Chapter 119.
"Look, what is this fuss about?"
Mrs. Qiao banged the table and frowned sternly. When she saw Qiao Zhentao standing in front of her, she became angry. She couldn't help but said angrily, "As soon as I saw you, I thought of that unfilial son Qiao Zhenshan in Mobei! If it weren't for him, why does my Yuanmie suffer from such aggrievedness? What should you do if you plan to become an uncle? Stop saying that Yuanmie must obey her parents. Her parents are far away in Mobei. You must know that Yuanmie is my adopted daughter. Big one, no one can surpass me! Even if her parents come, they still have to kneel at my feet and kowtow to me to admit their mistake!"
Mrs. Qiao was so angry that her voice became louder. Tangli was concerned about her body and massaged her acupuncture points skillfully to make Mrs. Qiao feel more relaxed.
Tang Li comforted her, "Grandma, don't be angry, and don't get angry with uncle. This matter is all my fault. I should just swallow my anger and pretend I didn't hear what Mr. Lu said."
After hearing this, Mrs. Meng couldn't help but reprimanded, "Yuanmie, you are a girl from our Qiao family. It is only right to have a temper. If you don't even dare to get angry, that would be a big mistake."
Tangli's beautiful eyes were wet with tears. She turned sideways to wipe the corners of her eyes and choked out, "I'm just afraid... I'm afraid that the friendship between the Qiao and Lu families will be ruined. When dad finds out about this, he will be furious. He has a close relationship with the Lu family, which is why we have this marriage. Now that I say that I want to cancel the marriage in front of so many people, dad will definitely be angry with me."
Mrs. Qiao sneered a few times, picked up the tea cup on the table and threw it decisively on the ground. The harsh voice showed her overwhelming anger. Mrs. Qiao said, "Yuanmie, don't worry, Zhenshan dares to blame you. I don't recognize him being an unfilial son! I brought up Yuanmie from childhood. He only writes a letter every time. During the holidays, he only writes letters. How has he ever thought of your birthday? Except for the engagement. When he was here, he remembered that hr still has a daughter like you.Yuanmie, with your grandmother here, I can't allow Qiao Zhenshan to interfere in this marriage."
Why should the child she held in her hands endure Lu Mingzhi's contempt? If he is so frivolous before getting married, wouldn't it be even worse if you get married in the future?
After what happened today, Mrs. Qiao suddenly felt that being weak was not a big deal. After all, bad conduct was what she couldn't accept the most.
Tangli's tears fell. She leaned on Mrs. Qiao's shoulder and sobbed, "Grandma, I'm sorry."
Mrs. Qiao scolded Tang Li, wiped her tears, "Good child, you don't need to apologize to grandma. The old lady only has two granddaughters, you and Yingmie. How can I not care about this?"
Qiao Ying burst into laughter, hugged Mrs. Qiao affectionately, squinted her eyes and said, "I really want to stay with my grandma all my life."
What's so good about being married? Her father and mother treat each other like guests. She has noticed that they are distant and indifferent since childhood. Sometimes her mother will be more reserved when her father is staying in the main house, as if the main house has suddenly become no longer her home. Moreover, her mother has to devote her attention to taking care of those aunts. They are chirping and arguing over a rouge and gouache. It is really ridiculous. They are her father's madams. When something happens, they don't go to her father, but to her mother, so she always has had a confusion, that is, do these aunts belong to my father or my mother?
Qiao Ying fell in love with Wang Yun at first sight, and she cared about him from then on. But it was precisely because Qiao Ying cared so much about Wang Yun that her heart felt like a knife when she heard that he defended Wen Xiu without hesitation today. Lu Mingzhi's comparison showed his value. At that moment, Qiao Ying suddenly realized, why should she chase a kite that has already been obtained? The most beautiful time for a kite is when the string is broken and flying in the air. She could go and admire other kites, so why bother trying to snatch them away?
Mrs. Qiao rarely heard such thoughtful words from Qiao Ying, and her heart suddenly overflowed with kindness and love, holding her two granddaughters in her arms, she smiled.
