Chapter 288: Entrustment

Chapter 288: Entrustment

"The Song family is related to ours through marriage. In the past, our Qin family has also received much care from them."

"You're leaving, so naturally, I'll take care of things." Qin Dazhuang said in a deep voice.

Qin Xiaoyao wiped away his tears and nodded.

After giving some more instructions to his father, he finally left.

After leaving the Qin family, Qin Xiaoyao returned to the Song residence.

Ever since Song Ye was sent back by Qin Xiaoyao, the family had learned that Song Que had been taken out of the city. Everyone was anxiously waiting at home.

Seeing Qin Xiaoyao finally return, Lady Liu and others immediately gathered around him.

Noticing that Song Que hadn't returned with him, Lady Liu's face was filled with worry.

"Third Daughter, what about Que—"

"He hasn't been found yet, but I will continue searching." Qin Xiaoyao reached out to support Lady Liu.

"Mother, let's go to the main hall first; I have something to say."

"Alright," Lady Liu agreed.

Thus, everyone went to the main hall together.

After sitting down, Qin Xiaoyao's gaze swept over everyone present.

He then recounted how the city gates had been sealed and that Song Que might have been conscripted into the army.

Lady Liu's tears began to flow.

"What can we do? Que's body, how could it withstand the rigors of military life?"

Song Yun and Song Ye were also extremely anxious.

"I've already made up my mind. After settling you all, I will set out to find my husband."

"I won't return until I find him!" Qin Xiaoyao said firmly.

Upon hearing this, the main hall fell silent.

Lady Liu felt somewhat reassured, but she was also worried about those inside the house.

"But—according to what you just said, the Liao Soldiers might attack at any time."

"If you're not here when they come, what will happen to us?" She didn't really care about herself, but Yun and Ye were still young, and she feared she wouldn't be able to protect them.

"Yes, Sister-in-law! The family can't do without you right now. Why don't you wait a few more days until the situation becomes clearer before setting out?" Wang Xiaomei looked at Qin Xiaoyao seriously.

"I know you're anxious, but the city gates are closed, and Brother Song's whereabouts are unknown. If you leave now, you won't have a direction to go."

Qin Xiaoyao looked at Wang Xiaomei, frowned for a moment, but then refused.

"Leaving earlier increases the chances of finding him."

"I will make arrangements for the family right away."

As he spoke, Qin Xiaoyao looked at Lady Liu.

"Mother, there's no need to worry too much."

"Before coming back, I visited my parents' home and talked to my father and two elder brothers."

"After I leave, they will take turns to look after you."

"If you encounter any trouble, you can tell them."

Qin Xiaoyao paused briefly.

He continued, "If the Liao Soldiers really do attack, move to the Qin residence for a few days."

"It's closer to the residential area, with a denser population, which will be safer."

Lady Liu nodded.

Seeing this, Qin Xiaoyao turned to Wang Xiaomei.

"Xiaomei, keep the porridge shop closed for now. I'll visit the Liu family later and discuss this with your brother."

"After the Liao Army retreats, you can choose a day to reopen."

"During the closure, reduce the workers' wages by half to reassure everyone that this turmoil won't last long."

"Alright!" Wang Xiaomei agreed.

Qin Xiaoyao nodded.

He continued, "While I'm away, the plans to open new branches will be postponed."

"In the future, the management of the city's porridge shops will still be your responsibility. The western part of the city will also be under your supervision."

Wang Xiaomei immediately looked up at Qin Xiaoyao.

Wasn't the western porridge shop managed by her brother?

"The daily operations of the shop will still be handled by your brother. What I mean is that you will oversee everything."

"The steward will be you from now on. Your elder brother will report directly to you."

"It’s not just about the porridge shop. In my absence, all matters big and small in the Song family will be entrusted to you."

Wang Xiaomei was taken aback.

"From now on, you will be the head of the Song family and the chief steward."

"I will soon inventory some household items and hand them over to you."

"While I am away, you must take good care of the Song family," Qin Xiaoyao said earnestly.

Wang Xiaomei felt a weight on her shoulders as she was moved.

She never expected that Qin Xiaoyao would entrust the Song family to her.

"Sister-in-law, I—"

This trust made her both touched and afraid.

After these days of interaction, Sister-in-law and the Song family had become her family.

The Song family treated her better than her own parents.

Auntie treated her like her own daughter, Yun'er and Ye'er treated her like their own sister, and Elder Brother Song and Sister-in-law treated her like a younger sister.

Sister-in-law never treated her differently when buying things for the family, whether it was food or daily necessities, even expensive silk clothes and jewelry; her treatment was the same as Yun'er's.

Now Sister-in-law was going to find Elder Brother Song and entrust the Song family to her.

Naturally, she was willing to take on this heavy responsibility and protect the peace of the Song family. But she was afraid that her abilities were insufficient to protect the Song family.

If something really happened, how could she face Sister-in-law and Elder Brother Song upon their return?

Qin Xiaoyao reached out and patted Wang Xiaomei on the shoulder.

"At present, only you can shoulder the responsibility of the family." He said.

Hearing this, Wang Xiaomei felt a heavy heart.

Finally, she nodded at Qin Xiaoyao.

"Yes!" she said firmly.

A hint of a smile appeared on Qin Xiaoyao's face.

"However, I have two requests," Wang Xiaomei suddenly said.

Everyone was taken aback.

Qin Xiaoyao looked at Wang Xiaomei, "Go on."

Wang Xiaomei then spoke, "First, I want to recognize Auntie as my godmother and become a true member of the Song family."

A smile spread across Qin Xiaoyao's face.

Seeing that Lady Liu and others also smiled, he nodded.

"Mother has actually had this idea for a long time, but there was never an opportunity to mention it. Afterward, you can offer her a cup of tea as a sign of respect."

Wang Xiaomei's face lit up with joy, and she looked at Lady Liu gratefully.

Seeing Lady Liu nodding affectionately at her, her eyes welled up with tears.

Wiping her eyes, Wang Xiaomei turned back to Qin Xiaoyao.

"Second, please take my indenture contract with you," she said.

Upon hearing this, everyone in the room was shocked.

Especially Qin Xiaoyao, who did not expect Wang Xiaomei's second request to be for someone else.

By asking her to take her indenture contract, she was placing her fate in her hands.

No matter how well or poorly Wang Xiaomei performed in the future, she would be under her control.

Xiaomei, this is so she can leave with peace of mind.

After the shock, Qin Xiaoyao quickly recovered.

"If you trust someone, don't doubt them. Xiaomei, there's no need for this," she said.

"I will return your indenture contract to you shortly. From now on, you will be a legitimate member of the Song family."

A flash of gratitude crossed Wang Xiaomei's eyes.

Then, she suddenly knelt down before Qin Xiaoyao.

"I understand Sister-in-law's intentions. However, both of my conditions are essential."

"If Sister-in-law does not agree, I cannot accept your entrustment."