Meanwhile, in the Capital of the Great Jing Kingdom – Dingbian Marquis Residence

Heng Wen sat in a purple sandalwood armchair, listening to his subordinate report on the recent events concerning the Qiao family.

“The Qiao family’s old madam, after the young master left, purchased four courtyards in Lao Hu Town. Three of them have already been transferred to the names of the three Qiao brothers, leaving only one near Beishan.”

“Then, the old madam also acquired the forested land in Beishan. She now regularly takes the villagers up the mountain to clear out wild boars. The villagers of Lao Hu Town are thriving under the Qiao family’s support this winter—several families have even taken the opportunity to buy houses. The Qiao family has truly made a name for itself in Lao Hu Town.”

“Even the commoners in Weizhou Prefecture City are able to eat pork from time to time despite the heavy snowfall.

“The Fan family has already secretly purchased property in the town. In my opinion, once spring arrives, Lao Hu Town will see a significant increase in residents.”

The speaker was Zhang Lang, Heng Wen’s personal bodyguard.

He was in his early twenties, wearing a blue short-sleeved jacket with a square face, thick eyebrows, and tiger-like eyes.

He was unwaveringly loyal to Heng Wen.

“What has the old madam been up to lately?”

Zhang Lang hesitated for a moment but decided to report truthfully. “The old madam has started urging her children and daughters-in-law to practice martial arts and learn to read daily. She has also demanded that Qiao Yunqing train Qiao Yunxin and Qiao Yunting to become child scholars (Tongsheng) before she considers her goal achieved.”

Heng Wen nearly spat out his tea in surprise, almost splashing the person next to him. “All of them? She wants them all to pass the child scholar exam?”

“This has become a well-known joke in Lao Hu Town. Many people secretly mock the old madam, saying she is delusional!”

“Does she think passing the Tongsheng exam is easy? With Qiao Yunxin and Qiao Yunting’s weak foundation, they’ll be studying until the end of time! Qiao Yunqing is going to have a headache dealing with this.”

“Young master, perhaps the old madam truly believes it’s possible?”

Heng Wen raised an eyebrow. “Why do you say that?”

“Rumor has it that the old madam learned 200 characters on her first day of studying and memorized Mengqiu (a classical literacy primer). Within seven days, she had mastered Shizhou Pian.”

Heng Wen was astonished. “That fast?”

“The entire Qiao family has been so inspired by her that they’re studying like madmen, burning the midnight oil every night.”

Heng Wen chuckled, setting down his teacup. He stood up from his chair, gazed at the courtyard scenery, and muttered, “What a troublesome woman!”

“Send someone to keep an eye on things. Make sure no one dares to take advantage of them, but don’t interfere in other matters.”

“Yes.” Zhang Lang bowed respectfully but seemed hesitant to speak further.

Heng Wen noticed and said, “Speak your mind. No need to hesitate.”

“The old madam appears to be looking for a tutor for her grandchildren. Meanwhile, some of Madam’s people have already appeared in Weizhou Prefecture.”

“I heard that Nanny Qin is looking for a place to retire. What do you think about sending her to the Qiao family?” Heng Wen’s tone turned cold. “As for Madam’s people, as long as they don’t interfere in Lao Hu Town’s affairs, we’ll leave them be. But if they cross the line—just get rid of them.”

Nanny Qin was a dowry servant of the original Dingbian Marquis’ wife.

She had suffered greatly—losing her father as a child, her husband in middle age, and her son in old age.

Her husband had once been the trusted attendant of the Dingbian Marquis and had died protecting him.

Her son had become Heng Wen’s personal guard and had perished in a similar fashion.

It could be said that her entire family had given their lives for the Marquis’ household.

The current lady of the house was Heng Wen’s aunt.

She was sweet on the surface but bitter inside, resenting Nanny Qin for her “misfortune” of bringing bad luck to her husband and son.

As Nanny Qin had also been the late first wife’s close confidante, Heng Wen’s aunt gradually pushed her into an idle, unimportant position, showing her outward respect while secretly undermining her.

Nanny Qin, having spent a lifetime as a strict and insightful governess, saw through these tricks clearly.

However, to her, these schemes were no more than the antics of petty clowns.

If not for her attachment to Heng Wen, she would have left long ago.

Now that he had returned safely, she felt that she could finally let go of her last lingering concern.

In the past, Heng Wen had trusted his aunt and never interfered with internal household matters.

As a result, he had never realized what had happened to Nanny Qin.

But after his recent ordeal, he had grown wiser. Looking back, he finally understood many things.

As he secretly reassembled the old servants loyal to his late mother, he discovered that most of them had either died, scattered, or betrayed the family.

Only Nanny Qin’s household had remained steadfast in their loyalty to him.

Only then did he realize what he had lost.

Hearing Heng Wen mention Nanny Qin, Zhang Lang immediately pictured a stern and disciplined elderly woman who followed every rule to the letter.

Meanwhile, the Qiao family’s old madam was someone who had little regard for conventions.

Could these two truly get along?

Zhang Lang had doubts and cautiously reminded his master, “Nanny Qin is highly capable, but her strict temperament might be hard for others to tolerate.”

Heng Wen laughed. “You never know. Madam Qiao is no ordinary woman. Maybe they’ll actually hit it off!”

He had a feeling that if these two old women came together, the Qiao family’s future would be very… eventful.

..

Nanny Qin was packing her things when she heard that Heng Wen had arrived.

She assumed he had come to send her off.

She never expected him to offer her a job instead.

“This family is the young master’s benefactor? You hold them in high regard?”

“Yes. They saved my life, and I admire Madam Qiao’s unrestrained nature. She doesn’t care about societal judgments or let rumors dictate her opinions of others. She protects her own fiercely. She’s a woman who hunts, has great strength, raised three sons and a group of grandchildren, and still manages to live a fulfilling life. She is far from an ordinary village woman.”

“The Qiao family may be farmers now, but their second son has great academic potential. He will be taking the imperial examination next spring. They have also accumulated some wealth and are looking for a governess.”

“I wouldn’t trust just anyone with this task, which is why I’m asking you. You and Madam Qiao are both people who have shown me kindness, and I don’t want anything to happen to either of you.”

“Of course, it’s entirely up to you. Whether you accept or not, I will ensure that you are well cared for in your old age.”

Heng Wen’s words were heartfelt and sincere, leaving Nanny Qin no room to refuse.

The lands and properties she and her late husband had accumulated had likely been seized by their clan long ago.

Returning home would mean a life of dependence on distant relatives, begging for scraps.

Going to this new family might be a better choice.

With her decision made, she packed up her belongings and prepared to meet the legendary Madam Qiao.

Just then, Zhang Lang rushed in.

“Young master, the Marquis has returned and requests your presence in the council chamber. News from the imperial court—both the northern and southern regions have been hit by severe snowstorms! We may need to prepare for war again!”

Heng Wen immediately set off.

As he walked, he instructed, “Send Nanny Qin to Lao Hu Town at once. If Madam Qiao figures out her identity, she may reveal the truth at her own discretion.”