Qiao Zhentao winked at the taciturn Mrs. Meng who was standing aside. Mrs. Meng frowned and hesitated before speaking, "I will go to the Lu family to get an explanation for this matter. Yingmie, Yuanmie, you two come with me and sit in the courtyard."
Tangli obediently agreed to Mrs. Meng's request. Anyone with a discerning eye knew that it was Qiao Zhentao who wanted to talk to Mrs. Qiao, so she and Qiao Ying accompanied Mrs. Meng outside the room.
Qiao Zhentao clearly heard Mrs. Qiao's beating just now, and he said warmly, "Mom, I will definitely cancel the marriage between Yuanmie and the Lu family. The girl from the Qiao family does not have to suffer this anger."
Mrs. Qiao felt much relieved after receiving Qiao Zhentao's promise. The smile on her face did not fade. She said, "I almost thought you were as confused as Zhenshan."
Qiao Zhentao smiled bitterly and said helplessly, "Mom, look at what you said, even if Zhenshan is here, he will not allow the Lu family to humiliate Yuanmie."
Mrs. Qiao snorted disdainfully and put her hands in her sleeves. Once she mentioned Qiao Zhenshan, she would have endless resentment. However, she would not speak casually now, so as not to make Qiao Zhentao upset and change his mind later, that is choosing sesame seeds and losing watermelon.
At this time, Qiao Zhentao lowered his voice and said bluntly, "Even if this didn't happen today, I would still allow this marriage for Yuanmie."
Mrs. Qiao looked sideways and said nothing.
Seeing her like this, Qiao Zhentao was a little hesitant. Thinking of Mrs. Qiao's defense of Tang Li just now, Qiao Zhentao didn't know whether to tell her about it.
Mrs. Qiao was an impatient person. She slapped her leg and said angrily, "You are just like your father, dragging your feet like a lazy donkey!"
"...."
Qiao Zhentao finally made up his mind and said unhurriedly, "My people went to check on the maid. Her parents died of illness. She took refuge with her uncle's family and was sold to Yazi and entered the Qiao Mansion. The maid should have been a slave. But Yuanmie asked her servant to go to the government to cancel her slave registration. Not only that, her birthday coincidentally coincided with Yuanmie's, born on the same day, same month, and the same year."
Mrs. Qiao's eyes suddenly opened wide and she no longer sat cross-legged. She asked eagerly, "You said she and Yuanmie were born at the same time?"
Qiao Zhentao nodded slowly and added, "You still remember that Yuanmie was born in a village sixteen years ago. We all know about this."
Her lips trembled and she spoke with difficulty, "Don't tell me that the maid is from Lihua Village."
Qiao Zhentao sighed. Although he did not respond to Mrs. Qiao, his attitude said everything.
Mrs. Qiao was slumped on the pillow. Her face was pale, as if she had suffered some blow. Qiao Zhentao's heart was high, and he half-knelt beside the soft couch, "Mom, are you okay? I will ask someone to call you a doctor fro you now."
Tears welled up in her eyes, and she waved her hand to stop Qiao Zhentao. Mrs. Qiao persisted and asked, "Is this true? Are you lying to me?"
This is not a trivial matter, the evidence is conclusive, not to mention that Tang Yuan looks a bit like Mrs. Zheng, so Mrs. Qiao just wants to deceive herself. She can't bear the truth, and she feels sorry for her granddaughter who has not been around to raise her for more than ten years. While sitting, she feel sorry for her child whom she has raised for more than ten years. The palms and backs of my hands are all flesh. What should I do?
Qiao Zhentao's silence brought Mrs. Qiao's grief.
She sighed and said, "Let's cancel the marriage first and then talk about this matter."
Qiao Zhentao comforted her, "Mom, maybe Yuanmie has noticed it a long time ago. Don't worry too much about her."
Mrs. Qiao said in a trembling voice, "Why?"
