Chapter 179: Knew It a Long Time Ago
Chapter 179: Knew It a Long Time Ago
If something really did happen, none of the Qins would be able to get away. With her father’s identity and reputation, how would the Great Zhou emperor let any of them off the hook?
“Let’s get up and go home. We can decide what to do after we figure out what’s really happening. Perhaps I’m thinking too much.” Qin Yining stood with a smile and pulled Bingtang up as well.
The maid wiped away her tears sheepishly. Compared to Qin Yining’s calm, she really was being embarrassing. Meanwhile, Jiyun had been watching the other two with gentle eyes all this time. Some admiration grew in her heart when she saw how quickly the two calmed down. She came forward to brush off the leaves and twigs that’d caught on the fourth miss.
The two rode quickly next to the road, taking a small detour to avoid the refugees. They made straight for Grand Steward Zhong’s house when they entered the city gates.
The steward was checking the account with an abacus when he received the report that Qin Yining had come. Taken aback, he went out to welcome the business owner. However, he found exceedingly ugly expressions on their faces when he saw the miss and her two maids.
“What’s happening, miss? Please come in and have a cup of tea.” Steward Zhong quickly poured a cup of tea and handed it over with both hands.
Qin Yining chugged a big portion of warm tea before recovering slightly. She carefully recounted what they’d just observed.
“I think the group will arrive at the city gates before long. Please keep an eye out and find out where they’re from and the current situation. Also, keep an eye on anything that’s happening. I’m going to rush back home since father should be back from court now. I need to discuss this with him.”
Sweat beaded the steward’s forehead now. He rubbed his face roughly with a slightly trembling hand and nodded. “Yes, I understand. I’ll send my people out immediately and pass on anything I learn.”
“Alright. If you can’t find me, then you can tell those in my house. Bingtang, Jiyun, Songlan, and Qiulu are all trustworthy people.”
“Understood.” Steward Zhong nodded rapidly.
Qin Yining rose and pulled Bingtang and Jiyun out the door with her. However, the guard looked at the fourth miss’ lithe figure with a complicated look.
“Miss, do you still trust me?” the guard couldn’t help ask.
Steps pausing, Qin Yining looked back as she found the question weird. “What kind of foolish words are these?”
“The prince gave me to you, miss. I even report your condition to His Highness. I thought you wouldn’t trust me when war really broke out.”
It was Qin Yining’s turn to display a complex expression on her face. She took a long look at Jiyun before responding. “I can tell different things apart. Besides, Pang Zhixi was Great Zhou’s Faithful Prince of the First Rank the day I met him. He’d already conquered a great deal of my nation’s territory with the Valiant Tigers. I knew of all this a long time ago, and he wasn’t born resembling who he is today.”
She sighed at what she was saying. “It’s just different perspectives due to different countries. With the Great Zhou emperor’s ambitions, he won’t be content with just ruling over one part of the world. It’s a foregone conclusion that he would stretch his hand towards Great Yan, and even the Tatars in the north as well. Even if Great Zhou doesn’t currently have the strength to realize all of his ambitions, that still doesn’t impact his desire to conquer more of the world.”
Jiyun looked at Qin Yining, admiring the fourth miss from the bottom of her heart. No wonder the prince valued her so much and protected her like the apple of his eye. She was quick-witted, calm in the face of unexpected matters, and not muddleheaded like the typical noble girl with a few things to consider at once. She was rational, logical, and could comfortably handle whatever came up.
The guard viewed Qin Yining as her second mistress now, not a hint of reluctance to be found within her.
The three took their horses back home, riding through the flourishing scenes in the city. No one knew that war was about to visit them. Vendors and peddlers were still selling their wares in the market, raggedy children were frolicking about in the roads. There were also women leaning out of their old, worn doors, calling their children to dinner…
It all made Qin Yining’s heart ache. She didn’t know what the future looked like. This was likely Great Yan’s last bit of peaceful land. Were they about to lose that as well?
