Chapter 461 The Min Family's Choice
The first reason for choosing to come to the Qi Prince's Mansion was not only because of Li Sanqi's reminder, but also because Min Qiaoshi was certain before she came that Min Yuexi would definitely choose to change her surname to hers.
With Min Yuexi taking the lead, the rest of the group were more or less swayed.
After leaving the Prince of Qi's residence, Madam Min Qiao did not return to the Marquis of Xuanping's residence, but instead went to the residence of the third wife, Feng Yuerou.
When she returned to Beijing before, Feng Yuerou also came out of the city to welcome her.
However, before she could say more than a few words, she was summoned to the palace by Emperor Xiaozhao.
After she fell unconscious, she was carried out of the palace, and immediately the Marquis's residence was surrounded by the Imperial Guards.
We still haven't had a proper conversation.
To be honest, although Min Hui's identity has been questioned in various ways, it has never been officially confirmed, nor has it been removed from the Min family's genealogy.
Therefore, even in death, Min Hui is still a member of the Min family.
As Min Hui's widow, Feng Yuerou naturally falls under the Min family's category.
However, it is unclear whether the Imperial Guards overlooked it or it was due to the Marquis of Annan's residence, but when Madam Min Qiao arrived at the Third Branch, the Third Branch's residence was not surrounded.
Upon learning that Madam Min Qiao had arrived, Feng Yuerou happily came out to greet her.
"Mother!" Feng Yuerou came up to help Min Qiaoshi.
Madam Min smiled and took the person's hand, saying, "I've come to see the child."
The two entered the door, and Madam Min Qiao didn't say much, only glancing at the twins.
"You've raised these two children well."
It's chubby and white, like a New Year's picture doll, and it's incredibly cute.
"Have you named the child yet?" Madam Min asked casually.
Feng Yuerou shook her head with a smile, "Not yet. I've already given them nicknames. The older brother is called Bao Ge'er, and the younger sister is called Yu Jie'er."
"I'll wait for my mother to give them a proper name."
At this point, Feng Yuerou seemed to have thought of something and said happily, "I just heard the news outside that the Emperor has allowed my mother to establish her own residence and has also allowed the Min family descendants to change their surnames to follow my mother."
"Perfect, let's just let the twins take their mother's surname too."
Madam Min was taken aback. "When I came, I saw that there were no Imperial Guards surrounding the mansion. I suppose your family is not among those of the Min family to be purged."
At this point, a sudden realization dawned on Min Qiao's mind, and she suddenly understood why Feng Yuerou and her son were not included in the purge.
In truth, Min Hui was merely a substitute, not the child born to Wang Shi. So, how could he be considered a member of the Min family?
Moreover, although Feng Yuerou had a strained relationship with the Marquis of Annan's family, she was still the beloved youngest daughter of the Marquis and his wife.
Currently, the Earl of Annan commands a large army and guards the western border.
There's really no need for the Annan Earl and his wife to become estranged over Feng Yuerou.
Feng Yuerou was naturally unaware of what Min Qiao was thinking.
All she knew was that she didn't want the twins to take Min Hui's surname, nor did she want them to take her own.
If she could, she herself would like to change her surname to follow Min Qiao's.
So, she pleaded with a smile, "Mother, Min Hui is dead. Judging from the current situation, the Min clan is doomed too."
"Whether now or in the future, it will not bring them any benefit in having their two children take the surname Min."
Madam Min Qiao nodded, but still disagreed, saying, "The children can take your surname. You are their biological mother, so it's only right that they take your surname. There's no reason for them to take the surname of an outsider like me!"
Feng Yuerou said aggrievedly, "Does Mother not recognize me as her daughter-in-law, and not recognize these two grandchildren?"
Min Qiaoshi quickly denied it, saying, "That's not what I meant."
“Since Mother still acknowledges us, then we are still family with Mother. Since we are family, what’s wrong with the two children taking their grandmother’s surname?”
Feng Yuerou made the final decision: "It's decided then. Let the children take the surname Qiao."
"Please have the mother name the two children."
