Chapter 15

The days of the little baby passed quickly with eating and drinking.

Under the careful care of the whole family, Qiao Jiaojiao slowly learned to lift her head and roll over. When she was six months old, she spent her days trying to sit up.

As time went by to December, Qiao Jiaojiao welcomed her first Spring Festival in this world.

Qiao Zhongguo really spoiled Qiao Jiaojiao, always holding her during his leisure time, reluctant to let go even for a moment. Even Mrs. Qiao scolded him for becoming a daughter slave.

Upon hearing this, Qiao Zhongguo took it as a compliment.

Back when he was in the military camp, he had learned exquisite wood carving from his subordinates during his free time. Now, he carved one every month, recording Qiao Jiaojiao’s growth and changes vividly.

Qiao Diyi approached, “Dad, carve one for me too, one with a heroic pose!”

Qiao Zhongguo kicked him, “Get lost, haven’t I beaten you enough?”

Qiao Diyi shuddered at his words and complained, “Dad, why do you always beat me?”

Qiao Zhongguo snorted, “You’re the toughest one in the family, if I don’t beat you, who else?”

Who told you not to study properly and dare to go to that fireworks place with people?

Even though this incident hadn’t happened yet, it didn’t stop me from beating you in advance!

Mrs. Qiao walked over, carrying Qiao Jiaojiao wrapped up like a little ball, and seeing the father and son playing around again, she couldn’t help but shake her head in helplessness.

But Qiao Jiaojiao couldn’t help but laugh when she saw this scene.

[Haha, second brother doesn’t know? There’s an old saying that goes, the eldest is spoiled, the youngest is indulged, and the second one suffers!]

Qiao Diyi: “…”

Insightful!

“I want to hug my little sister! Only my little sister knows how to be kind to me the most!”

Qiao Diyi reached out, but Qiao Zhongguo had already picked up Qiao Jiaojiao and hugged her.

It started snowing heavily in the capital in December. Qiao Jiaojiao, dressed in thick clothes and a white fox fur cloak, looked like a jade doll, beautiful and delicate.

Qiao Zhongguo handed the wood carving to Qiao Jiaojiao like a treasure, and Qiao Jiaojiao’s eyes lit up.

[Wow! So beautiful! It really looks like me! My dad is so talented and skillful!]

Qiao Zhongguo felt very pleased to hear this, smiling like a flower. In secret, he made up his mind to carve hundreds more for Jiaojiao!

As the sky darkened, the family sat in the warm room with the heated brazier, took off their heavy coats, and chatted together, enjoying themselves.

Qiao Jiaojiao looked at the sumptuous dinner on the table, unable to contain her excitement.

[Waaah, roasted chicken, steamed duck, roasted suckling pig! Wait for me, I’ll grow up soon!]

When the others heard Qiao Jiaojiao’s thoughts, they couldn’t help but laugh, but they were also afraid of being noticed by each other.

So Qiao Zhongguo pretended to pour wine, Mrs. Qiao pretended to tidy up Qiao Jiaojiao’s hair, Qiao Tianjing pretended to cover his mouth and cough, and Qiao Diyi pretended to bend down to look for something under the table.

Qiao Jiaojiao looked at everyone suddenly getting busy and wondered: ?

Crackle…

In a burst of festive firecrackers, the family of eight hundred-hearted people finally burst into laughter.

Qiao Jiaojiao wasn’t afraid of the firecrackers at all. She excitedly jumped up and down in Mrs. Qiao’s arms, shouting.

At this moment, even her eyes were a bit moist.

This was the warmth and reunion she had never experienced in her past life without parents.

The whole family made the same wish at midnight: May their Jiaojiao’s life be smooth, safe, and joyful.

On the third day of the lunar new year, Qiao Zhongguo took his family to the Duke of Yan’s residence to pay New Year’s respects.

This was Qiao Jiaojiao’s first time visiting the Duke of Yan’s residence, and as soon as the Duke received the news, he was already waiting at the door.

The moment he saw Qiao Jiaojiao, the Duke’s eyes lit up, and he immediately picked her up.

“Jiaojiao, it’s cold outside. Come in quickly with your grandfather.”

Saying this, the Duke turned and walked away, leaving the rest of the Qiao family behind.

Qiao Family: ?

“Sister, brother-in-law, come in quickly!”

Qiao Jiaojiao, with sharp eyes, immediately spotted her middle-aged uncle who still looked like a dandy.

To be charming, one must have the capital, otherwise it’s just being a rogue.

Mrs. Qiao was once the most beautiful woman in the capital. As the elder brother of Mrs. Qiao, the Zuo Heying naturally had a remarkable appearance.

However, in recent years, he had been negligent in self-management, and his protruding belly was really conspicuous.

Mrs. Qiao politely asked, “Where’s my sister-in-law?”

The Zuo Heying’s expression showed a hint of dissatisfaction. “She went back to her mother’s early this morning. We were supposed to go tomorrow as planned, but she suddenly changed her mind. I really don’t know what she’s thinking.”

Mrs. Qiao understood. She had just sent the message to come, and her sister-in-law left immediately after. It seems she’s still angry with her.

That’s fine.

Mrs. Qiao smiled faintly. She had come to see her father this time.

While the Zuo Heying and his sons chatted in the hall, Mrs. Qiao followed the Duke into the back hall.

Looking up, she saw Qiao Jiaojiao holding a large red envelope again.

“Dad, Jiaojiao doesn’t lack anything. You don’t have to be so generous every time,” Mrs. Qiao reproached.

The Duke’s eyes widened. “This is the intention of an elder as a grandfather. How can you, as a daughter, interfere?”

He turned to look at Qiao Jiaojiao in his arms again, his voice filled with emotion.

“Good girl, don’t listen to your mother. Keep it well! These are all dowry for our Jiaojiao in the future!”

Qiao Jiaojiao held the red envelope in her hand, looking excited.

[Thank you, handsome, charming, and generous grandfather! Wow, this red envelope is really thick!]

Mrs. Qiao sighed helplessly. Both she and her husband didn’t care much about worldly possessions, but unfortunately, Jiaojiao was a little materialistic.

After playing in the room for a while, Qiao Jiaojiao began to feel sleepy again after the bumpy ride earlier.

Seeing this, Mrs. Qiao asked Aunt Liu to take Qiao Jiaojiao to the neighboring warm room for a nap.

Seeing that there was no one around, the Duke suddenly spoke up, “Jing’er, that matter is indeed a bit suspicious.”

Mrs. Qiao was about to ask proactively, but her heart skipped a beat at his words.

Last time, when she mentioned her sister-in-law’s childhood sweetheart, her father said he would investigate, but there had been no news for three months. She had a premonition that this matter was not simple.

The Duke’s expression was solemn as he said, “That person’s name is Li Xusheng. He’s actually a relative of your sister-in-law’s family, who came to the capital as a last resort.”

“It is said that he grew up with your sister-in-law and they had a close relationship. Li Xusheng is also talented. He is skilled in martial arts, and your in-laws intended to recommend him to join the military for training.”

“From this perspective, the two families originally had the intention of furthering their relationship.”

“The problem lies in the fact that after our two families agreed on the marriage, Li Xusheng’s family disappeared without a trace.”

Mrs. Qiao listened to this, her heart sinking.

She knew that when her sister-in-law first married into the Duke’s residence, she was still very happy. In this case, she herself was satisfied with this marriage.

Could it be that her sister-in-law’s family drove away the Li family in order to smoothly marry into their Duke’s residence?

Thinking in a darker direction, could it be that someone lost their life over this?