Chapter 598 Qiao Jinglian Returns to Beijing
Qiao Qinghe glanced at Li Sanqi, then at Qiao Ning.
Initially, Madam Wen wanted Qiao Ning to be a concubine for her eldest grandson.
After she made it clear that she would not allow her grandniece to become a concubine, Madam Wen reluctantly allowed Qiao Ning to marry Wen Jue as his principal wife. This was not only because she genuinely liked him to some extent, but also because Wen Jue was born out of wedlock, had no official rank or title, was old, and was lame. Therefore, it was a reluctant but acceptable match.
But now, Qiao Ning is still the same Qiao Ning, while Wen Jue has soared to great heights.
Now, let alone marrying Qiao Ning as Wen Jue's principal wife, she'd probably be scrutinized even to become a concubine to see if she's qualified.
If Madam Wen still harbors resentment or even hatred towards the Qiao family for refusing the marriage, Qiao Ning's marriage may be hindered.
Once Qiao Qinghe understood all this, she immediately decided that she must find a suitable family for Qiao Ning and arrange the marriage before Madam Wen could do anything.
As the two were talking, the debate downstairs began.
Qiao Qinghe originally thought she would be able to see a wonderful match today.
The result was a great disappointment.
Both sides, for and against, were speaking in accordance with the imperial court's policies, advocating for friendly relations and peace between the two countries. Of course, this was perfectly understandable.
Disappointingly, not a single person dared to stand up and voice their opposition.
Occasionally, a few people would stand up and say that one should always be wary of others, but they were quickly silenced.
The debate was one-sided and rather uninteresting.
Qiao Qinghe said goodbye to Li Sanqi and left before the debate ended.
After leaving the painted corner tower and boarding the horse at the Qiao residence, Qiao Ning, who had been holding back her words in front of Li Sanqi, finally spoke up: "Grandmother, have I caused you any trouble?"
Qiao Qinghe glanced at Qiao Ning in surprise. Was the child blaming herself?
"It's alright, don't worry about it. Your great-aunt promised to find you a good family, and she will definitely do it."
Qiao Ning hesitated before speaking, "Grandmother, why don't you send someone to escort me back to Jiangnan?"
"I came to the capital because something happened in Jiangnan. Now that things have calmed down in Jiangnan and everything is fine at home, why don't you have someone send me back?"
"That way, you won't be in a difficult position."
Hearing Qiao Ning's words, Qiao Qinghe was touched. She smiled and put her arm around Qiao Ning's shoulder, gently comforting her, "Why are you worrying so much, you're just a child?"
“Let me tell you, no one in the capital can bully me.”
"Usually, I'm the one who bullies others!"
"Don't worry. Your great-aunt will definitely find you a suitable family."
Qiao Ning rested her head on Qiao Qinghe's shoulder and softly replied, "Yes. I believe in my great-aunt."
Qiao Qinghe and Qiao Ning returned to the Qiao residence. As soon as they got out of the car, Madam He excitedly came to greet them.
"Madam, you're back!"
Madam He reached out to help Qiao Qinghe out of the carriage, and after she stood still, she happily said, "Second Master Lian is back."
Because both Qiao Jinglian and Qiao Jingyao were the second sons and shared the same surname, Madam He had the servants in the mansion agree on a term of address to distinguish between them: one was called Second Master Lian, and the other Second Master Yao.
Qiao Qinghe was taken aback.
Then Madam He hurriedly explained, "It's the second grandson of the old lady's eldest brother."
"Jing Lian is back!?"
Qiao Qinghe asked with delight as she quickly walked inside.
Qiao Ning asked in surprise, "Second Uncle is back so soon? Wasn't it said that the army wouldn't arrive in the capital for another half month?"
Madam He turned to Qiao Ning and explained, "Second Master Qiao said he asked the General for leave and came back ahead of time. He wanted to give the Old Madam and Grandmother a surprise."
