Return of the Swallow c1-644

by Edited by Deyna up to chapter ~100.

“I’m not opposed to marriage,” Qin Yining continued. “It’s just that I don’t know what father’s plans are. How can I haphazardly agree to my future without that knowledge?”

  She knew very well that her marriage would be a strategic one. Her future husband would have to be someone who could further her father’s career. She’d already considered this when she agreed to return to the Qin family. Parents were the ultimate facilitators in the weddings of their children. While her father would focus on a beneficial match, it was all the same to her. Who does it matter who I marry?

  Née Sun had fully returned to her senses now. To think that Qin Yining had thought of so much when she was preoccupied with worry and nerves! No wonder mother said to ask Qin Yining’s opinion on things because the girl sees things clearly. Come tot think about it, when she listened to the girl and softened her stance to the old dowager first, not only did Qin Huaiyuan not lecture her, but had actually been kind to her. And this time Qin Yining had kept such a clear head around the emperor…

  Née Sun smiled with satisfaction and tapped Qin Yining’s forehead. She felt a bit guilty at how vehement she’d been earlier, but felt that there was no reason for a mother to apologize to a daughter. “Your maternal uncle sent some things to your maternal grandmother yesterday, and the duchess sent over two white fox pelts that were among them. She said it’s for the two of you to make into collars for overcoats. I’ll have Caiju bring it over when we return.”

  Qin Yining knew that née Sun was softening with these words. She put the words that née Sun had just said out of her mind and didn’t quibble that the pelts weren’t only hers. She only smiled happily. “Thank you mother. Thank you to my maternal grandmother.”

  Née Sun was happy to see Qin Yining smile as she usually did. The old dowager had grown used to scenes like these over the past couple of days, and her fondness for Qin Yining deepened a tad further. She’d wanted to extort her daughter-in-law, but now that Qin Yining was holding née Sun’s hand and merrily chatting together, the old dowager didn’t want to ruin the amiable atmosphere.

  Several pageboys came out when the carriage stopped in front of the Qin manor doors. Qitai, the follower at Qin Huaiyuan’s side, bowed. “Old Dowager, Senior Madame, and Fourth Miss have returned! The lord has been worried about you and told me to wait here. I’ll go make a report to him now.”

  The old dowager alighted with the help of Qin Yining and née Sun. “Tell your lord to come to the Garden of Loving Piety for a chat. Tell him I have urgent matters to discuss with him.”

  Qitai bowed in acknowledge and left for the study in the other residence after helping the three ladies into a small carriage. Qin Huaiyuan immediately rushed in when the group returned to the Garden of Loving Piety and had just undone their capes and had a sip of hot tea. Qin Yining and née Sun quickly stood up to make their curtsies.

  Qin Huaiyuan waved his hand to omit the courtesies and studied their faces. He relaxed slightly when he saw nothing out of the ordinary. Qin Yining felt that the old dowager must want to discuss with Qin Huaiyuan what had just happened in the palace. She took née Sun’s arm. “Didn’t mother say you have fox pelts to gift? I also want to eat Jin-mama’s pine nut and osmanthus candy. Shall we go to the Garden of Tranquility together? I’ll have someone send over my meal box earlier and we can eat lunch together. May we?”

  Qin Yining’s “may we” was soft and sweet. No one who heard it could bear to decline. Née Sun naturally liked growing closer with her daughter, and she wanted to make up for wrongly yelling at her earlier. She nodded with a smile and curtsied at the old dowager and Qin Huaiyuan. “Then we’ll be leaving first.”

  The old dowager nodded affably, her expression darkening only after the servants had helped née Sun and Qin Yining into their capes and the two had departed. “Disaster was averted today thanks to granddaughter Yi’s quick thinking.”

  Qin Huaiyuan took a seat by the old dowager’s side with a frown. “What happened?”

  The old dowager relayed in detail the happenings of the day, everyone’s bearing and words. She ended with, “If it hadn’t been for granddaughter Yi working herself up and saying that she wanted to be a nun or hang herself, the emperor and empress likely would’ve decreed the marriage right then and there. The Caos obviously mean nothing good in this, and I feel that this matter isn’t over yet. The empress clearly hates our family and wants to make an example out of Yining.”

