Gou was a member of the imperial family in the late Ming Dynasty

Chapter 592 Foster Father
"Is it true?" Gao Jie seemed a little unconvinced after listening to Xing Qiaoer's explanation.

"Let me ask you, how long did it take for the court to respond after you arrived at Luzhou Wei? How long did it take for the imperial edict from His Majesty to arrive? And what is the attitude of the Shanxi Governor's Office and the Commander-in-Chief's Office?" Xing Qiaoer asked in return.

As soon as these words came out, Gao Jie couldn't help but ponder. These were things he hadn't thought of before, but now after Xing Qiao'er's reminder, he suddenly realized something.

Logically speaking, given Wang Rong's position, after receiving the news of Gao Jie's surrender, he should have reported it one level at a time, that is, first to the governor's office and the commander-in-chief's office, and then the governor or the commander-in-chief would report the situation to the capital, and then the court would make the final decision.

But Wang Rong did not do so. Although Wang Rong sent a letter to the governor's office and the commander's office, it was just a notification, not a request for their opinions. Luzhou Guard directly passed through Shanxi and submitted the letter to the capital, and handed it to the cabinet and the Imperial Household Department, and placed it on the desk of Emperor Chongzhen, which was completely different.

More importantly, there are two points. One is that neither the governor's office nor the commander's office raised any objections, but instead cooperated with Luzhouwei and the court to explain the situation. Another point is that the court's order came down too quickly. They had only lived in Luzhouwei for less than ten days, and the angel came from the capital. Emperor Chongzhen not only gave Gao Jie an official title, but also gave Xing Qiaoer a life of great power. Doesn't this prove that Wang Rong has a strong background?
Thinking of this, Gao Jie suddenly became excited. He did not expect that Xing Qiaoer could see things more clearly than he did and could detect the key issues just by relying on these clues. If it was really as Xing Qiaoer judged, the couple could have Wang Rong as their backer, and they would be considered to have a backer in the court in the future.

"This... this is indeed a way out." Gao Jie rubbed his hands and smiled, "A virtuous wife helps her husband half way. This is absolutely true. How could I, Gao Jie, be so virtuous as to have a virtuous wife like you? Great! Great!"

After laughing a few times, Gao Jie asked Xing Qiaoer: "Since we are on the same road as Lord Wang, then we should get closer to Lord Wang. So, we brought some valuables with us when we came out, you can pack them up and give some to Lord Wang. From now on, we will be considered Lord Wang's people..."

"What are you thinking?" Before Gao Jie could finish, Xing Qiao'er said angrily, "You want Lord Wang to speak for you over a few pieces of money? You really underestimate Lord Wang."

"Then what should we do?" Gao Jie was stunned, his face looking a little unhappy. It was true that they brought a lot of valuables, but these gold and silver items were good, but they were not omnipotent. Moreover, as the commander of the garrison, Wang Rong was the local emperor in Luzhou Garrison. Could it be that he was short of this silver?
After thinking for a while, Gao Jie suddenly thought of a solution and asked tentatively, "If it really doesn't work, when I deliver the money and property, I will also take the opportunity to worship Lord Wang as my godfather?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Xing Qiaoer showed a relieved expression on her face. The man she found was not stupid and could actually come up with such a trick. This was already very good.

However, Xing Qiaoer still shook her head, saying that although Gao Jie's idea was good, Wang Rong had to be willing to accept it. Not to mention that the two sides didn't have much friendship and had not known each other for a long time, and Gao Jie was now a guerrilla general appointed by Emperor Chongzhen, which was not a low position. Gao Jie would serve in the army and lead troops to war. If Wang Rong was to be his adoptive father, Wang Rong might consider some other issues, such as avoiding suspicion or worrying about Gao Jie's background, etc. What if Wang Rong refused?
This opportunity only comes once and he can only succeed and cannot fail. Without a middleman to act as a go-between, Gao Jie rashly ran to Wang Rong and kowtowed, asking him to adopt him as his adopted son. There is a great possibility that the other party would refuse.