"For no reason, how could Yuanmie think of canceling her slave status? Don't forget, she looks like her mother. Yuanmie has stayed in Mobei for so long, doesn't she have any doubts in her heart? Everyone said that Yuanmie was too beautiful, unlike us Qiao family members. We have heard many people say this. Yuanmie must have remembered this. Suddenly, she saw someone who looked like my younger brother and sister-in-law Zheng. Yuanmie's smart temperament probably makes her a little suspicious."
Qiao Zhentao's explanation quickly convinced Mrs. Qiao. When she thought about what Tangli might have guessed, Mrs. Qiao suddenly felt her heart aching. She said, "Zhentao, Yuanmie can't leave the Qiao family!"
Qiao Zhentao asked, "What about her? What arrangements should I make?"
This simple sentence made Mrs. Qiao unable to ask any more questions.
Yes, if you favor this one, what should you do with the other one?
Mrs. Qiao covered her eyes with her hands and urged Qiao Zhentao, "You should go and deal with the marriage first. Let me think about this matter carefully."
"Mom, take care of yourself."
"Can't die!"
Qiao Zhentao closed the door. He walked along the corridor and saw his daughter and Tangli sitting on the stone bench. They had returned to their usual laughter. Qiao Zhentao stood here and watched for a long time, with mixed feelings in his heart. Just as he was about to leave, he heard Tang Yuan's voice, "Master, the miss asked the slave to give this to you. She said it is related to Mr. Lu."
When they were talking about business in the room, Tang Yuan was not there. She, Liu Zhu and others were guarding the door. So just now Qiao Zhentao took the opportunity to look at Tang Yuan a few times. His eyes caught Tang Li's attention. Seeing that he was about to leave, she handed Tangyuan a letter and gave it to Qiao Zhentao.
Tangyuan has a rosy complexion, red lips and white teeth. As soon as he walked in, Qiao Zhentao realized that she really looked like Mrs. Zheng. In the past, due to etiquette, he had only glanced at Tangyuan. Now it seems that it is no wonder that Mrs. Qiao and Mrs. Meng looked at her. One glance at her and you have a clue.
"This is..."
Tangyuan handed over the letter with both hands. She didn't know what was specifically written in it. Faced with Qiao Zhentao's confusion, she smiled and said nothing.
Qiao Zhentao tore open the letter and quickly read the content written on it. He became furious and cursed, "Asshole!"
Qiao Zhentao ignored Tang Yuan beside him and went to see Tang Li with the letter.
His appearance made Qiao Ying cover her mouth, not daring to laugh loudly, for fear that Qiao Zhentao would blame her for being inappropriate.
Qiao Zhentao suppressed his anger and said, "Yuanmie, have you ever read this letter?"
Tangli shook her head blankly, "I haven't opened it yet. Actually, I shouldn't have concealed this matter from my uncle. I originally disagreed with this marriage. If my father hadn't insisted on letting me get married, I wouldn't have agreed. I was a little worried when Mr. Lu got sick last time he came to Qiao Mansion. I knew he was frail and sick, but I didn't expect it to be so serious. After weighing it, I sent someone to Xiangcheng to check on him. That man is trustworthy and he is a loyal servant in my mother's dowry shop. Not long after I received this letter, what happened today happened. I thought I might as well give it to my uncle. Maybe this letter can be of great use."
Qiao Zhentao immediately breathed a sigh of relief, thinking about it, the letter was not opened, how could she read it? It's all my fault that I was careless, but the things written in the letter were really degrading, and the slave who wrote the letter was also ungrateful. He wrote all kinds of dirty and smelly things in the letter. Fortunately, he opened it himself.
"That's good. This letter from Yuanmie really came in time."
Qiao Ying asked in a low voice, "Is daddy willing to help my sister break off the engagement?"
Qiao Zhentao smiled seriously, glanced at Qiao Ying and said, "In your heart, your father is a stone-hearted person? Marriage is a big deal, and Lu Mingzhi cannot be married to."
He was a strict father, so Qiao Ying was naturally afraid of him, but what he said suddenly made Qiao Ying understand that he also had a tender side.
