She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 557 - 555 Kneel Down

Chapter 557: Chapter 555 Kneel Down

Lady Zhao had already seen Nanny Liu and others coming out to greet them, and she was wondering if the respectable and dignified middle-aged woman in the lead could be some lady of the household.

When she heard Nanny Liu addressing Cheung Wusi with such respect, her mind took a turn, and she couldn’t help but be startled. Such a reputable woman, was she just a servant woman?

Then, since she was only a servant woman, did she need to be so polite to her? Wouldn’t that just make others look down upon her?

While thinking this, Lady Zhao subconsciously met Nanny Liu’s gaze, and the half-forced composure she had managed instantly deflated, her apologetic smile tinged with embarrassment, "Elder sister, you are too kind, you’re too kind." Then, she looked around and, not seeing her son, couldn’t help but frown slightly, though she said nothing.

Ye Xinyan took a step back to let Cheung Wusi and his son accompany Lady Zhao to the guest reception area, following behind them. Truthfully, she was somewhat worried for Zhou Biyao. Lady Zhao was probably a strong and independent mother, but not necessarily a good mother-in-law. Moreover, Lady Zhao had brought along a cousin from Wong Qiao.

Xiuqin clung tightly to Lady Zhao’s arm, her hold was more of a tight embrace than a support. Before turning around, she glanced nervously at Ye Xinyan once more, then stayed close to Lady Zhao as they walked towards the guest reception area.

Cheung Wusi noticed the tension in the two from the Zhao family and, while walking, casually inquired about their journey and if everything was settled at home.

It only took a few words before they arrived at the entrance to the guest reception area. Jiu Yu stepped forward first to lift the curtain, allowing them to enter.

Xiuqin shrank back at first, but then mustered her courage, surveying Jiu Yu from top to bottom before following Cheung Wusi and Lady Zhao inside. As she passed Jiu Yu, Xiuqin seemed to tilt her chin up, leaving him somewhat puzzled.

Inside the guest reception area, Madam Yin sat in the seat of honor with Zhou Biyao standing beside her, and Qi Younian seated in a chair on the side.

When Qi Younian saw Cheung Wusi and Lady Zhao enter, he rose and stepped forward, saying, "Seventh younger brother’s wife has arrived; you must be exhausted from the journey."

Lady Zhao had not seen Qi Younian for over a decade, and seeing him suddenly made her emotional. She quickly let go of Xiuqin, strode forward two steps, and gave Qi Younian a salute: "Sister-in-law pays respects to Elder Brother."

Qi Younian waved his hand, "We are all family here, no need for formalities. Seventh younger brother’s wife, come and meet the wife of the heir apparent." Then, speaking to Madam Yin, "My lady, this is the wife of my seventh brother and mother from Wong Qiao, Lady Zhao."

As soon as Lady Zhao entered the room, she saw a beautifully adorned and beautiful lady seated in the most prominent position, knowing she must be the mother of the young lady they met earlier; the wife of the Princely Heir of some duke that Cheung Quanxi spoke of.

Because she was afraid of being impolite, she did not dare to look too much upon entering, but now, after being introduced by Qi Younian, she allowed herself to look directly at Madam Yin.

Such a glance caused another rush of panic. People like her, compared to those in poverty, surely their status was worlds apart?

Her heart in turmoil, Lady Zhao quickly knelt down to salute, "This humble woman greets my lady. Wishing peace upon you." As she spoke, her legs grew weak. Fortunately, Nanny Liu was by her side and steadied her as she looked toward Madam Yin.

Madam Yin smiled, "Madam Zhao, no need for such formality. These past days, I have been watching Ah Qiao work, and I really admire the child. In a way, we are all one family." Signaling Cui Bai, she said, "Please have a seat, Madam Zhao."

Lady Zhao thanked her quickly and introduced Xiuqin, "This is my niece from my maternal family, Xiuqin. She has been accompanying me these last few years, keeping me from feeling too lonely and desolate. Xiuqin, come and pay your respects to my lady."

