Chapter 224 Backbone
Xie Qingran just smiled lightly, not thinking it was a big deal.
A family should live in harmony and not let things cause unhappiness. Besides, the eldest brother is gone, and the mother and son still need hope and support.
Otherwise, you'll always feel like you're living under someone else's roof, and life won't be easy.
Xie Qingran held Qin's hand and said with a smile, "That's because you, sister-in-law, are also sincere to me. When I first came, you handed over all the power of managing the household to me and have always cooperated with me. You have never complained about me when it comes to taking care of the children. So, of course I have to treat you even better!"
Everyone in this world is like this; sincerity begets sincerity. It is because the Qin family is sincere enough that Xie Qingran will reciprocate with sincerity.
"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. You're not feeling well, you need to rest properly."
"I know there are all sorts of rumors going around, but don't worry, as long as we're a family, no matter what happens outside, we can still live a good life together."
Qin gently wiped away her tears and comforted Xie Qingran.
Although she spoke lightly, Xie Qingran knew that she was also afraid inside.
"Sister-in-law, the sky won't fall, and nothing will happen to our family. Don't worry."
"Don't worry, how could I not? With you and Ajue here, I have nothing to worry about."
Madam Qin nodded gently and smiled at Xie Qingran.
Before she could finish speaking, Madam Zhou walked in, holding an old ginseng root in her hand. Upon seeing Madam Qin there, Madam Zhou burst out laughing: "Looks like I'm late?"
"Why is Sister-in-law Zhou here?" Xie Qingran suppressed all her emotions and looked at Zhou Shi coldly.
This Zhou woman and the Qin woman are completely different people. Zhou woman is petty, short-sighted, and stupid. You never know when she will cause trouble that will keep people busy.
Xie Qingran had no good feelings towards the Zhou family and had kept her distance from them ever since their first encounter.
However, given this premise, the fact that Zhou still brought the old ginseng can only mean that this person had ill intentions.
Seeing Xie Qingran's change in attitude, Zhou was a little unhappy. She snorted and said, "What? You can smile warmly when you're with Sister-in-law Qin, but you can't smile at me? I know you two are close, but don't forget that I'm also your sister-in-law."
"Sister-in-law Zhou, you're joking. We're all family, how could we possibly treat each other differently?"
"Sister-in-law, you'd better just say what you want to say. I'm not feeling well, and I don't have much patience." Xie Qingran said coldly, looking at Zhou Shi indifferently.
What Zhou hated most about Xie Qingran was her attitude; she never smiled throughout the year, and she was always cold and aloof, as if someone owed her a lot of money.
Seeing Xie Qingran like this, Madam Zhou was even more furious and said directly, "Actually, it's not a big deal. It's just that there's been too much homework in class lately, and my two children are having a hard time keeping up. That's why I'm here to beg the Princess Consort to give the children a chance to catch their breath."
"I thought it was something serious. If you think it's too much trouble, then don't go." Xie Qingran didn't indulge her at all.
Originally, this tutor was hired for Xiao Yu and his children; the two from the Zhou family were just hired as a side job. Since they were being so ungrateful, Xie Qingran had no reason to beg them to let her study.
Zhou originally thought that Xie Qingran would definitely try to persuade her, but she never expected that she would have such an attitude.
Her expression changed, and she said coldly, "Are you hoping our child won't go to school, afraid we'll surpass your family?"
“I’ll say it again, we’re all one family, and what you’re talking about doesn’t exist at all.”
“Mr. Zhou, I have been very tolerant of you, so please do not cross my bottom line.”
When Xie Qingran is feeling unwell, her patience becomes exceptionally short, so she doesn't beat around the bush with Zhou Shi and tells the truth directly.
Now, Zhou's expression turned even uglier. She gritted her teeth and glared at Xie Qingran: "What do you mean?!"
"I've already made myself very clear. Why are you still asking me what I mean? Are you pretending to be stupid, or are you actually stupid?"
"Let me tell you the truth. If your two children weren't from the Xiao family, I wouldn't have taken care of their education at all. Now that they think it's too hard, they can just not go. I don't care. They're not my sons."
Xie Qingran gave a cold snort, her eyes full of disdain.
Among these children, Xiao Jin was the youngest, but he never said he couldn't hold on. How could the two oldest children not be able to hold on? In the end, it was just that Zhou deliberately came to cause trouble, wanting to give Xie Qingran a reputation for being mean.
Xie Qingran could see through Zhou's intentions at a glance, but she did not take the bait. After all, her current situation was special, and she had to be careful with her words and actions.
"Very good, Xie Qingran, you really are very good!"
"I'd like to see how long you can keep up this arrogant act!"
Zhou slammed her hand on the table, stood up, pointed at Xie Qingran's nose, and her eyes widened in fury.
"You think the Emperor's bestowal of the title of Duke of Zhenguo on Xiao Jue is a good thing? You think you can rise in rank along with him? Let me tell you, this is a case of flattery to kill. Be careful, you and your husband don't go too far and end up in danger!"
That hit the nail on the head.
Seeing Zhou's bloodshot eyes, Xie Qingran smiled coldly: "Just because of what you said, I can divorce you and send you back to your parents' home. You'll never see your two children again. Do you believe me?"
What?
Zhou was initially taken aback, but then realized belatedly that she had indeed said the wrong thing. She quickly changed her expression, gave Xie Qingran a fierce glare, and strode outside.
Watching Zhou's retreating figure, Qin became anxious: "Qingran, is what she said true?"
"That's what everyone outside is saying, but I don't believe His Majesty would really harm A-Jue."
"Sister-in-law, don't worry about anything. No matter who asks, just say you don't know. At this time, what happens to outsiders doesn't really matter. What matters is that we don't panic."
Xie Qingran grasped Qin Shi's hand, squeezed it gently, and looked at her with a determined expression.
Looking at Xie Qingran, Madam Qin seemed to see her pillar of support and immediately nodded.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com