"Humiliation?" Bai Siruo asked in surprise.
"Yes, she tricked the Qiao family's heirloom and pawned it at my Feng family's pawnshop. I accidentally discovered it, and by following the clues, the matter was unexpectedly revealed."
Bai Siruo fell into thought. This was a great piece of news for the Bai family. However, her cousin had been living outside for fourteen years, and his character and disposition were unknown. Most importantly, what was his attitude towards the Bai family?
If she invited a wolf into the house, it would be better to stop here and pretend not to know.
"Ayao, you're telling me this today, do you want me to help him?" Bai Siruo asked seriously.
To her surprise, she shook her head and said, "No, I hope you have a clear understanding first. I intend to have someone adopted into the eldest uncle and aunt's family, to become the undisputed eldest son of the Bai family. This way, the eldest uncle's family will have descendants in the future, and most importantly, the Bai clan will have someone to support it."
"Are you so sure?"
"Certain!" Feng Jinyao had seen how he had stirred up the court in her previous life, so she naturally knew how capable he was. If he could protect them, the Bai family might even prosper for three more generations.
Bai Siruo trusted Feng Jinyao's judgment. "Since you've said so, I understand. Don't worry, if this cousin is a good person, I will never let him suffer humiliation in the Bai family again."
She was now a Princess of Anping, personally conferred by His Majesty. In the inner court, besides Old Madam Bai, even her mother, Princess Wenyi, was of a lower rank than her. How could the Shen family, who had no foundation, compare?
With her speaking up for him, outsiders would see that the men of the Bai family were not to be bullied at will.
Having received her affirmative answer, Feng Jinyao was finally relieved. She had come today precisely to reveal this matter to the Bai family. After this incident, everyone would know the reason for the Wei family's boldness. If no one supported the family, everything would vanish like smoke once they left.
In Prime Minister Bai's study, the eldest and fourth branches of the Bai family were present.
When Feng Jinyao revealed everything about Qiao Shanwei, even Prime Minister Bai, who had experienced three dynasties, was somewhat taken aback.
"Ayao means that child is Chaoke's blood?"
Feng Jinyao nodded.
"Foolish, foolish! If the third brother had offspring, why didn't he let him acknowledge his ancestors? My knees are empty, and the fourth brother only has a daughter. I dote on this child too much to harm him! Would I harm him?"
Eldest Master Bai was heartbroken and wished he could go find the child immediately. However, Madam Lin, the Eldest Madam, pulled him back.
"My lord, don't be anxious. There might be other matters involved. Listen to Ayao finish."
Prime Minister Bai was silent for a moment before slowly asking, "Did this child hinder his future, which is why he didn't want us to know of his existence?"
"The reason for this matter is still unknown. Ayao dares not speak rashly about third uncle's private affairs, but he is undoubtedly your uncle's son. If you see him, you will know that what I say is true."
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go to Shuanggui Lane and bring him back!"
"Fourth uncle, wait a moment." Feng Jinyao stopped the excited Fourth Master Bai and looked at her maternal grandfather, her eyes filled with worry.
"Little Four, sit down. If you go there rashly, the child might not come back with you. He has lived in the capital for more than ten years, and we haven't taken care of him. If you were that child, would you want to acknowledge such a paternal family?"
Prime Minister Bai's words silenced everyone.
Yes, the child had grown to fourteen years old, almost like an orphan. Suddenly, so many people appeared, claiming to be his relatives. No one would be able to accept it.
"Moreover, the child's character is still unknown. If he is a good seed, it is heaven's blessing to our Bai family. But if he is an unfortunate one, such a drastic change in family background might only foster his wicked tendencies. Let's wait a while longer."
Prime Minister Bai's words were quite hurtful. He didn't want to quickly bring his grandson, who was living outside, back for a reunion, but rather wanted to investigate first. If it were an ordinary person, they would surely scold him. However, the Bai family's position did not allow them to make any mistakes, so everything had to be handled with caution.
After he finished speaking, Madam Lin, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly knelt before Prime Minister Bai, her eyes clear.
"Esteemed father-in-law, if this child is truly our Bai family's son, he must be brought back. Third brother doesn't want him, but I do! Since marrying into the Bai family, my womb has been uncooperative, and I haven't been able to give my lord or the Bai family a son or daughter. I have failed the Bai family and our ancestors. My lord had considered adopting a nephew from the clan to continue the family line, but I was unwilling to be someone else's mother, so my lord waited until today out of consideration for me. Now, outsiders see that our Bai family has no successor, and that's why they bully Siruo and Sihan. As the main wife of the eldest branch and the current manager of this household, I should bear this responsibility. Today, I swear that I will raise that child as my own. If I break this oath, may I fester with pus and sores, and die a violent death!"
"Madam!"
"Eldest sister-in-law!"
Eldest Master Bai felt his heart ache as she spoke.
For so many years without children, they all knew the truth, yet she always took all the blame. He held her shoulders tightly, seeing tears in Madam Lin's eyes, and felt immense pity.
"To have you as my wife in this life, Bai Cha'an, is truly the result of my past good deeds. Madam, you don't need to worry so much about the future. If this child is brought back, he can join any branch of our eldest family. I only want Madam to be happy."
"My lord..."
Madam Lin cried uncontrollably. Old Madam Bai, Princess Wenyi, and Feng Jinyao all shed tears.
Prime Minister Bai, however, burst into laughter. He rose from his armchair and personally helped Madam Lin up, saying to her with satisfaction, "The most right thing I've done in this life is to let Eldest Son marry you. Unwavering in poverty, unyielding in the face of might, uncorrupted by wealth and status. Everything you have done over the past few years is worthy of this bow from me!"
He then bowed sincerely to Madam Lin, which startled both Madam Lin and Eldest Master Bai, who quickly went to help her up.
"Father-in-law, are you trying to belittle your daughter-in-law?"
Prime Minister Bai smiled at them and said, "Since you know about this matter, you brothers should investigate thoroughly, but do not disturb the neighbors of the Qiao family. Even if we are not fortunate enough to become family, do not ruin his current life."
"Yes, Father, don't worry."
Having informed the Bai family of the matter, Feng Jinyao felt much more relaxed. With her maternal grandfather in charge, Qiao Shanjian's return home was not far off.
As she walked out of Shou Kang Yuan, she bumped into Madam Shen, who had "come to pay her respects."
"Ayao greets Third Aunt."
"Get up, get up. You didn't let anyone know when you came to the mansion. If I hadn't gone out today, I wouldn't have met you."
Madam Shen rarely spoke to her. What was she trying to achieve by being so familiar now?