The three took the south door back into the manor as usual, taking the horses to the stables first before passing through the door in the corner to the outer yard. Qin Yining randomly sought out a pageboy. “Is the lord back?”
“In response to the fourth miss, the lord is in the outer study.”
Qin Yining nodded and strode quickly to the study, but was met with Qin Huaiyuan on his way out.
“Are you going out, father?” She curtsied.
“No, just going to see the old dowager.” Qin Huaiyuan smiled. “Your grandmother punished many servants today and is still angry. I saw that chaos had engulfed the houses in the west wing. There are people wanting to hang or drown themselves in the river. I’m afraid that your grandmother can’t handle it all and want to take a look.”
The west wing was reserved for the servants. Anyone with a family had a house there. They would only enter the manor when they were on duty. Qin Yining’s expression grew stiff when she thought of how the world outside was going to fall to pieces, but here they were still fighting over nothing at home.
“Father, the old dowager’s matter isn’t urgent. I have something more pressing to speak to you about.”
Qin Huaiyuan’s face also grew stern when he saw how solemn his daughter was. “What is it? Has something happened outside?” His first thought was that the empress had thought of some other trick to harm his daughter!
Ever since the empress had failed to eat Qin Yining and took it out on Consort Shu and Honored Concubine Xiang instead, Qin Huaiyuan had been on his guard against the imperial couple as the emperor had increased his doting instead of punishing the empress. Add to that his increasing stature these days… it was a marked difference to the demoted Statesman Cao. The statesman had once wanted to pull Qin Huaiyuan to his side, but seemed to understand that he’d failed.
The feud between the two families probably wouldn’t be resolved for the rest of their lives, so who knew what else the empress and statesman would cook up next?
Qin Yining shook her head. “Father, I’m afraid war has started again.”
Momentary gravity appeared on the lord’s usually calm face when he heard this. The girl carefully recounted what she’d just seen.
The marquis paced a few steps with his hands behind his back, his expression growing more and more severe. He spoke after a long pause. “Things are likely as you guess. The start of war is upon us. But, little Prince Pang’s troops may not really make it to the capital. We can garner some clues from the refugees.”
“Father, aren’t you surprised by what’s happened?” Qin Yining asked hesitatingly when she saw her father wasn’t surprised at all.
“No. I actually worried that today would dawn when we were still negotiating during the peace talks.” Qin Huaiyuan smiled wryly. “Great Zhou swindled us out of a great deal of silver with the excuse of the peace talks. They used our silver to feed their armies and came back for us.
“This may sound like Great Zhou is too wily and oath-breakers, but nothing is too deceitful in war. If I were a Great Zhou subject, I would do the same thing, given how cowardly the Great Yan emperor is. But, we’re Great Yan subjects and have to listen to our emperor. The Great Zhou envoy has left with the last of the reparation money, so it’s not a surprise that war is starting again.”
Qin Yining could read only ruefulness and resignation from her father’s calm expression. Just like one couldn’t choose what family they were born into, neither could one
choose the country and whether it was strong or weak, whether one was born in times of peace or war.
As much talent one may have, there was still nothing that could be done when they were hobbled by such a trash emperor as the Great Yan ruler. In Qin Yining’s eyes, this was even worse than a woman marrying the wrong man.
“Father, don’t be sad. You’re doing your best as a subject of the emperor. It’s no one’s fault that he still wishes to do things his way and not listen to anyone else. Perspectives are always different in a war between two countries. Although we’re dragged down by our emperor, such is our destiny.”
War was brewing again and the enemy was making straight for the capital. Any other girl would be sobbing with fear now, but his daughter was still coolly analyzing the situation and comforting him.
“Daughter Yi, aren’t you afraid?” Qin Huaiyuan couldn’t help but ask.
“What should I be afraid of?” Qin Yining arched a brow.
