Chapter 208: Am I Not Your Biological Child?

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

“Indeed, seeing a chance to benefit from Madam Qiao, they want to use their child to gain an advantage. People should be honest.”

“Why do you suddenly care about a girl? You just want to cause trouble for

Madam Qiao.”

“You!”

Tian Sanzhuang clenched his hand on the hilt of his sword, seemingly contemplating using it to threaten the townspeople. However, they weren’t afraid of him.

“Oh, you just became an official and want to threaten us commoners? If you dare lay a finger on us, we’ll all go to the court and report you together.”

“You!”

Furious, Tian Sanzhuang bit his teeth and walked away with his parents.

Back at home, he went to the courtyard and started smashing things.

Afterward, he said, “Let’s split up the family.”

“What? Why do you want to split the family? Yaohui is still at school, and our family isn’t wealthy. We’re counting on him to become a scholar.”

“With his potential, at most, he’ll become an Elementary Scholar. What can he

“What’s wrong with being an Elementary Scholar? Everywhere he goes, people will respect him. Besides, an Elementary Scholar can open a private school and teach. That way, our family’s children can study without paying fees.” “I can’t wait that long. You got rid of Madam Qiao, so you must give me a new one.”

“We’ll find a matchmaker for you.”

“I’d rather not. I don’t want to marry a cheap woman you’ve picked for me. You don’t even appreciate the value.”

“Then who do you want to marry?”

“The governor’s daughter, who is eighteen this year. Although she’s a bit older, it’s not easy to marry with my qualifications.”

Tian Sanzhuang had planned to remarry when he returned, but he had no intention of divorcing his current wife. Compared to the older couple from the Tian family, he wasn’t much better. He wanted to kill Madam Qiao to marry another woman, but his parents had eased the process.

“Ah, the governor’s daughter?”

“Yes, that’s why we need to split up this family. Otherwise, you’ll have to give me a bethrotal gift. Without at least two hundred taels of silver, I can’t show my face.”

The old couple were distressed, “We don’t have two hundred taels of silver!”

“That’s why I suggested splitting the family. I’ll find a wife for myself. It’s good that Qiao Mai’s daughter is not mine. If I have a child, perhaps they won’t agree. I don’t want my parents to hold me back. Isn’t it better to split the family early?”

“Then you leave on your own!”

“That works ! ”

The first and second branches were at home. Neither would tolerate it. They had worked and suffered for five years while he was away; he couldn’t just come back and live an easy life.

During the five years he was away, the first and second branches of the family went through many hardships and struggles. But now that he’s back, he wants to split off and live separately. Why should he be entitled to that?

The first branch dared not say anything because the family’s money had been used to support their children.

If the family were to split, who would continue supporting them?

However, they couldn’t bring themselves to speak up. Firstly, they couldn’t afford to provoke their third brother, who had become an official. Secondly, Tian Sanzhuang had gone to serve as a soldier in place of the eldest brother, so they owed him.

In the end, under Tian Sanzhuang’s insistence, the Tian family quickly split up.

He was clever. Since he couldn’t afford to provoke Qiao Mai, he might as well focus on himself. There was no need to go through the trouble and gain nothing in the end.

If the Tian family didn’t bother her, Qiao Mai would drop the idea of getting rid of them.

However, Ling’er was beginning to understand something.

“Mother, am I not your biological child?”

“Is that important? Look at your three brothers; don’t they treat you like their real sister?”

“But I want to be your child.”

“You are, dear. In fact, all mothers consider their children to be just like you.

“Oh, right.’

“But what if Ling’er wants to meet my real parents?”

“Then you have to eat well, grow up well, and learn many skills. When you’re ready, I’ll help you find them, okay?”

“Okay! Then I’ll have two mothers and two fathers!”

“Such a greedy little one!”

“Hehe!”

Qiao Mai pinched her nose. She decided to share the secret of her birth when Ling’er grew older, as she would need to understand it properly. Until then, she would keep it a secret.

