“The priestess is immensely smart. This really isn’t a small matter. Someone wants to dig my heart out and mash it together with my bones and flesh. Apparently, this mixture will help them with their looks. The person’s about to do so, so in order to save my life, I’ve had people spread rumors that I have exceedingly good fortunes. Hopefully this will save me.” An awkward blush colored Qin Yining’s face at this time. “Actually, I already had people spread the word that ‘The Qin fourth miss has exceedingly good fortunes. Great Yan will be safe as long as she’s present!’, and said that this was a Soothsayer proclamation. It’s a four hour ride from the capital to the nunnery, so it’s very likely that every idle man in the streets, worker, poet, and singer in the taverns is already talking about this.”
The girl felt further embarrassed when she saw the priestess’ poleaxed expression. She hadn’t had a choice in heaping praise on herself as the ‘protection amulet of Great Yan’ and the ‘mascot of the nation’.
The emperor would certainly try to pin a crime on her. After some careful thought, the only crime the emperor could try for was one of an ‘evil portent that would hurt nation and people’. Only this would result in a righteous arrest of the fourth miss, refrain from hurting the Qins, and make Qin Huaiyuan continue working on the emperor’s behalf. This wouldn’t be an act of oppression then, but one of justice, of removing an evil spirit.
Thank goodness she was preparing for this and making the first move. When the emperor tried his tricks, her version would have taken root and flourished in everyone’s hearts. And even if the emperor changed his plan, as long as the majority opinion said she was the ‘protection amulet of Great Yan’, that would be enough to make the emperor reconsider any action.
But of course, spontaneous rumors like these wouldn’t be believed at all. That’s why she’d further added on that this was a statement from the Soothsayer, the very person who’d once laid out the destines of the Great Zhou emperor, Marquis of Northern Stability, and Faithful Prince of the First Rank. Making use of this mystical person’s reputation lent an air of credibility to the sayings.
But it wasn’t like she could actually find the legendary being on such short notice, and the Soothsayer might not be willing to get involved in this mess. Qin Yining didn’t know any nuns she could trust either, so the only person she thought of was Priestess Liu, follower of Taoism and wealth.
The priestess was such a lover of wealth that there was no problem that couldn’t be resolved with silver. Even so, the Qin fourth miss was still a little worried that the priestess wouldn’t agree. If she didn’t, Qin Yining would have to think of another plan then. Perhaps the new version could be that the Soothsayer was traveling the four seas after making her statement about Qin Yining’s fortunes?
Thoughts spun rapidly in the girls minds as worries chased ideas. Meanwhile, the priestess was drooling over the bank notes on the table, the drool almost falling out of her mouth.
So much silver, and in notes that could be redeemed all across Great Zhou and Great Yan! Five thousand silver, a full five thousand! She didn’t need to share it with anyone, it was all for her! This temptation was too great!
It wouldn’t be the first time she allowed someone to use her identity.
The priestess also knew who wanted to eat Qin Yining. The empress had rushed in a few days ago and threw a box of jewelry on the table, ordering, “This seat is going back to the palace to tell the emperor that you figured out the Qin bitch’s flesh is good for maintaining looks! If the emperor asks, say that you said it!”
Priestess Liu hadn’t even had a chance to respond before she was defeated by that box of jewelry, and here Qin Yining was, doing the same thing. Forget it, let’s just go with it. I earn money for this twice and save someone’s life, and do little Prince Pang a favor… The priestess carefully counted the notes twice over and shoved them merrily into her clothes. She patted the bulge with immense satisfaction and a grin.
“Miss Qin is wise indeed. This humble nun is indeed the Soothsayer.” These words were voiced with the most serious expression ever to be seen.
Qin Yining smiled slightly at the words and once again curtsied sincerely. “Many thanks to the priestess.”
* * *
Chapter 172: Marriage
Chapter 172: Marriage
Qin Yining didn’t dare loiter since dusk was falling. She had the groom drive the horse hard to get back to town. It was past the hour of the dog [1] when she reached the city gates, so she had to use some silver and announce her identity for entry.
