Rebirth of the Three Kingdoms: Da Qiao doesn't want to be a widow anymore

Chapter 358 Offering Jingzhou

In the winter of the eleventh year of Jian'an, Jiangdong conquered the three prefectures of Changsha, Lingling, and Guiyang. Huang Yueying followed Qiao Wei to Jingkou temporarily.

Sun Deng was angry with Qiao Wei for breaking his promise and not seeing her for several months. He refused to talk to Qiao Wei for more than half a month until Qiao Wei told him about the events that had happened along the way. He listened with great interest and gradually calmed down and was willing to talk to Qiao Wei.

Qiao Rong also returned to Jingkou to visit Zhou Xun.

A group of women chatted and watched the snow in the courtyard, while children played and frolicked with wooden toys nearby. The warm sun shone on the ground and on everyone, dispelling the chill brought by the snow and ice.

Zhou Xun can recognize people now. Although he doesn't know Qiao Rong, he can't resist the fact that he has always loved looking at beautiful women. After seeing Qiao Rong, he stared at her blankly for a long time, then hugged her tightly and hid in her arms, refusing to come out.

When Qiao Wei coaxed him to call Qiao Rong "Mom," he quickly accepted the fact that Qiao Rong was his biological mother.

She would even make up a nickname for herself, "Beautiful Mother," which amused everyone.

Sun Deng, with his hands behind his back and a serious expression, corrected him, "A mother is a mother, how can you call her a beautiful mother? Do you have another mother who isn't a beautiful mother?"

Zhou Xun always listened to Sun Deng, but he didn't quite understand what Sun Deng meant. He stared with his innocent big eyes, his pupils rolling around.

After a while, he seemed to have come up with a solution: instead of calling her "beautiful mother," he called her "beautiful mother."

Very good... In short, we cannot give up praising Qiao Rong's beauty.

Huang Yueying couldn't help but laugh, and smiled lovingly as she took Zhou Xun's hand.

Just then, Youxuan came to report that Mr. Zhuge had arrived.

Huang Yueying stood up abruptly.

Yuan Langlang couldn't help but tease, "It's almost evening now, not a good time to visit. Mr. Zhuge doesn't seem to care about being impolite. It seems he misses Madam Huang so much that he can't wait a moment longer."

Huang Yueying's face flushed slightly.

Qiao Wei scolded, "Sister-in-law, your habit of teasing people is getting worse and worse. I'll prescribe a medicine for you another day to cure you properly."

Yuan Langlang wasn't annoyed; she just kept covering her mouth with her handkerchief and laughing.

Sun Quan was still discussing matters in the front hall, while Zhuge Liang was received by Mr. Lu Su. When Qiao Wei and Huang Yueying arrived at the front hall, the two hit it off immediately and were having a lively conversation. There was another young man sitting next to Zhuge Liang.

Upon seeing Huang Yueying, Zhuge Liang's eyes nearly overflowed with doubt, and his voice carried a hint of uncertainty, "Aying?!"

Huang Yueying called out to him, confirming his guess.

Zhuge Liang immediately understood, stood up, took her hand, and couldn't hide the joy in his eyes, "Your illness has improved a lot."

Even without taking her pulse, one could tell from the changes in her complexion that Huang Yueying's illness had definitely improved. Her face was now fair and rosy, the bitterness between her brows had faded considerably, her hair was no longer as dry and dull as before, and her voice was no longer weak and feeble.

If Zhuge Liang hadn't known his wife so well, no one would have recognized that this beautiful, gentle woman, who needed no makeup, was the legendary "Huang Family Ugly Girl".

Such a change is like a complete transformation.

Even Zhuge Liang was astonished.

Qiao Wei walked toward the man behind Zhuge Liang. Qiao Wei had seen this face once or twice from afar when he was in Xinye.

"Young Master, how is the Governor's health now that you've come to Jiangdong?"

A flicker of surprise crossed Lu Su's eyes. This was his first time meeting Liu Qi. When Zhuge Liang introduced him, he only mentioned that Liu Qi was a relative's son, practically a student. Lu Su, seeing his refined and cultured demeanor, knew he must be from a prominent family and had no doubts.