Until Ling’er is ready and able to accept it, she won’t reveal the truth for her entire life.

As long as the Tian family didn’t cause trouble for her, she would act as if they were invisible.

These days, Qiao Mai didn’t see the Tian couple come to her house. She thought they had given up and no longer intended to target Ling’er.

Drought conditions persisted, with no rain in sight. Even a single drop of rain would quickly evaporate.

It was already mid-April, yet Yuan Jiaqi hadn’t returned, most likely due to their success in the imperial exams.

If one became a Tribute Scholar, they might remain in the capital for further selection, and it could be a while before they returned.

On April 18th, Qin Yide came back, escorted by two guards.

As soon as he arrived in Tianshui Town, he went to Lucky Garden and delivered a letter to Qiao Mai.

“Master, this is a letter from your husband.”

“Did you not succeed this time?”

“That’s right, but I’ve learned much from Old Master Wang and gained something from this examination. I will be more confident next time.”

“Good. Keep it up. I believe in you. As long as Old Master Wang stays with us, feel free to come to our house for advice. With another attempt, you’ll surely succeed.”

“Yes, Master!”

Qiao Mai opened the letter and read its contents. A smile crept across her lips.

Yes, Yuan Jiaqi had done it again, achieving the top score and earning its title. He would remain in the capital awaiting his appointment.

“Your husband is quite impressive.”

“You must be tired from your journey. Go to see your wife and child. They’ve been waiting for you.”

Qin Yide left, and Qiao Mai took a deep breath. Yuan Jiaqi’s life in officialdom was about to begin, and he wouldn’t have to study so hard anymore.

Now, it was time for the twin brothers to make their mark. She had asked the broker center to look for Ling’er’s female teacher, so it shouldn’t be long before they received some news.

But with the drought in the north, it remained uncertain whether she would be willing to come.

All the townspeople were closely watching the results of this examination, particularly Yuan Jiaqi from the Qiao family.

Many asked Qin Yide. Upon learning that Yuan Jiaqi had been successful and was even the top scorer, they were all ecstatic.

People visited every day, and Qiao Mai instructed her servants to keep the gate closed.

She didn’t want to entertain these guests until Yuan Jiaqi returned. Those who tried to win her favor should wait.

The Qiao family in Peach Blossom Village and the Yuans in Apricot Blossom Village were in complete panic. Their son-in-law and son had become an official, a far more prestigious achievement than passing the imperial examination. Oh dear, would he leave this place?

They fear they might never see Yuan Jiaqi again and would no longer share in his success.

It seemed as if they were basking in the glory at the moment. Not only were they anxious, but the head of the Yuan family was also worried. The village chief on the Qiao family’s side was anxious, and they didn’t know what to do either.

In the past, when Qiao Mai and Yuan Jiaqi were mistreated, these people turned a blind eye to it and watched indifferently.

They feared that Yuan Jiaqi would come back to settle old scores.

Especially the people of Peach Blossom Village, no one had supported Qiao Mai in her time of need; they had all stood by and watched. They were genuinely concerned that once she became an official’s wife, she might make things difficult for them.

Each of them was panicking, wanting to win her over, but Lucky Garden’s gate remained closed.

The people of the Tian family now realized that they couldn’t keep up with the rapid rise of Yuan Jiaqi.

No matter how hard they tried to nurture their own talents, it was impossible to surpass him. Especially now that they had split the family, it was challenging for the eldest son’s family to produce a scholar. In no time, Tian Yaohui would stop his studies and not even become an exam candidate.

Tian Yaozu heard about this and couldn’t help but feel pleased with the situation.

His hand had regained mobility, although he still couldn’t handle heavy objects, especially when it came to writing.

The younger generation of the Tian family would not produce scholars, and this thought finally allowed Old Tian to put his long-standing ambitions to rest.

They could only watch in envy and resentment as they heard about all the good fortunes befalling the Qiao family in town, which caused them immeasurable frustration and discomfort..

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