The girl responded seriously, “What do you plan to do with what His Majesty was talking about just now?”
“I was coming to bring you to the study so we can discuss this. I've already sent Huzi to notify Sirs Xu and Xie.”
But the girl shook her head. “I’m just a woman. It’s not good for me to be involved in your matters, is it?”
“It wouldn’t be a good thing for any other woman to carelessly mingle with matters outside. But you’re no ordinary woman.”
Pang Xiao took her hand and walked to the door, carefully adjusting her cape. “Sirs Xie and Xu quite admire your wisdom and they’ve already accepted you. I was worried that they wouldn’t accept you joining our conversations, but it now seems my worries were unfounded. You have your own ways of winning them over.”
Qin Yining dimpled. “What ways? I’m just genuine in my affections for you. They’re loyal to a fault and I treat you truly. Of course they’d accept me.”
Warmth suffused his heart. Overcome by emotion, he pulled her into his embrace and left a loud smack on her forehead.
Qin Yining also wrapped her arms around his waist and smiled after a moment. “We shouldn’t keep them waiting. Let’s hurry over.”
“Alright.”
The two walked out hand-in-hand, but switched to one following after another when they reached the yard.
Once they reached the outer study, Pang Xiao ordered Huzi to keep a close eye on the premises and entered with the Qin fourth miss. He carefully recounted Li Qitian’s words to Xie Yue and Xu Weizhi. “There are no outsiders here. The floor is yours, gentlemen.”
“Understood.” The two raised cupped fists and sank into deep thought.
Qin Yining had actually formed some opinions from earlier. She bit her lip, swallowing back what she was about to say.
The prince smiled at the sight. “What thoughts do you have, my darling?”
Taken aback that he would ask her first, Qin Yining started and looked hesitantly at the strategists off to the side.
Xie Yue smiled at her reaction. “Miss Qin is remarkably intelligent and heard everything clearly just now. I’m sure you’ve given it great thought. Why not tell us your take first?”
“That’s right. There’s no need to be so cautious, Miss Qin. Since we’re discussing business, speaking freely is the rule of the day. We’re all exchanging opinions, so please go ahead and lay out whatever’s on your mind.”
The girl rose to dip a polite curtsey at the two men. “Then I’ll be showing off in front of the masters.”
The two strategists raised cupped fists in return.
She took a moment to gather her thoughts when she found her seat again. “I feel that the emperor’s actions today were very suspicious. He doesn’t seem to genuinely want to install His Highness onto the council. Instead, it seems like he’s purposefully playing on emotions to numb the prince. Not only does he want to avoid giving His Highness a title, but he also wants to give the prince a bad name and leave empty-handed.”
“Oh?” Xu Weizhi arched a brow but quickly understood.
“We’re all aware of the prince’s circumstances,” continued Qin Yining. “He made the most effort in taking down Northern Ji, and his name was the worst for it. Everyone in the Northern Ji camp treats him as the enemy, thereby diverting away a lot of hatred for the emperor.”
Pang Xiao nodded. “That’s very true.
“So that’s why I find this very suspicious. From the emperor’s earlier conversation with His Highness, there are many deep-rooted aristocratic families in the Northern Ji faction. Many of these families once gave the emperor’s armies a lot of financial aid, which is how you guys were able to take down the old dynasty.
“With how the Grand Secretariat is now, the addition of His Highness will change its layout. The Northern Ji faction will lose their majority voice. The aristocracy won’t allow that, much less the surrendered officials. Their men at court will surely band together to oppose the prince, to say nothing of anyone else.”
Chapter 330: Female Zhuge Liang (II)
Qin Yining couldn’t help but stand to give herself room for pacing. The more she thought about this, the thornier the problem became.
“The emperor’s actions are simply too sinister. He told the prince just now to not turn the position down. But what if the Northern Ji officials and aristocrats ally together and publicly oppose the prince in tomorrow’s grand court session?”
“His Majesty is skewed towards the old Northern Ji officials to begin with. If they speak with one voice, His Majesty will have to let the idea go.” Xu Weizhi shook his head. “What will outsiders say then? They’ll laugh at His Highness for overestimating his worth in wanting to join the council. The prince’s illustrious reputation is known wide and far. He won’t withstand such a loss of face. A bad reputation will also be nothing good for His Highness’ future.”
“The most important thing is that the emperor is bestowing this as commendation for His Highness conquering Great Yan. This will turn into His Majesty giving out a reward, but His Highness’ fault for not being able to digest it.” Xie Yue’s brows were tightly furrowed when he considered the point. Cold sweat dotted his forehead. “This old man thinks the emperor wants to use this opportunity to plunge His Highness into the abyss and become a laughingstock. He’ll be rid of His Highness once and for all.”
The three analysis tied into each other, every word pleasantly elegant, despite their meaning hardly so. Though Pang Xiao’s fervor had been somewhat stirred by Li Qitian, he realized how inappropriate the situation was once he had some time to calm down.
Silence reigned in the study.
Xie Yue broke it after a long while. “Ole Xu, hurry and think of something. We can’t have His Highness refuse the position tomorrow. That’s defying an imperial decree.”
Xu Weizhi stroked his chin. “Defying an imperial decree is out of question, of course. Joining the Grand Secretariat is a good thing, but the prince’s future career is the most important. We need to look at this in the long run.”
Pang Xiao nodded. “I can’t just follow His Majesty’s wishes in this. We also can’t wait until tomorrow’s court session, when everyone can have a go at denouncing me when the order is announced.”
