Chapter 8, Doubts

"Sister Qing, what happened?" Wang, the shopkeeper, approached, holding a porcelain kettle filled with hot tea. "Did Doctor Xiao Cao bully you?" Although he had a good impression of the young man, the mere thought of such a possibility made him glare fiercely at the latter.

Qingyun let out a long sigh: "Brother Cao, do you mean to say that even if other relatives want to acknowledge me and bring me back, my father's... stepmother and younger brother would still find ways to obstruct it?"

Qingyun shook her head: "This feeling of being controlled and lacking freedom is truly terrible. Even if my clansmen understand, still... on the surface, should I still show filial piety to such elders? That would be too suffocating. I do not want to live that kind of life, so..." She stood up.

She led Cao Jueming to the long table in the corner, which is generally not used for guests and is specifically designated for placing miscellaneous items. It is only utilized when there are too many guests to be seated elsewhere. This table is somewhat distanced from the other tables and chairs, allowing for conversation without being overheard as long as the voices are not too loud

He has achieved a promising future, bringing glory to his family, and the family is also pleased to repay him. As a result, not only was his elder brother compensated with a piece of land, but he also secured a decent position at the local academy. Even his abandoned biological mother was taken back by the Jiang family, where she was settled in a family temple to practice, receiving monthly financial support. Her maternal family had already declined, and for many years she had suffered from the coldness of her relatives; the actions of the Jiang family can be said to have greatly assisted her.

Qingyun frowned and said, "What does this mean?" Could it be that she has revealed something? She felt a cold sweat break out on her back

Qingyun was completely at a loss for words: "I really don't know... when did this happen?"

Manager Wang stared at Cao Jueming with suspicion, slowly walking away to serve tea to a newly arrived table of guests, while saying words of welcome and occasionally turning his head to look back.

Cursed ancient inheritance laws

This question is quite simple. Cao Jueming fixed his gaze on her and said, "Your esteemed father, having attained the rank of a fourth-grade military officer, is on a promising path. Why did he suddenly abandon his official position and leave?"

Ah? Qingyun was somewhat taken aback, "What did you say?"

Qingyun felt a mix of regret and relief, forcing out a dry smile: "Oh... that’s really great..." She once again asked that old question: "What exactly are you to me? How should I address you?"

"No... just in case." Cao Jueming forced a smile, "You are a good child, just unfortunately lost your parents. I hope to help you return to your loved ones smoothly. So, if you can..."

Doctor Xiao Cao seemed a bit hesitant, but still responded to her: "You can just call me Brother Cao. Our two families... actually can only be considered distant relatives. If we were to discuss it in detail, it might be somewhat complicated"

Qingyun furrowed his brows and said, "What is it? To be honest, even if I knew before, I cannot tell you now."

This is indeed the case; after all, we are in ancient times, and women's names are not casually disclosed, especially in more affluent families

Cao Jueming supported himself on the edge of the table with both hands, lowered his head in thought for a moment, and then raised his head to say: "Sister Jiang, actually... the Jiang family has something they cannot understand, and they hope that when I find your father, I can ask him about it. But now... both your father and mother have passed away, and you have forgotten everything from the past, so... I also do not know how to explain this to them."

"No... that's not it." Doctor Xiao Cao took a deep breath and forced a smile, "It is him, Jiang Feng, courtesy name Lingfan, the person I am looking for is Jiang Lingfan." He glanced at the document in his hand again, "If I had any doubts before, seeing this certificate, I can be certain now."

Jiang Qingjie’s father, Jiang Feng, styled Lingfan, was a scion of the prominent Jiang family of Heyang, and he had a biological elder brother. When the two brothers were still young, their father divorced their mother on the grounds of the seven reasons for divorce, which made their situation awkward, especially since shortly thereafter, their father legitimized his second wife, who soon gave birth to a son.

Qingyun was taken aback; this matter was too sudden, and she could not comprehend it at all. She began to speculate: "Perhaps... he has offended some significant figure? Uh... or has he made some mistake at work?"

No, no, no! Cao Jueming took a deep breath, his expression a mix of laughter and tears, "That is not what I meant. The Jiang family is a well-known prestigious family in Heyang, with immense wealth, and they would never do such a thing. Moreover... as far as I know, these prominent families have arrangements for their daughters, merely a dowry. The public treasury allocates funds, and regardless of whether your father left behind a substantial fortune, it... will not belong to you."

What a melodramatic background!

Is my father very wealthy?" Qingyun suddenly had an idea

Seven years ago. Cao Jueming's expression was somewhat dazed, "A full seven years... I remember that year was truly tumultuous. At the beginning of the year, the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace, only three years old, suddenly fell ill and passed away. Following that, the Empress Dowager Luo was granted the order to take her own life, and not long after, the Empress Dowager also passed away due to a sudden illness. For an entire year, the capital was in mourning for the nation, and the common people did not even dare to speak loudly when they went out. It was not until the end of the year that Empress Jiang gave birth to the third prince, which brought a bit of festivity to the capital. The Jiang family was at the height of their glory at that time, with Jiang Lingfan being the cousin of the Empress. Why would one choose to abandon their official position and leave at such a time?