As soon as the group passed through the hanging flower gate, they saw a tall, handsome middle-aged man in armor. Upon seeing Qiao Qinghe, the man immediately bent his knees and knelt down.
"Your nephew kowtows to express his deepest gratitude to your aunt!"
Who else could this person be but Qiao Jinglian?
Qiao Qinghe's eyes also reddened, and she quickly called for someone to help the person up.
But Qiao Jinglian insisted on kneeling to finish what he had to say.
"I thank my aunt for taking in my grandmother and for tolerating the Qiao family's schemes."
"The Qiao family has caused you trouble."
As Qiao Jinglian spoke, he kowtowed to Qiao Qinghe.
Qiao Qinghe felt a lump in her throat and couldn't speak for a moment.
Then Qiao Jinglian continued, "Grandmother Xie was concerned about the Qiao family and sent the Earl of Enping to the south of the Yangtze River to save the Qiao family from their predicament."
Qiao Qinghe wanted to say that it was not something she could control for the Earl of Enping to go south of the Yangtze River, but Qiao Jinglian did not give her a chance to speak.
“I know, Aunt is trying to say that the Earl of Enping’s trip to the south of the Yangtze River was a decision made by the imperial court and had nothing to do with Aunt.”
"However, if it weren't for my aunt's relationship with the Earl of Enping's family, the Earl of Enping wouldn't have been so concerned about the Qiao family's affairs, allowing the Qiao family to easily clear their name."
"Therefore, on behalf of the Qiao family, I kowtow to express my deepest gratitude to my aunt!"
As he spoke, he kowtowed again.
Because Qiao Jinglian was still wearing a helmet, the heavy impact of the impact made a loud noise.
Everyone was stunned for a moment, and then they couldn't help but smile.
The originally serious atmosphere instantly became more relaxed.
Just as Qiao Qinghe thought Qiao Jinglian had finished speaking and was about to tell everyone to get up, she heard Qiao Jinglian say again, "I thank you three times, Aunt, for securing such a bright future for me and the Qiao family."
"If it weren't for my aunt, my second brother and I wouldn't have had the opportunity to join the army and fight alongside the Earl of Enping to achieve merit!"
"Thank you very much, Aunt, for your kindness to me and to the Qiao family."
After the third kowtow, Qiao Qinghe could no longer hold back and personally stepped forward to forcefully pull the person up.
"We're all family, why talk about gratitude?"
"Only when you are doing well can I do well too!"
"Thank you so much, Aunt, for your magnanimity in not holding a grudge against us for what happened before!" Qiao Jinglian said sincerely, her eyes red with tears.
Qiao Qinghe smiled and took Qiao Jinglian's hand, leading him inside. "When did you arrive? Why haven't you even taken off your armor? It must be so tiring to wear it."
Qiao Jinglian smiled and shook her head, "I'm not tired. I've been back for half an hour and have been talking to my grandmother the whole time."
“My grandmother also told me to take off my clothes, wash up, and change into something lighter. I insisted on not changing, and waited for my aunt to come back so that she could see how heroic I looked in my military uniform.”
Qiao Qinghe patted his hand with a smile and said with concern, "I can see it now. You should go back to your room and change. I feel so tired just looking at you."
Then she turned to look at Madam He, "Have you arranged accommodations for the Second Master?"
Madam He quickly replied with a smile, "It's all arranged. The First Madam has had the courtyard next to the Old Madam prepared for Second Master Lian to live in."
This will make it easier for Grandma Qiao to see her grandson.
Qiao Qinghe nodded in satisfaction and said okay.
The group walked a little further in and then met Qiao Jingyi, who came out to greet them.
Before he even got close, Qiao Jingyi called out with a smile, "Aunt, Second Brother, Grandmother is getting impatient and asked me to come out and see why you haven't come in yet."
Although the words were meant to urge me, they sounded especially comforting today.
Qiao Qinghe smiled and replied, "Coming right away."
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