Seeing his wife, Yang, scolding their daughter, Qiao Mingyuan stepped in to act as a peacemaker, saying, "Madam, don't be too angry. He'er is still young and can be taught slowly. Father just took his medicine and heard the noise over here, so he came over to check on us."
When Yang saw her father-in-law coming, she immediately stepped forward to pay her respects and said self-reproachfully, "I'm sorry for disturbing your rest, father. It's my fault. I was also worried about He'er, so I spoke in a hurry."
Qiao Sanhe coughed weakly a few times and his steps trembled, which made Yang feel even more guilty. She did not bother to continue preaching to her daughter and quickly asked the old man to take a seat.
Before sitting down, Qiao Sanhe secretly gave a wink to his granddaughter Qiao Heyuan. There was no need for many words between the grandfather and granddaughter, as the tacit understanding was already in their hearts.
Qiao Heyuan blinked cleverly, then said politely, "He'er just offended Mother and deserves to be punished. I will go to the ancestral hall and kneel for two hours to apologize to our ancestors."
As soon as she finished speaking, she lifted her skirt, turned around and hurried out, looking like a bird eager to escape.
"Eh? I haven't finished yet." Yang said dissatisfiedly as she watched her daughter slip away.
"Okay, as long as the child knows he is wrong." Qiao Sanhe waved his hand and said conciliatory words.
Yang realized that Old Master Qiao was biased towards Qiao Heyuan, and she couldn't help but speak bluntly, "Father, please forgive me for speaking frankly. The marriage between the Jiang and Qiao families is a happy event. Instead of helping to mediate with Auntie, you just stood by and watched."
Her husband, Qiao Mingyuan, looked gloomy and scolded his wife: "How can you talk to your father like that!"
Qiao Sanhe reached out to stop him and said, "Madam, you are also confused because of your concern."
He went on to explain, "Mingli married into the Jiang family because of a connection between me and the old man of the Jiang family. The Jiang family is a family of scholars with an upright family tradition. This marriage is indeed impeccable."
The Mingli mentioned by the old man refers to the maiden name of the second wife of the Jiang family, Qiao.
"However, living in a wealthy family is not just about living a comfortable life behind closed doors. Aren't you aware of the grievances Mingli has suffered over the years?" Old Master Qiao looked at his eldest daughter-in-law, his tone filled with deep helplessness.
After hearing this, Yang remained silent. She naturally knew the whole story, because even she and several of her sisters-in-law were often left out in the social gatherings between officials' families.
This neglect also affects the children's marriage, making it impossible for them to get what they want.
Daughters-in-law could only choose middle-class families in the capital, and daughters found it difficult to marry into mansions with titles. Although sons-in-law were all young talents with official titles, they could not help feeling a little unwilling.
Now the only thing that remains unsettled for Yang is Qiao Heyuan's marriage, so naturally she has to make good plans for her.
"He'er is my sweetheart. I am strict with her just because I hope she can have a good home." There was a flicker of unwillingness in Yang's eyes. Her wish was simple and pure. She just wanted her daughter to live a happy and prosperous life.
After hearing his daughter-in-law's words, Old Master Qiao understood her painstaking efforts and comforted her softly, "Even with my old bones, I still hold the position of a commissioner. You can rest assured for now. As a grandfather, I will certainly not let He'er suffer any grievances in the future."
When Yang heard this, her worry turned into joy and a smile appeared on her face. She knew very well that the old man's plan must be more thoughtful than what she, a woman in seclusion, could imagine.
Late at night, the Qiao family ancestral hall was immersed in silence.
Qiao Heyuan held a copy of "Xiyuanluji" in her hand, reading it with a focused expression, every word seemed to have magic, making her wish she could engrave every word in her mind.
At my feet was the small wooden box that should have been burned. The toad in the box croaked a few times, and the sudden sound was particularly clear in the silent night.
Old Master Qiao Sanhe walked out slowly from the courtyard where he lived, looking vigorous and energetic, with none of his usual frailty. He was carrying an antique wicker box in his hand and walked into the ancestral hall with steady steps.
Qiao Heyuan was startled when she heard footsteps, thinking it was her mother, Yang, who had arrived. She hurriedly hid the book in her hand under the futon, clasped her hands together, and muttered to herself, "My daughter is unfilial and has contradicted her mother. From now on, I will be careful with my words and actions and be filial to my elders."
Grandfather Qiao Sanhe stood behind her, a smile flickering in his eyes. He had long seen through Qiao Heyuan's tricks, so he deliberately put on a serious face and joked, "You're quite skilled at hiding books!"
Qiao Heyuan breathed a sigh of relief when she heard her grandfather's voice. She turned around with an awkward smile on her face, "Grandpa, you're here. I thought it was Mother. You scared me."
Qiao Sanhe laughed heartily and pointed at the cushion where she kept her books. "You are quite clever, little girl. The book 'Xiyuanluji' you are reading is a family heirloom of our Qiao family. It was copied by your great-grandfather. I am very pleased that you are studying it so attentively."
Upon hearing this, Qiao Heyuan showed a hint of discouragement on her face, "But my mother wouldn't agree to me becoming a coroner, and neither would my father."
Qiao Sanhe sighed at the ancestral tablets in the ancestral hall, "Your mother naturally hopes that you can marry into a wealthy family and have a stable life. But if you really want to become a coroner, I'm afraid even getting married will be difficult, let alone finding a suitable match."
He knew in his heart that his grandchildren were now all studying and entering officialdom, and the profession of coroner was something that was passed down from father to son. He was afraid that by the time of Qiao Mingyuan's generation, the family tradition would be broken.
However, thanks to his ancestors' blessings, his family had another child with the same ambition, but it happened to be a girl.
If she wanted to go down this road, it would be extremely difficult and dangerous.
Qiao Heyuan lowered her head and said nothing. Fortunately, she was optimistic by nature, and soon said expectantly, "Grandpa, did you bring the things you said you would give your granddaughter last time?"
Qiao Sanhe looked at the wicker box in his hand, then turned his gaze to the ancestral tablet again. He struggled in his heart, but in the end, he made up his mind.
That’s all!
The glory of life will never come again, so worry about tomorrow when it comes!
"Are you really determined to learn?" Qiao Sanhe's eyes were burning, as if he wanted to see through his granddaughter's heart. He asked in a deep voice, his tone revealing the final confirmation.
Qiao Heyuan took a deep breath and took a firm step back.
She kowtowed three times solemnly to her grandfather Qiao Sanhe, each kowtow filled with determination and respect.
Then, she turned to face the wall of ancestral tablets, her eyes gleaming with determination as she swore, "I, your granddaughter Qiao Heyuan, hereby swear to remain faithful and unwavering in my resolve. I earnestly ask grandfather to teach me and help me achieve my heart's desire."
Although her voice was not loud, every word was clear and powerful, echoing in the ancestral hall.
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