Qiao Xin lashed out, scolding fiercely.

In her anger, she even reached out and slapped him twice!

She was furious, poking at his chest. “If I had known you were this troublesome, I wouldn’t have dragged you out of that wolf pack earlier!”

“Mother, you encountered a wolf pack?” Qiao Yunqing’s face darkened as he looked at her.

Qiao Xin stiffened for a moment, then casually let go of Heng Wen.

Forcing a smile at Qiao Yunqing, she tried to explain, “Isn’t it normal to run into wolves in Weizhou? This brat lost his mind today and insisted on leaving the city. If we hadn’t run into the second son of the Fan family and his men, who knows if we would’ve made it back?”

“A real man shouldn’t fear a few beasts!”

Hearing this, Qiao Xin immediately exploded with anger.

She glanced at the speaker and realized she didn’t recognize him, though he looked somewhat familiar.

The man wore simple clothes, had a sturdy build, a square face, and a thick beard.

His imposing presence made him look like a middle-aged version of Qiao Yunxin.

This must be that so-called Dingbian Marquis—Heng Wen and Qiao Yunxin’s worthless father!

Since the man hadn’t introduced himself right away, Qiao Xin felt less pressure and went all out with her sarcasm.

“Well, well! Who are you? Aren’t you impressive!”

“A severely injured child going up against over forty wolves alone—he’d be lucky if he didn’t wet his pants on the spot!

And you’re saying it’s no big deal? Look at you! Anyone who didn’t know better would think you were hoping he’d die.

Good thing his parents weren’t around, or else they’d have slapped you too!”

“Forty wolves?” Everyone present was shocked!

Heng Wen didn’t understand why Qiao Xin made it sound like he had done it, but he instinctively trusted that she wouldn’t harm him at this moment.

So, he chose to stay silent and lowered his head.

Seeing him acting so submissively, the others started to believe that Qiao Xin was telling the truth!

Qiao Yunqing hadn’t realized how dangerous it had been.

Normally reserved, he now looked worried. “Mother, did anyone get hurt?”

“Our people are fine, but a few villagers from Lao Hu Town got injured. That’s why I said this kid is a handful!”

“Why isn’t Young Master saying anything? How much has he suffered?”

Steward Zhu was also alarmed.

This child must have gone through a huge ordeal—why wouldn’t he even complain after meeting his father?

People always say that the ones who cry the most get the most care.

Some kids get comforted just for taking medicine, while others endure everything silently.

Both were sons of a marquis, yet their fates were so different!

“I’m fine, Steward Zhu. Look, I’m standing here in one piece, aren’t I?”

Heng Wen then turned to the grim-faced Dingbian Marquis and introduced, “Father, this is Aunt Qiao, mother of Qiao Er. Their family saved my life.”

The marquis, still fuming from Qiao Xin’s earlier words, remained silent with a sullen face.

Sensing the awkward atmosphere, Steward Zhu quickly stepped in to smooth things over.

He repeatedly bowed to Qiao Xin, expressing his deep gratitude.

Despite her simple village attire, he showed not a hint of disdain, which made Qiao Xin think better of him.

She, however, didn’t care how the marquis saw her.

Instead, she looked at Heng Wen with curiosity and asked playfully, “This is your father?”

“Yes!”

“Oh? He’s your real father?”

“How dare you! Watch your mouth, woman!”

The Dingbian Marquis finally spoke.

If he didn’t, this woman would throw even more dirt on him.

“Well, can you blame me for doubting it? Look at you—dressed like a noble, clearly not short on money. Yet your son was missing for nearly a month, and not a single person from your family came looking for him!

Anyone who didn’t know better would think your whole family was dead!”

“You—!”

The Marquis of Dingbian found himself at a loss for words, unable to refute the accusations.

“My father must have had his difficulties too. As the head of the household, he has many responsibilities to attend to. My younger brother was also injured and needed care, so it’s understandable that he was too busy to spare attention for me. I can understand,” Heng Wen said obediently, though his words carried a subtle hint of sarcasm.

“Tsk tsk tsk, so your father was busy. What about your mother? And are you and your brother born of the same mother? Does your birth mother even know about your situation?

