CHAPTER 77: CHAPTER 76: GREAT GRATITUDE (2)

We should repay Doctor Xiao’s kindness, rather than assisting in wicked deeds.

The Xiao Family will not be able to join Master Zhou Qi’s caravan from now on.

"Since you’ve come to me with this request, and it concerns Doctor Xiao’s family, rest assured, I will definitely have Lao Qi help." The old lady said, "As for this Bodhisattva Guanyin, I suggest you take it back."

A gentleman loves wealth but acquires it in the right way, not to mention an old lady of her age.

She doesn’t lack money and won’t ruin her reputation over a jade Guanyin.

"Old lady, you are a devout Buddhist, naturally, the jade Guanyin is more suitable to be worshiped by you."

It’s unreasonable to take back a gift once given.

"No need, in repaying Old Doctor Xiao’s kindness, I cannot accept your Guanyin." The old lady said, "I live in seclusion and am not well aware of outside matters. Should Doctor Xiao’s family have any issues in the future, feel free to find me, I will have Lao Qi assist them."

"Thank you, old lady."

Mrs. Zhao truly did not anticipate that Old Doctor Xiao had still sown seeds of good karma with the third old lady.

Indeed, those who give love receive love in return, those who sow blessings reap blessings.

One reaps what one sows, and the two generations of Imperial Physicians from the Xiao family in Changzhou have left blessings for their descendants.

"You’re welcome, one must naturally not forget their roots." The old lady said, "If it weren’t for Old Doctor Xiao, Lao Qi and I would not have enjoyed such good days all these years."

"Since the old lady mentioned this, may I add another word?"

"Go ahead."

"Here’s the thing, I’ve heard that Miss Xiao had some misunderstandings with Seventh Young Master’s Concubine Li at the rouge store, and it seems their interactions weren’t pleasant." It would be foolish not to seek the support of a towering tree. Mrs. Zhao immediately relayed to the old lady how Concubine Li was leveraging Master Zhou Qi’s name in public.

"Just a concubine, she can’t cause much trouble." The old lady thought her son was perfect in every way, except she couldn’t control him when it came to chasing women. "I will instruct Lao Qi personally."

"Thank you, old lady."

What a relief, with one word from the old lady, no amount of fuss from that Concubine Li would matter.

Leaving the Zhou family, Mrs. Zhao breathed a huge sigh of relief.

"At last, I managed to do something for Chun Nuan."

"Madam, you are indeed a good person. If Miss Xiao could have a mother-in-law like you, her days would certainly be much better."

Nanny Zhong quickly flattered.

"Nanny Zhong, this is not something you should ever mention again." Mrs. Zhao recalled the matter: "The reason I spoke like this before was because without a clear status even the old lady was unwilling to help. In fact, given the temper of Old Third, truly it was not something I should hope for. If this word spreads, it would harm Miss Xiao’s reputation, this matter is just between us, never mention it again."

"Yes, Madam, this old servant understands." Nanny Zhong said, "With Master Zhou Qi’s care, Miss Xiao’s life in Changzhou should get better."

Everyone knows, in Changzhou, Master Zhou Qi is quite a character, not someone to offend.

Those under his protection should keep their distance as well.

In the Zhou family, the old lady asked about Zhou Qi’s whereabouts.

"Old Madam, Seventh Young Master went out with Concubine Li to the temple fair today."

"Let him see me when he returns."

"Yes, Old Madam."

On September 19th, the birth date of The Bodhisattva Guanyin, the temple was crowded with people.

"Seventh Young Master, what are you looking at?"

"Looking at a little beauty."

Master Zhou Qi is indeed Master Zhou Qi. The master loves to watch little beauties; who among you can hold it against me?

He said it quite smoothly right in front of his beloved concubine.

"Master, let this humble servant take a look, too. Let me see what this little beauty looks like and broaden my horizon."

Concubine Li was well aware of the nature of the man beside her, not getting jealous, going along with him; he might not come, but if you throw a little tantrum, he might ignore you for half a year.

This man, she figured out his character early on, naturally winning a bit more favor.

"Look, over there on the left, that one selling pouches at the stall," Master Zhou Qi said. "How about bringing her back to make her your sister?"

"If Master wishes to take, then take, having one more sister makes it more lively." Concubine Li laughed, "However, I did see someone who is a lot more beautiful than her."

"Master, where is she?"

"Master, not here, she’s in An Nan Town."

Concubine Li was excellent at gathering information and had long since figured out Xiao Chunnuan’s background: "She’s a noble young lady from the Capital, Master, I’ve heard that those noble young ladies from the Capital have a unique aura, their intelligence and artistic skills are unmatched, and most importantly, she is truly enchanting."

"Master, think about it, even I, as a woman, was charmed by her. Master, don’t you think..."

"What’s her name?"

"Master, the beauty’s name is Xiao Chunnuan," Concubine Li said. "She’s the girl from the Xiao family who was excluded by the Xiao Family."