Qiao Ying looked at his back absently, tilted her head and leaned on Tang Li's shoulder, murmuring, "I don't know why, but I feel like I have grown up."
Tang Li pushed her head away mercilessly and said, "Qiao Ying, have you forgotten how exquisite the hairpin on your bun is?"
In order to see Wang Yun, she dressed up.
She and her maid had chosen the clothes and jewelry after repeated selection, so just now her hairpin happened to poke Tangli's ear, arousing her disgust.
Qiao Ying stroked her bun and couldn't help laughing.
She glared at Tang Li and said pointedly, "This is not because of the jewelry, it's because of the wrong person."
Tangli held Tangyuan's hand and smiled lightly, "You have indeed grown up and become self-aware."
Qiao Ying rolled her eyes in annoyance, but she still said happily for Tang Li, "Are you happy that you have solved a serious problem in your heart?"
Tangli recalled Qiao Zhentao's eyes, her smile grew thicker, and she nodded, "Yes."
It's almost settled, not just the marriage, but everything.
...
...
...
The night wind was blowing, and the stars were scattered. Tang Li secretly took Tang Yuan to walk around the courtyard with a lantern. The two of them who had just had dinner walked through the pavilions, and Tang Yuan suddenly said,
"Miss."
"What's wrong?"
Tang Yuan grabbed her wrist and looked at her closely, "There is something wrong with the old lady's eyes tonight, not only the old lady, but also the eldest lady. The look in her eyes when looking at this slave is completely different from before, miss. Do you know the reason?"
There was no one on the waterside pavilion, and it was quiet. The lighted lamps illuminated their faces clearly and brightly. Tangli was surprised at her sensitivity, and thought that she was an extremely smart girl. It was not difficult for her to detect this.
Tangli has a strong insight, or it can be said that everything is under her control.
From the very beginning when she taught Tangyuan how to read and write, to when she showed her up to Mrs. Qiao and Mrs. Meng that day, it was her encouragement that everything went as she expected, and things happened very smoothly.
So when she noticed Qiao Zhentao's strange behavior, Tangli had thoughts in her heart.
The Qiao family has learned about Tang Yuan's life experience, and the two of them should be able to return to their respective places soon.
Tangli held her face and said with a smile, "I've been with you all day, how could I know what grandma and the others were thinking."
Tang Yuan frowned, she broke away from Tang Li's hand, pushed Tang Li step by step, and made Tang Li lean against the wall. She asked in a low voice, "It's still not right. Since yesterday, the slave told the miss about eavesdroping. When the master said those words, the midd was not even a little surprised. It was a normal reaction for the eldest lady, but the miss was calm and composed, as if she had expected it. And the slave's eyes when she mentioned Mrs. Qiao just now, the miss looked like this again. How can you let this slave believe about what the miss said about her ignorance?"
Last night Tangyuan only cried because she was afraid of losing Tangli and also afraid that Qiao Ying would break them up.
After Tang Yuan calmed down completely, she remembered Tang Li's calmness. She was not surprised like her, nor was she as disbelieving as Qiao Ying. She was always calm, as if she had known this for a long time.
At this time, Tangli once again let Tangyuan feel her calmness.
Many doubts were connected in series at once.
And she was not the Tang Yuan who didn't know anything when she first entered the house. She put her hands on Tang Li's shoulders and said word by word, "These miss doesn't have to answer, then why does miss teach me personally?"
Tang Li raised her eyebrows gently. She brushed away Tang Yuan's frown and said, "Because there is a secret between you and me."
Tang Yuan bit her lip and asked, "What secret?"
She whispered, "You look a lot like my mother."
Tang Yuan was puzzled, "So?"
Tangli patiently helped her solve the mystery. Now that she discovered it, let her tell her.
"I look nothing like my parents since I was a child, and others said that I don't look like the Qiao family. When I was in Mobei, I heard these comments again. Because my brother is very similar to my father, and having him around makes it even more attractive. I'm not from the Qiao family. These are all gossips, and I didn't take them to heart until I met you. At first, I thought you were a match for me, but then I accidentally heard someone say that you look like my mother. Yes. After hearing this sentence, I accidentally checked your place of origin and found that you are from Lihua Village. Sixteen years ago, my parents gave birth to me when they passed by Lihua Village."