  “I understand the matter,” responded Qin Huaiyuan. “The emperor favors only the empress, so it’s only natural that he listens to her pillow talk. But as for why the emperor acted this way…”

  His finger rubbed the smooth, shining tabletop as he mused. He actually knew the answer already. “It’s probably because I’ve become Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent.” But why would he suddenly do this? Was it premeditated or spur of the moment?

  “Oh?” The old dowager didn’t fully understand matters of court. “What’s so bad about you becoming the crown prince’s teacher that it causes the emperor to go to these depths?”

  Qin Huaiyuan knew the answer but didn’t want to bring up these messy affairs with his mother. He didn’t want her to fret and possibly become ill from worry. He only smiled noncommittally at his mother and handed her a cup of tea. “Don’t worry about this, mother. I can handle all of this. You just need keep the inner residence in order. I will be eternally grateful for that.”

  “You child, what’s this talk of seemingly two families.” Her attention successfully diverted, she started talking about some preparations for the new year. Qin Huaiyuan patiently discussed mundane topics of New Year’s Eve and other future arrangements, and even joined the old dowager for lunch.

  Qin-mama came in with a smile when they were rinsing their mouths and took over the duty of handing the old dowager a warm hand towel. She joked, “Are you in such a good mood today, mistress, because the lord is better at serving you? Will this old servant be out of a job soon?”

  The mama gave Qin Huaiyuan a meaningful look at an angle that the old dowager couldn’t see. He instantly understood that something had happened.

  “Lujuan, how are you comparing yourself to Meng’er at your age!” The old dowager laughed heartily.

  “I naturally can’t compare to Qin-mama,” Qin Huaiyuan joined in. “The mama has served mother with lifelong diligence and loyalty. I can go about my matters with ease outside because I know mother is being wonderfully cared for at home.”

  “This praise is too high for this old servant. Serving the old dowager is my duty.” Qin-mama turned to curtsey to Qin Huaiyuan and made a hand gesture, mouthing, “The crown prince is here.”

  Qin Huaiyuan nodded without a flicker in expression. “Enjoy your nap, mother. I have some things to take care of.”

  “Go on, I’ve kept you long enough.” Her son had a multitude of things to take care of in his capacity as a court official. She was already very satisfied that he’d taken time out to chat about new year plans and even eat lunch with her.

  Qin Huaiyuan bowed courteously and retreated out of the house. Once he exited the Garden of Loving Piety doors, Qitai quickly came up to his side. He murmured, “Milord, the crown prince is here in casual clothes and without any followers. I feel that he wanted to keep a low profile and didn’t dare spread the news of his arrival. I have him drinking tea in the study.”

  “Mm,” Qin Huaiyuan acknowledged. Perhaps the crown prince’s hasty visit will answer some questions for me. He still didn’t know the precise reason for the emperor suddenly wanting to marry his daughter off to the Caos. What good would that be for the emperor if the Qins and Caos were tied together?

  * * *

  Chapter 65: A Verbal Agreement

  Chapter 65: A Verbal Agreement

  Weichi Yan was standing in the study, arms crossed within his sleeves. His head was lowered, seemingly deep in thought. He was wearing an exceedingly common light-brown cotton robe today, his hair neatly wrapped up in a traditional,
black headband. He looked like any regular noble son, completely different from his usual elegant and royal appearance. It seems he had taken great caution with this trip.

  Perhaps he’s discovered the spies by his side. Qin Huaiyuan arrested his line of thought as he entered the study. Weichi Yan caught sight of his teacher and pulled himself from his musings, bowing. “Grand Preceptor Qin.”

  “Greetings to Your Highness.” Qin Huaiyuan gave the grand gesture of greeting.

  “Please, don’t stand on ceremony.” Weichi Yan reached out. “Have I inconvenienced you with this unexpected visit?”

  “Don’t say that, Your Highness. Your visit brings but glory and honor to my abode. Is anything the matter?” The two took their seats in rounded chairs as Qitai offered tea. The follower then thoughtfully closed the door and stood guard some ways away.

