She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 154 - 153 Uncle

Chapter 154: Chapter 153 Uncle

Upon hearing that the Fourth had arrived, Qi Younian felt such joy that he almost lost coherence in his speech.

The old man chuckled and said, "Your Fourth Uncle is the most capable among us brothers, far more so than your grandfather. Now that he’s here, we won’t have to worry about our living situation; our house will be built in no time."

"Oh, that’s quite impressive!" Ye Xinyan exaggerated with respect to flatter the old man, but inwardly she doubted it. If all Grandfather’s brothers were as he described, each more capable than him, who would respect a grandfather without skills as the primary official?

Though Qi Younian talked, he didn’t slow his pace, rushing as if he had been rejuvenated by twenty years, hurrying home while still chatting with Ye Xinyan, "It’s been so many years since we’ve seen each other, I don’t know how your Fourth Uncle has been, or if he still practices his old trade."

Ye Xinyan followed Qi Younian’s lead, comforting him, "Fourth Uncle must be doing well; otherwise, he wouldn’t have come so quickly. Don’t worry, please walk slower."

How could Qi Younian slow down at such a moment? It was a brother who had fought and survived with him, whom he had parted with under such bleak circumstances; of course, he was deeply concerned.

Before they even entered the courtyard, the two brothers caught sight of each other. Despite nearly ten years apart, the familiarity from years of companionship hadn’t diminished in the slightest.

Cheung Wusi immediately stood up when he first saw Qi Younian from a distance, and despite his age, rushed forward to meet Qi Younian outside the courtyard gate. He was about to kneel down in respect when Qi Younian hurriedly supported him.

The two brothers exchanged looks, at first unable to utter a word.

A moment later, Qi Younian patted Cheung Wusi’s shoulder forcefully, his voice somewhat choked up, "Good, good, it’s wonderful that we brothers can see each other again."

Cheung Wusi grinned and chuckled, "Big brother, you’re still as strong as ever. Look at the strength in your hands; after all these years, you’ve not lost a bit of your power."

The two stood there laughing foolishly, slapping each other’s shoulders, repeating phrases like "we’re old," "not a bit old," "seeing each other again," "heaven is kind," and the like.

Ye Xinyan hadn’t really witnessed a scene like this before. Before coming here, no matter where she went, it was a matter of booking a ticket online or by phone according to the distance, then leaving and arriving swiftly. She had never experienced the rarity of a long-awaited reunion.

Coming back to the village with the old man, she had indeed seen a reunion between brothers Qi Yougui and Qi Younian. But that scene couldn’t compare to the current one. Ye Xinyan remembered feeling indignant at Qi Yougui’s expression of brotherly love back then, unlike now, when long-separated brothers were meeting with such excitement, warmth, and emotion.

Ye Xinyan was solely an onlooker to the overflowing brotherly bond between Qi Younian and his sworn younger brother, not thinking of stepping forward to exchange any words.

However, Wong Qiao, who had just entered the door, was more perceptive.

Wong Qiao stepped forward and first addressed Cheung Wusi, "Fourth Uncle, you and Big Uncle are both elders. Wouldn’t it be better for the two of you to sit down and talk?"

Cheung Wusi slapped his forehead, leaning on Qi Younian’s arm, and laughed, "That’s right, Ah Qiao makes a good point. Big brother, let’s sit down and talk."

Only then did Qi Younian, with eyes only for his brother, notice the people and things around besides Cheung Wusi.

"And who might this young man be?" Qi Younian looked at Wong Qiao and asked Cheung Wusi.

Cheung Wusi quickly pulled Wong Qiao to his side and told Qi Younian, "This is Lao Qi’s youngest son, Wong Qiao. We’ve met him in Lao Qi’s home after coming back from the Northern border. It’s quite pitiful—when we..." Cheung Wusi paused, his tone darkening, "When we had our trouble, Ah Qiao hadn’t been born yet. Poor Lao Qi, he never saw this child before he died."