Tangli held her face and said softly, "So, you are Qiao Yuan."
She retorted blankly, "How is that possible!"
Tangli smiled, "I just made a guess before, but my grandmother's performance today made me know that my guess was correct."
Tang Yuan's eyes instantly filled with tears. She couldn't believe what she said, "This must be a lie. It can't be true."
With tears in her eyes, she looked at Tangli fragilely, and then asked, "I am Qiao Yuan, and you are Tangyuan from Lihua Village. The two of us were hugged wrongly by mistake. Is this what you want to tell me?"
Tangli couldn't see her tears and wanted to wipe them away for her.
But she changed her usual softness and shook off Tangli's hands. She stared at Tangli and asked, "Let me ask you, what exactly is your kindness to me? Is it because of guilt and feeling that you enjoy it my life, I still say that the kindness you treat me is because of who I am and nothing else."
Her look was a bit stubborn, and the fear in her eyes was worth feeling for Tang Li. Tang Yuan's anxiety showed that she didn't care about the so-called truth about her life experience. What she cared about most was Tang Li's attitude towards her.
Tangyuan needed a positive answer from Tangli at this time.
"Of course it's because of you. You are really important to me. I have occupied your wealthy life for sixteen years, but in the future I can use my own ability to bring you decades of wealth, so these sixteen years I will make it up to you in the years to come. Besides, do I look like the kind of person who would sacrifice myself just by feeling guilty?"
Tangli smiled lovingly, stretched out her hands to hold her in her arms, and comforted her in a low voice, "I wonder if Miss Qiao is satisfied with my explanation?"
Tang Yuan finally showed a smile and tapped her back lightly, "I'm not Miss Qiao."
"Stay together, the Qiao family will recognize you sooner or later."
"How about you?"
Tang Li said calmly, "Me? It's time to return to my place. Then I will pay homage to them and tell them about this matter. By the way, there are also their relics, which should also be returned to their original owners."
"Let me tell you, that uncle is bad! And there is also aunt!"
Tangyuan regained her vitality, and the uneasiness in her heart gradually dissipated with Tangli's comfort. Although she was surprised to learn about her life experience, she also understood Tangli's affection for her. As long as it doesn't involve guilt, that's fine.
She spent sixteen years of her life in the not-rich Lihua Village. Her parents treated her extremely well and she was never wronged. She may have lost her wealth, but Tangyuan did not regret meeting them at all.
Tangli thought for a while and then teased, "Your parents are partial."
Tang Yuan disagreed, raised her face and said, "It doesn't matter who they favor, as long as the miss favors me, that's fine."
Her coquettishness caused Tangli to pinch her cheek and joke, "Aren't you going to cry?"
"Who is crying? I was just blinded by the wind."
"Ouch, this night wind is so wronged. It blows the wind just fine to bring people the breath of spring, but it is wronged by Miss Qiao."
Tang Li kissed her lips and said with a smile, "Sure enough, Miss Qiao is a bad girl."
This was something Tangyuan often said before, but now Tangli learned it, which made her quite embarrassed. She wanted to refute but couldn't find an excuse, so Tangyuan was so angry that she broke away from her arms and ran away.
Tang Yuan bent down and picked up the lantern, and said coquettishly, "I'll leave you here alone and let you go back to the yard in the dark."
Tangli laughed, chased after her, and said slowly, "You don't call slave now, and your temper has gotten worse."
She rolled her eyes at Tangli and bared her teeth, "Then stay away from me, or I'll go crazy and bite you."
Tangli's eyes sparkled, he put her arm around her shoulders and said jokingly, "Where to bite? Why don't you tell me, maybe I will agree."
Her frankness made Tang Yuan blush. Under the hazy moonlight, the beauty became more and more charming.
Tang Yuan pushed her away and scolded with a smile, "I can't do this to you!"
Humph, you dirty girl.