Chapter 393: Meeting My Father-in-Law

Chapter 393: Meeting My Father-in-Law

For a moment, Mo Qing was confused about what was happening.

Just as he was pondering, the other brothers outside the carriage also squeezed in.

It wasn't an exaggeration to say they squeezed in; the already small carriage had become completely cramped.

Mo Jiuye understood his brothers' concern for their father and didn't want to push them away.

However, he was worried that his wife might be squished, so he spoke up helplessly.

"Brothers, you stay here and talk with Father. I'll take Ranran out for some fresh air."

After saying this, he gave his eldest brother a meaningful look, signaling him to explain that he was indeed Mo Jiuye.

But at this moment, the eldest brother was too preoccupied with observing their father's condition to notice the hint from his ninth brother.

Mo Jiuye led He Zhiran out of the carriage, leaving a large space inside.

The brothers quickly surrounded Mo Qing, calling out "Father" in a cacophony.

Mo Qing was still puzzled about why that young man claimed to be Jiuye, his youngest son who was only thirteen years old. How could he possibly look like that?

And why did his eldest son appear much older and so haggard?

As he was struggling to understand, Mo Jiacheng also called out "Father."

Mo Qing squinted his eyes and observed his second son, who looked just as aged and haggard as the eldest.

Not only that, but all of them were wearing coarse hemp clothes, which was vastly different from the fine silk robes he remembered.

Looking at Mo Zhongyuan and Mo Chuhan who had also approached, he noticed they were similarly dressed in coarse hemp clothes.

Mo Zhongyuan was somewhat recognizable since he was already twenty when Mo Qing last saw him, though he appeared more weathered now.

Mo Chuhan, on the other hand, was only two years older than Mo Jiuye and was fifteen when Mo Qing last saw him.

Seeing him now was still unbelievable.

The brothers continued calling out "Father," and although Mo Qing still had doubts, seeing his sons' tears welling up, he had to refocus his thoughts.

He pointed at Mo Chuhan and asked Mo Junrui.

"Junrui, he says he is Chuhan. What is going on? And earlier, a young man claimed to be your ninth brother. His features do resemble your ninth brother. Who is he?"

Hearing his father's question, Mo Junrui finally recalled what his ninth brother had said.

"Father, that young man is indeed Jiuye. You've been away for eight years. He was very young back then, so it's understandable that you don't recognize him."

Mo Chuhan, seeing his eldest brother only explaining for his ninth brother, hurriedly stepped forward.

"Eldest Brother, tell Father, I am really Chuhan."

The eldest brother explained:

"Father, eight years ago, you were ambushed by a man named Si Meng from Nanjiang on the battlefield. You were drugged and captured by the people of Nanjiang. They made it seem like you had died and hung your head high on the city wall. We all thought you were dead. Later, we brothers took over your position as commander one after another. All of us except the ninth brother were under Si Meng's control for many years. Fortunately, the ninth brother and his wife were wise and went through countless hardships to rescue us. It has been eight years since we last met. Back then, Chuhan and Jiuye were still young, but now they are grown and married."

Mo Junrui briefly explained to his father without going into too much detail. His main goal was to make his father understand that they hadn't seen each other for eight years.

Although Mo Qing was physically weak, his mind was clear. While the explanation seemed incredible, he tried to accept the reality.

However, there were still many things he couldn't comprehend.

"Who is this Si Meng? Why did he harm our family? And why are you all dressed like this?"

Mo Qing asked these questions clearly and logically.

Explaining these would take a long time.

Mo Jiuye and He Zhiran, standing outside the carriage, felt anxious.

After all, Mo Qing had just regained consciousness, and He Zhiran hadn't had a chance to examine him yet.

If they started explaining everything, it could go on until nightfall.

In that case, not only would they not be able to check on his father's condition promptly, but his body might not be able to handle it either.

Considering this, Mo Jiuye spoke to those inside the carriage:

"Brothers, Father has just woken up. Let Ran Ran check on him first."

Hearing that their father needed to be examined, which was of utmost importance, the brothers, despite having much more to say to their father, could only temporarily leave.

Seeing his brothers reluctantly jump off the carriage one by one, Mo Jiuye carefully helped He Zhiran get in.

The news they had just heard was so shocking that it forced Mo Qing's mind to work hard, making him appear more alert than when he had just woken up.

However, his legs remained curled up, evoking a sense of pity.

After calling out "Father" once more, Mo Jiuye pushed He Zhiran forward.

"Father, this is He Zhiran, the daughter of Chancellor He. I have already married her. Do you remember? Our marriage was arranged by you."

Despite her cumbersome condition, He Zhiran did not forget the proper etiquette during her first meeting with an elder.

The carriage roof was not high, and she had been sitting on a seat beside him. Now, she knelt before Mo Qing.

"Your daughter-in-law greets Father."

While Mo Jiuye introduced He Zhiran, Mo Qing kept staring at them both.

He also noticed that He Zhiran was pregnant and made an effort to lift his hand.

"Please rise, daughter-in-law. I have already heard from your eldest brother about all you have done for our family. On behalf of the entire family, I thank you."

Hearing his father say to rise, Mo Jiuye quickly helped He Zhiran sit back down in her original position.

He Zhiran modestly replied, "Father-in-law, there is no need to be so polite. It is my duty to do these things."

She and Mo Jiuye had asked the brothers to leave the carriage so she could examine Mo Qing, so He Zhiran did not intend to engage in further conversation.

"Father, I know some medical skills. Since you have just woken up, let me check your condition."

As she spoke, she placed her hand on Mo Qing's pulse.

This time, the examination did not take long, as He Zhiran only wanted to assess his condition after waking up.

Knowing that Mo Jiuye and the brothers outside were eager for the diagnosis, she deliberately raised her voice:

"Father's current condition is still somewhat weak, but there is no danger to his life. With proper care, he will surely recover fully."

He Zhiran was not exaggerating. Perhaps due to Mo Qing's lifelong practice of martial arts, his constitution was naturally stronger than that of most people.