He took a deep breath and revealed a warm smile: "Sister Jiang, it was my oversight. Since you have forgotten the past, you must have also forgotten your father's background. Let us find a quiet place, and I will explain it to you in detail."

Qingyun looked up and asked Doctor Xiao Cao: "Here it is engraved with the two characters 'Bi Luo', is it a person's name?"

Qingyun believed she had read quite a few stories about family rivalries, and Cao Jue Ming's attitude was rather strange. She was certain that her body belonged to Sister Jiang Qing, and no one could claim she was impersonating her. However, he took the initiative to approach her, yet demanded that she prove her identity, which was somewhat unusual. In any case, she was at a disadvantage and needed to seize the initiative.

Doctor Xiao Cao paused for a moment as he reached out to take the hairpin, then continued his actions as if nothing had happened: "This... although I know who gave me the hairpin, how can I ask for the name of the lady?"

Everything seemed to be going well, but unfortunately, there has been a change: Jiang Lingfan has died, leaving behind only a daughter

Cao Jueming suddenly realized that the situation was more complicated than he had imagined, and Jiang Lingfan's daughter was also smarter than he had anticipated. Although she had lost her memory, her inherent vigilance remained intact. He could only change his strategy

Cao Jueming was momentarily speechless, while Qingyun smiled and said: "It's nothing, Uncle Wang, you may continue with your work."

Doctor Xiao Cao added, "However, although I do not know the name of the owner of this hairpin, I have heard that... your esteemed mother's given name is Hongxiao, with 'Hong' meaning red and 'xiao' referring to silk. " He stared at Qingyun, "Do you have any impression of this name?"

At this long table, Cao Jueming recounted a melodramatic yet inspiring story to Qingyun

Qingyun suppressed the urge to roll her eyes and spread her hands: "Since it is like this, why are you asking me so much? To be honest, I completely do not remember what relatives I have. I am living quite well now, and if the Jiang family does not want to acknowledge me, I can’t be bothered with them. Whatever my father left behind, they can take it as they please"

Qingyun smiled and said: "Brother Cao, it is evident that you are a good person, but there are some matters that you may not be able to understand my thoughts on, so..."

Bilo? What does this mean?

It is also possible... Dr. Xiao Cao pondered for a moment, "Do you remember if your parents ever mentioned anyone by that name? It is a woman's name."

Cao Jueming shook his head: "He is extremely diligent in his duties, and both superiors and subordinates hold him in high regard. He has also achieved significant accomplishments several times, and even the Emperor has praised him. As for offending any powerful figures..." He chuckled self-deprecatingly, "Sister Jiang, I think you have truly forgotten too much. Do you not know that the Jiang family of Heyang is the maternal family of the current Empress? Your father held the position of Chief Guard of the Prince of Chu's residence before he left, and the principal consort of the Prince of Chu is also a Jiang family woman." Sister Jiang, I think you have truly forgotten too much. Do you not know that the Jiang family of Heyang is the maternal family of the current Empress? Your father held the position of Chief Guard of the Prince of Chu's residence before he left, and the principal consort of the Prince of Chu is also a Jiang family woman. They are of the same clan, and are indeed close relatives. No matter whom he offended, he could always find someone to mediate, yet he... just left like that.

Jiang Lingfan achieved success, and his relatives began to change their attitude towards him. They prohibited his father and stepmother from bullying him any further and sought out good mentors and teachers for him, diligently nurturing him to become a talented individual. He also lived up to their expectations, passing the martial arts examination three years later and attaining the second highest rank, thus securing an official military position.

Qingyun raised an eyebrow, could it be that Sister Jiang Qing's father has some mysterious background?

I know this. Qingyun took the household registration certificate and travel permit from the basket beside her and said, "Look, it says here that my father's surname is Jiang and his given name is Feng, but it does not mention my mother's name." According to Dr. Qian's speculation, her parents' travel permits and identity documents might have been carried with them and buried together under the mountain mud. As for why only her father's name is written on Qingjie’s documents and not her mother's, that remains unclear.

Thus, she straightforwardly asked: "Is my father very wealthy? Even while fleeing from disaster, he can afford a carriage, and my mother can wear jewelry every day. They must not be poor. So, do they have some land and property back home? Others—perhaps even family members—might be envious of these assets. If I were not their daughter, these assets would belong to them, wouldn't they? That is why you asked me to prove my identity, knowing full well that I have forgotten everything, and aside from these documents, I cannot produce anything else."

"Calm down!" Now it is Cao Jueming's turn to sweat, "I am just being cautious..."

Cao Jueming, in a hurry, grabbed her sleeve and said, "Don't leave just yet!"

