held her breath, watching her father’s figure intently.

He paced for a long time, then suddenly stopped, turned around, and said word by word, “Daughter, what you say is right! Regardless of your nightmare, without long-term planning, there will always be imminent worries. Our Qiao family of Yanzhou once dominated the region, but now we’ve fallen so low that we have to rely on marrying off a daughter for an alliance to maintain a precarious peace.

Every time I think about it, I feel ashamed. Today, being awakened by you like this, I feel as if I’ve woken from a great dream. There’s something you don’t know, daughter. Many of the retainers and officers of our Qiao family in Yanzhou are not content with the status quo. It’s just that your uncle has been complacent, and I haven’t fought hard enough, so we’ve wasted time day after day, and people’s hearts have scattered! I know what to do now!”

Xiao Qiao finally breathed a sigh of relief.

“Father! I’ve finally heard you say these words! I don’t know how long I’ve been waiting!”

Suddenly, the door of the study was pushed open.

Xiao Qiao turned to see her brother rushing in like a whirlwind, extremely excited, going straight to Qiao Ping and kneeling on one knee.

“Father! I am willing to serve you first! To recruit talents and strengthen our forces, to revitalize our Yanzhou, if there’s anything I can do, just command me!”

Qiao Ping snorted, “I was talking to your sister. How did you eavesdrop from outside?”

Qiao Ci stuttered, suddenly realizing his mistake, and quickly winked at Xiao Qiao standing nearby.

Xiao Qiao smiled and went forward to help her brother up. She said, “Father, I’m just afraid that Uncle might interfere again, and you’ll be constrained.”

Yanzhou had been weak for a long time. Apart from those idle advisors who constantly flattered him with what he wanted to hear, Uncle Qiao Yue had long since lost the support of the people. It’s just that Qiao Ping had always been restricted by Qiao Yue’s position as both elder brother and family head and didn’t like to take the lead in matters.

Qiao Ping said, “It would be best if he agreed. If he doesn’t, I won’t blindly follow him this time!” His words were resolute, his voice resounding.