Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
At the head of the living room of the Su Family sat the excited Old Marquis. The moment he saw Su Qing, he had no more doubts in his heart. To him, the whole family were his grandchildren! Su Qingâs beauty and resemblance to the Old Marquis when he was young filled his heart with joy. Moreover, the governorâs words about Su Bin looking even more like him intensified his excitement.
However, as the Old Marquis didnât see Su Binâs jade pendant, he managed to hold himself back and refrained from acknowledging the family right away.
Sitting next to the Old Marquis was Lin Nan, the elder son of the Minister of Revenue. Lin Nan was Su Binâs father and uncleâs son, making him Su Binâs cousin from the granduncleâs side. It had been a long time since Lin Nan last saw Su Binâs father, who had left home when Lin Nan was not even 10 years old.
Alongside the Old Marquis were the governor and the County Magistrate. When Su Qing first saw these people, she got startled and had no idea what was going on. As she learned that they were from the capital, curiosity got the better of her, and she couldnât help but ask, âAre you here for my father?â Their father was originally from the capital, and this fact had been known to them since they were young.
The Old Marquis struggled to suppress his excitement and nodded in acknowledgement. âYes!â
Upon hearing this, Su Qingâs face sank, and she replied solemnly, âYou came at the wrong time. My parents died in an accident..
The news of his sonâs passing still weighed heavily on the Old Marquis, and tears welled up in his eyes. âIt is my fault for not being here earlierâ¦â
Su Qing couldnât help but feel a mix of confusion and sympathy as she looked at the grief-stricken Old Marquis, who bore a resemblance to her father. She tried to console him, saying, âOld Master, donât worry, it is all in the past.â
It was evident that this elderly man shared a close relationship with her late father, and the depth of his sorrow was palpable. However, Su Qing couldnât help but wonder why her father had never mentioned him before.
The Old Marquis composed himself and asked Su Qing, âHow have your brothers and sisters been all these years?â
Once again, Su Qingâs expression turned somber as she replied, âAfter my parentsâ misfortune, we had to sell our properties to make a living because we were underage.â
âLater on, we almost could not eat one full mealâ¦â Su Qing said, reminiscing with a smile. âFortunately, Third Brother married Third Sister-in-law, who changed our familyâs situation. Our brothers and sisters wonât starve anymore.â
Listening attentively, the Old Marquis kept inquiring, âWhat did your father do when he was alive? Did he tell you anything about his childhood?â
Suddenly, Su Qing asked, âExcuse me, Old Master, are you my fatherâs friend or distant relative?â
Hearing this, the Old Marquis felt as though he had been splashed with cold water. âWhy friends⦠or distant relatives? Canât they be relatives?â
Su Qing responded, âBecause my father told us that we have no relatives in the capital, not even close ones.â
Lin Nan interjected, asking, âWhat did he say?â
âThey are all dead,â Su Qing replied bluntly.
The statement was so hurtful that the Old Marquis couldnât help but cover his face with his sleeves, almost bursting into tears. Lin Nan felt deeply embarrassed, regretting his question. The revelation meant that even the close relatives were dead, leaving their family with no one in the capital.
The governor hadnât expected Su Qing to make such a revelation. He quickly stood up, attempting to smooth things over.
âYoung Master Su, how about bringing your grandma and uncle here? The Marquis has something heâd like to ask them,â the governor suggested.
Su Qing was taken aback by the suggestion. âShould I bring Grandma here?â
The governor nodded reassuringly. âYes.â
With the assistance of Su Qing and another young man from the village, Grandma was gently helped up. Meanwhile, the village chief and the others had already hurried back to the village..