CHAPTER 279: CHAPTER 279: HE FINALLY HAS A THOUGHTFUL LITTLE SWEETHEART, DOESN’T HE?

Qi Yunye was actually not very patient with these matters of social interactions, but it was the fastest way to help Sister Yao quickly understand the families in the capital.

So, even if he was unwilling, he had to be willing.

Besides, if he really ignored it, the old man would truly be able to kick him out.

Therefore, Qi Yunye quickly made a list.

There was the Duke Zhen Country Mansion, also a Duke’s family.

There was the Du Mansion of the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.

And the An Mansion, the natal family of the Noble Consort.

Additionally, there was the residence of the Junior Minister of the Ministry of Justice.

Except for the Duke Zhen Country Mansion, Meng Yao had some contact with the women from the other families. Whether the relationships were good or bad was hard to say in depth, but on the surface, they were all friendly, which Meng Yao felt she could engage with.

As for the Duke Zhen Country Mansion, with the prior affair involving Yun Ying, Meng Yao instinctively felt it wouldn’t be easy to get along with them.

"Can you tell me about this Duke Zhen Country Mansion?" Meng Yao asked Qi Yunye.

"The founding heroes, by the time it reached the generation of the Duke Zhen Country, I truly don’t know which generation they are. But one thing, typically, such titles last only three generations. However, the Duke Zhen Country is different; the title has never been diminished," Qi Yunye said, "This indicates one thing: the Yun family has been very impressive over generations, able to maintain their title. Sometimes, maintaining it is even harder."

Meng Yao nodded, indeed, otherwise, why would there be a saying that wealth does not last beyond three generations?

Having accomplished people in every generation is really not easy.

"So, those who can marry into the Duke Zhen Country are destined not to be ordinary people," Qi Yunye continued, "Skills and demeanor, all indispensable. Just think, after several generations of accumulation, how large a family the Yun clan must be? Each generation’s Duke Zhen Country is the head of the Yun clan, so the Duchess of the Duke Zhen Country is also the head lady of the Yun clan. It’s important to know that the seniors with rank in the Yun clan hold the Duchess of the Duke Zhen Country in high esteem."

To be able to manage so many family members, this Duchess of the Duke Zhen Country must be extraordinary.

"The Yun and Qi families are on good terms, so you need not worry. As for seniority, although they are a bit older than us, we are of the same generation," Qi Yunye added, "The Duchess of the Duke Zhen Country is a smart person, you being part of our Qi family, she won’t make it difficult for you."

But that’s really hard to say.

This is considered a sudden emergence, these noble families couldn’t possibly not investigate her background.

Such an extraordinary Duchess of the Duke Zhen Country couldn’t possibly remain unaware of her details.

If they investigate, they would know that their family and Yun Ying weren’t just acquaintances.

One must know, back when Yun Ying was still in Qingzhou Prefecture, the incident with Dahe had the shadow of the Duchess of the Duke Zhen Country behind it.

Meng Yao dared not hide, so she confessed what happened in Qingzhou Prefecture to Qi Yunye.

Qi Yunye remained calm, "After all, it’s a private matter of the Duke Zhen Country Mansion, outsiders are not in a position to judge. As for using a borrowed knife to kill, killing two birds with one stone, such tactics are all too common. At that time, the Duchess of the Duke Zhen Country didn’t know your identity, now she does, even if she has some thoughts in mind, she’d have to suppress them."

"So, Xiaoye, you mean, some people are meant to be sacrificed in competitions among noble families?" Meng Yao frowned.

"That’s the reality, in the eyes of noble families, ordinary people are just like ants," Qi Yunye said, "Sister Yao, this is unfair, but—"

Meng Yao understood Qi Yunye’s meaning, this is a matter of class, the privileged class.

An unavoidable fact under monarchical rule.

"This is also why common folks exhaust resources to send the younger generation to study. They aspire to become influential. In times of peace, education is the only path," Meng Yao said lightly.

Educated individuals can rise to prominence, and after becoming officials, they can significantly elevate their family’s status.

There will also be more resources available for more descendants to follow the same path.

Qi Yunye nodded approvingly, "Sister Yao, your insights are spot on."

"In any case, you need not worry, our Duke Qi Mansion may have few members, but we are not inferior to the Duke Zhen Country Mansion. Therefore, during social interactions, Sister Yao, you needn’t think too much. If they are polite, you be polite. If they aren’t, you be even less polite, with grandfather and me as your support."

Meng Yao nodded, "Hearing you say that, I feel relieved."

"In any case, always remember not to let yourself be wronged," Qi Yunye urged, "Never think about avoiding bothering grandfather and me, remember, both of us are not afraid of trouble, we are willing to resolve any issues for you."

Sister Yao was indeed a precious gem their Duke Qi Mansion had recently recovered.

Meng Yao was amused by Qi Yunye’s words, "Yes, I am not afraid of trouble either, but I am not someone who seeks it."

"Sister Yao, if you want to cause trouble, it’s okay," Qi Yunye said earnestly.

He didn’t say this to merely cheer up Meng Yao, he was stating a fact.

Beside them, Zhao Xiaohua looked on with bright eyes, full of admiration for Qi Yunye, "Uncle, you are so dependable."

"Of course, for others, I might not be reliable, but for your mother and Xiaohua, I am certainly the most reliable," Qi Yunye said proudly.

At twenty-seven, he wasn’t married, so after confirming Meng Yao’s identity, he immediately embraced the role of an ’uncle’. To round things up, Sister Yao’s children were also his children.

Obviously, a brat couldn’t compare to a pretty little girl.

"Xiaohua, do you remember what your mother has told you?"

"I remember, I remember, no matter what, relying on others is not as good as relying on oneself. By becoming strong, one can better establish one’s place. Mother, rest assured, I definitely won’t become complacent. Whether it’s the General Mansion or Duke Qi Mansion, they can be my support, but I cannot solely rely on them," Zhao Xiaohua said fluently.

She still understood the principle of not putting all eggs in one basket.

"Sister, aren’t you being too strict? I am Xiaohua’s uncle, isn’t it right for her to rely on me? Moreover, isn’t who her father is even more important?" Qi Yunye said, "Is he unwilling?"

"Uncle, you misunderstood, my father is eager for me to rely on him for everything. However, my mother has always said that being a woman in this world is already harder than being a man. Therefore, by becoming stronger oneself, one can live better. Depending on a mountain and it may crumble, depending on others and they may run," Zhao Xiaohua said seriously, wholeheartedly agreeing with her mother.

"An uncle won’t crumble, nor will he run," Qi Yunye said.

"Of course, I believe in uncle, but uncle, I also want to become a support like mother, like you, like my great-grandfather," Zhao Xiaohua said.

Her words moved Qi Yunye, bringing tears to his eyes. How considerate his niece was! Could she be the ’little cotton shirt’ people speak of?