Qi Younian appraised Wong Qiao, who had a kind face and a gentle demeanor. Though slightly thin, the young man didn’t seem frail but rather capable and hardworking.

"Is this the child we both met years ago? Time flies; it’s been over a decade, and he has certainly grown up. He looks like a good kid. Lao Qi, if you knew this in the afterlife, you would be comforted," Qi Younian patted Wong Qiao’s arm, his words filled with emotion.

Wong Qiao quickly bowed, "Your nephew has seen his great-uncle. I still remember when our household had been without food for several days, and thankfully, my great-uncle and Fourth Uncle came to our aid. Otherwise, who knows what might’ve become of us?" They might have ended up selling their children, perhaps.

Even now, Wong Qiao could recall the spark of hope that had lit up his family upon seeing his great-uncle Qi Younian and Fourth Uncle.

Especially his great-uncle, who had left all the silver he had on him to his family. Later, he had heard from Fourth Uncle that the travel expenses Qi Younian had when he left were earned from a few days of work as a mason, scraping together a few pieces of silver.

Qi Younian quickly steadied Wong Qiao and looked him over once more, commenting, "Look at you, you’ve grown so much and you’re such a fine young man now, just like your dad." He then turned to call Ye Xinyan and Qi Jia, "Ye Zi, Jiajia, come meet your Fourth Grandfather and your uncle."

Uncle? Ye Xinyan, who was watching the lively scene, was momentarily dumbfounded. Fourth Grandfather was acceptable, but this Wong Qiao... to be called "uncle" at his age, which was just over twenty, barely a year or two older than her, seemed far too young.

Surveying the situation, it appeared this man would likely work in construction with Grandpa. Having to call someone so frequently an uncle, when he was barely older than herself, seemed like a major disadvantage.

Qi Jia had already been led over by a boy from the construction site. The little one politely greeted, "Hello to Fourth Grandfather and uncle, Qi Jiaer has seen Fourth Grandfather and uncle." While speaking, he bowed with clasped hands, his attempt at courtesy almost comical.

Wong Qiao patted Qi Jia’s little head and praised "good child," then pulled a wooden dagger with a sheath from his pocket. Although it was carved from wood, the handle and sheath were intricately etched with dense patterns, quite refined in detail.

Qi Jia cast a glance at Qi Younian before excitedly accepting with both hands, thanking him, "It’s so pretty, thank you, uncle."

Nanny Jin saw the conflicted expression on Ye Xinyan’s face and stepped forward to smooth things over with a smile, "How should our Ye Zi refer to Wong Qiao?"

Cheung Wusi laughed and said, "Ah Qiao is ranked third, even his mother calls him ’third little rascal.’"

Wong Qiao smiled at everyone in response.

Ye Xinyan had no choice but to bow and say, "Ye Zi has seen Fourth Grandfather, and seen... Third Uncle." It was quite a challenge to call someone her own age uncle.

Cheung Wusi, all smiles, waved his hand dismissively, "In our poor household, we don’t fuss over formalities. There’s no need for such courtesy. My brother wrote that he’s had a grandson and granddaughter, and he’s content with his life. Indeed, they are both good children."

Wong Qiao bowed slightly to Ye Xinyan in return, courteously, but his next words left Ye Xinyan speechless: "As a young lady, ordinary gifts just won’t do. I’ll keep this in mind, and make sure to provide a befitting gift for our first meeting when the time comes."

Ye Xinyan hastily replied, "Grandpa always says that us common folks aren’t caught up in such formalities. You needn’t worry about these things." She was getting quite adept at this niece and uncle business.

Nanny Jin reminded Qi Younian, "Old Master, perhaps it would be best for Fourth Master and Wong Qiao to come inside and sit down for a conversation."

"Yes, of course," Qi Younian quickly agreed, "Come, Fourth Brother, my great-nephew, let’s go inside and talk."