Fifty-three.

The next day, Madam Qiao heard about Meng Qingyue delivering soup last night but said little about it.

“Although meeting secretly late at night is somewhat improper, after all, it’s because Meng Qingyue cares deeply for Xian’er.”

“Her affection is a blessing to my flesh and blood.”

Madam Qiao rambled on, thinking only of the day her daughter would be acknowledged and then formally marry Meng Qingyue into the family.

After a moment, she asked, “When will Xian’er’s uncle return? Any news yet?”

Nanny Li, who had served Madam Qiao for many years, paused thoughtfully before replying, “Master’s uncle was delayed on official business recently, but he has now freed himself. He said he would return to the capital within ten days at most.”

Madam Qiao nodded, a hint of relief in her tone.

“Ten more days, and we can properly bring Changle back home. After all these years apart, mother and daughter will finally enjoy family happiness.”

Seeing Madam Qiao’s heart ease and her words full of expectation, Nanny Li hesitated before softly saying, “Madam, are you truly certain our young lady is the Meng family’s Changle girl...?”

Sensing Nanny Li’s doubt, Madam Qiao furrowed her brow. “Yu’er was personally instructed by his father to contact Changle. How could that be false?”

Nanny Li was worried. “Though Young Master did have Master’s uncle’s orders, it’s not a personal confirmation from him... And if I may speak frankly, you surely know Young Master’s character?”

“He’s brave but lacks wisdom. He’s never been reliable. If he truly mistook the young lady’s identity, it wouldn’t be impossible.”

Madam Qiao’s brows knit tighter.

True, Qiao Yu was unreliable, but this matter was too important. Surely her nephew wouldn’t mess it up so badly?

Besides, she had subtly inquired these past days. The Meng family’s two daughters were close in age; if one wasn’t biological, it might be understandable.

Changle was as delicate and beautiful as a blooming flower, gentle and well-mannered—a child clearly carrying the bloodline of their Duke’s household.

Could it be a lie?

Therefore, though Nanny Li warned her, Madam Qiao did not take it to heart. “I know in my heart. Even if Yu’er is unreliable, he wouldn’t be so in such a crucial matter.”

“Besides, it’s only about ten days. Once Xian’er’s uncle returns, everything will be settled.”

That was true.

After all, the Qiao family had not rushed to acknowledge the kinship; they would wait for Master’s uncle’s return to decide.

In this way, nothing could go wrong.

“Madam, the eldest Miss Meng requests to see you. She says it’s urgent.”

Madam Qiao and Nanny Li were chatting when the servant’s report bewildered them.

Madam Qiao, eager for her daughter’s wellbeing, immediately ordered the visitor to be admitted.

Nanny Li muttered, “She’s still a girl of the Meng household. What could she want with us Qiaos?”

Madam Qiao frowned but only shot Nanny Li a warning glance and said nothing more.

Meng Changle entered the main hall led by a servant, bowed respectfully, and before rising, tears streamed down her cheeks.

Startled, Madam Qiao quickly helped her to sit. “Good child, what’s wrong? Why are you crying so suddenly?”

Meng Changle sobbed but refused to say why, biting her lip. “It’s nothing. Changle is fine.”

Patiently, Madam Qiao tried to soothe her and ordered tea and snacks brought, caring for her with tender warmth.

Nanny Li watched nearby, her brow deeply furrowed.

She had served Madam Qiao since childhood and knew well the lady’s longing for her daughter. She had been truly happy upon hearing the young lady was found.

But now, seeing Miss Meng’s weak frame and affected manner, crying so openly yet insisting nothing was wrong, it was obvious she was wronged.

Such pretentiousness bore no trace of the “graceful, gentle, and considerate” child Madam Qiao had described.

Nanny Li sighed silently.

Madam Qiao’s motherly heart was restless. “Tell me, child. Is there something you cannot say? Don’t be afraid; tell your auntie, and I will help you!”

Meng Changle lifted her eyes to meet a scrutinizing gaze—Nanny Li’s sharp stare made her uncomfortable.

Sniffling, tears still flowing, she finally spoke, “Auntie Qiao, my parents said they’ve broken off the engagement with Ah Xian and that I’m no longer welcome at home. They’ve decided to cast me out...”

Her grievance deepened, tears swelling. “Auntie, I don’t know what to do... I have nowhere to go... So I came to the Qiao household without permission... Please don’t blame me...”

Madam Qiao’s heart melted with sympathy.

It was her own son’s disgraceful doing, and learning of Changle’s true identity, they had used it as an excuse to break the engagement.

She never expected Changle to suffer such a grievous injustice.

Without hesitation, she pulled her into an embrace, calling her dear and precious, promising to personally accompany her back to the Meng household to confront her parents.

But Meng Changle did not want that.

She lay against Madam Qiao’s knee, tears streaming, muffling her voice in the embroidered cloth.

“My parents have abandoned me. Even if I return, what’s the point? I would only endure their scorn and cold looks...”

Covering her mouth, she seemed deeply humiliated, stubbornly refusing to yield. She lifted her tear-filled eyes to Madam Qiao with earnest pleading.

“If only you were my mother... If you treated me like this... If I were fortunate enough to be your daughter, I wouldn’t have to suffer so much...”

...

Madam Qiao’s arms stiffened around Meng Changle.

The girl’s soft, tangible presence was like holding a newborn—gentle and tender. Her mind raced endlessly.

She nearly blurted out that she was, in fact, her mother.

Meng Changle naturally sensed this emotion.

Her heart pounding almost to bursting, she was not truly cast out by the Meng family today, yet she could say no other way.

Though everything was unfolding as she expected, she remained uneasy, feeling that until the recognition was official, disaster could still strike.

Besides, if it were truly certain, why had the Qiao family not taken her back?

She did not know the cause, but she understood the longer the wait, the greater the risk. This matter could not be delayed any longer!

Hence, she had suddenly come to the Duke of the Nation’s mansion today, playing this bold card.

Madam Qiao, already at a loss how to love her daughter enough, saw her wronged and pleading to be her own child. She almost surrendered immediately, her heart utterly soft.

Just as she was about to speak, Nanny Li stepped forward, speaking gravely.

“Miss Meng, the great debt of being born and raised cannot be forgotten. Even if your parents have great faults, you should not harbor such resentment toward them.”

Meng Changle looked up in silence, puzzled by this old woman’s sudden intrusion. Madam Qiao frowned slightly but seemed to trust her, allowing her to continue.

“If it’s only a quarrel or a disagreement, and you refuse to recognize your birth parents, then—if I may speak bluntly—even if our madam truly is your mother, would you argue with her and then run crying to strangers, saying you no longer acknowledge her?”