Chapter 636 Reward of Three Hundred Taels of Silver
The answer is yes, Grandpa Xiao agrees!
He dislikes virtuous people because merchants are cunning and will stop at nothing to achieve their goals.
He even witnessed merchants, when they failed to achieve their goals, sow discord between the two countries, plunging countless people into misery.
Therefore, he despised those who profited from national disasters, and consequently, he also despised the business world.
He retired from the imperial court to live out his retirement in Yunhe County, but that doesn't mean he was completely oblivious to the world around him.
He knew perfectly well what had happened in Yunhe County and what his children had done.
Therefore, he was disappointed in his children, disliked them, and believed that he had neglected them because he was preoccupied with court affairs, which led to their current state.
Old Master Xiao had heard of the name "Wan Qiqi" before the Lunar New Year.
In Yunhe County, she was the only one to receive a plaque bestowed by the emperor. Even in the entire Daxing area, there weren't many women from farming households who received such a favor.
His affection for Wan Qiqi disappeared after she went into business, but he developed some new feelings for her at the girls' school, which also vanished as Wan Qiqi's business grew.
When he first met Wan Qiqi, unaware of her identity, he was quite fond of her. Later, through various details about the birthday banquet, he gained a comprehensive understanding of Wan Qiqi.
This person does business like other businessmen, all for money, but he doesn't lose his integrity because of money. This is something that Old Master Xiao greatly appreciates.
As Xiao Nianyuan left, Xiao Huai toned down his mischievousness. When Xiao Zheng returned, Old Master Xiao's aversion to Wan Qiqi gradually subsided.
If we were to ask him how he feels about Wan Qiqi now, the only way to describe it would be that he doesn't dislike her.
"Alright, we'll do as the girl says!" Old Master Xiao said with a smile, sitting down in front of the cake and looking up to ask, "How do you sing that birthday song you mentioned?"
Wan Qiqi understood and immediately pulled Xiao Huai to improvise the "Happy Birthday" song.
Upon hearing the melody, Xiao Huai frowned slightly, expressing strong doubt about Wan Qiqi's singing style, yet feeling that it was perfectly normal for it to come from Wan Qiqi's mouth.
In the end, Xiao Huai approved of Wan Qiqi's singing style and led the Xiao family to sing along.
The familiar "Happy Birthday" greeting came from different people and different eras, leaving Wan Qiqi with an indescribable feeling.
She had a vague feeling that there was a needle piercing her heart, causing a tingling pain, but she couldn't find the wound.
Suddenly, Wan Qiqi felt someone bump into her.
Looking up, Xiao Huai handed over a plate of cake, saying, "My father is happy, this is a reward for you!" He had an air of superiority about him.
Wan Qiqi didn't answer, but turned to look at Grandpa Xiao, only to see the smile on his face vanish instantly.
"Xiao Huai, is this how you talk to others? Have you forgotten the rules of the Xiao family?" Old Master Xiao scolded.
Xiao Huai pursed his lips, then straightened his posture and said, "Boss Wan, my father really likes the cakes you make. This one is a gift from him to you."
Wan Qiqi then accepted it and smiled at Old Master Xiao, saying, "Thank you, sir!"
Grandpa Xiao smiled in response, said nothing more, and chatted and laughed with his children.
Wan Qiqi watched this scene and desperately wanted to capture it with her camera.
The cameras in the mall are expensive, and she doesn't know how to develop photos. Besides, it would seem strange to take out either the camera or the photos.
She felt she shouldn't be too flashy, otherwise she wouldn't know how to explain herself.
However, Wan Qiqi stepped forward and suggested, "Grandpa Xiao, for someone so joyous, why don't you invite a painter to paint a family portrait for you and your family, and hang it in your study? It will make you happy."
Upon hearing this, Old Master Xiao realized it made sense and immediately instructed the steward to make the arrangements.
Then, he smiled and said to Wan Qiqi, "You deserve the most credit for today's birthday banquet. What do you want? As long as the Xiao family can provide it, I can give it to you. Or if you want me to find an official position for your husband, that's not impossible either."
Wan Qiqi only thought about completing the birthday banquet, which would fulfill Old Master Xiao's wish and promote Xinglong Restaurant. She never thought about anything other than wages.
She carefully examined Old Master Xiao to make sure he wasn't joking before speaking: "Thank you, Old Master. It's best to obtain an official position through your own examinations. If you get it through other means, it won't be legitimate, and you won't feel comfortable sitting there."
Grandpa Xiao was taken aback, seemingly not expecting the young village woman to be so clear-headed and upright.
"How do you know he doesn't want to? If he does want to, and you refuse, wouldn't that be ruining his career?" Xiao Huai waved his fan, looking like he was watching a show.
Old Master Xiao did not stop Xiao Huai, but stared at Wan Qiqi as if waiting for her answer.
"No! He's an honest and down-to-earth person who takes things one step at a time. We don't seek fame or fortune; we just want to live a good life."
Wan Qiqi's answer has raised doubts among many people.
Who doesn't seek fame and fortune? If one doesn't seek these things, what's the point of being born?
Old Master Xiao agreed with Wan Qiqi's words and summoned the steward, "Go to the storeroom and get one hundred taels of silver, then go to my study and get my dagger to give to this young friend."
Upon hearing the words "dagger" and "young friend," the Xiao family's expressions changed drastically.
Xiao Zheng reacted the most, asking, "Father, that dagger served you in battle; how can you just give it away like that?"
Before Old Master Xiao could answer, Wan Qiqi spoke first: "Thank you for your kindness, but I do not know martial arts. If you give me your personal belongings, I am afraid I will not be able to protect myself. Please take back such a valuable item, Old Master Xiao."
Old Master Xiao never expected that his first attempt to offer the dagger would be rejected.
"If you are pleased with what I have done, you might as well reward me with some silver coins. I'm a vulgar person, I just like these things," Wan Qiqi said with a smile.
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