Return of the Swallow c1-644

by Edited by Deyna up to chapter ~100.

  In actuality, the manor hadn’t paid much attention to a mama here to teach rules and had arranged for the palace servant to take up residence in the west wing of Snowpear Courtyard. Qin Yining had sent Ruilan to Garden of Tranquility that afternoon to speak with Jin-mama, explaining that the mama was here on the empress’ orders. Née Sun immediately placed more importance on their visitor and set up the guest residence after a discussion with the old dowager.

  Zhu-mama had already set up the paper, ink, and brush for the fourth miss to copy “The Classic of Filial Piety” when Ruilan returned from accompanying Zhan-mama to the guest residence.

  “Miss.” The maid took the mama’s position with a smile after making her greeting. “Everything’s been arranged for properly. Jin-mama has put Zhu-mama in Jade Bamboo Veranda, to the east of the bamboo forest. It’s a very elegant residence.

  Qin Yining didn’t lift her head as her brush flew over paper. “I see.”

  Those in the manor had been too lackadaisical. She herself was fine if the mama lived in the same residence as her, but if the palace servant felt that she’d been insulted, then they would receive hard questions from the empress.

  When Ruilan thought of how exquisite Jade Bamboo Veranda was compared to Snowpear Courtyard and took a look at her mistress’ charming profile, she heaved an imperceptible sigh. Qin Yining also wanted to sigh when she looked at the chicken scratches on the paper. She was certain that the old dowager would be utterly disdainful of this copy of the classic, and might even fly into a rage saying that Qin Yining hadn’t treated this matter with the proper gravity. She’d tried to summon the best of her handwriting, but her writing was extremely ugly. She had to give up on this.

  Penmanship wouldn’t be mastered overnight, but the deadline to hand in her punishment wasn’t far off. She had to think of a way to pass this challenge…

  The warm interior of Garden of Loving Piety.

  “What? The mama here to teach Qin Yining manners is here by order of the empress herself?” Qin Huining paused from applying lotion to her face and turned from the mirror. “The empress is such an exalted figure, how could she possibly think of arranging a mama for that wild brat? It has to be father!”

  Cai-mama sighed, “That must be the case.”

  “Father’s never cared about me like this before…” Qin Huining felt lost all of a sudden, and her eyes glinted coldly in the next moment. “What kind of person is that mama?”

  “Apparently, she used to serve Dowager Consort Xuanyi and Imperial Noble Consort Luming. She then went to Palace of Accumulated Purity and oversaw the education of the selected ladies during the imperial harem selection.”

  “What a strong background!” Qin Huining pursed her lips and gazed upon her reflection in the mirror, slowly losing herself in her thoughts. She knew that her origins were unknown, and although she could vie with Qin Yining for a bit in terms of status, that was due to her foundations of spending fourteen years within the manor. What if Qin Yining surpassed her one day? Her parents and Old Dowager were already biased towards their real daughter. Although Qin Huining was superior when it came to literature, she had to admit that her looks weren’t as striking as the barbarian. Even though Qin Huining was outwardly dismissive and mouthed the words “take a wife for her virtues, take a concubine for her looks”, and that her future in-laws might not like a temptress for their daughter-in-law, what man didn’t like a good looking woman?

  Her position as the official firstborn had already been replaced, making her future marriage a difficult thing. If she allowed Qin Yining to have such an outstanding mama teach her rules and help the barbarian never to make a mistake when it came to manners, wouldn’t that give Qin Yining another arrow in her quiver? No! No! She couldn’t let matters proceed like this!

  Qin Huining bolted to her feet and tightened her hands around the hem of her skirt until her fingertips were white. She loosened them after a while as the look in her eyes turned into one of happy confidence. “Wet nurse, go see if grandmother’s had her tea yet. I should go wash grandmother’s feet at this time.”

  Cai-mama responded affirmatively.