As it was curfew, the Qin fourth miss didn’t want to attract attention by being out in the streets. She ducked into a nearby inn for the night and had Jiyun sneak back to the manor to let Qin Huaiyuan know what she’d accomplished today. This was also a preventive shot against the old dowager or others kicking up a fuss when they realized she’d spent the night outside.
After a restful night, Qin Yining arrived back at home early next morning. Qitai was looking around at the front doors and quickly walked up to greet the fourth miss’ carriage.
“Fourth Miss, the lord has instructed that I wait here for you. Please visit the study immediately.”
“Father didn’t attend court this morning?” This was a surprise.
“The marquis did go, but the empress isn’t feeling well today and the emperor is taking care of her in the Soaring Phoenix Palace. Therefore, court is cancelled today.”
Qin Yining nodded understandingly. Was the empress not feeling well to lay the groundwork to demand Qin Yining’s flesh, or was she sick because she couldn’t have the Qin fourth miss?
When she reached the outer study, she saw Qin Huaiyuan watering the flowers beneath the covered hallway with a long wooden scoop. He was taking water from a wooden tub and wielding the scoop with a right hand sporting a rolled up sleeve. The lord of the house was wearing loose, straight robes today, made of fine cotton showing moderate wear.
“Milord, the fourth miss has returned.” Qitai bowed at the door.
“Mm. You are all dismissed for now.” Qin Huaiyuan put down the scoop and wiped his hands with a handkerchief that a maid handed over, fixing his sleeve at the same time. Qitai and the maids departed together.
Qin Yining smiled. “It’s nice that you have a day off, father. You’re kept too busy normally.”
“Indeed, I have to thank the empress for this.” Qin Huaiyuan smiled genteelly. “Take a walk with me in the rear garden?”
“Of course!” Qin Yining nodded happily. She sent Bingtang back to her residence to rest and had Songlan on duty at the garden instead. When everything was taken care of, she walked through the flower-hung gate with her father and set off to the rear garden.
It was a season of warblers dipping in and out of tall grass as life flourished in the rear garden. The arched white stone bridge cast an enchanting reflection on the lotus pond. Lush green circled the banks, blotting out the shimmery ripples of the water. A deep breath brought it with refreshing fragrance of flowers, relaxing taut nerves as well.
Father and daughter strolled to a spacious lawn. Qin Huaiyuan made certain there were no hiding places in the premises before speaking.
“Jiyun rushed back last night to explain the situation to me. Daughter Yi, why didn’t you tell me yesterday? Can it be that in your heart, your father is someone who’d sacrifice you to protect the family?”
Such candor took Qin Yining off guard. In her mind, her father was someone who liked to voice only half of what he wanted to say, leaving the rest up to imagination and elaboration. She’d always quite admired this speaking style and felt that it was the hallmark was someone highly intelligent.
Therefore, such straight words today were proof that she’d angered Qin Huaiyuan, or that her father had received some sort of shock from this matter.
“Why would you say that, father?" Qin Yining responded quite seriously. “I never thought you would sacrifice me for family profit. It was just too much of an emergen
cy and you weren't home at the moment. If I waited until you were back, the imperial decree probably would've already arrived. Wouldn't I just have to go bravely to my death then?
“Besides, there are hundreds of pairs of eyes staring at your every move, because of father’s identity. It would easily alarm our enemies if you were involved. Whereas, I’m just a little girl that many will dismiss. The empress probably thought that I wouldn't be able to do anything, which is why she didn’t set a guard or any preventative measures on me.”
Qin Huaiyuan peered intently into his daughter’s eyes, finally nodding when he could tell that her tone was serious and her eyes clear. She wasn’t trying to fob him off with a quick explanation.
“It’s good that you’re not overthinking the matter. To tell you the truth, if I’d received the imperial decree with no forewarning at all, my only plan would be to help you escape. If I received word of it beforehand, I would probably do the same as you.”
“I’m your daughter, naturally my thoughts are the same.” Qin Yining chuckled happily.
