Transmigration: Reverse Exploitation, the System Works for Me

After the two sides exchanged greetings, the clan chief fawned over her, saying, "My dear niece, I heard that you intend to adopt a son to carry on the family line for your mother. The clan has specially sent children aged three to eight to carry on the family line."

"If you would like to choose from among the younger ones, I will have each family bring their representatives this afternoon."

Xi Qiao shook his head and refused: "No need, I'll just choose one of them. I've had breakfast prepared, so the clan chief and father can have some too."

Since neither of them had eaten breakfast yet, they didn't try to refuse.

The maids filed in, carrying the prepared breakfast.

Both sweet and savory noodles are available, including common steamed buns and mantou, as well as various delicate and cute steamed pastries, accompanied by refreshing stir-fries and several appetizing pickles.

In addition, there is thick and fragrant white porridge, sweet and white fermented rice balls, and seemingly plain but actually watery rock sugar stewed bird's nest.

Xi Qiao was used to drinking porridge, so An Lu first served her a small half bowl and then put a piece of refreshing and appetizing pickled celery on her plate.

Seeing her start eating, Yu Chonglin and the clan chief also picked up their bowls and chopsticks and directed the maids to serve them porridge and vegetables.

Xi Qiao quietly drank his porridge, while his mental energy enveloped the four tables around him.

One of the boys, a chubby-faced boy of about seven years old, naturally directed the maid to serve him a bowl of rock sugar bird's nest. After drinking it down in one gulp, he licked his lips with a lingering sense of satisfaction. Although no one else served him bird's nest, he did not intend to refill it. Instead, he asked the maid to serve him some fermented rice balls.

Each table was served by four maids, but few could direct the maids to serve food so smoothly.

At another table, a chubby boy dressed in an orange-red brocade robe was also among them.

He clearly recognized bird's nest, and was the first to have the maid serve it. He drank three bowls in a row, leaving only the bottom of the bowl for the people at the table.

The most interesting one was a boy whose clothes were washed until they were almost white. When he sat down, he was taller than all the other children present, and his age was obviously not between three and eight years old, as the clan chief had said.

He was sitting directly opposite Xi Qiao. Although he kept his eyes down, eating his porridge and vegetables, his gaze kept drifting towards Xi Qiao.

Whatever dish An Lu serves Xi Qiao, he will definitely pick up that dish with his next bite.

After the meal, the clan chief eagerly introduced the children he had brought to Xi Qiao. The first one he brought out was the oldest boy, whose clothes were washed until they were almost white.

“My dear niece, this child is named Yu Chongyu. Although Yu-ge’er is already twelve years old, he passed the imperial examination last year and became the youngest scholar in our clan. He is also the best and most talented student.”

"If he can be adopted by your mother, he will surely be able to get her posthumously granted an imperial title! In the future, when he becomes an official, he will also bring honor to you, the Empress, and our Sixth Prince."

Following the clan leader's words, Yu Chongyu clasped his hands in a respectful bow to Xi Qiao, saying, "This student greets Princess."

His tone of voice revealed an air of arrogance.

He was clearly very proud of his achievements.

Of course, an eleven-year-old student who has passed the imperial examination is indeed something to be proud of.

The clan chief was still rambling on about this young man, whom he saw as a future rising star of the imperial court: "Yu-ge'er's father is seriously ill and bedridden, and he also has young siblings at home. Although he is extremely talented, he has a heavy burden. The clan can only help him for a while, not forever, regarding the imperial examination."

“My dear niece, although Yu-ge’er is a bit older, his talent for studying is rare and hard to come by. What’s wrong with him being a bit older? What’s wrong is that he might end up with someone who is not talented and would only be a burden to you and the Empress.”

Xi Qiao didn't say whether it was good or bad, but simply nodded to signal the clan leader to continue.

Seeing her cold attitude, as if he, an eleven-year-old student, was insignificant, Yu Chongyu clenched his fingers and pressed his pale lips together.

The clan leader was extremely disappointed to see that she was not interested in Yu Chongyu. With Xiang-ge'er's talent, if he could be nurtured by the future Princess Consort of Prince Mu, he would surely be a top scholar or second-class scholar.

Xi Qiao was unwilling, and the clan leader did not dare to force him. Bringing Xiang Ge'er here today was the limit of what he, as the clan leader, could do.

He waved to Yu Xiang, signaling him to step back, and called over the chubby boy in the red brocade robe: "My dear niece, this is my youngest son, Yu Gu, who is eight years old. Brother Gu, come and pay your respects to the princess."

Yu Gu gave a fawning smile: "Gu-ge'er greets Princess. Princess, please choose me as your younger brother. I will definitely be filial to you and the noble ladies in the palace."

Xi Qiao smiled but remained silent.

The clan chief was even more disappointed this time, and continued to introduce other children. Several children who looked to be from well-off families were introduced, and finally it was the turn of the chubby-faced little boy.

"This is Yu Zhui (pronounced 'ha' in Chinese), he is seven years old this year. His mother was born into a merchant family, and his older sister also married into a merchant family."

Therefore, although the Yu family was wealthy, they had no status within the clan.

"Yu Zhui has met Elder Sister Lu."

When Lu Dajie (Big Sister Lu) was called that, Xi Qiao was taken aback. This was the first time someone had ever called her that.

“My mother asked me to ask my eldest sister what kind of business she plans to run in her shop. My maternal grandparents’ family and my brother-in-law’s family are in the business of rice, flour, cooking oil and cosmetics. If my eldest sister needs anything, they are willing to help her.”

Yu Zhui rambled on, but his speech was clear and his demeanor was generous. He didn't try to flatter or fawn over anyone, which made people want to laugh.

The clan leader frowned, about to reprimand him for his nonsense, when Xi Qiao suddenly beckoned to him.

"Come forward and let your older sister take a good look at you."

The clan leader's expression changed instantly, and Yu Chonglin also showed disapproval. He quickly stood up and said, "Sister Lu! How can the son of a merchant be your and the Empress's brother? No, I don't agree."

Yu Zhui was startled by Yu Chonglin's roar, and the chubby little face trembled, which was quite cute.

Xi Qiao ignored Yu Chonglin's barking, but looked at Yu Zhui with gentle eyes and waved to him again.

Yu Zhui glanced at Yu Chonglin discreetly, and when he wasn't looking, she skillfully and comically hunched her small shoulders and stealthily moved towards Xi Qiao.

Tsk——

Xi Qiao clicked his tongue inwardly. This little trick of his must mean he's been quite mischievous at home.

However, Xi Qiao was very satisfied. It was clear that the child was very pampered at home, the family atmosphere was good, and the upbringing was also good.

Clear thinking, confident and lively, not shy, and knows how to restrain oneself.

It's hard not to like a child like that.

"Sister Lu!" Yu Chonglin roared in a fit of impotent rage.

Yu Chongyu was also furious.

How could a child from a merchant's family compare to him!

Yu Zhuo nestled obediently beside Xi Qiao, her eyes glancing fearfully at Yu Chonglin before looking at Xi Qiao with adoration: "Big Sister Lu, you're not afraid of your father! How did you grow up? Can you teach me?"