Ye Xinyan, standing behind, looked towards Zhou Biyao and indeed saw Zhou Biyao’s face showing surprise. She then glanced at Lady Zhao, her eyes darkening, her gaze growing somber as she withdrew it.

Xiuqin stuttered as she greeted Madam Yin, and was then invited by Cui Bai to sit beside Lady Zhao.

Cheung Wusi and Ye Xinyan took their seats below Qi Younian in turn.

Once seated, Lady Zhao looked at the delicately dressed, beautiful maidservant carrying the tea over and quickly thanked her. After accepting the teacup, she carefully asked Qi Younian, "Elder Brother, why don’t I see Ah Qiao? Is he not here?"

Before Qi Younian could speak, Cheung Wusi interjected with an "Ah," and said with a smile, "Look at me, I should have mentioned it to my younger sister-in-law earlier. After the greetings, I completely forgot about it." Ye Xinyan curled her lip, probably not because the greetings made him forget, but because your Seventh younger brother’s wife bringing a girl was out of everyone’s expectations, hence the oversight about Wong Qiao, right?

Then Cheung Wusi continued, "The court is embarking on a major project that requires some materials, and they need skilled craftsmen to provide guidance. Due to the urgency, Ah Qiao led some people to the capital to work a couple of days ago."

"The, the court?" Lady Zhao’s eyes widened, "Ah Qiao went to the capital? To guide a major project for the court?"

Cheung Wusi said with a smile, "Indeed, our Ah Qiao is very capable now, no longer merely an assistant to the workshop head at Water Wood Works."

Lady Zhao then looked towards Qi Younian. Although she had not seen Qi Younian for over a decade, she had absolute trust in the character and reputation of her husband’s sworn elder brother.

Qi Younian nodded with a smile, "The court’s construction is rather urgent, and some tools used in the project are unfamiliar to the artisans of the Ministry of Works, so Ah Qiao was asked to provide guidance. Seventh younger brother’s wife, please be at ease; it’s not a very laborious task, and Ah Qiao should be able to return after the New Year."

"I see," said Lady Zhao, now reassured. Her son was indeed making her proud. He had always been outstanding while working under the workshop head. Now, he had reached such prominence that even the court sought his assistance for tasks they could not accomplish. She, as a mother, could finally reap the rewards of her hardships.

Thinking such thoughts, Lady Zhao looked back at Ye Xinyan and Madam Yin, seemingly less anxious. Her gaze shifted to Zhou Biyao, who stood behind Madam Yin, noticeably different in appearance and attire from the other maids.

Lady Zhao immediately remembered the letter Cheung Quanxi had brought, and in it, Elder Brother Qi’s mention of a marriage arrangement... Could it be...?

"Wife of the heir apparent, who is that young lady?" Lady Zhao looked at Zhou Biyao and cautiously inquired from Madam Yin.

Madam Yin was still pondering how to introduce Zhou Biyao to Lady Zhao. She was somewhat unclear of Lady Zhao’s intentions, which made her hesitate. According to the letter Old Master Qi had sent to Lady Zhao, things should have been made very clear, so why did Lady Zhao still bring along a young girl, and kept saying she was fortunate for this girl’s company?

What did that mean?

Although Madam Yin hesitated, since Lady Zhao had asked, Madam Yin resolved to reveal Zhou Biyao’s identity, regardless of her intentions, and to also gauge Lady Zhao’s reaction.

Madam Yin said with a smile, "This is the Second Miss of the Prefect of Yuyuan Prefecture’s family, named Zhou Biyao. She has been staying with Ah Yan and Ah Qiao and doing..."

Madam Yin hadn’t finished her sentence when Lady Zhao stood up swiftly, stepped forward twice, and with a thud, knelt in the direction of Zhou Biyao, "So it’s the Miss from the Prefectural Magistrate’s Family. For someone of my humble standing, there can be no place for me in Miss Zhou’s presence."

At that moment, the guest hall fell silent.