Reborn Together: The General and I Reach for Power
Chapter 47 - 45: Parents

Chapter 47: Chapter 45: Parents

Old Mrs. Chen and Xie Liangchen, along with Chen Zigeng, welcomed the members of the Xie Family into the courtyard.

Second Old Master Xie instructed his people to bring in the items they had brought. Old Mrs. Chen cast a glance and saw grains, eggs, fruits, and vegetables, even two ducks and two hens.

What is this about? Old Mrs. Chen was somewhat uncertain about the intentions of the Xie Family. Her most valuable asset was her granddaughter, the precious gem, Miss Chen. Could it be that the Xie Family had intentions toward her?

In her moment of panic, Old Mrs. Chen’s eyes showed vigilance, and she moved closer to Xie Liangchen.

Second Old Master Xie hurriedly said, "We heard about Xie Shaoshan’s matter, which was my oversight, and this visit is to offer my apologies to the old lady."

Second Old Master Xie, who usually stood tall and straight, rarely bowed humbly. But at this moment, he recalled Song Xian’s cold gaze, and his waist immediately bent down.

Second Old Master Xie bowed to Old Mrs. Chen.

The Xie Family members naturally dared not slack off and followed suit.

Old Mrs. Chen had some discontent towards the Xie Family. In the days when her son-in-law was alive, he often helped the family members, but after he got into trouble, what did the Xie Family do?

When a person leaves, so does the affection. Old Mrs. Chen understood this principle, and she wasn’t someone who would hold grudges. She could only try to send things to the Xie Family and find ways to keep a path open for Miss Chen.

Now that Miss Chen had returned with her to the Chen Family Village, she could not help but be surprised that the Xie Family would come again.

Thinking this way is not wrong, but the Xie Family’s actions indeed made Old Mrs. Chen feel much relieved.

Old Mrs. Chen waved her hand: "Second Old Master Xie, no need to be so polite."

With those words, Old Mrs. Chen welcomed Second Old Master Xie into the house.

Just as Second Old Master Xie sat down, he straightforwardly said, "Xie Shaoshan colluded with outsiders to wrongfully accuse Miss Chen and frame General Song Xian. Regardless of what crime the government office will determine, our Xie Family will not tolerate such members. This visit is also to inform you that if in the future, Xie Shaoshan’s family tries to plot against Miss Chen again, you can just send me a message, and the Xie Family will stand for Miss Chen."

Not only was Old Mrs. Chen surprised, but even Xie Liangchen was taken aback. Second Old Master Xie was an old fox, pretending to be impartial on the surface but would often turn a deaf ear when facing benefits.

Years ago, when she was about to be sent to the Su Family, her brother had also sought Second Old Master Xie’s help, but he did not step forward for her, which was proof.

Since that was the case, how could Second Old Master Xie so decisively expel Xie Shaoshan from the Xie Family?

Second Old Master Xie continued, "I inquired news at the government office, and happened to meet General Song Xian. After listening to General Song Xian’s words, I realized my mistakes in the past. Please, Old Mrs. Chen, bear with me."

Xie Liangchen’s eyes flashed; it was indeed Song Xian.

It was certain that Second Old Master Xie suffered setbacks at Song Xian’s place and hastily came to the Chen Family Village, hoping they could say some good words for the Xie Family at Song Xian’s place.

Old Mrs. Chen frankly said, "Xie Shaoshan deserved this outcome."

While Old Mrs. Chen criticized Xie Shaoshan, Xie Liangchen was contemplating Song Xian. Song Xian was both a tiger and a fox; smart people take one step and think three steps ahead, while Song Xian thinks ten steps ahead. Him personally saying these words naturally had his reasons.

Song Xian was investigating the origin of that half jade pendant. She had lost her memory; if the events from back when her entire family and her foster parents occurred could be investigated, perhaps the truth could be inferred.

She originally wanted to find an opportunity to inquire with the Xie Family, and now was the best timing.

"Second Old Master," Xie Liangchen stepped forward and said, "I have a matter I wish to ask for your assistance."

Second Old Master Xie’s spirits lifted: "Miss Chen, speak freely."