  Weichi Yan began with a slight frown. “There are indeed two important matters to discuss today. The Prince of Ning’s people has sent word from Xihua that Great Zhou has started fighting again. The two armies have engaged each other at that city.”

  Qin Huaiyuan listened with a furrowed brow. Xihua was close to the capital and housed an important port. It was a vital transportation nexus for Great Yan, by land or water. Great Yan would fall much faster if it was taken.

  The crown prince also sighed with resignation when he saw Qin Huaiyuan’s solemn expression. “Xihua’s two defending generals are surnamed Sun, your brothers-in-law. I wonder how they’re doing.”

  “My brothers-in-law will give their all for their country. Even to their last breath, they will defend that city. However, it is certain that our chances of victory would only increase if we hold that city.” Qin Huaiyuan’s frown deepened. “This is timely news. In a matter of a day or two, it will become common knowledge in court, which will give rise to another set of debates. We will have to come up with a plan of attack.”

  Weichi Yan nodded, but his voice held more than a tinge of weariness. “What use is all the clamoring in court? Is Great Zhou afraid of our curses and insults? If that really worked, I wouldn’t mind spending my days on how to curse like a sailor. The most important thing is that we secure a victory over Great Zhou. The Prince of Ning is of a mind to take the field, but my royal father isn’t giving permission for now.”

  Qin Huaiyuan understood that the crown prince was sharing his burdens because Weichi Yan trusted him. He was touched by the show of faith, but didn’t dare become involved in family affairs. He lowered his voice as the two began discussing strategy. The two soon engrossed themselves in political affairs. The impatient sky soon grew dark, and it was only by the time lamps were lit that everything was settled.

  Weichi Yan wasn’t someone ignorant of manners, so he quickly rose to take his leave. However, it was that which finally jogged his memory for the other important matter that he’d come on behalf of. An awkward tone permeated his next words, “If I may ask… did my royal father summon any ladies from your household today?”

  The emperor had summoned three people, but the crown prince had asked only about a lady. This was a clear sign to Qin Huaiyuan. “Indeed, but why do you ask, Your Highness?”

  “Royal father, did he…” Weichi Yan stammered. “Did he make trouble—er, yell at the lady?”

  Qin Huaiyuan had been pondering why the emperor had suddenly wanted to decree a marriage for Qin Yining. The crown prince’s questions only served to further his speculation, but he didn’t know what Weichi Yan had done to suddenly make the emperor wary of his daughter. So he smiled and purposefully affected a carefree tone. “Truth be told, the emperor and empress summoned my daughter today to decree a marriage for her.”

  Weichi Yan’s face went blank, but then slowly showed signs of delight. He asked anxiously, “Who is royal father bestowing your daughter to?”

  “The empress says my daughter and her maternal nephew are a match made in heaven.”

  Weichi Yan’s joy froze on his face and color drained out of his blushing face. His rapidly fading delight also caused his daydreaming and fantasizing to flee like a flushed bird. He thought carefully about what could have happened and suddenly slumped dejectedly back down into the chair, murmuring, “Ah, I doomed her and myself.”

  Qin Huaiyuan’s heart skipped a beat when he saw the crown prince thus. Has he and daughter Yi already… Impossible. They hadn’t even had a chance to meet. It was far more plausible that the crown prince was simply greatly taken with daughter Yi at first sight. He was a man after all, and all men loved beauties. Yining definitely fell into that category. Except, their relationship shouldn’t have developed to the stage in which the crown prince would react thus, no?

  “Your Highness, forgive my forwardness. What exactly has happened? I don’t quite understand why the emperor and empress suddenly wanted to bestow marriage today either.”

  Weichi Yan thought that Qin Yining had already been given to Empress Cao’s nephew and had no mind to spare for anything else. His gloom was palpable, “It’s all my fault. I couldn’t forget the fourth miss after seeing her, so I drew a portrait of her after returning to the palace. But I didn’t imagine that the empress had people by my side. When her spy told her of this, I knew she’d cause trouble for me, but didn’t think it take shape in this form.”

