Chen Xu had a decadent look on his face, as if he had lost his soul. His beard was not shaved clean, his hair was messy, and his clothes were draped casually, making him look very sloppy.
He sighed and shook his head, his tone full of self-mockery: "Alas, I am really alone now!"
Just then, a maid came in with a bowl of steaming ginseng soup. Xiao Xiao quickly took the soup and walked over to sit beside Shen Xu's bed. She handed the soup to Shen Xu and said softly, "General Shen, you haven't eaten for a long time. Drink some ginseng soup first. I also made chicken soup for you. You can eat some chicken later to replenish your body."
After hearing Xiao Xiao's words, Shen Xu slowly raised his head. Only then did he carefully look at the woman in front of him, frowning slightly, and asked doubtfully: "You... aren't you Xiao Jingyi's adopted daughter, Xiao Xiao? Why are you here?"
Xiao Xiao's face suddenly turned pale as paper, and she said in a trembling voice, "I... I am Zheng Xiao, the daughter of Zheng Fei, the former governor of Nanyi!"
Chen Xu's eyes widened, and he said angrily, "That corrupt official, Zheng Fei, who accepted bribes and embezzled imperial funds? Wasn't his entire family executed? How could a daughter like you survive?"
Xiao Jinghan quickly explained, "Uncle Shen, please listen to me! That's because Zheng Fei was framed by Xiao Jingyi in order to have his own people take the position of prefect. And now, my men have found evidence that Xiao Jingyi framed Zheng Fei, which can prove his innocence!"
Chen Xu sighed deeply, his eyes flashing with anger and helplessness: "Xiao Jingyi, that bastard! How could he so cruelly kill an honest man! Don't worry, child! We will definitely redress your father's innocence!"
Xiao Xiao nodded gratefully, her heart filled with hope and anticipation. Finally, she saw a glimmer of hope: perhaps justice would finally be served, and her father's unjust case would be vindicated.
Luo Lingyue said from the side: "General Shen, we have another unwelcome request. We want you to adopt Xiao Xiao as your adopted daughter! She is already a dead person in Emperor Wen's eyes! If she wants to fight in the battlefield and become a female general! She must have a new identity!"
Only then did Shen Xu notice Luo Lingyue next to him. He narrowed his eyes, looked at her, and asked, "Who are you, little girl?"
Luo Lingyue introduced herself gracefully, "I'm Luo Jing's youngest daughter, Luo Lingyue!"
After hearing this, Chen Xu smiled and said, "Oh, so you're the little girl from the Luo family. I know you're the granddaughter of Duke Anguo! You're the only precious daughter of the Luo and An families! What are you doing in Nanyi? It's not safe here. Go home quickly!"
Luo Lingyue shook her head, put her arm around Xiao Jinghan's, and said with a sweet smile, "Uncle Shen, I can't go back! I'm the Princess of Wu'an now! Just tell me whether you will accept Xiao Xiao as your adopted daughter or not."
Chen Xu pursed his lips, looked at Xiao Xiao firmly and said, "I have no children, so why should I adopt a daughter? From now on, you are my biological daughter!" His tone was full of love and determination.
A touch of emotion flashed in Xiao Xiao's eyes. She carefully handed the bowl of ginseng soup to the maid beside her, then knelt on the ground without hesitation, her expression solemn and pious. She kowtowed deeply to Chen Xu, making crisp kowtows, each time filled with gratitude and respect.
Chen Xu was so excited that tears welled up in his eyes. He helped Xiao Xiao up with trembling hands and said in a choked voice, "My dear daughter, please get up quickly!"
Xiao Xiao stood up, tears in her eyes, but a happy smile on her face. She held Chen Xu's hand tightly, feeling the warmth and love, her heart filled with joy. From then on, she was no longer alone, but had a home that truly belonged to her.
Chen Xu gently stroked Xiao Xiao's hair, his eyes filled with affection. He whispered, "From now on, your name will be Chen Zheng, a homonym of your father's surname. May you soar freely in the sky like a kite."
Xiao Xiao nodded vigorously, tears glistening in her eyes. She knelt again and kowtowed three times, her voice firm and sincere: "Chen Zheng thanks father for giving me the name!"
Chen Xu's eyes were filled with relief. He gently pulled Xiao Xiao up and said with a smile, "My dear daughter, from now on, we father and daughter will depend on each other and spend every beautiful moment together."
Xiao Xiao smiled and nodded, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. She knew that from this moment on, she would have a warm family and a father who loved her. In the days ahead, no matter how great the difficulties and challenges she faced, she would no longer be alone, because her father was by her side, supporting her.
Xi Ruming looked at Chen Zheng with a smile and said, "Chen Zheng, please go find a carriage. Your father is still quite weak and not suitable for walking for long periods of time. But don't worry, as long as he takes some medicine for a while and takes good care of himself, he will be able to recover his previous health!"
At this moment, a maid walked in carefully carrying a bowl of steaming chicken soup and several plates of exquisite side dishes, and then whispered to Chen Xu, "Master, please have your meal." Then she placed the food on the small table beside the bed with light and skillful movements.
Chen Xu sat on the bed, looking at Xi Ruming with tears of gratitude, and couldn't help but sigh, "I thought I wouldn't live long! Who knew that the prince would come to visit me in person and bring Dr. Xi to treat me. What surprised me even more is that I actually have such a filial daughter! This is so joyful! When I recover, I will definitely pass on all my life's knowledge to my precious daughter!"
My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!
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