Chapter 16

Mrs. Qiao’s thoughts were certainly not something the Duke of Yan would overlook.

“I sent someone to inquire at the ancestral home of the Li family. Since they came to the capital, the Li family has never returned.”

“In these past few months, when I had someone investigate discreetly with a portrait in hand, coincidentally, we did find some clues.”

“The Li family used to make a living selling tofu pudding locally. There’s a tofu stand at the corner of Gutian Street, run by an old lady with a broken leg. She looks very much like Li Xusheng’s mother.”

“After several contacts, our spies learned that the husband of the stand owner seemed to have been beaten to death, and their son’s whereabouts are unknown.”

“However, after several stakeouts, the spies found that occasionally a hunched man would come to help at the stand. Although he looked old, he was actually quite skilled!”

Mrs. Qiao gasped when she heard this. “Could this person be Li Xusheng?”

The Duke of Yan nodded solemnly. “Jing’er, you would never guess who Li Xusheng is working for now.”

Mrs. Qiao’s heart pounded. It turned out that everything could be traced, and Jing’er’s predictions were all accurate!

The Duke’s subsequent words completely confirmed Mrs. Qiao’s suspicions.

“Li Xusheng is now serving under the Second Prince, and he is guarding the Second Prince closely, never leaving his side!”

The Duke of Yan paced back and forth in the room, his face showing some concern.

“Jing’er, your sister-in-law’s family probably went to extremes for this marriage. Li Xusheng not only survived, but now he’s rising up in the world.”

“This person can endure what ordinary people cannot. He is definitely not a good person. We must be vigilant!”

Mrs. Qiao’s face turned pale. Yes, Li Xusheng was indeed capable.

In Jing’er’s prophecy, he even suppressed his hatred, used his old feelings to manipulate her sister-in-law, and led the Qiao family into an irreparable abyss!

This matter had exceeded the limits of what she could intervene in the inner court. It was time to alert her husband.

Mrs. Qiao decided that this time, she would not allow any evildoers to harm the Qiao family or the Duke’s residence!

After the Duke finished speaking, he looked at his daughter with a probing gaze.

That day, Jing’er said she had heard some rumors and wanted to investigate.

But in fact, this matter had been covered up very well by the in-laws. Even people in the capital were unaware of the existence of the Li family.

How did Jing’er know about such a secret matter and why did she go to the trouble of investigating it?

However, the Duke was deeply fond of his daughter. Seeing that Mrs. Qiao didn’t intend to speak, he didn’t press for answers.

He firmly believed that his daughter, who had been clever and filial since childhood, would never do anything detrimental to the Duke’s residence.

The Qiao family left the Duke’s residence after having lunch.

Back at the Qiao residence, Qiao Jiaojiao was taken away by Qiao Tianjing and Qiao Diyi to play, so Mr. and Mrs. Qiao closed the door and began to talk privately.

Mrs. Qiao held her husband’s hand tightly, her expression changing as she began to speak.

“Husband, today I heard a big piece of news from my father!”

Mr. Qiao had already been a bit restless. Upon hearing this, he straightened up slightly. “What’s wrong, wife? Did something happen to your father-in-law?”

Mrs. Qiao nestled in her husband’s arms and said softly, “Father heard some rumors about my sister-in-law and sent someone to investigate. The results were unexpected!”

Mr. Qiao immediately remembered what Jing’er had mentioned. Mrs. Qiao had been focusing on the Second Prince and the northern regions recently, almost neglecting this matter!

Then, Mrs. Qiao recounted the matter of Li Xusheng and expressed her worry, “Husband, although it was my sister-in-law’s family who targeted the Li family, will he also hold a grudge against the Duke’s residence, against our Qiao family?”

Mr. Qiao’s expression was slightly grave, his gaze cold, but his hand gently stroked Mrs. Qiao’s head as he softly said, “Wife, there’s no need to worry. I’ve got everything under control.”

Mrs. Qiao leaned against Mr. Qiao’s shoulder, intimately wrapping her arms around his waist like a young couple. She nodded gently and said, “With my husband by my side, Jing’er feels completely at ease.”

The room fell silent for a while, then Mr. Qiao suddenly turned his head, his cheeks slightly red as he whispered by Mrs. Qiao’s cheek, “It’s been nearly six months since Jiaojiao was born. Wife, have you rested well? I’ve been longing for you.”

Mrs. Qiao’s face suddenly flushed red.

Since Jiaojiao was born, she has been by her side every night. Mr. Qiao had also been understanding, not saying a word for almost six months.

Thinking of their passionate past, Mrs. Qiao suddenly felt her body soften. She hesitated for a moment, still as shy as a young girl.

“At… it’s late, let’s talk about it later.”

Mr. Qiao bent down, his eyes shining brightly, and whispered in a lowered voice, “How about letting Aunt Liu take care of Jiaojiao for the night? I’ve been holding back for quite some time.”

Mrs. Qiao felt a rush of heat to her head at his words, and while she felt embarrassed, she couldn’t help but punch him playfully. But deep down, she felt incredibly sweet and she immediately nodded in agreement.

Mr. Qiao smiled happily and unexpectedly lifted Mrs. Qiao horizontally, causing her to scream in surprise.

Qiao Tianjing had just reached the door, holding Jiaojiao, when he heard the commotion inside the room. His face turned red, and he quickly left the scene.

Jiaojiao giggled mischievously.

“Haha, is Big Brother allergic to romance? He ran away so fast!”

“If I could write a book in the future, I would write one called ‘The Fairy Love of Mom and Dad.’ Aww, it’s so sweet and lovely!”

Qiao Tianjing had thin skin. He hurried away, while Jiaojiao continued to chatter away.

“Our family’s style is different. Look at other families’ young masters who have arranged for their concubines long ago. Look at my big brother and second brother, pure and clean!”

“Hehe, I’m starting to look forward to my big sister-in-law again. Let’s see, the Lantern Festival is coming soon!”

“Big brother, you have to be competitive! You should marry your sister-in-law soon! After enjoying the dog food for more than ten years, it’s time for the tables to turn. Show our parents some affection!”

Qiao Tianjing’s ears turned red, whether from the cold or embarrassment, no one could tell.

That night, Jiaojiao was indeed arranged to sleep with Aunt Liu.

Before leaving the room, Jiaojiao’s sly gaze swept between her parents.

“Ah! Are my parents finally going to be sweet and happy?!”

Mr. Qiao stiffened all over, and Mrs. Qiao’s face had turned so red she couldn’t lift her head.

It was the first time in their married life that they had hoped for such a thing, but Jiaojiao was just an innocent and naive child.

Yet Jiaojiao was still excited.

“Oh my goodness, the stumbling block in my path has finally been removed! Parents, I am willing to fulfill your wishes! Don’t bring me back tonight!”

“Sob, it’s so embarrassing, I really like it when my parents are close. Please continue your fairy love, parents!”

Aunt Liu was an experienced person. She looked very happy and quickly carried Jiaojiao away.

Just as the couple relaxed, that tender voice came faintly again:

“Huh, will I get another little brother or sister?” 

The Qiao couple: “…”