"Oh? Negligent in upbringing? Were you negligent in managing the household? Running into the woods, tending to the town, gathering herbs, farming, fishing, and hunting—aren't these all tasks a country girl does? Why didn't Father advise me to stay at home and take care of myself?" At this moment, Xiangbei was unexpectedly enveloped in a profound sadness from her innate being.
Her eyes involuntarily looked towards her brother Sīnán, who was tightly nestled next to Hé's side. It seemed that her anger wasn't x3 solely due to her father's words; it was a deep sense of loss and longing, a desire to be embraced just like her brother.
Suddenly, Xiangbei was shocked. This was an instinctual awareness coming from the depths of this body, the little girl Miss Tong. She hadn't left; she was waiting for her mother, the one she lost in her childhood, the mother who burdened her with guilt and her father's reproach. It was a profound yearning, supporting her since the age of eleven when she took on the responsibility of the family.
Xiangbei relaxed her body, allowing her heart to guide her towards her mother. She gently crouched down and buried herself in her 😄embrace.
"Stand still! You dare to be defiant even when accused of being uncultivated. Such a grown person making such awkward gestures in public, and you dare to be defiant." Looking stunned, Miss Huo, the Mrs Tong said to her daughter, "Fine, this is Hulán, the maid who has been by my side since childhood. Go with her to learn etiquette. If you can't pass my test, you won't be allowed downstairs." She abruptly stood up, shattering the last shred of the little girl Miss Tong's lingering sentiment.
The overwhelming sadness and reluctance, after gently circling the slightly reddened eyes of the Elder Medicine Master Tong watching this scene, slowly dissipated into the air, leaving only a sigh like the passing wind.
Xiangbei angrily stood up from the ground. Since the little girl Miss Tong was no longer attached, why should she let two selfish strangers dictate her future?
"Etiquette? I am not aware of any close relatives in my family. A woman who has not returned home, arbitrarily engaged as the daughter-in-law of the present family in the name of her maternal family—what etiquette is she following?
I heard that my so-called mother just a few days ago, as a widow, paid respects to the elder brother of my late fiancé. I don't know whether to address you as mother or sister-in-law now.
Will there be a generous dowry arriving soon? Does that mean the Tong family can now rely on the bride's dowry to share in the prosperity of the noble family? That's not bad; I can now live the life of a young lady in luxury."
Xiangbei turned around to face Old Medicine Master Tong and respectfully performed a solemn gesture of a junior. "Grandfather, Xiangbei's surname is Tong, not Huo. I don't need to enjoy the rich dowry from the Huo family. I have happily and contentedly lived in these mountains for fourteen years. The Tong family has no servants, only brothers and sisters, and the hunters and friends in the mountains. Xiangbei will live a better life with them."
Finally, Xiangbei turned to Qiao Er, "Brother Ziqiu, I believe the Qiao family will have a day of vindication. I believe you have more arduous responsibilities at the moment. We will continue to create our business empire with you. You are our big brother, forever."
Qiao Ziqiu had been looking at Xiangbei's sadness with heartache. He wanted to do something and say something consoling, but nothing seemed appropriate. Until now, he finally spoke, "Old Medicine Master, Mr. Tong, Madam Tong, the Qiao family was disavowed as a military family more than ten years ago.
There is no longer a General Qiao. However, I trust my elder brother's character. We have worked hard for ten years and will continue to persevere for another ten, twenty years, until we prove to the world the loyalty and passion of the Qiao family.
Ziqiu thanks Madam Tong for her kindness. Miss Tong is intelligent, resilient, diligent, kind, and virtuous. She deserves the best companion in the world. It's a blessing to have met her, and as an elder brother, Ziqiu will protect her by her side."
"Your intentions are clearer to me than anyone else. I've already discussed it with Mr. Qiao. Since you're willing to protect her, there's no need to bear only the title of an elder brother." Miss Huo avoided delving into the Qiao family's disavowal and focused on the marriage between Qiao Ziqiu and Xiangbei.
"Daughter-in-law, in these years since you left, DinShan has been living aimlessly. All major and minor matters at home are managed and supported by Xiangbei.
Not to mention using your dowry, even if we did, it's impossible to use it to attract a neighboring suitor, right?
Now, the hunters from these mountains are coming and going here, all looking up to Xiangbei to lead them into a better life.
Today, you've returned home, which is a joyous occasion. We should celebrate properly.
First, have a chat with DinShan, let him show you around to see if the house is still familiar, what changes have occurred. We have plenty of time to talk as a family; there's no rush at the moment."Elder Tong spoke at this moment.