newbobooks Chapter 399 Suppressing His Temper
Chapter 399 Suppressing His Temper
Qin Jiuwei, standing to the side, took in the changes in Madam Zou's expression.
The Zou family came this time.
Was it not because of Lady Hou, but because of Zou Jingwen?
Upon hearing Madam Zou's words, Madam Xie's face immediately lit up with a smile, and she quickly said, "It would be wonderful if you could stay, elder sister! I'll have the servants prepare rooms right away, and I'm sure you'll have a comfortable stay."
As she spoke, she beckoned to the maids beside her.
Madam Zou nodded slightly, her tone still indifferent: "Well, then I'll trouble you."
As night fell, the two families sat around the dinner table.
When Lord Xie returned home that evening and saw Old Madam Zou, his expression froze for a moment.
But he quickly recovered and went forward to exchange pleasantries as usual.
Qin Jiuwei noticed that although Madam Zou's attitude towards them was cold, she still maintained a superficial politeness.
But when she spoke to Lord Xie, the coldness and sarcasm in her words were undisguised, and every sentence was sharp.
Throughout the meal, Lord Xie's face grew increasingly grim.
But he suppressed his temper and didn't lash out.
Qin Jiuwei remained silent, observing quietly.
Many questions have accumulated in my mind.
Back at Qinglan Courtyard.
As soon as Qin Jiuwei sat down, she couldn't suppress her doubts and turned to look at Xie Yanli.
What exactly is going on between the Xie family and the Zou family?
The children gathered around, staring at him expectantly, waiting for his answer.
Xie Yanli glanced at them, his expression slightly hardening.
"Things aren't as complicated as you think. This matter involves my mother."
"My mother died in childbirth less than two years after marrying into the Xie family."
“She was the only daughter of the Zou family. After she passed away, the Zou family always resented the Xie family, feeling that the Xie family had harmed my mother and had not taken good care of her.”
"Moreover, not long after my mother passed away, Lord Xie remarried Qiu, which made the Zou family hate the Xie family even more, feeling that the Xie family had been heartless towards my mother."
"So over the years, the Zou family has almost never visited, and the two families have completely lost contact."
Qin Jiuwei nodded in realization.
No wonder Madam Zou was so hostile to Lord Xie at the dinner table just now.
Qin Jiuwei's gaze shifted slightly as she asked, "What about Zou Jingwen? The Zou family's purpose in coming to the capital this time is probably not so simple."
"You're absolutely right." Xie Yanli turned his gaze to Qin Jiuwei, his eyes softening.
"The Zou family's trip was indeed not for the purpose of offering condolences."
His wife was as clever as ever, and guessed it right away.
"On the surface, the Zou family came to pay respects to Lady Hou, but in reality, it was for Zou Jingwen's education."
"He's not young anymore, and the Zou family is probably planning to send him to study at an academy in the capital."
"Academy? Which academy?" Qin Jiuwei asked.
She didn't know much about studying and pursuing education.
All I know is that Xie Jing is currently studying at Wutong Academy.
“It’s Jingyuan Academy,” Xie Yanli said gently.
"Although Wutong Academy is good, it almost exclusively admits younger students. If you want to continue your studies, you should go to Jingyuan Academy or Qingfeng Academy."
"Among them, Jingyuan Academy is the best, but it also admits the fewest students, only five each year."
"The teachers invited to Jingyuan Academy have all served as tutors to the Crown Prince and are very knowledgeable."
"They not only teach, but also have a significant influence in the court. Mr. Gu, who is now teaching at the academy, is the same teacher who taught me back then, and also the emperor's mentor."
"Students of Jingyuan Academy can become officials directly without taking the imperial examination."
"The Zou family naturally wants Zou Jingwen to go here as well."
Qin Jiu nodded slightly, "I see."
Everything makes sense now.
Xie Jing listened quietly to the sound of his hand holding the teacup, his grip tightening slightly.
Jingyuan Academy?
the other side.
Inside Cuihua Garden, the Zou family's servants were busy moving boxes and trunks.
Several servants were tidying up the flowers and trees in the garden.
Amidst the hustle and bustle, Zou Qinghe helped Madam Zou into the main house.
The interior was elegantly furnished, with several calligraphy and paintings hanging on the walls and incense burning gently, exuding an air of refinement.
Madam Zou stood in the hall, her gaze sweeping around the room.
"Mother, is this place alright? Are you satisfied?" Zou Qinghe asked.
Madam Zou didn't say anything, but walked to a chair and sat down.
Seeing that her expression had softened, Zou Qinghe slowly spoke.
“Mother, we need the Xie family’s help this time, so please be a little more discreet in your interactions with them. Speak to them politely to avoid any disputes.”
"How could I not understand this principle?" Old Madam Zou sighed heavily, "But the moment I stepped into the Xie family's door, I couldn't help it!"
She put down her cane, her voice trembling slightly.
"The moment I entered this place, I was reminded of your little sister... Wanwan died in the Xie family!"
"Wanwan is my lifeblood, the apple of my eye, and my only daughter!"
"She died less than two years after she got married! She was only sixteen years old then! How can I not hate her!"
At this point, she suddenly raised her head, her gaze turning sharp. "And that Marquis Xie! He's an even bigger beast! Wanwan's body was barely cold when he married someone else! I hate the Xie family, but I hate him even more!"
She slammed her hand on the armrest of the chair, her body trembling.
Zou Qinghe stood to the side, his eyes flickering.
He wanted to offer advice but couldn't find the words; he also loathed the Xie family.
But now, for Jingwen's sake, they need the Xie family's help.