Having confirmed that his daughter wasn’t affected by the empress wanting to eat her, and that she remained as steady as ever, Qin Huaiyuan’s love and affection for the girl grew even stronger.
“Your plan is solid. I remained in the palace last night to observe the situation and although I didn’t gather any concrete intelligence, I do know that court wasn’t convened today not because the empress was sick, but because she was throwing a temper tantrum. The emperor was trying to console her. When connecting that to what’s happened over the past two days… it’s apparent why the empress is in a bad mood. No matter what method the emperor was going to use to take your life, your safety is assured for now.”
Qin Huaiyuan stopped and picked a thin willow leaf, folding it this way and that. Qin Yining imitated her father and put a folded leaf up to her lips, whistling through hit. The sharp sound startled the nearby sparrows into flight, making the girl laugh at the sight.
The marquis relaxed greatly to see the lack of a shadow on the girl’s face. His tightly furrowed brow uncreased slightly.
Father and daughter were quiet for a moment before Qin Yining threw the leaf away.
“Don’t think too much about this, father. Just behave according to your conscience. We can see clearly now that the emperor thinks only of himself. If he was a wise ruler and actively trying to improve the country, then he would be worthy of our exhaustive efforts, even if his ideas were greater than his abilities. But he’s a trash emperor.”
The girl raised her head to meet Qin Huaiyuan’s eyes. “To say something incredibly disrespectful, it’s a complete waste of father’s talents to be serving at the side of this trash emperor. This kind of person isn't worth father’s enthusiasm and drive. Don’t be too disappointed or depressed. Now that we see reality clearly, it’s time to think of the future.”
How would Qin Huaiyuan not be disappointed? He’d been an official for so many years, and setting aside his many accomplishments, he’d always brought forth full efforts to his job and been loyal to a fault. But the emperor had threatened his family on more than one occasion and never thought about his subject’s feelings.
First, Qin Huaiyuan’s in-laws had been destroyed, then his wife thrown onto an execution ground. His own wishes had been completely disregarded when a woman had been thrust at him, and now his only child was to be eaten! It had been very difficult for him to gain any children and he had only one daughter. But the emperor was completely disregarding his merits and acting so poisonously!
It was a long night for Qin Huaiyuan yesterday as he tossed and turned. He was first thankful for how smart his daughter was and how she’d handled the situation. Deep dejection and helplessness followed after.
Even though a subject had to die when his liege commanded it, Qin Huaiyuan was utterly seized by despair. He even felt that Great Yan might be better off if someone else was emperor. At the very least, the people wouldn’t be preyed upon like this, suffering through endless hardship and their starved corpses falling in the wilderness.
However, he’d never thought that his daughter wouldn’t resent his incompetence after almost being seized. In fact, she’d turned around to comfort him instead. This kind of warmth and understanding was something that he hadn't experienced from even his own mother.
Qin Huaiyuan’s eyes grew hot and he lifted his chin high, putting his hands behind his back to look into the distance. He spoke after a moment.
“Your third cousin is going to be married in a month and your own coming-of-age ceremony is in two months. It’s time to think of your marriage. The crown prince came to me yesterday. I don’t want you to be unhappy, so I’d like to know your thoughts.”
* * *
7-9pm
Chapter 173: The Final Conclusion
Chapter 173: The Final Conclusion
Qin Yining hadn’t thought that her father would ask just like this. This is so embarrassing!
“You’re a big girl.” Qin Huaiyuan smiled to see his daughter so shy. “Our family is different from most. Your mother isn’t suited to participate in matters of court, but your marriage will be inextricably involved with politics. With my current status and you being my only child, I’ll have to take a hand in your marriage.”
“Yes, I’ll follow everything father says.” Qin Yining nodded docilely.
The marquis grinned. “And if I tell you to be the crown princess consort?”
Qin Yining’s heart skipped a beat as an unexplainable wave of sadness passed through her, but she still nodded. “As long as father thinks it’s appropriate, I will naturally listen to father.”