“‘You’re a Qin. With my identity, you can’t escape even if you want to. If little Prince Pang’s men really do slaughter their way to the capital, we have to defend it to our dying breaths. It’d be wonderful to succeed, but you’ll be dragged down if we fail. None of the Qin males will be able to live, and the females will end up just as your maternal relations. No one will save us this time like you saved them.”
“Father, I know everything you speak of, but it’s a little too early to start worrying about this. Our nation still stands! If it really does fall, I have the courage to die. Since I don’t fear even death, what do I have to be afraid of? I just need to let go of everything and try my best now.” Qin Yining words brought tears to Bingtang and Jiyun’s eyes. Even Qitai behind Qin Huaiyuan was moved as well.
* * *
Chapter 180: Family Authority
Chapter 180: Family Authority
Qin Huaiyuan took a few deep breaths in before he could safely ignore his hot eyes. He suddenly smiled. “That’s true. Death awaits us all in the end. There’s nothing to be afraid or worried of.”
Qin Yining gave a closed lip smile. The two faint dimples in her cheeks made her smile appear exceedingly sweet.
“Let’s go to Garden of Filial Piety first.” Qin Huaiyuan sighed. “The news will arrive soon and I’ll be quite busy in the days to come. We can’t have anything go wrong at home.”
“Understood. I ran out for a ride today, even though the old dowager’s forbidden me from doing so because it’s not what a noble girl would do. She says that it’s an affront to Qin dignity. Father can say a few words on my behalf when the old dowager lectures me later.”
“I’ve spoken more than a few words for you, but you never learn your lesson.” The marquis laughed.
Qin Yining proudly arched a brow, displaying the pride of a little girl but also the greatest trust and dependence she could for her father. She never would’ve done so before. Everything had to conducted with utmost care and discreteness in the wild. If it wasn’t for someone doting on and protecting her, she would’ve never ‘caused trouble’ with such a peace of mind. But who knows how long this protection can last in the face of war and and unreasonable emperor?
Father and daughter made their way to the inner residence and had just reached the flower-hung gate when they heard the thwacks of planks and the pleas for mercy from granny servants.
Qin Huaiyuan stepped through the gate first. The granny servants in charge of administering the punishment stopped to greet the duo.
“What’s going on?” Qin Huaiyuan asked with a frown.
“In response to the lord, the old dowager has given orders for these people to be thrown out after fifty hits of the plank.”
Qin Yining looked carefully over and saw that it was née Sun’s Jin-mama, Caiju, and Cailan! She’d only left the manor for a short while, why were her mother’s people being punished??
Qin Huaiyuan could also tell that it was his wife’s wet nurse and maids being beaten. He commanded unhappily, “They won’t be alive after fifty hits. You should call it for what it is, disposing of the corpse instead of throwing them out.”
He would never speak so bluntly in ordinary times; it was a grave loss of face for the old dowager. But the banners of war were being raised again, and court would once more fall into disarray. Even those who occupied positions of power would find their lives threatened, much less the servants. This wore on Qin Huaiyuan’s tolerance for harshness and difficulties at home. Things were already a mess outside and troubles kept arising at home. It was a highly irritating affair.
He walked off in the direction of the old dowager’s residence with his hands behind his back, leaving behind a befuddled granny servant. Did she continue meting out punishment or what? The servant stood there dumbly for a while until Qin Yining clarified things for her.
“Don’t you understand father’s words? No more beating, have a doctor come look at them.”
The granny servant responded, relieved that someone was issuing clear orders. Jin-mama, Caiju, and Cailan all breathed easily. They were saved as long as Qin Yining was present. They kowtowed to the fourth miss and in the direction of the master’s trail. “Many thanks to the lord and fourth miss’ mercy.”
Qin Yining stooped down to help Jin-mama up. “What happened? I only went out for a short while, how come you were beaten up?”
Jin-mama clenched her teeth from pain, her complexion waxy and sweat pouring down her forehead.
“It, it was Old Dowager, saying, the madame, held back Miss Huining’s monthly stipend in the country manor. The madame, didn’t, and refused to say she did. Old Dowager said that us, us servants did, and grew angry.” The old servant spoke haltingly, a testament to how badly she’d been beaten.