  So that was the case! Qin Huaiyuan finally understood the emperor’s wariness. He was both amused and angered by the crown prince’s dejected behavior. He actually did favor this crown prince for Qin Yining, because even if they didn’t make him part of the family, there would still a relationship between the crown prince and Qin Huaiyuan. They might as well strengthen that relationship. In addition, the crown prince didn’t exactly have a keen political acumen. He was an honest and generous sort, and had the temperament and mentality of a scholar. If his daughter was paired with the crown prince, her days would be easy enough.

  The crown prince was also the prospective future emperor. Although thunderclouds had drawn perilously close to Great Yan, it wasn’t as if the nation really would fall in the near future, despite how furiously Great Zhou beat at their doors, right? Everything was yet an unknown, still plenty of room to maneuver and negotiate.

  Qin Huaiyuan smiled comfortingly at the crown prince. “Your Highness, I hadn’t finished speaking just now. Although the emperor had wanted to decree the marriage, gentleman Cao misconducted himself in front of his imperial majesty, and his frivolous actions made my daughter cry from humiliation. She almost hung herself, so the marriage is not to be.”

  “What?!” Weichi Yan surged to his feet, frantic in his worry. “Is the fourth miss alright?” He met Qin Huaiyuan’s teasing gaze immediately afterwards and flushed a deep red. It was too late for regrets now. He’d already exposed his feelings, so he threw caution to the wind. “I’ll be frank, it’s… love at first sight for me and the fourth miss. Please forgive my audacity.”

  “Your Highness has maintained the purity of youth. It’s my daughter’s honor that you like her.”

  “Grand Preceptor Qin!” Weichi Yan’s eyes gleamed with delight. “Do you mean that you don’t oppose this?”

  “Your Highness’ favor is the fortune of eight generations. I can’t be grateful enough, much less be opposed to it!”

  Weichi Yan spun giddily in circles before regaining his usual bearing. He rubbed his hands. “Alright! Since Grand Preceptor Qin has already said so, I will definitely live up to expectations!”

  * * *

  Chapter 66: Sending Warmth

  Chapter 66: Sending Warmth

  Qin Yining had no idea that Qin Huaiyuan and the crown prince had just settled her future with a few words. She was keeping née Sun company and dutifully working on embroidery. The atmosphere was quite harmonious when the madame suddenly sighed.

  “What’s the matter, mother? Are you not feeling well?” Qin Yining put her needlework to the side and started massaging her mother’s back with gentle pats.

  By this time, née Sun had gotten used to Qin Yining servin
g by her side. In all fairness, she was rather satisfied with this new daughter of hers, but the fourteen years she’d spent with Qin Huining was still deeper. She could tell that Qin Huining didn’t get along with Qin Yining. Sometimes when Huining came, she’d quickly take her leave after curtseying when she saw Qin Yining, like she was avoiding the fourth miss. When Qin Yining wasn’t here, Qin Huining would look at née Sun with eyes full of blame and grievances. It was difficult for née Sun to endure it. Both of them were her daughters, why couldn’t they get along? Other people could enjoy the happiness of children, so why couldn’t she?

  “Daughter Yi, I know you don’t like daughter Hui, and that she’s made some mistakes before. But in the end, aren’t we all one family? The main branch of the family has only the two of you. I don’t like it that the two of you don’t get along.”

  Qin Yining had been displeased from the words “I know you don’t like daughter Hui”, but she was skilled at enduring. She knew that this was just how née Sun was and so didn’t argue with her. She just nodded docilely. “Understood, I’ll do whatever you wish, mother. I won’t act against her as long as Miss Huining doesn’t provoke me.” Of course, the connotations were that it was always Qin Huining starting up trouble and not her.

  Jin-mama brought over a little pointed mallet and took over Qin Yining’s massage duties. She chose this moment to speak in a gentle voice, “Don’t make it difficult for the fourth miss, madame. It’s really not her fault. She’s expressed her goodwill many times, but Miss Huining doesn’t accept it at all. It really puts the fourth miss in a difficult position.”

  Jin-mama was née Sun’s wet nurse, so her words carried a different weight. Plus, her tone was tender and coaxing. Née Sun naturally knew of the truth in wet nurse’s words too and sighed. “We’re family, so let pass what can pass. Since you are the firstborn daughter, you should have the bearing of one.”