Tenshin-gai, located next to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, is a historic and culturally rich street in Kyoto. Along its sides, ancient buildings blend seamlessly with modern elements, preserving the ancient capital's character while offering modern conveniences. As the sled slowly enters Tenshin-gai, a subtle, rustic atmosphere washes over you, as if time itself has slowed down.
"We're here. This is No. 16 Tianxin Street." Zheng Dong's voice broke the silence in the car as he pointed to a quaint and elegant courtyard ahead.
The courtyard gate was tightly closed, and a plaque hung above the gate with the two characters "Qiao Mansion" written in vigorous strokes, revealing the owner's extraordinary status.
"Tsk tsk tsk~ Sir, you've struck gold! Judging from this, Xiao Qiao comes from a prestigious family!" Lin Lele exclaimed in amazement, teasing Chen Yu.
"You talk too much," Chen Yu said irritably.
"Knock knock knock~" Zheng Dong gently knocked on the gate of the Qiao residence. The sound echoed in the quiet street and seemed particularly clear.
A moment later, a soft footstep sound came from behind the door, and then the door slowly opened, revealing an elderly man with a kind face, wearing a thick cotton-padded coat and a cotton hat.
"Mayor Zheng, you've arrived? Please come in quickly." The old man's face lit up with surprise and delight. He quickly stepped aside to make way for them, while his gaze also swept curiously over Chen Yu and Lin Lele.
"Uncle Tian, it's been a long time. How are you doing?" Zheng Dong replied warmly, while introducing Chen Yu and Lin Lele to the old man. "I met these two at the South Gate. They said they are relatives of Professor Qiao. I haven't visited my mentor for a while, so I brought them along to pay my respects."
Upon hearing this, Uncle Tian stared at Chen Yu and Lin Lele with suspicion: "I've lived in the Qiao family my whole life, and I know roughly who their relatives are. You two look a bit unfamiliar!"
Before Chen Yu could explain, Zheng Dong interrupted, "Hehe, they are newly related, it's normal that you don't know them, Uncle Tian."
At the same time, a mysterious smile appeared on his face, as if hinting at some unspoken secret.
Seeing this, Uncle Tian still had doubts, but he didn't say anything more and could only nod in agreement: "Sir and Madam have something to do today and just happened to be out. But since you are your relatives, please come in."
After saying that, Tian Bo turned and walked into the inner courtyard, followed by Zheng Dong, Chen Yu and Lin Lele.
“This Uncle Tian was once a servant in the Qiao family. After the establishment of the new Great Xia, many of the old master-servant systems were abolished, but he still chose to stay in the Qiao family. With his lifelong loyalty and diligence, he took care of four generations of the Qiao family. Even Professor Qiao was someone he watched grow up,” Zheng Dong explained softly to Chen Yu and Lin Lele.
Chen Yu nodded upon hearing this. Qiao Meng had told him about Uncle Tian. This man's name was Tian Yuan, and he was 87 years old this year. It was said that he never married and devoted all his energy to the Qiao family.
Tian Yuan is not only the guardian of the Qiao family, but also a warm memory in the hearts of several generations of the Qiao family. They have long regarded Uncle Tian as a member of the family.
The group walked through a small courtyard and arrived at the main hall of the Qiao residence.
The hall is decorated in an elegant yet warm style, with several ink paintings hanging on the walls. The landscapes in the paintings have a profound artistic conception, making people feel as if they can hear the sound of flowing water.
A round mahogany table is placed in the center, surrounded by several carved chairs, creating an atmosphere that is both dignified and welcoming.
The temperature inside the house was very high, at least above -20 degrees Celsius, which is quite a luxury in the current climate of extreme cold and natural disaster.
"Uncle Zheng, what brings you here?" A clear female voice broke the silence in the room.
A woman dressed in an exquisite black cotton-padded jacket and wearing a velvet hat embroidered with plum blossoms, with delicate features and eyes filled with surprise and curiosity, entered the main hall from the side door.
Judging from her appearance, she did resemble Qiao Meng somewhat, and Chen Yu immediately guessed that this person must be Qiao Meng's younger sister—Qiao Xin. Qiao Xin hurriedly approached Zheng Dong, her eyes gleaming with anxiety and anticipation. "Uncle Zheng, you've come at the right time. You're a high-ranking official; could you help me inquire about my sister?"
"Xiaoxin, it's not that I don't want to help you, but I'm powerless to do anything about it! With this extreme cold disaster looming, how easy is it to find someone?" Zheng Dong said with a bitter expression.
"But my sister was in Zhongyang before the disaster. Why don't you just send someone to bring her back?" Qiao Xin asked, her tone filled with urgency and confusion.
Zheng Dong sighed and said, "You're thinking too simply. The outside environment is difficult right now, the roads are blocked, and communications are cut off. Kyoto is nearly 2,000 kilometers away from Zhongyang. Even if we wanted to, we wouldn't be able to organize a large-scale rescue operation immediately. Moreover, we don't fully understand the situation in the Zhongyang area, and blindly sending people there might only increase unnecessary risks."
Upon hearing this, Qiao Xin said indignantly, "These are all excuses! I heard that a while ago, you went all the way to Haidu to bring someone back!"
Zheng Dong was a little embarrassed upon hearing this: "What nonsense are you talking about? Where did you hear that from?"
"It's all over our school," Qiao Xin continued stubbornly. "They say the person you brought back has a powerful background, that he's related to some big shot..."
"Ahem~" Zheng Dong coughed lightly to interrupt Qiao Meng, "Don't talk nonsense without evidence! The situation is chaotic right now, and Kyoto has already been locked down. Any travel requires strict approval and planning to ensure the rational allocation of resources and the safety of people. As for the Haidu incident, it does have its own special and urgent aspects. Don't join in the discussion about this."
Seeing Zheng Dong's serious expression, Qiao Xin, though dissatisfied, didn't say anything more.
"I think today is Thursday?" Zheng Dong suddenly seemed to remember something. "Why didn't you go to class?"
Qiao Xin's eyes flickered, as if she hesitated, but she ultimately decided to tell the truth: "I think what the school is teaching now is useless, a complete waste of time, I..."
"Foolish!" Zheng Dong's expression changed drastically. "You can't say things like that again! What if someone with ulterior motives hears you..."
As Zheng Dong spoke, he looked at Chen Yu and Lin Lele, his expression shifting as he smiled and said, "By the way, Xiao Xin, I brought a relative over to your family."
"Relatives?" Qiao Xin frowned, scanning Chen Yu and Lin Lele, two unfamiliar faces, back and forth.
"Ahem~" Zheng Dong coughed lightly and said to Chen Yu, "Little Chen, let me introduce you to this..."
"Is this Xiaoxin? Hehe, I often hear your sister mention you, saying that you are not only beautiful but also smart and quick-witted. Seeing you today, I can confirm that she lives up to her reputation." Chen Yu interrupted Zheng Dong, took a step forward, and said to Qiao Xin with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Qiao Xin frowned even more deeply, and asked warily, "Who are you?"
"Hehe~! He's your brother-in-law, and you can call me Sister Lele." Lin Lele said with a grin.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
