Chapter 147.2: Jin Wang Dotes on His Concubine Ch 147 Pt. 2
Translated by gingercat
Edited by gingercat
His family’s status wasn’t very high and they had to rely on the main branch to live a good life. Ever since he was young, he’d always see his parents wearing a smile after coming back from a visit to the main branch. They’d either be bringing back some fabric or food, but most of the time they were directly given some silvers.
Then his family would continue to live comfortably until things started to run out. Then they would make another visit. In the Qiao Family, there were many people like this, and no one thought there was anything wrong with this behaviour. In their eyes, they were all of the same clan. Since the main branch was rich, they should help the other clan members.
But once this started to happen too often, even the nicest person would start to get upset. The more times they went, the less successful they became. Sometimes his father and his mother would come back with something after begging for it, but other times, they’d come back empty-handed. There were even times when they’d come back disgraced after being humiliated by the servants.
By this time, Qiao Anhe was already older and had started to go to school. He felt that this kind of behaviour was wrong, but there wasn’t anything he could do. He could only brace himself and study hard in the hopes of becoming successful one day.
And he did become outstanding. As his grades got better and better, things slowly began to change at home. Master Qiao was willing to help talented relatives, so his family was able to move to a better house and have fixed monetary support. He passed the exams at the provincial level and became a juren, then things turned upside down upon his father’s death.
But even so, his family still clung on to the main branch.
Master Qiao made all the arrangements that should’ve been made by his parents, including his marriage. If his mother hadn’t died from a serious illness, he might have already been married at this time. His fiancée was a young miss from the maternal family of Old Madam Qiao.
Her father was an ordinary sixth-rank official, with a very ordinary appearance.
Master Qiao said that this was an opportunity for him to develop his career, but Qiao Anhe knew that the other party wanted to tie him down to the family. The stone hanging in his chest would only be put down once he sees his name on the list of candidates who have successfully passed the imperial exams.
He knew that his sister was also worried. They were both women but Qiao Yan’er was not as good as his younger sister in terms of appearance or the four arts. Whatever Qiao Yan’er could do, his younger sister could also do. When compared to Qiao Yan’er, his sister was outstanding and her talent was well known. Qiao Yan’er could only serve as a foil when placed next to his sister.
He knew that his sister wasn’t fond of accompanying Qiao Yan’er to study. Although it was said that she was there to accompany her to study, it was more accurate to call her a maid given their unequal statuses. But his younger sister still kept going until Qiao Yan’er became of age and said that she no longer needed a study companion.
Then his sister no longer went as a study companion. Instead, she went along to chat. Every time his sister returned, she’d always be wearing something new, whether it be clothing or jewelry.
The Qiao Family were well-known wealthy merchants from the south of the Yangtze River. Qiao Yan’er was born as a di daughter, so her food and clothing were never lacking. Whenever Qiao Anhe saw his sister coming back with new clothing or jewelry, he’d be reminded of his mother. His mother had only become more diligent in visiting the main branch after his father’s death. He once asked his mother not to go anymore, but his mother only called him a fool who didn’t know anything.
His mother had said that he wasn’t the only one in the family who was good at reading. If it weren’t for her always running over to Old Madam’s side, would the Qiao Family have done so much to cultivate him?!
This was a great insult to Qiao Anhe, but she was his mother. No matter how unreconciled he felt in his heart, he couldn’t say it.
When it came to his sister, he could still say a few words, but just like his mother, she also called him an ignorant fool.
She had said that one must always make a backup plan to succeed in life. If she could marry well, she’d be able to help her elder brother more! To put it bluntly, she didn’t believe that he’d be able to pass the imperial exam to become a jinshi.
When they entered the capital this time, Qiao Anhe told Qiao Xiuli in vague terms that the current situation was different from the past. This was Duke Zhenguo Manor. As a guest, it was improper for her to always go to the rear courtyard, but Qiao Xiuli ignored his heeding.
A while ago, after drinking some wine, Qiao Anhe started arguing with Qiao Xiuli. Qiao Xiuli then began to cry and said that the people of Duke Zhenguo Manor had ignored them ever since they arrived. By always visiting Qiao-shi’s place, she’d be reminding them of their presence, to prevent them from being neglected. Perhaps the Shizi would even take her brother out to socialize. Even if he only brought him along to sit for a while at a high-ranking official’s home, he could probably still gain something out of it.
Qiao Anhe was speechless.
The reason why he had drunk outside that day was exactly because of this. Once the imperial exams were approaching, students from all over the country would gather together in the capital and have exchanges with each other. Even those with connections and ties were all so busy their feet barely touched the ground. As for him, he had a gold mountain in his arms but it was still useless.
Although Qiao Anhe had yet to become friends with everyone, he already told them that he was living in Duke Zhenguo Manor.
He knew in his heart that just being talented and smart was not enough. Three years ago, he was full of ambitions and boasted that his exam had gone well, but in the end, he still failed.
In this short period of time, countless thoughts rushed through Qiao Anhe’s mind. He glanced at Qiao Xiuli and said, “There’s always men coming in and out of this manor, so be careful to avoid them.”
Qiao Xiuli didn’t know what he was thinking. She simply nodded upon hearing this, not thinking too deeply into it.
She stood up in a rush, only to realize that her movements were too abrupt. Then she explained quickly, “Brother, you must be busy. I just remembered that I still have a piece of embroidery I have yet to finish, so I’ll return to my room first.”
Qiao Anhe nodded then Qiao Xiuli left.
After walking out, before she reached the West Wing, a young man dressed as a servant winked at Qiao Xiuli.
She nodded and then entered the West Wing.
Not long after, the servant came over.
He was a servant who served Qian Anhe while he studied, named Fazi.
Qiao Xiuli sent her maid away to make tea for her, and Fazi took out a tightly wrapped packet from his arms and handed it to her. From the way he was holding it, it was as if something was frightening inside it.
Qiao Xiuli received it with a calm expression. She turned around and stuffed it into a cabinet then took out a small bag the size of a palm and handed it to Fazi.
“Keep it safe. Do as I ordered, then bring it back to me in three days.”
Fazi nodded, then asked hesitantly, “Young miss, what do you need this kind of thing for?”
“Don’t ask what you shouldn’t ask!” As if aware that her words had been harsh, she relaxed her expression and softened her tone. “Naturally, I have a use for it. You’ll know in the future.”
“Young miss…”
Qiao Xiuli begged, “Fazi, don’t forget that when you were about to die on the street, it was me who rescued you back…”
Fazi didn’t say anything anymore. After putting what he was given away, he left.
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