Upon hearing Qiao Wei expose his identity, Liu Qi's face tightened, and he bowed respectfully, his voice carrying a hint of restraint, "Greetings, Madam Qiao."

Liu Qi first met Qiao Wei twice in Xinye, where he was at the mercy of Qiao's wife.

Now that the situation has changed and the roles of host and guest have been reversed, he is still somewhat at a loss.

"Young Master, there's no need for such formalities. I'm confident that you have no ill intentions towards Jiangdong, given that Mr. Zhuge brought these people."

I heard that the governor was ill. Did the eldest son come here to seek medical treatment?
However, neither Dr. Hua nor Dr. Zhang are in Jingkou, so the eldest son will likely make a wasted trip.

When they were in Xinye, Liu Qi did not make things difficult for Qiao Wei. Because Zhuge Liang wanted to protect Qiao Wei, Liu Qi would occasionally speak up for Zhuge Liang, and Qiao Wei appreciated his kindness.

“My father is seriously ill, but there are doctors in the manor who take care of him year-round. I came to Jiangdong with you, sir, not to seek medical treatment. I would like to see you, my lord, for a detailed discussion.”

Seeing that he was unwilling to reveal the purpose of his trip, Qiao Wei figured it was more than just a personal matter. However, Qiao Wei knew that Liu Bei had entered Xiangyang and that Cai Mao and others had suffered setbacks on three fronts, leaving them no choice but to retreat and defend Hengyang.

Cai Mao led his troops back to Xiangyang. Although Liu Bei had Liu Biao by his side, and now he and Cai Mao were forming a pincer movement, Liu Bei still did not have the support of powerful families that Cai Mao did.

Liu Qi's entry into Jingkou was likely also related to the struggle for Jingzhou.

"With the year-end approaching, there are many things to do. The eldest young master did not reveal his identity or purpose, and the people in the manor have been negligent." Qiao Wei glanced outside the house. "It's getting late today. The eldest young master and the teacher must be tired from their long journey. Madam Huang is also due for her medicine."

"Arrange for him to stay at the post station first. Once Mr. Lu has reported back to the Lord, our residence will prepare a warm welcome for him."

At the end of the year, Sun Quan was indeed very busy, including making arrangements for the military and political affairs of the newly acquired three commanderies of Changsha, Lingling, and Guiyang.

Thinking of this, Liu Qi looked even more embarrassed.

Zhuge Liang cupped his hands to Qiao Wei and requested, "The eldest son has indeed come to Jiangdong with important matters to discuss with you, my lord. These matters concern both Jiangdong and Jingzhou. Please allow me to inform you, my lord."

"I understand what you mean, sir."

Qiao Wei and Lu Su personally escorted the three out of the Marquis's residence, and arranged for You Kui to personally escort them to the post station, treating them with the utmost courtesy.

After Youkui returned to the manor to report, Liu Qi finally asked the question that had been on his mind: "Why did you entrust this matter to Madam Qiao, sir?"

Liu Qi was somewhat disdainful of a mere woman trying to use women's connections.

"You saw what she looked like when she was in Xinye. Do you still think she's just an ignorant woman?" Zhuge Liang retorted.

"Moreover, since the Marquis of Nanchang was able to personally come to Xinye to rescue Madam Qiao, she can freely command all the servants in the mansion. The respectful way Mr. Lu met her should tell you how important Madam Qiao is in Jiangdong and to the Marquis."

"She is the wife of a marquis, so naturally others should treat her with respect and courtesy."

"Even among the wives of marquises, there are differences."

The next day, Sun Quan, accompanied by Lu Su, personally visited Zhuge Liang and Liu Qi at the post station.

Liu Qi presented a map showing the defense deployment of various counties and prefectures in Jingzhou, as well as a map showing the transportation of supplies.

"What we ask of you today is that you come to Jingzhou to save my father and brother. My father and I are willing to offer Jingzhou to you and follow your lead."