Doctor Xiao Cao hesitated for a moment: "I am not quite sure, it might be a person's name, but it could also possibly be the name of a hairpin"

Cao Jueming smiled slightly: "As long as you understand. If your relatives and kin do not wish to acknowledge you, how could I come to find you? However... that is after all your grandmother and uncle"

Dr. Xiao Cao casually remarked: "Cao Jue Ming, the Jue of jade, and the bright Ming." As soon as he finished speaking, he immediately lowered his voice and leaned closer to Qingyun: "Sister Jiang, I did not expect that your parents would unfortunately pass away, and you also fell seriously ill and lost your memory. This situation is somewhat concerning. You see, your family has not seen you for many years. Without your parents' testimony, how can we know that you are indeed their daughter? Therefore... it may be somewhat difficult for you, but could you try to recall some past events? For instance... where did your parents go in the past? What did they do? Who were their close friends? Such matters..."

Is it 'red gauze'? It is actually a pair with 'green silk'.

"There is nothing to worry about!" Qingyun stood up, "Is this the attitude that an ordinary family has towards their granddaughter who has fallen seriously ill after losing their son and daughter-in-law? First, they ask the child to prove her identity, otherwise they won't acknowledge her? I don't care whether they acknowledge her or not!" She turned around and was about to leave.

Cao Jueming quickly got up and chased after her, stopping her: "Sister Jiang, please do not be angry; it is all my fault, I did not explain clearly."

Qingyun found it strange: "What’s wrong? Is something not right?" She immediately thought of a possibility, "Did you make a blunder? Did you find the wrong person? Am I not the relative you are looking for?"

Doctor Xiao Cao stared at the few thin sheets of paper, slowly reached out to take them, and then looked at them for a long while without saying a word

"My surname is Wei." Young Minister Cao hesitated for a moment again, "Do you really not remember anything? You don't recall your mother's surname or given name, what about your father?"

Qingyun pondered for a while before solemnly addressing him: "Brother Cao, even if the Jiang family accepts me back, as a girl, I would surely have to make a living under the care of my father's stepmother and younger brother"

He abandoned his official position and left! Cao Jueming said sternly, "This is completely unreasonable. If he encountered any difficulties, he knew whom to ask for help. Yet he suddenly left without leaving a word. His family was taken aback and worried, searching for him for many years before finally learning of his whereabouts. However, before they could even see him, a natural disaster occurred, and he..." He swallowed hard, "I want to know why. Do you... remember any details?"

Qingyun glanced at his hand, and he quickly released it, his face slightly flushed: "I apologize, I was just... caught up in the moment..."

Although the actions of their father were against the rules and violated the clan's regulations for the Jiang family, they did not intervene in the plight of the brothers. This branch of the family was looked down upon by the entire clan, including the two brothers who were victims themselves. As a result, they faced exclusion from their stepmother and younger brother at home, and were criticized by clan members outside, leading to a life of unbearable hardship. The elder brother resignedly accepted his fate, obeyed his parents' wishes, married the daughter of a small household, and then moved out after dividing the family property, leaving him with only a meager piece of land to support his wife and children. Thus, they faced exclusion from their stepmother and younger brother at home, and were criticized by clan members outside, leading to a life of unbearable hardship. The elder brother resignedly accepted his fate, obeyed his parents' wishes, married the daughter of a small household, and then moved out after dividing the family property, leaving him with only a meager piece of land to support his wife and children. However, the younger brother was unwilling to be suppressed by his stepmother and younger brother for a lifetime, so he went to take the martial examination. With the skills he developed from being bullied as a child, he surprisingly passed the martial examination, astonishing his family.

Cao Jueming hesitated for a moment and said, "Uh... actually, your kin understand this, and they may make alternative arrangements for you."

Qingyun nodded vaguely and obediently called out "Brother Cao," then asked, "What is your full name?"

Qingyun examined the hairpin carefully again and shook his head: "It is impossible. 'Bi' means green, but this hairpin is made of silver, and the only color present is the red gemstone at the tip. It could be called 'Hongluo', but it cannot be called 'Bilo'"

Cao Jueming felt a sense of disappointment in his heart. He had originally intended to have Qingyun take him to the back hall or find a quiet guest room. However, the little girl was clearly very astute, and in order to make amends for the mistake he had just made, he did not voice any objections.

Where does Qingyun know? I can only shake my head again: "I completely do not remember." I casually wanted to return the hairpin to the other party, but suddenly paused: "Wait... Doctor Xiao Cao, do you not know whose name this is? You just said it was obtained from my mother's family. You should know who the owner of this hairpin is, right?"

Qingyun shook her head: "I don't remember, but if this hairpin is a pair, one engraved with 'Bilu' and the other with 'Hongxiao', wouldn't that be a perfect match? My mother's name is Hongxiao?" She was somewhat curious, "What is her surname?"

Cao Jueming probably did not expect her to say this: "What?"