Xing Qiaoer was thoughtful and considered things carefully. She felt that Gao Jie's approach seemed good, but the probability of success was not high. Moreover, if Wang Rong refused, they would have no way out, which was not in line with Xing Qiaoer's plan.

Xing Qiaoer told Gao Jie that it was a good thing to take Wang Rong as his adoptive father, and it would be extremely beneficial to them if it was done. However, Gao Jie couldn't do that, and couldn't just go and talk about it. Even if he had to do it, it should be done by Xing Qiaoer.

Xing Qiaoer lost both her parents and unfortunately fell into the hands of the bandit Li Zicheng, and was forced to marry Li Zicheng. But after marrying Li Zicheng, Xing Qiaoer never had true feelings for Li Zicheng and wanted to escape from his clutches. Fortunately, she met Gao Jie, and it was under her persuasion that Gao Jie turned from evil to good.

From this point of view, it is more appropriate for Xing Qiaoer to come forward, especially since she is a weak woman. She has already inquired about it. Wang Rong has no daughter. If Wang Rong can adopt her as his adopted daughter, wouldn't this achieve the goal? Moreover, Xing Qiaoer is confident that she can convince Wang Rong. Even if she fails, her identity will not cause any trouble to Gao Jie. Instead, Wang Rong will take care of Gao Jie.

Once she becomes Wang Rong's adopted daughter and has Wang Rong as her backer, what's the difference between this and Gao Jie worshipping Wang Rong as his adoptive father?

In addition, Xing Qiaoer thought of one more thing, that is, Gao Jie is now a military general, and he will definitely go to war next. Because of Gao Jie's background, the court must use him and guard against him. If she becomes Wang Rong's adopted daughter, then she can legitimately stay in Luzhou Guard to accompany her adoptive father and mother. In this way, she can also be regarded as a hostage, and she can also give an explanation to the court, so that the court can be completely assured of Gao Jie.

Xing Qiaoer's plan was approved by Gao Jie, and the two of them discussed it immediately. The next day, Gao Jie brought Xing Qiaoer to visit Wang Rong, ostensibly to thank him for his help, but in fact, in addition to thanking him and giving him gifts, he was also looking for an opportunity to ask Wang Rong to be his godfather.

Wang Rong didn't know about their plan, but Wang Rong had lived for more than 50 years. Even if he didn't know about it in advance, when Gao Jie found an excuse to leave temporarily and left Xing Qiaoer, she specifically said something in front of Wang Rong, wiping her tears and saying that she had no elders, had been trapped among bandits for the past two years, and was forced to marry Li Zicheng. Now she had finally escaped from the suffering and was treated well by Wang Rong. She asked the court to give them a way out and grant them an official position. She was really grateful.

In particular, Xing Qiaoer said that she felt Wang Rong was very close to her as soon as she met him, just like her biological father. Her parents had both passed away, and she had no other relatives in this world. As the saying goes, a son wants to take care of his parents but they are no longer around, and this is also true for her as a daughter. Gao Jie has now been appointed by the court. Since he has become an official appointed by the court and a military commander, he must follow the court's arrangements and go to war in order to repay the court. Xing Qiaoer is a woman, so she naturally cannot accompany the army. She has been living a very stable life in Luzhouwei these days, especially after meeting Wang Rong and his wife, she feels more like returning home.

Xing Qiaoer hopes to stay in Luzhou Wei for a long time, and it would be best if she can accompany Wang Rong and his wife, treat them as her own parents, express her gratitude, and at the same time fulfill her filial piety in the absence of her own parents.

As soon as these words came out, Wang Rong knew what Xing Qiaoer was planning. At first, Wang Rong subconsciously wanted to refuse, but when the words came to his lips, Wang Rong's heart moved slightly, and he asked Xing Qiaoer seriously whether these words were from her heart, but was she serious?
Xing Qiaoer answered seriously and stood up and knelt in front of Wang Rong, paying homage to him with great respect. At this time, Wang Rong hurriedly helped her up and said that it was not necessary. However, Xing Qiaoer insisted on not getting up. Wang Rong had no choice but to agree to accept her as his adopted daughter after hesitating for a moment.