  Qin Huining appeared in the old dowager’s house before long, wearing a placid and docile expression on her face, washing the old dowager’s feet and lighting her tobacco pipe. As the two chattered, the girl mentioned casually, “…Zhan-mama has such an illustrious background, it would be helpful for all the girls in the manor if they could learn together. …Second Uncle and Third Uncle would be thankful to father if they learned that their daughters were benefitting as well.”

  The old dowager began musing on this.

  Click here for some etvo trolling on chapter 20!

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  Chapter 22: Compensation

  Chapter 22: Compensation

  The old dowager was quite moved by Qin Huining’s words. There were indeed many girls in the house, and the third miss was coming of age soon. Her marriage to Earl of Jianan’s second son was all but agreed upon. If stamped with the layer of gold that was the tutelage from a palace mama… it would indeed be good for all the girls in the manor. But what was difficult about this was that the empress had sent Zhan-mama to teach Qin Yining. The decree hadn’t included anyone else. It was one thing if they were close with the mama. She would agree if they made some gifts of gold and silver. Teaching one was the same as teaching a group after all, but they weren’t that familiar with each other, so it wasn’t proper to request this.

  In addition, it was uncommon for the empress to personally designate a mama to teach the official daughters of an imperial subject. This was the sole honor awarded to the main branch of the family to begin with; there was no reason to share it with the other branches. The old dowager found herself between a rock and a hard place all of a sudden. She wanted all of her granddaughters to benefit, but didn’t want to offend anyone.

  “Old Dowager.” Qin-mama entered with a smile just as her mistress was racking her brains. “Third Madame has arrived.”

  The old dowager arched an eyebrow, resting her pipe on the white porcelain ashtray to the side. The brass pipe and porcelain resonated loudly when struck together. “What’s she doing here so late at night?”

  Qin Huining adroitly fetched a large towel to wipe off the old dowager’s feet and helped her back into white socks. Another maid came in to take away the wooden tub filled with water. When the third madame entered, she so happened to see Qin Huining helping the old dowager into her boots.

  “Old Dowager.” The third madame made her greeting and smiled immediately after. “Niece Hui is surely the most caring of all the children in the manor. I am truly ashamed in front of her.”

  The old dowager was so amused that she started laughing, and hectored with no heat at all, “You rascal! You’ll make a joke of yourself, complaining in front of your niece like this!”

  Qin Huining also joined in with an appropriate laugh, but was rolling her eyes hard inside. It’s each to their best when it comes to filial piety and pleasing the old dowager. Who can you blame but yourself for not coming earlier? However, the girl also knew that the third madame had a certain degree of face in front of the old dowager. Although the third senior master was concubine-born, he helmed the family branch that was the economic lifeline of the Qin family. The third madame was quite generous normally as well, with the old dowager receiving many gifts from the third branch. Compared to the haughty senior madame with the lofty family background, and the dull, taciturn second madame always plotting away at something, the old dowager actually liked the third madame the most.

  Qin Huining didn’t want to offend this harbinger of wealth either, so she smiled, “You’re joking, Third Aunt. I just live a bit closer and got here earlier, is all. You care for this family more than all of us juniors, so please don’t laugh at me like this.”

  “How would I ever? Niece Hui was personally raised by the old dowager and has a deep understanding of manners, as well as a filial heart. She has a deep
relationship with the old dowager and the truest heart as well.” The third madame sat down on the garden stool that Qin-mama brought over with a slight smile. “Old Dowager, I hear that Zhan-mama, here on orders from the empress, has taken up residence in Jade Bamboo Veranda?”

  Qin Huining smiled when she heard this. Looks like I have an ally. She didn’t want Qin Yining to monopolize this prime resource and wanted to make use of it as well, and the third madame was likely here on behalf of her own daughter, Qin Jianing.

  The old dowager also understood the third madame and gave her brass pipe with its accompanying tobacco pouch to Qin-mama. “Darling Hui was just talking to me about this.”

  The third madame looked at Qin Huining with some surprise, offering a conspiratorial smile a heartbeat later. She moved closer to the family matriarch, “And what are your intentions, Old Dowager?”

