After I awakened my inner voice, I became the treasure of my family.

Chapter 79 Zhou's Mother's Persuasion

Just then, two loud sneezes suddenly rang out, and Zhou Jingyao sneezed without warning.

She couldn't help but mutter to herself: I wonder which bastard is cursing her behind her back.

However, she then thought that her sometimes outspoken personality could indeed offend people, and perhaps someone was badmouthing her behind her back.

Thinking about it, she realized that it was quite possible. It must be some woman who didn't dare to openly criticize her, so she could only secretly criticize her behind her back!

Thinking of this, Zhou Jingyao couldn't help but sneer inwardly. Those women were all looks and no substance; each one seemed delicate and beautiful, but their mouths were incredibly sharp.

She only knows how to gossip and use underhanded tactics behind people's backs. If you're so capable, why don't you confront her head-on?

The next day, the sun shone brightly, and Zhou Jingyao, in high spirits, led her personal maid out for a stroll. Around noon, the two arrived at the renowned Zuixianlou restaurant in the city for lunch.

But to everyone's surprise, Zhou Jingyao received a bunch of trinkets that she had noticed while shopping earlier, when she was only halfway through her meal.

At first, she thought it was some man who was in love with her who had secretly followed her and bought these things to please her. She was even a little smug!

But upon closer examination, she felt something was amiss. Who was this person with ulterior motives, deliberately trying to ruin her reputation?

Growing increasingly angry, Zhou Jingyao immediately ordered the maid beside her without hesitation, "Quickly throw all these things out for me!"

Upon hearing her mistress's instructions, the maid hurried to the table, picked up the exquisite box placed on it, and just as she was about to throw it away, her gaze inadvertently fell upon a small note inside the box.

This discovery instantly piqued the maid's curiosity, and she couldn't help but take a closer look.

"Shen Xiujin!?"

The maid murmured the name involuntarily, then carried the box out of the private room.

When Zhou Jingyao first heard the name, she was stunned for a moment. After regaining her senses, she immediately called out to the maid's back, "Hey, hey, wait a minute, Xiao Taohong, quickly bring the things to me, I... I want to check them myself!"

Xiao Taohong, who was almost at the door, was slightly startled when she heard her young mistress's urgent call, but she quickly turned around.

"Oh... okay, miss."

Little Peach Blossom hurriedly returned and carefully placed the box back on the table.

Zhou Jingyao first glanced casually at the exquisite little trinkets in the box, but couldn't help but curl her lips into a smile, her eyes sparkling with an amazing light.

She couldn't wait to gently unfold the mysterious little note and examine it carefully.

The handwriting on the note was strong and clearly legible: Tomorrow is said to be a clear and sunny day, perfect for going out and having fun. It's also the annual temple fair at Guangyun Temple. I wonder if Miss Zhou would be so kind as to join me?

The final signature was none other than the name that stirred Zhou Jingyao's heart—Shen Xiujin.

"Ah! Ah! Ah!"

Zhou Jingyao stared at the note in her hand in disbelief, letting out several gasps of surprise. Her originally fair face flushed slightly with excitement.

Her lips involuntarily curved upwards, forming a beautiful arc, and her heart was pounding with joy!

Before the horse farm, she had actually seen Shen Xiujin several times. He was so handsome that she longed for him, but she never dared to actually get close to him.

She knew that many young ladies in the capital were also fond of him, but she could only fantasize about him silently in her heart.

However, she had also inquired about Shen Xiujin's family background. He was the legitimate son of the Marquis of Xuanhua, but not the Marquis's biological son. He was the biological son of the deceased Marquis of Xuanhua.

It was just a case of a switcheroo, where the illegitimate son became the legitimate son. In short, everyone said his status was very awkward.

Therefore, it was precisely his awkward status that made many young ladies who admired him hesitate to approach him.

Although he was not the legitimate son, he was raised as such from a young age, and his character and upbringing were excellent, as she could tell from his demeanor and speech during their several meetings.

Moreover, Shen Xiujin's clothes and accessories were of the highest quality, showing that the Marquis's mansion had not mistreated him and that his resources had not been restricted by the Marquis's mansion. He had the air of a noble young master and was no less impressive than any other young man present.

Actually, those two subsequent encounters at the horse farm were deliberate, chance meetings. But although she was interested, it seemed he was indifferent, making her almost give up on the idea.

…………

Inside the solemn and dignified general's mansion.