After Xing Qiaoer paid great respect to Wang Rong and called him "father", the title of adopted father and adopted daughter was determined. Then Wang Rong called his wife and pointed at Xing Qiaoer and said that he had adopted her as his adopted daughter. Xing Qiaoer paid great respect to Wang Rong's wife and called her "mother". Seeing that Xing Qiaoer was good-looking, smart, and sweet-spoken, and Wang Rong had nodded in agreement, Mrs. Wang naturally agreed as well. Xing Qiaoer suddenly became the adopted daughter of Wang Rong and his wife.

After this matter was settled, Gao Jie came back. After learning that Xing Qiaoer had already adopted Wang Rong and his wife as their adoptive parents, Gao Jie immediately stood up and saluted Wang Rong and his wife, calling them father-in-law and mother-in-law, and becoming their son-in-law.

Wang Rong smiled and asked Gao Jie to stand up. Because the relationship between the two parties had been established, they became closer. Wang Rong asked his wife to go down first and prepare a banquet. It was natural to celebrate the adoption of his adopted daughter. He wanted to have a drink with them later.

It was a family dinner with a harmonious atmosphere and both parties were happy.

Not long after, the clever Xing Qiaoer found an excuse to leave with Mrs. Wang. After they left, only Wang Rong and Gao Jie were left at the banquet.

"Father-in-law, I am so lucky to have this opportunity today. I will drink this cup first. Father-in-law, please."

"Okay, let's drink together." Wang Rong raised the wine cup in front of him with a smile, clinked it lightly with Gao Jie, raised his head and drank it all in one gulp.

After drinking, Wang Rong put down the wine cup, looked at Gao Jie, and asked him with a smile what his plans were next.

Gao Jie was just thinking about bringing the topic in this direction. He had discussed it with Xing Qiaoer last night. He was secretly happy when he heard Wang Rong mention it, but he pretended to be confused on the surface. He thought for a while, shook his head and sighed.

Gao Jie said that he didn't know what to do next. At present, the court has granted him an official position. If nothing unexpected happens, he will soon go to the battlefield as a military commander. Since he has been granted an official position by the court, it is his duty to lead the troops to fight. However, after he leaves to lead the troops, Xing Qiaoer will not be able to follow him, so he begs Wang Rong to take care of her so that he can rest assured.

Wang Rong naturally agreed to Gao Jie's concern. Moreover, Xing Qiaoer also mentioned this when she worshipped him as her adoptive father. It is not easy for a woman to live in a family. Since she is Wang Rong's adopted daughter, she will stay in Luzhouwei and nothing will happen to her because she will be taken care of by him and his wife.

Hearing Wang Rong's promise, Gao Jie was overjoyed and stood up to pay his respects. Wang Rong quickly stopped him, smiling and saying that they were all family and there was no need to be so polite, but he could not resist Gao Jie's insistence and finally accepted the greeting.

Then, Wang Rong asked Gao Jie about his own plans. Gao Jie shook his head and said that he had not thought about this matter carefully. After all, he still had to listen to the court about how to arrange it next. As a surrendered general, he had no choice. But Gao Jie also expressed his own concerns. He followed Li Zicheng to fight against the government troops under Gao Yingxiang. He not only fought against Cao Wenzhao, but also fought against Zuo Liangyu.

Especially Zuo Liangyu, who had suffered a great loss in a recent battle. If he joined Zuo Liangyu's army, he was worried that Zuo Liangyu would make trouble for him because of his background. Even if he went to Cao Wenzhao's army, it would not be easy. Cao Wenzhao was ruthless and was famous for killing many rebels. It was even more terrifying to work under him.

(End of this chapter)