  “I naturally want good futures for all the girls in our family. But the empress specifically arranged Zhan-mama to teach granddaughter Yi, so this matter is a bit tricky.”

  The third madame smiled at this and took over the bird’s nest stewed in milk that Qin-mama was about to bring over. She carefully fed it to the old dowager, offering a spoon and handkerchief with aplomb. Qin-mama then left with the empty bowl, trading it with an exquisite bowl for rinsing one’s mouth. The third madame took over this task as well before returning to her seat. The old dowager was in an exceedingly good mood after these thoughtful ministrations. I’m the matriarch of this family and have had a title awarded to me. With my status and my son’s, it won’t be a difficult matter to order Zhan-mama to some additional exertion.

  Qin Huining and the third madame look at each other, a thought making the latter smile. “We have to make some arrangements for this affair. Naturally, I will bear the costs.”

  “It shouldn’t fall to you.” The old dowager waved her hand with a smile. “I’m seeking to better the lives of my granddaughters. I’ll use the house funds for this.”

  Qin Huining grasped the old dowager’s arm and spoke cutely, “Grandmother, all of the girls in our family are relying on you. Younger sister Little Creek is a mature and good girl. She won’t object to this.”

  “Even if anyone is dissatisfied with this, it won’t be her place to be one of them.” The old dowager smiled back. “That’s all for now, all of you are dismissed. I’ll speak to my senior daughter-in-law tomorrow.”

  “Understood.” The third madame and Qin Huining stood up happily. The former left, but Qin Huining stuck close to the old dowager’s side and didn’t return to her own house until a long while later. When she prepared to turn in for the night, she had Bitong select a serving girl to pay attention to anything that happened outside.

  When Qin Huining rose the next morning, she had expectations confirmed that the third madame sent many items to the old dowager during the night. She didn’t think much of this, but envy and sourness began to creep in again when she heard that the third madame also sent presents to Snowpear Courtyard earlier in the morning, and even a respectable mama from the second branch visited bearing gifts as well. Why wasn’t second aunt and third aunt so generous to me before?

  A real niece is different alright!

  Snowpear Courtyard.

  Qin Yining instructed her people to accept the gifts and treat the mamas who’d delivered them to tea, sending them off only after a round of pleasantries. Some bolts of cloth with the latest patterns were placed on a round, side table, along with fine tea, brush and ink. Those were from the second madame. A set of fine jade jewelry and the latest all-natural powder from Pureheart Pavilion rested in a delicate black lacquer cosmetic box. This was from the third madame.

  She may not know much about powder, rouge, and cosmetics in general, but Qin Yining knew that these items were expensive. She thought for a moment and then directed some instructions at Ruilan, “Count the items carefully and record them in a separate book. Use the ones that we should use.”

  Ruilan started with delight when she heard this. The miss was trusting her to look after her personal inventory and record the flow of favors!

  “This servant understands and won’t disappoint you, miss!” Ruilan curtseyed solemnly to Qin Yining.

  Qin Yining knew that Ruilan was still worried about matters that had happened her first night, so was arranging a task for the maid to do. This was both to test and reassure. How would her little household present a united front if those around her spent their days in apprehension and was unable to trust each other?

  “Go about your business.” Qin Yining’s tone was gentle as she smiled and continued copying “The Classic of Filial Piety”.

  Ruilan nodded happily, heading off to clean with Zhu-mama, so full of vigor that she seemed to have received a jolt of adrenaline. Qin Yining took a look at the time and decided to go for her evening greeting to the old dowager after her current line was finished. However, a maid announced from the outside at this moment, “Miss, Qin-mama is here.”

  Qin Yining was astonished and hastily stuck her brush in a blue and white porcelain pen holder. She rose to welcome the old servant with a smile, “Qin-mama’s here. Please, come in and have a seat.”

  “I hope you’re doing well, Fourth Miss.” Qin-mama curtsied with a smile as Ruilan fetched a stool upholstered with satin. The old servant didn’t sit, just lowered her head and spoke gently, “I’m here with a message and need to return afterwards. There’s a mountain of work to be done in Garden of Loving Piety.”

