Chapter 156: Return - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 156: Return

If it were in the past, Qiao Shanwei would still pretend to be foolish, but now he felt it was unnecessary. Since they had come to his door, it meant they had been watching him for many days. Why bother pretending any longer? It was better to lay his cards on the table.

Instead of answering directly, he asked, "Second Young Master Feng and Third Miss Feng, what brings you here?"

Feng Jinlin raised an eyebrow and glanced at him. Although his reputation was quite significant, it was mainly known among the nobility. Ordinary people could also see their sharpness and immediately recognized their identities.

Indeed, he was as formidable as in his previous life. Although still young with a bit of childishness, his bearing was already unmistakable.

A golden phoenix emerged from the chicken coop. The Qiao family now had no one who could take charge, and he had grown to be like this entirely on his own. Feng Jinyao did not dare to underestimate him.

Exchanging a glance with Feng Jinlin, she took out a box.

When opened, it revealed the family heirloom jade pendant that had been deceitfully taken by the Shen family.

Qiao Shanwei's eyes lit up with joy but quickly concealed it, thinking of his future plans. He stood there motionless.

"Isn't this the item your mother left you? Why don't you seem to react?" Feng Jinlin asked curiously. Despite his young age, his mind was full of schemes, much like his third uncle.

"I won't accept something given in contempt!"

The righteous demeanor amused Feng Jinlin. Thinking of their purpose, he softened and continued, "You've read a lot, but unfortunately, your reasoning is skewed. We're not here to pity you, so don't place your resentment towards your father here."

Being confronted about his identity, despite his righteous demeanor just now, he felt deeply inferior at this moment.

A child whose mother died early and was not acknowledged by his father had grown up with some grievances. Even if neighbors were kind, there would inevitably be some neglect.

Sensitive and meticulous thoughts developed slowly over time.

Looking at Feng Jinyao and Feng Jinlin, Qiao Shanwei's face reddened, and his eyes showed unwillingness.

Feng Jinyao sighed softly. He was like a child raised by wolves in the forest, powerful but lacking human warmth. She comforted him, "I understand what you're thinking. I don't know why your father doesn't want to acknowledge you. But Qiao Shanwei, the Bai family is not just him. There's also your grandfather, grandmother, eldest uncle, and fourth uncle's family. If they knew of your existence, they wouldn't have let you live alone here for so many years."

"Hmph, Bai Sanlang is a concubine's son born in the courtyard and has been excluded for years. What about me? Third Miss Feng, you even fabricate such lies to deceive me. Truly impressive."

Qiao Shanwei had actually secretly gone to the Prime Minister's residence but was driven away before entering. He only observed Bai Xiang returning from court a few times from a distance, wondering if he should rush to recognize his grandfather.

But he held back.

How could an illegitimate child, unrecognized by his father, be liked by his grandfather and other uncles?
Instead of entering that tiger's den, wouldn't it be better to hone his skills outside? Eventually, the Bai family would come to seek his help, wouldn't they?
His resentment was so strong that even Feng Jinyao, a reborn girl, almost couldn't match it. It seemed convincing him to return to the Bai family would indeed be difficult.

She continued, "Whether you believe it or not, it's the truth. My brother and I came to return your jade pendant, which the Shen family deceitfully took using the Bai family’s name. Now, we return it intact as a gesture of goodwill."

Upon learning their intention, Qiao Shanwei was somewhat surprised. He thought they had come to mock him, but...
Looking at the patterns on the jade pendant, Qiao Shanwei remembered his mother's portrait in the inner room, which his father had painted himself. The tender expression between the brows was that of a loving couple, wasn't it?

Unfortunately, that deep affection was misplaced.

He wanted to return to the Bai family, not in disgrace, but in a way that would make them regret it bitterly, only then would he be satisfied.

Having these thoughts, his face showed some stubbornness. Feng Jinyao could roughly guess his thoughts and said, "Since you love studying, have you ever thought about going to Yunqi Academy?"

Yunqi Academy, even the beggars on the street had heard of its great name. Whether they were noble sons or commoners, everyone aspired to go there, and Qiao Shanwei was no exception.

Seeing his expression relax a bit, Feng Jinyao continued, "You know Yunqi Academy's rules. There's a way for you to go there legitimately. Do you want to know?"

Having said so much without revealing the method, Qiao Shanwei stared at Feng Jinyao, trying to see if she was joking or genuinely helping.

Now, he carefully observed Feng Jinyao.

Indeed, her appearance was extraordinary, but what impressed him most was her calming presence. For some reason, no matter how absurd her words were, they sounded convincing.

"Third Miss Feng, what do you advise?"

"Enter the Bai family’s main branch as an adopted son. Once you become the legitimate son, everything you desire will follow naturally."

Qiao Shanwei was shocked. How could an illegitimate child like him dare to dream of becoming the legitimate son of the Bai family's main branch!
"My eldest uncle and his wife have been married for years without children. If you acknowledge them as your parents at your age, although you won't enjoy the carefree childhood, I assure you, with them around, you won't be bullied again, especially not by the Shen family."

Qiao Shanwei hated the Shen family deeply.

Not only were they hypocritical, but their intentions were impure. If he hadn't been weak, how could he have let them take his mother's belongings?
Feng Jinyao's words hit the mark. He silently considered the feasibility of the matter.

Feng Jinlin glanced at his sister. They hadn't discussed this with the Bai family. Recognizing his ancestry was one thing, but entering the main branch was no joke. It meant entrusting the entire Bai family to Qiao Shanwei. Could he handle it? Could he let go of past grievances and treat the Bai family well?
He didn't know, but Feng Jinyao's confident expression reassured him.

"You don't have to answer me now. When you've made up your mind, go to Yiyuan Pawnshop and tell the owner the deal is done. I'll arrange everything. But there's one thing to make clear."

Qiao Shanwei looked at her, less skeptical than before, "Please go ahead, Third Miss Feng."

"My eldest uncle and his wife are kind-hearted. Once you enter the main branch, they will be your only parents in name and in private. You must sever all ties with the third branch, even if your father returns to acknowledge you."

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