Her own son, fate uncertain, left uncared for—how could a mother possibly eat or sleep in peace?”

“The household affairs are managed by my aunt, and she is very concerned about me. It’s just that my younger brother is also injured and she couldn’t leave his side,” Heng Wen explained.

Qiao Xin suddenly seemed to understand. “Oh! A stepmother, I see. No wonder.”

Her exaggerated “Oh~” was laced with an unmistakable undertone, making her meaning abundantly clear despite saying little.

The Marquis of Dingbian’s face darkened with suppressed anger, but he couldn’t lash out.

He had come quietly without announcing his identity.

Now, it seemed this ignorant woman had no idea who Heng Wen truly was!

That must be why she dared to speak so brazenly and without restraint.

Initially, he had intended to reward the Qiao family generously.

But now, seeing the overbearing manner of this woman, he abandoned that idea altogether.

With such an unreasonable elder in the family, their household couldn’t be that well-mannered either!

Forget it—she was just a countryside woman.

It wasn’t worth lowering himself to personally express gratitude.

He signaled to Butler Zhu with a glance, instructing him to handle the situation instead.

Understanding his master’s intent, Butler Zhu stepped forward and said, “The head of the family and the old master have been sending people to search for the young master. The moment we confirmed his whereabouts, we rushed here to bring him home.

Madam Qiao, your great kindness is deeply appreciated by all of Heng Manor. If you have any requests, please feel free to ask. My master will do his best to fulfill them.”

Qiao Xin dusted off her sleeves and waved dismissively. “No need, no need. I’m not used to taking advantage of others. Just take him back quickly. We’re too poor to raise a golden bird. If he stays any longer, my whole family will have to survive on dirt.

Just settle the expenses incurred while he was here. No need to talk about favors or gratitude. For poor folks like us, nothing matters more than having enough to eat and wear. I won’t take advantage of you—two thousand taels will suffice.”

“Two thousand taels?! Why don’t you just go rob someone?!” Before anyone from Heng Manor could react, Doctor Lu had already jumped up in protest.

Qiao Xin sneered. “Two thousand taels is the friendly price. It only covers his medical expenses. You’re a doctor too, aren’t you? Can’t you tell how effective the medicine was?”

“This…” He really couldn’t tell, but admitting that was out of the question.

The Marquis of Dingbian, however, felt that Qiao Xin’s demand was actually too modest.

If word got out, it would be a disgrace to Heng Manor.

“I heard you have three sons. I can arrange work for them,” he offered.

But Qiao Xin firmly refused. “No need. They are simple folk—let them carry bowls that match their stomachs. If they lack the capability, even the greatest wealth will be a burden rather than a blessing.”

The Marquis hadn’t expected such insight from a countryside woman.

Seeing her determination, he didn’t insist further.

Instead, he instructed Butler Zhu to handle the payment before taking Heng Wen and leaving the inn.

---

That night, Heng Wen returned with Butler Zhu, personally delivering a box containing silver notes worth three thousand taels, along with a deed for one hundred mu of fertile land and a small estate in the southern part of the city.

Qiao Xin raised an eyebrow but accepted it on the spot.

Butler Zhu let out a quiet sigh of relief before excusing himself, leaving the two alone.

Heng Wen felt an inexplicable emptiness inside.

After a moment of hesitation, he said, “Madam, we are leaving tomorrow. If you ever face difficulties, you can send someone to Heng Manor in the north of the city and mention my name.”

“Alright. Since you’re leaving, this sachet should be returned to its rightful owner,” Qiao Xin said.

Heng Wen was taken aback but accepted it.

The weight in his palm felt heavier than expected.

“I won’t see you off tomorrow. Take care of yourself. Before you leave, I have one last thing to say—true power is safest when held in your own hands. Relying on others will never be as secure as relying on yourself.”

Heng Wen was stunned.

After a long pause, he stepped back and bowed deeply.

When he looked up, his eyes were bright with determination. “Thank you for your guidance, Madam. I will remember it.”

Seeing his sincerity, Qiao Xin patted his arm. “Live well.”