Chapter 204: Recognizing Ancestry - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

Chapter 204: Recognizing Ancestry

"Humiliate?" Bai Siruo asked in surprise.

"Yes. She tricked the Qiao family's heirloom and pawned it at my Feng family's pawnshop. I accidentally discovered it and by following the clues, I uncovered the whole story."

Bai Siruo fell into deep thought. This news was of great significance to the Bai family, but her cousin had been lost for fourteen years. His character and disposition were unknown, and most importantly, his attitude towards the Bai family was a concern.

If he turned out to be a threat, it would be better to stop this effort and pretend not to know.

"Ah Yao, are you telling me this today because you want me to help him?" Bai Siruo asked seriously.

Feng Jinyao shook her head. "No. I want you to be prepared. I intend to have him adopted under Uncle’s name, making him the legitimate eldest son of the Bai family. This way, Uncle’s line will have a future, and most importantly, the Bai family will have someone to support it."

"Are you so sure?"

"Yes!" Feng Jinyao had seen how influential he was in her past life and knew his capabilities. If he could be of help, the Bai family might prosper for generations.

Bai Siruo trusted Feng Jinyao's judgment. "Since you say so, I understand. Don’t worry. If this cousin is a good person, he will not suffer any humiliation in the Bai family."

Now, as the Anping Princess appointed by the Emperor, Bai Siruo’s position in the household was higher than even her mother, Princess Wen Yi. The status of the unrelated Shen family was far below hers.

With her protection, outsiders would see that the Bai family’s sons were not to be easily bullied.

With her affirmative response, Feng Jinyao felt more at ease. She had come today to inform the Bai family. After this incident, everyone understood the Wei family's audacity. If no one upheld the family, everything would be in vain once they were gone.

In the Bai residence, both the main and fourth branches of the Bai family were present.

When Feng Jinyao disclosed everything about Qiao Shanwei, even Bai Xiang was somewhat taken aback.

"Are you saying that the child is the flesh and blood of the late Chao Ke?"

Feng Jinyao nodded.

"How foolish, how foolish! Since my third brother has a son, why didn’t he let him recognize his roots? I have no sons, and Fourth Brother only has one daughter. We cherish this child, how could we harm him?"

Bai Silang was heartbroken, eager to find the child immediately. However, the second wife, Bai Lin, restrained him.

"Master, don’t be hasty. There might be other factors involved. Let’s hear what Ah Yao has to say."

Bai Xiang was silent for a moment before slowly asking, "But is it because the child’s future was obstructed that we were kept unaware of his existence?"

"The reasons for this are still unclear. I can’t make assumptions about Third son’s private affairs. However, it is certain that he is the biological child of my uncle. If you meet him, you will know that I am not lying."

"Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go to Shuanggui Lane and bring him back!"

"Fourth Uncle, please wait." Feng Jinyao stopped the eager Bai Silang, looking at her grandfather with visible concern.

"Fourth son, sit down. If you go impulsively, the child might not come back with you. He has lived in Dongdu for over ten years without any contact with us. If you were that child, would you want to acknowledge such a family?"

Bai Xiang’s words made everyone fall silent. Indeed, a child who had grown up without parents would find it difficult to accept such a sudden claim of family.

"Moreover, we do not know the child’s character yet. If he is a promising individual, it would be a blessing for the Bai family. But if not, such a stark difference in background might foster negative traits. It’s better to take time and see."

Bai Xiang’s words were harsh. It was painful to delay bringing the lost grandchild back, yet they had to proceed cautiously. The Bai family’s status did not allow for any mistakes, so they had to be meticulous.

After speaking, Bai Lin, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly knelt before Bai Xiang, her eyes clear.

"Father-in-law, if this child truly belongs to the Bai family, he must be brought back. Since marrying into the Bai family, I have not been able to give birth to a son or daughter. I feel deeply ashamed for not fulfilling my duty to the family and our ancestors. Although Master had considered adopting a child from the clan to continue the family line, I was unwilling to raise someone else’s child. Master’s consideration for me delayed this matter. Now, others see the Bai family as lacking successors and bully Siruo and Sihan. As the head of the main house, I must take on this responsibility. I vow to treat this child as my own. If I break this vow, may I suffer from sickness and untimely death!"

"Madam!"

"Big sister-in-law!"

Bai Silang felt pained seeing her in such distress.

They all knew well the struggle of not having children for so many years, but she had taken the burden alone. He held her shoulder tightly, heartbroken seeing her tears.

"My Bai Chaoan was truly blessed to have you as a wife. You need not worry so much about the future. Whether this child joins our main line or not, what matters is your happiness."

"Master…"

Bai Lin wept uncontrollably, while Madam Bai, Princess Wen Yi, and Feng Jinyao also had tears in their eyes.

Suddenly, Bai Xiang burst into hearty laughter, rising from his chair to personally help Bai Lin up. He looked at her with pride, saying, "The best thing I did in my life was to have Silang marry you. You have remained steadfast through poverty and wealth, never wavering. Everything you have done in these years deserves my respect."

He then bowed deeply to Bai Lin, startling both her and Bai Silang, who rushed to support him.

"Father-in-law, please don’t!"

Bai Xiang smiled warmly at them. "Since you know about this, the two brothers should investigate thoroughly, but avoid disturbing the Qiao family’s friends and neighbors. Even if the child cannot become part of the family, do not ruin his current life."

"Yes, Father, rest assured."

Having informed the Bai family, Feng Jinyao felt a bit more at ease. With her grandfather's support, the day for Qiao Shanwei’s return seemed to be near.

As she left the Shou'an Courtyard, she ran into Shen Shi, who had come to pay her respects.

"Jinyao greets Third Aunt."

"Get up, get up. You came to the estate, and no one told me. If I hadn’t gone out today, I wouldn’t have met you."

Shen Shi had seldom spoken to her before. Why this sudden familiarity? What was she aiming for?