Inside an exquisite pavilion called Yaotai Pavilion, Zhou Jingyao was happily fiddling with a bunch of small, delicate trinkets. Just then, Madam Zhou gracefully stepped into Yaotai Pavilion.

"Mother, you've come!"

Upon seeing Madam Zhou, Zhou Jingyao's face immediately lit up with a radiant smile, like spring flowers in full bloom. She quickly rose to greet Madam Zhou. Madam Zhou, with a loving expression, gestured for her to rise as well.

"Where did you go to play today? You look so happy," Madam Zhou asked with a smile.

"Hmm... I didn't really go anywhere, just strolled around the streets again. But today, when I passed by Zuixianlou, I couldn't resist going in for a sumptuous meal. Hehe..."

"Oh, Mother, that restaurant recently launched a new signature dish—crispy roasted pigeon! Oh my, it's absolutely delicious! I specially packed two to bring back so Mother and Father could both try it."

Zhou Jingyao recounted her morning's experiences with great enthusiasm, her eyes sparkling.

Upon hearing this, Madam Zhou couldn't help but laugh. She gently tapped Zhou Jingyao's forehead with her finger and teased her:

"Oh, even our little glutton says it's delicious, so this dish must taste really good. When your father comes back later, be sure to let him have a good taste too."

The mother and daughter chatted intimately like this, and before they knew it, quite some time had passed.

Suddenly, Mrs. Zhou's gaze was drawn to the box of neatly arranged trinkets. Her eyes flickered, and she asked with curiosity, "Oh! These trinkets of yours look rather novel!"

Upon hearing her mother's words, Zhou Jingyao's fair and delicate cheeks instantly flushed crimson, as beautiful and charming as a peach blossom in early spring.

She lowered her head slightly and replied shyly in a soft voice, "Hmm...it really is quite nice. A good friend gave it to me."

At this moment, Madam Zhou suddenly raised her hand slightly, and all the servants around her withdrew.

After everyone left, Madam Zhou slowly took Zhou Jingyao's hand, her eyes full of tenderness and love.

In fact, she has always genuinely raised and loved Zhou Jingyao as if she were her own daughter.

Jingyao's birth mother died shortly after giving birth to her. The general couldn't bear to see his only daughter lose her mother's love at such a young age, so he took the two-month-old girl into his own care and raised her himself.

At first, she was somewhat reluctant, but as time went by, she developed feelings for this lovely and well-behaved child, and before she knew it, fifteen years had passed.

Looking at the graceful and charming Zhou Jingyao before her, Madam Zhou exclaimed with delight, "My Jingyao is about to grow up. In a few months, you will have your coming-of-age ceremony."

When that time comes, your mother will carefully choose a suitable husband for you, ensuring that our Jingyao lives a happy and fulfilling life.

However, Zhou Jingyao clung tightly to Madam Zhou's arm and began to whine, "Oh, Mother, I don't want to get married. I just want to stay by your and Father's side for the rest of my life and be your sweet little cotton-padded jacket forever."

Hearing this, Madam Zhou couldn't help but laugh. She lightly tapped Zhou Jingyao's nose with her finger and said in a teasing yet meaningful tone:

"Silly child, don't talk nonsense! What kind of woman doesn't get married? Look, there are already men trying to win Jingyao's heart!"

Zhou Jingyao knew perfectly well that her mother must already know about Shen Xiujin giving her the gift. At this moment, she looked like a child who had done something wrong, her head hanging low, unable to utter a single word.

Madam Zhou gently stroked Zhou Jingyao's soft, long hair, and couldn't help but sigh deeply. She said earnestly, "Oh dear! My good daughter Jingyao, it's not that your mother doesn't like that Shen Xiujin."

After all, my mother had been young herself. Although there were rumors that Shen Xiujin was a virtuous man who did not get close to women, these were just rumors.

Think about it carefully, what man would be past twenty and still single? Is he really as the rumors suggest? Who knows?

You see, his father was a notorious womanizer in the capital back in the day, a complete and utter playboy. That's why no woman in the capital wanted to marry him, which led to him..."

Hearing this, Zhou Jingyao nodded slightly, indicating her agreement with her mother's words, and then she hurriedly defended herself:

“Mother, I know all about these things! But Shen Xiujin is really outstanding. I have met him several times. He is always so gentle and elegant, and you can’t see any trace of his father back then.”