  “Does Old Dowager have any pressing matters? Please, speak on.” Qin Yining looked seriously at the servant.

  “Old Dowager says that the evening greetings can be foregone today. She wants all the girls to learn from Zhan-mama, and invites the miss to Garden of Loving Piety at the beginning of the hour of the snake for lessons.”

  Although Qin Yining nodded with a smile, she knew what was really going on. The appearance of such an impressive mama had spurred the other branches into action. There were plenty of Qin daughters, after all. Even though she hadn’t seen with her own eyes what had happened, Qin Yining could easily guess that Qin Huining had done something. With that girl’s personality, how would she possibly allow such an outstanding mama to teach only Qin Yining?

  The old servant was soothed by Qin Yining’s lack of surprise and maintenance of a demure smile. The girl was like a clear spring, gently welling up beneath the sunlight, further softening Qin-mama’s tone. “The teacher that the lord has hired for you has also arrived. Apparently he’s a very distinguished old scholar. He’s settled in in the outer residence, and Old Dowager has said that you will learn manners with the girls in the mornings, and add to your knowledge with the teacher in the afternoons.” The old servant’s smile became more sincere at this point. “It’s quite wonderful that you have gained Old Dowager’s attention, miss.”

  “It’s all thanks to Old Dowager’s love and favor. I am very grateful and will learn well so that I don’t let her down. Please convey my thanks to her, Qin-mama. I will go kowtow in thanks when the opportunity presents itself.”

  “Yes, this servant will surely bring the message.” Qin-mama took her leave, and the two chatted until they reached the covered walkway. The old servant hadn’t even descended the steps before head maid Jixiang, Ruyi, and the various serving girls and old grannies from Garden of Loving Piety came by carrying much luggage. Qin-mama was greatly surprised. She’d just come from there, why hadn’t the old dowager given all of her orders in one go? Was this more presents for Qin Yining?

  Jixiang and Ruyi walked up to curtsy. The head maid smiled. “This servant is here on behalf of Old Dowager. Zhan-mama just said that while Jade Bamboo Veranda is nice, it’s too lonely. She genuinely likes the miss and specially asked Old Dowager to permit her to live in Snowpear Courtyard. Old Dowager and Senior Madame have already agreed. These are her items.”

  She turned back to point at the various comforters, pillows, and other daily necessities. Two strong grannies lifted two
stretchers of items. They were filled with clothing, cloth, blankets, braziers, and others. Ruyi said, “Fourth Miss, the old dowager specifically sent you this. She says that the days are turning cold, and you must be careful and dress warmly. Don’t catch a cold or pneumonia.”

  Was this compensation for taking a share of the mama sent to teach her? Qin Yining smiled. “Many thanks, sister. Please thank the old dowager for me when you return."

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  Chapter 23: A Close Relationship

  Chapter 23: A Close Relationship

  “Understood, I will surely convey the miss’ intentions.” Ruyi and Jixiang curtsied politely. “We will depart now if the miss has no other orders.”

  “Please do as you wish, sisters.” Qin Yining responded with a smile.

  Qin-mama also took her leave at this time. “Miss, I’ll be off now.”

  “Let me see you out.” Qin Yining lifted her hand in an “after you” gesture, making motions to help the old servant down the stairs with extreme graciousness.

  “Here is far enough.” Qin-mama declined courteously, but she was quite pleased, and her image of Qin Yining brightened by a few degrees again. Even though she continuously made polite protestations, the fourth miss insisted on seeing her out the door. The mama curtsied yet again before finally taking her leave for good.

  Back in her yard, Qin Yining looked at the items that were forming a small mountain. “Enter the old dowager’s presents in the records and arrange for Zhan-mama in the side wing.”

  “Understood.” Zhu-mama led the servants off.

  Ruilan was standing next to Qin Yining and murmured, “Miss, something’s off about this. Zhen-mama was here to teach only you yesterday, why have things changed overnight? Did Senior Madame agree to this as well?”