Seeing that Madam Min Qiao remained silent, Feng Yuerou softened her voice and explained softly, "Mother knows me. If I could, I would rather not have the surname Feng myself, so why would I want my child to have the surname Feng?"
"Mother……"
Madam Min sighed, "Very well. Then let the child take the surname Qiao."
"At that time, I will record them in the Qiao family genealogy."
"After I pass away, the family business of Lady Qinghe's mansion will also be divided among them."
"Mother!" Feng Yuerou leaned over and hugged Min Qiaoshi, saying softly, "Thank you!"
In this life, she met Min Qiaoshi, had a child, and gained hope.
Living is no longer an endless darkness and torment.
In this lifetime, can she finally hope for happiness?
***
After leaving Feng Yuerou's place, Min Qiaoshi went to the second branch of the Lin family and Min Yao's place.
Both before and after the division of the family property, this mother and son always kept a low profile. They never bothered Min Qiaoshi unless absolutely necessary.
Therefore, Madam Min did not dislike them.
I came here this time hoping to give them a chance to live.
Upon meeting, Madam Min Qiao didn't waste any words and went straight to explaining the situation of the Min family.
The Lin mother and son didn't make Min Qiaoshi waste any more words and believed what she said.
They had actually been prepared for being besieged by the Imperial Guards these past few days.
However, unexpectedly, when Madam Min Qiao offered to let Min Hui and his children change their surnames to hers to avoid the trouble caused by the Min family, Madam Lin and her son Min Yao both refused.
"Have you thought this through?" Madam Min Qiao wanted to persuade her further, "Do you know that the crimes committed by the Min family are enough to warrant the confiscation of your property and the extermination of your clan! If you refuse me today, perhaps your heads will roll tomorrow!"
Madam Lin smiled, but still refused, saying, "The late Madam was kind to me, and the old Marquis never mistreated me before his death."
"I cannot let my son and grandson betray them, otherwise, I will have no face to meet them in the afterlife."
Madam Min Qiao endured it all, saying, "What's more important than the living? Are you just going to watch Min Hui die?"
Lin's expression stiffened for a moment, and she looked at Min Yao.
Min Yao returned her a firm smile, then bowed deeply to Madam Min Qiao, "I appreciate Madam's kindness. However, my mother is right, one should not forget one's roots. I am unwilling to change my surname just to survive."
"Even knowing you'll die, you still won't change your surname?" Madam Min Qiao asked unwillingly.
"Yes. My mind is made up. Please, Madam, do not try to persuade me any further."
Min Yao's attitude was resolute, his expression solemn, and his determination was beyond question.
"I see."
Madam Min sighed and left the second house dejectedly.
But for some reason, she suddenly felt a sense of admiration for Lin.
Although Lin was born a maid, she always had a clear understanding of herself, lived life with clarity, and was able to stay true to herself. Over the years, she has also raised her son very well.
In comparison, she is the unfit mother!
After Min Rong was taught by Min Ji, she completely let go of her responsibilities, which led to Min Rong being ruined by Min Ji's teachings, without her even realizing it.
Then there's Min Hui. She felt she gave all her maternal love to Min Hui, but she neglected Min Hui's education and also ignored Wang Zhangshi's misleading influence on Min Hui.
Ultimately, she tried to be thorough in everything, but ended up doing nothing well.
Back at the Xuanping Marquis's residence, Madam Min Qiao had no desire to repeat what she had said several times before.
So he beckoned Zhuxi out of the shadows.
"Tell the matter to the people in the manor, let them make a decision, and then come back to tell me."
"I'm tired, Xianhui is going to rest."
After saying that, he went straight back to Songhetang.
Zhu Xi was dumbfounded. She was a secret guard, so why did it feel like the old lady was using her as a steward's maid?
However, Zhuxi was not one to be pretentious. She quickly told Xiao Wushi and Aunt He about the matter and asked them to tell the others. As for whether or not to change the surname, that was up to them to decide.
After saying that, Zhuxi quickly caught up with Min Qiaoshi.
She was a bodyguard and had to stay by the old lady's side at all times!
As for the job of the head maid, let the old lady find someone else.
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