I am the champion of palace intrigue, and even the proud prince bows his head in submission.

Chapter 401 Recalling Many Childhood Memories

Upon hearing this, Madam Zou raised her head, her tone neither hurried nor slow.

"I have come here for two reasons: first, to attend the funeral of Lady Hou, and second, to discuss my grandson, Zou Jingwen, going to the academy."

"The Zou family is considered a prominent clan in Linyang, but they have no real foundation or connections in the capital. If you want him to go to Jingyuan Academy, there's no way they can help."

"Therefore, we still need your help with this matter. We only ask for one spot in the entrance examination. If Jingwen really doesn't have the talent, then so be it. This money is a small token of our gratitude."

Madam Zou spoke in a distant yet polite manner.

She doesn't seem like a blood relative at all.

They seemed like complete strangers.

Qin Jiu lowered her eyes, and Xie Yanli remained silent beside her.

The two men looked at each other.

Then Xie Yanli said in a low voice, "Grandmother, this favor isn't difficult; I can lend a hand..."

Upon hearing this, Madam Zou's eyes lit up.

Before she could speak, Xie Yanli continued, "But Grandmother, you should take this money back."

"If there's nothing else, please go back; it's getting late."

Over the years, he has indeed become distant from the Zou family.

However, he still carries the blood of the Zou family in his veins, so he will naturally help if he can.

As for the rest, forget about it.

Hearing his obvious attempt to get rid of the guest, Madam Zou paused for a moment.

But she quickly realized what was happening.

Xie Yanli harbored resentment.

He resented that they had ignored him for so many years, leaving him with his stepmother and making him face the huge mansion alone.

There's no point in arguing about this.

She was already quite surprised that he was willing to help them.

As Madam Zou stood up, Zou Qinghe quickly stepped forward to help her.

The two walked a few steps forward, and then Old Madam Zou suddenly stopped.

Standing still, his voice carried a hint of unfathomable emotion.

"You should keep this money. We owe you all these years."

The estrangement and indifference we've felt for so long can't be thawed in a short time.

They both knew that they couldn't get over that hurdle.

She still hated the Xie family, and by extension, she disliked Xie Yanli as well.

Similarly, Xie Yanli also resented them.

After saying that, Madam Zou walked away without looking back.

Xie Yanli sat there, staring blankly at the silver in front of him.

In an instant, he recalled many things from his childhood.

He met Madam Zou once when he was a child.

He was just old enough to remember things when the Zou family came to the capital to pay respects to their mother.

All he remembered was that the lamp in front of his mother's coffin was dim, and the courtyard was filled with a light drizzle.

Old Madam Zou, wearing a gray cloak, looked at him with great disgust.

That gaze was like a sharp knife, silently piercing him.

Later, Zou Qinghe whispered "Mother," and only then did Madam Zou move her lips.

As if he wanted to say something, he ultimately shut his mouth, turned around, and left.

Those were some of his few childhood memories.

After that, he never saw Madam Zou again, only occasionally hearing people mention her.

He was abandoned by everyone in the world from the moment he was born.

No one was on his side or protecting him.

Xie Yanli lowered his eyes, a rare look of confusion and vulnerability in them.

Just then, a hand gently wrapped around his shoulder and pulled him into an embrace.

Qin Jiuwei didn't speak, but gently stroked his back with her hand.

Xie Yanli paused, then closed his eyes and leaned against her.

He nestled against her in the candlelight.

The following day, Yi'an Temple.

"Madam, I've come today to discuss something with you," Qin Jiuwei said gently.

Madam Xie picked up her teacup, gesturing for her to continue.

"There are many elderly nannies in the manor now. They served the manor diligently in their youth and made many contributions to the household,"

"But now that they're older, their health is gradually declining, and many of them are suffering from illnesses but don't have the opportunity to see a good doctor for a thorough examination. We can't just let them work hard their whole lives and then not even give them a peaceful old age."

Upon hearing this, Madam Xie frowned slightly, as if deep in thought.

Qin Jiuwei continued, "If we could invite the imperial physicians to examine them, it would not only show compassion for the elderly in the household, but also let the servants see the kindness of the household. In this way, everyone in the household would be united and willing to serve the Marquis's mansion, and the Marquis's mansion would be even better."

After a moment of silence, Madam Xie said, "You're right. Let's do it your way."

"Yes, Madam, I'll take care of it right away."

Qin Jiuwei had planned for this in advance and took care of the matter by the afternoon.

In the backyard.

Several matrons sat at the table, while the imperial physicians sat at the makeshift examination table, carefully taking pulses and inquiring about the patient's condition.

Behind the nannies were many other elderly nannies, who were queuing up in order.

While waiting in line, a few soft sounds arose.

"I never imagined that my old bones would one day be able to have the imperial physicians personally take my pulse! What have I done to deserve this honor!"

"Yes, the young mistress treats us servants so well; she's practically our savior."

"This is a true living Bodhisattva!"

Qin Jiuwei walked slowly from under the corridor, followed by Xiao He.

She stopped a short distance away, her gaze falling on the imperial physician who was treating the old woman.

“Miss, your idea is brilliant. This way, we can treat Granny Li without attracting any attention.”

Qin Jiuwei asked, "Has Physician Lin made the arrangements?"

"It's all arranged, it's in the backyard."

"Okay." Qin Jiuwei nodded slightly. "I'll go take a look myself."

backyard.

The maid pushed open the wooden door, revealing a dimly lit room.

Qin Jiuwei glanced at Physician Lin behind her, and the two went into the room.

Inside the room, Granny Li huddled in a corner, muttering something under her breath, her gaze unfocused.

Physician Lin stepped forward, observed her carefully for a moment, and then squatted down to speak to her softly.

A moment later, he stood up, his brows slightly furrowed.