Xie Liangchen said, "Regarding my parents going out to sea to find me back then, does Second Old Master clearly know the details?"

Mentioning this matter, Second Old Master Xie frowned, recalling, and after a while, sighed: "After you were abducted, your father left home to search for you all over. Half a year later, your father returned home, claiming he found a lead, thus urgently selling some land to fund a trip to sea.

Unexpectedly, the ship encountered heavy rain only two days after departure, it capsized, and your father and mother disappeared without a trace."

What Second Old Master Xie recounted was identical to what Xie Liangchen heard in her past life. Her parents passed away and went missing in June; it remained unclear which year Song Xian was rescued.

Xie Liangchen was pondering.

Second Old Master Xie suddenly added, "Originally, there were things I shouldn’t say since nothing has been verified..."

Xie Liangchen raised her head and met Second Old Master Xie’s eyes.

Second Old Master Xie said, "In September of the year your parents passed away, when my steward returned to his old home in Dengzhou, he seemed to have seen your father."

Xie Liangchen hadn’t expected to hear such news, leaving her stunned.

Old Mrs. Chen and Chen Zigeng also widened their eyes, staring blankly at Second Old Master Xie.

Second Old Master Xie waved his hand: "Don’t rush; back then, I questioned the steward thoroughly, but he hadn’t seen clearly, so I didn’t speak about it."

Xie Liangchen asked, "Is the steward you mention still within the Xie Family?"

Second Old Master Xie replied, "Housekeeper Zhao passed away two years ago, and his son is not working within the Xie Family either."

The hope that had just welled up within Old Mrs. Chen shattered instantly, as she murmured, "If they were alive, they would have sent word home long ago; there wouldn’t be no news for years."

Second Old Master Xie sighed, "After all, there was no body found at that time, so keeping a trace of hope is good."

Chen Zigeng, worried that Xie Liangchen would be sad, held onto her and said, "Second grandfather is right; once we can leave Zhenzhou, we’ll go to Dengzhou to inquire about Uncle and Aunt’s news."

Second Old Master Xie’s thoughts were on point, this news made Old Mrs. Chen and her grandchildren warm up to him more.

Seeing that it was about to be dark, Second Old Master Xie left with the family members.

Xie Liangchen sat in the courtyard, repeatedly pondering Second Old Master Xie’s words. That Housekeeper Zhao wouldn’t have lied to the master; if he said he saw her father, he was somewhat certain.

Xie Liangchen greatly wanted to promptly go to Dengzhou to search for them, but she knew things weren’t so simple. If her parents’ whereabouts were so easily found, there would have been clues in her past life.

She must first strengthen herself enough to have the capability to look for them.

Old Mrs. Chen looked at her granddaughter sitting there in a daze, resting her chin in her hand. Her heart ached; hopes given and dashed, with emotions fluctuating, could she be comfortable?

Old Mrs. Chen was about to step forward to comfort her, as, despite the sadness, one must eat and take care of the body first.

Old Mrs. Chen said, "What is Miss Chen thinking about? You can talk to your grandmother. No difficulty is too big; grandmother will help you make decisions."

Xie Liangchen turned her head, her eyes gazing at Old Mrs. Chen. After a moment, she pointed to the hen brought by the Xie Family: "Grandmother, we have the hen now, why don’t we stew it tonight? Feeding it for more days would require foraging, it’s not worth it."

Old Mrs. Chen was just about to say: Don’t think about my chicken.

Xie Liangchen then continued, "Let’s eat the scrawny one with the sharp beak."

Old Mrs. Chen was about to rush to protect the chicken, but both chickens looked "scrawny with sharp beaks." She didn’t know which one her granddaughter had in mind.

"I’ll take the other one to give to General Song. General Song has helped us tremendously; shouldn’t we express our gratitude?" Xie Liangchen said while looking at the dried frogs hanging overhead.

Once she gathered enough items, she should visit creditor Song, send a token of gratitude, letting creditor Song know that she has always repaid kindness.

Having finished speaking, Xie Liangchen stood up and took a knife out from the kitchen, placing it in Old Mrs. Chen’s hand: "Grandmother, quickly go kill the chicken."