Chapter 31

Xia Qingqing had just gotten off the carriage when she saw Steward Wang Er standing at the gate of the Xia family residence.

“Sixth Miss, you’ve returned!”

Steward Wang Er greeted Xia Qingqing with an exceptionally respectful bow.

He vividly remembered the terrifying scene when the guards had their limbs dislocated and scratched themselves until their flesh was exposed. Only the Sixth Miss could manage such a feat in the back courtyard.

He had no desire to share the guards’ miserable fate, so his respect for the Sixth Miss far surpassed that of anyone else in the household.

“Steward Wang Er, are you waiting here because you have something to discuss with me?”

Xia Qingqing looked at him with a puzzled expression.

“Sixth Miss, I just saw the master off and happened to notice your return. I decided to wait here to greet you!”

Steward Wang Er answered truthfully.

“My father? Why is he leaving the house so late? Where did he go?”

Curiosity sparked in Xia Qingqing’s heart. Could her scummy father be meeting another woman in secret while Yan Meili was away?

“Sixth Miss, the Old Master Yan summoned him over!”

Steward Wang Er replied honestly again.

“Oh, I see! Looks like the relationship between father-in-law and son-in-law is quite good,” Xia Qingqing muttered indifferently as she walked into the residence, uninterested in digging further.

“Take care, Sixth Miss!”

Steward Wang Er bowed respectfully as she left.

---

Meanwhile, at the Yan residence, Yan Shoufu (the Prime Minister) wore a grave expression as he looked at Xia Jinxing.

“Father-in-law, is something troubling you?”

Xia Jinxing felt uneasy under the elder’s gaze and asked cautiously.

“Jinxing, I’ve treated you well, haven’t I? Is there something you’re hiding from me?”

Yan Shoufu set down his teacup and asked in a faintly threatening tone.

“Father-in-law, I respect you more than my own parents and would never dare hide anything from you!”

Xia Jinxing was so frightened that he knelt down and kowtowed repeatedly.

Without Yan Shoufu, he wouldn’t have the wealth and status he enjoyed today. He could deceive Yan Meili, but never his powerful father-in-law.

“Fine then. Let me ask you: is Xia Qingqing really your biological daughter?”

Yan Shoufu crooked his finger, signaling him to come closer.

Xia Jinxing’s heart skipped a beat as memories of Xia Qingqing’s mother surfaced. He had taken great care to keep her confined and had even appointed trusted people to watch over her. There was no way she could have been with anyone else.

“She is my biological daughter, without a doubt! Father-in-law, have you discovered something unusual about her?” Xia Jinxing quickly responded.

“She’s indeed different from before—more audacious and fierce. Sometimes, the light in her eyes is chilling. But her ruthlessness doesn’t seem to come from you, and her mother’s family are all spineless. I suspect her origins might not be simple. Perhaps she was switched with a noble’s child at birth.”

Yan Shoufu spoke in a low voice, his tone measured.

“Let’s not worry about that for now. When you return, have Meili officially adopt Qingqing as her daughter and enter her name in the Xia family genealogy as a legitimate daughter. Treat her like the Second and Fifth Misses. If she wishes to leave the residence, let her. Don’t try to control her too much.”

Xia Jinxing was stunned. “Father-in-law, did you hear some secret information? Could it be that a powerful figure is pressuring you? I understand—I’ll take care of this immediately.”

“Perhaps. But I trust you’ll handle it well. Your future prosperity depends on it,” Yan Shoufu said lazily, leaning back in his chair.

---

Back at the Xia residence, Xia Jinxing waited in the main hall for Yan Meili to return. She arrived shortly with her two daughters, Xia Jinlan and Xia Tinglan.

“Madam, you’re back? Where are the Fourth Miss, Xia Shuixian, and the Sixth Miss, Qingqing? Why haven’t I seen them?”

Xia Jinxing inquired as he personally came to greet her.

“Qingqing returned on her own earlier. As for Shuixian, I heard from a palace maid that someone will escort her back later. Hmph, that girl is truly worrisome!”

Yan Meili grumbled in frustration.

Relieved to know Xia Qingqing was safe, Xia Jinxing turned to his daughters. “Jinlan, Tinglan, you two should go to your rooms and rest. I have something to discuss privately with your mother.”

Xia Jinlan pouted. “Father, you used to ask us about our experiences at banquets when we returned. Why don’t you care about us as much anymore?”

“Exactly, Father! Are you so eager to have a private conversation with Mother that you don’t want us to hear?” Xia Tinglan teased.

Xia Jinxing sighed and embraced them. “My dear daughters, you’re the ones I love most! Seeing your cheerful faces, I can tell you had a good time tonight. But look at your mother—she doesn’t seem very happy. I want to comfort her. Can you let us talk alone?”

“Fine, we’ll let you off the hook this time,” the sisters said, giggling as they left.

After they were gone, Xia Jinxing turned to Yan Meili and started massaging her shoulders.

“Madam, you’ve worked hard tonight. Let me ease your tension.”

Yan Meili snorted. “Acting so attentive—what are you scheming?”

“Heh, Madam, there’s something I need to discuss with you,” Xia Jinxing said with a sheepish grin.

“Speak.”

“Don’t you think Qingqing is different now? She’s become remarkable!”

Yan Meili glared at him. “What are you trying to say?”

“Well… I dreamed of her grandfather last night. He told me to treat her well, or he’d haunt our son, Yuanxiu. I was terrified! For Yuanxiu’s sake, I think we should adopt Qingqing as your daughter and list her as a legitimate Xia family member in the genealogy.”

Yan Meili’s eyes widened. “Are you insane?”