Qin Yining knew that this was the old dowager making trouble for née Sun. The matriarch didn’t dare do anything to née Sun, so she was taking it out on the servants instead. The girl didn’t ask any further and quickly had Bingtang come over for a look.
Qin Huaiyuan had made it to the covered hallway by now. A maid called inside, “The lord is here!” before deferentially raising the door curtains. He entered with a darkened expression to the side hall that the old dowager was usually found in.
The matriarch was sitting cross legged on the luohan bed. Née Sun was on her knees, sobbing, and the third madame was also kneeling next to her speaking soft words of comfort. The second madame was standing next to the old dowager pleading for mercy. Qin Huaiyuan only caught the last few sentences when he came in.
“…they’re senior sister-in-law’s people after all. There’s no one left of the Suns anymore, you should let her dowry servants stay, Old Dowager!”
The old dowager smacked her hand on the table. “So there’s no one left of the Suns, is there no one left of us Qins either?! We will not let that bunch of heartless servants mistreat my darling Hui!”
Qin Huaiyuan didn’t bother with a bow after entering. He took a random seat on the side and pushed aside the teacup that Qin-mama offered.
“If this continues, we’re not too far away from having no one left of the Qins,” he remarked coolly.
The old dowager looked incredulously at her son after hearing this.
The lord rubbed his forehead and explained wearily, “Mother, things are too much of a mess in the inner residence. I know of your tireless efforts and it’s only right to punish a corrupt servant, but why are innocent people being dragged in as well? War rages again and soldiers will soon besiege the capital. We don’t even know where the future of our family lies. Why can’t you think on your son’s behalf and create some less trouble? What am I supposed to do with all of this?”
The old dowager was stunned by these declarations. Color drained rapidly from her face as she started shaking. “Meng’er, what did you say? What soldiers besieging the capital?”
The other ladies had fallen silent as well, looking at Qin Huaiyuan with horrified gazes. Frantic footsteps suddenly sounded from outside at this time. Regular decorum
had flown out of his mind as Qitai sprinted along the covers hallway, whipping through the door curtains and crawled on the ground in front of the room divider. His voice shook as he made his report.
“Milord! Little Prince Pang ambushed our military camp at the stone outpost in the capital outskirts! Ten thousand Valiant Tigers looted all of the supplies and the men stationed there are… all dead!”
Qin Huaiyuan shut his eyes tiredly.
The old dowager shrieked loudly. “Oh heavens! Then the capital…” She started bawling loudly. “What do we do?? Great Zhou is attacking. They broke their word, the bastards!”
The ladies were scared boneless and hugged each other on the ground, filled with panicked sobs.
Qin Huaiyuan rose and went to the outer room, ignoring the crying females. “Stand up and speak.”
“Understood.” Qitai stood and wiped off the sweat on his forehead.
“What’s the precise situation? Where did the Valiant Tigers go after looting the outpost? Are they headed straight for the capital?”
“In response to the lord, our men noted that they didn’t linger and made straight for Xihua after the ambush. Supply lines are cut off between Xihua and the capital now. Ten thousand Valiant Tigers are attacking Xihua from the rear, meeting up with the rest of the Great Zhou army attacking the front of the city from the southern gate. Without supplies, Xihua will fall within the day. The next is the capital!” Qitai lowered his head, both anxious and saddened. The body servant was almost crying.
Qin Huaiyuan sighed. “That Pang Zhixi knows how to fight alright… Have refugees come to the capital?”
“Yes, the emperor knows of the situation and that refugees are headed our way. He’s given orders for the city gates to be opened. The streets are filled with refugees and the capital governor is leading the Warden’s Office in setting up shelters. And…”
Qitai hadn’t finished before another runner charged in frantically. “Milord, milord!”
“What is it?” Qin Huaiyuan stood with his hands behind his back, looking calmly towards the door.
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