Marriage was always decided upon by the parents. She couldn’t abandon her family in pursuit of her own happiness. What kind of person would she be if she enjoyed the perks of being a Qin in normal times, but wouldn’t do anything for the family at critical moments?
Qin Huaiyuan suddenly wanted to tease this daughter of his and spoke on, carefully monitoring her expression.
“The crown prince is a kind and lenient person. Although he doesn’t have much talent in politics, he’ll be sufficient enough to guard the nation from further decline. He’s wholeheartedly devoted to you and rushed to let you know as soon as he learned the emperor and empress wanted to kill you. I think his feelings for you are genuine.”
Qin Yining pressed her lips together lightly and nodded. “Father speaks truly. The crown prince does have his strong suits, but one thing. Guarding the nation from further decline? The nation of his is simply too decrepit.
“To say something extremely disrespectful, father, Great Yan’s days of peace are only temporary as the world is engulfed by chaotic times. Even if there were no external enemies, the corrupt air at court must be righted and the people’s suffering must be resolved. The emperor focuses only on his own entertainment and thinks nothing of the people. I think it’d be faster to wish the emperor to pass on from this world than for him to rule the country well!
“With the crown prince’s talents, he won’t be able to handle such a mess if it was handed over to him, not to mention the Tatars and Great Zhou salivating over our borders. It’s my clumsy analysis that the Qins need to start thinking of ways out for ourselves. Even if father doesn’t mind sacrificing your life for the country, you must think of the old dowager and the others.
“The lesson of the Ding Manor is right before our eyes. Even if we’re unafraid of death, we can’t die for someone like this trash emperor. Therefore, my recommendation is that we have nothing to do with the imperial family.”
Qin Huaiyuan had known that his daughter was quick-witted and saw things clearly, that she could accurately analyze politics and mistakes. But to hear such brazen talk openly laid out like this today gave him a completely different sensation.
Although the scoffing in her tone was greatly disrespectful, he had to admit that Qin Yining spoke rightly. He had this kind of feeling with every second he spent at court. He wanted
to turn back the tides and have the crown prince take the throne, righting the path that the nation was going down. But the pity was that the crown prince’s talents were all on painting and drawing, not on politics.
“You little girl. I’m talking about your marriage, but you use politics to decline the crown prince.”
Qin Yining blushed and smiled. “I’m not talking nonsense. Since my marriage will be decided upon politics, why can’t my suitors be declined by politics as well? Father is an official at court, so I naturally have to consider the matters within.”
“Does this mean that you lean more towards the Faithful Prince of the First Rank?” Qin Huaiyuan was filled with curiosity.
The girl’s breath hitched and she responded after a beat, “Father should focus on declining the crown prince first. Let’s just take things as they come up for anything else.”
The marquis could identify the undertones in these words and chuckled. “You mischievous rascal! This is obviously you not thinking much of the crown prince, but not wanting me to give your hand in marriage to anyone else either.”
Qin Yining blushed even harder. She really didn’t want to admit that she had some feelings for Pang Xiao, but when her father really did bring up her marriage in earnest, she couldn’t help but compare those men with the prince. She somehow felt that the crown prince lacked talent when compared with Pang Xiao, and she’d never seriously considered any of the other noble sons.
But even so, she’d accept reality if she had to.
“Don’t worry.” Her father finally stopped teasing her. “Which of the official families at court would dare pursue you now?”
“What do you mean, father?” Qin Yining’s mind couldn’t respond fast enough.
The marquis chuckled. “Oftentimes, those caught up in a situation aren’t able to read it clearly. Think about it, the Faithful Prince of the First Rank set his eye on you during the peace talks. Those rumors were purposefully spread after we returned to the capital. He’s never concealed his liking for you, and the rumors were validated when he rescued your mother. He gifted you Ning Park to make you happy, and the females of the other seven great aristocratic families all saw it when he suppressed the empress. And when he was waylaid by Tatar assassins on his departure, he didn’t think of anyone else. He only thought of pulling you onto his horse and running away with you.
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