Qiao Xin held up a torch and searched the surroundings again, but she couldn’t find any trace of Heng An.

She decided not to waste any more time looking for him.

Personally taking care of the aftermath, she buried a few corpses on the spot and placed a hundred-pound stone nearby as a marker.

Only then did she return to the carriage with Qiao Yunqing and Qiao Yunting.

She took the ginger tea handed to her by her daughter-in-law and drank it all in one go, finally feeling a bit more alive.

Looking at her sons’ still-pale faces, Qiao Xin could only offer comfort. “We haven’t done anything wrong, so what is there to be afraid of? If anyone asks along the way, just say that your fourth brother is sick and we’re taking him to a big city to see a doctor.”

Qiao Yunxin licked his lips and hesitantly asked, “Mother, he and I…”

Qiao Xin shook her head. “I’m not sure, but there must be some connection. Didn’t you see the jade pendant when you changed his clothes?”

That was exactly why he had asked.

His mind was in a mess, and he needed someone to help him decide.

Qiao Yunqing also noticed his elder brother’s hesitation, but he was more curious about how their adoptive mother would handle the situation.

“Big Brother, do you want to ask him directly?”

Qiao Yunxin shook his head. He didn’t know what to do and wanted to hear everyone’s opinion.

“What do you think, Mother?”

What do I think?

I wish you brothers could be independent and establish your own family name.

But could she say that?

If any self-righteous moralist overheard, she could be wiped out in an instant.

Even the three grown men before her might not agree with her thoughts.

Qiao Xin smiled faintly and said, “I don’t have any particular thoughts. This is your own matter. If you want to use this to reconnect with your birth family, that’s not impossible. We’ll support you.”

Qiao Yunqing’s eyes darkened, and he clenched his fists. “Mother, do you want Big Brother to recognize them?”

Qiao Xin glanced at him indifferently and said nonchalantly, “Of course not, but I won’t stop him either. The question is whether they even want him back, and what their true intentions are. Should we just foolishly send him to their doorstep?

Big households are full of drama, and when wealth and power are involved, people will do anything.

If your brother voluntarily shows up, he’s just another person vying for resources. Out of propriety, they won’t say anything upfront, but behind closed doors, none of the siblings will want to share what’s rightfully theirs.

If he fights for what he’s owed, do you think he will sit at the dining table, or will he be the meal served on it? Living under someone else’s roof, watching their moods to survive—I only want you to live freely.”

Qiao Yunxin fell silent, lost in thought. His chaotic mind suddenly became clear.

Qiao Xin continued, “It’s not that I look down on you, but our foundation is weak. What do we have to compete with them? Even in terms of personal ability, there’s a huge gap. You’ve just learned a bit of literacy, but those noble children have been studying since they were three, mastering ancient classics. Even the least talented among them has at least passed the child scholar exam.

As for martial arts, you’ve only learned the basics. You’re not skilled in archery or horseback riding. When it comes to strategy, you’re far behind—they’ve grown up in an environment full of scheming, even the purest child among them is more shrewd than you.

Lastly, blood relations—after more than a decade of separation, how could you compete with the children they see every day, the ones who show them filial piety? This is a hellish starting point. Do you really want to gamble on a mere possibility?”

One comparison after another—Qiao Yunxin had no advantages whatsoever.

Qiao Xin’s words weren’t just for him; she was also speaking to all three of her sons.

Situations like this could arise again in the future, and they needed to be mentally prepared.

Qiao Yunqing lowered his gaze and hoarsely asked, “So we’re just supposed to accept being abandoned? Not seek the truth?”

“Of course not. But we won’t fight a battle we can’t win. Once we settle down, I’ll find you good teachers. Those who want to study will study, and those who want to train in martial arts will train. First, you must grow strong. If I were you, I wouldn’t take pride in my birth family—I’d make them take pride in me instead.”

This conversation was known only to them.

After making her stance clear, Qiao Xin stopped concerning herself with what her sons would decide.

She climbed into the rear carriage to switch places with Xu Shi.

Xu Shi had just fed Heng Wen half a bowl of water when she saw her mother-in-law lift the curtain and enter.

“Mother!”

Qiao Xin nodded. “Go to the front. I’ll take over for now. Have the second son come over instead.”

“Alright!”

Now, in the quiet carriage, only Heng Wen and Qiao Xin remained.

She sat down casually and spoke coldly, “There’s no need to pretend anymore—there’s no one else here.”

Heng Wen slowly opened his eyes and met her gaze. “You saved me.”

Qiao Xin nodded. “Consider it repaying your brother’s kindness. It was pure coincidence that I ran into you—I couldn’t just leave you to die. I couldn’t find that young man, but the others are all dead. I buried them near the scene and placed a large stone beside the graves so you can find them later.

I won’t waste words. I won’t ask who you are, and I don’t want to get involved in your affairs. For now, I’ll claim you as my fourth son—play along. By the next village or town, you should be healed enough, and we’ll part ways. From then on, our paths won’t cross again.”

She paused before adding, “Oh, and don’t forget to pay for the medicine. Five hundred taels—consider it a bargain. I don’t sell to just anyone.”

Heng Wen was stunned.

Did she think he was the kind of person who wouldn’t pay his debts?

This was an insult!

So she really was just a money-minded woman with a short-sighted view. He had been touched for nothing earlier!

Right now, he was at her mercy—a useless, injured man. He had no choice but to submit.

Gritting his teeth, he said, “Fine, I’ll pay you every last coin.”

Qiao Xin didn’t bother arguing, just glanced at him and remarked, “Don’t think I’m taking advantage of you. Do you even realize how badly you were injured? How are you feeling now? Five hundred taels is actually a loss for me.”

Heng Wen froze, suddenly realizing the truth.

He knew better than anyone how severe his injuries had been. He had thought he was certain to die, but now he was here, arguing with her in full voice.

Five hundred taels was indeed a bargain.

“…Thank you.”

A wise man adapts to the situation. In the end, Heng Wen handed over five gold leaves and temporarily took on the identity of Qiao Yunwen.