“At the end of the day, this isn’t only a dispute between the prince and emperor, but also a struggle of power between the emperor and the old Northern Ji officials.” Qin Yining had taken her seat again with shining eyes. She’d patently thought of something already.
Xu Weizhi was skilled at scheming and usually the one brainstorming plans for Pang Xiao. But now that he saw a young girl with a mind even faster than his, he smiled with interest. “Does Miss Qin have an idea already?”
Her eyes glittering, the girl answered rhetorically. “Tell me, what would you guys if someone stole a string of coins from you?”
“I’d take it back, of course,” responded Xie Yue. “Then beat the robber up and report it to the authorities.”
Qin Yining nodded. “But what if not only were a string of coins taken, so was your wife sold off, and your child thrown into the well? What would you do then?”
It was a bloody analogy, but these were all sharp individuals. No one minded whether or not it was appropriate. Understanding flashed through their hearts.
Pang Xiao, Xie Yue, and Xu Weizhi looked at each other, then broke out into smiles when they looked at Qin Yining.
Xu Weizhi rose to offer cupped fists at the girl. “Miss Qin is a female Zhuge Liang alright! This old man accedes defeat. I am thoroughly bested this time!”
“What kind of words are these, Sir Xu!” Qin Yining hastily rose to return the gesture.
Pang Xiao’s eyes brimmed with admiration, approval, and pride as he looked at his girl. He then looked questioningly at Xie Yue.
Being the decisive sort, Xie Yue could always pick the best course of action out of multiple plans.
The strategist nodded with a smile. “Your Highness,
I think Miss Qin’s idea is grand. His Majesty’s announcement of making you Grand Secretary means robbing a strong of coins from the old Northern Ji officials. They won’t do anything to the emperor, and will at most strenuously oppose your inclusion. They’ll muster quite a bit of effort to try and expel you.
“But it’s different if the matter blows up. We’ll spread rumors right now so that the Northern Ji officials and aristocracy know that, during tomorrow’s court session, the emperor is going to swap out all Northern Ji officials in the Grand Secretariat for his own confidantes.
“Things won't be as simple taking a string of coins then. If there’s no one from the Northern Ji faction on the council, that’s the same as the child being thrown into the well and the wife being sold. These two camps will spare no effort in defending their turf. All Your Highness needs to do then is to watch the show.”
Pang Xiao nodded with a smile. “You’re so very right.” He looked gently at Qin Yining. “And, not only will I have a good show to watch, I’ll be getting a plum position as well.”
The Qin fourth miss blushed furiously from his look and lowered her head.
Seeing the development, the two strategists knowingly rose and took their leave. “Since we’ve decided, we’ll go make the arrangements now.”
“I’ll be troubling the two gentlemen then.” Pang Xiao politely sent them out.
When he returned, he grabbed Qin Yining for a hug like he was grabbing a child. Strong arms hoisted her bottom as he spun in place several times.
The girl almost shrieked from fright. She clutched his neck and shoulders to stabilize herself.
What are you doing?! Let me down!”
“My wonderful darling! You really are my wise wife. You brought so much honor to me just now! Sirs Xu and Xie must envy me so much right now!”
“Just what are you talking about? You’re acting like a kid.” Qin Yining burst out laughing. Who would’ve thought that Pang Xiao would be like a proud child, wanting to show off this small thing?
Setting her down, the prince planted a loud smack on her cheek and swayed with her in his embrace.
“My dear, it’s so nice having you by my side. I feel like I can deal with any trouble that arises. I’m not worried at all. I’m full of energy and have a drive to tackle everything. My dearest, don’t go, stay and keep me company, alright? Just forget about that imperial selection for a while. Let me go find out some more before you decide, alright?”
Such domineering, stalwart man was almost wagging his tail at her like a large dog? How could Qin Yining bear to let him down?
“Alright, I won’t go today. Go find out more first. We’ll decide what to do then.”
Pang Xiao bobbed his head rapidly with delight. “Then don’t go to the imperial selection either, alright? You already promised just now that you’ll be with only me. You can’t go back on your promise.”
“You’re so bossy.” Warmth flooded Qin Yining’s heart as she lightly pounded the prince’s shoulder with mock anger.
Pang Xiao responded with utmost seriousness. “Yes, I’m bossy, but just in this one instance. You must belong to me! As long as you satisfy that one condition, then I’ll put up the ladder if you want to fling tiles down from the roof. I’ll be your assistant if you want to slack off and do nothing at all. I’ll do anything that you want!
“I don’t ask that you do anything for me. I can make delicious food for you. My cooking skills aren’t bad and I know how to make a lot of dishes. Even my grandfather compliments my cooking.
“I can take you on trips anywhere and won’t restrict your freedom. I won’t bury your talents either. You can do whatever you like as long as you satisfy that one requirement. My darling, you’re so smart. Agree to such a good deal, alright?”
Qin Yining buried her beet red face into his shoulders and nodded. “Of course I’ll agree to such a good deal. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of the selection.”
Chapter 331: Origin (I)
Qin Yining spent the night wreathed in smiles, even in her sleep. In her dreams, a beaming Pang Xiao kept asking, “Just stay by my side, alright?”
She nodded boldly in her dreams, much more candid than she was in reality.
She used to often feel lost when it came to the future, but things were much different now. She was going to stay by his side, no matter what troubles came their way. She would never give up, no matter how dire his circumstances. They would weather together the storms that beat down on them.
The next morning, Jiyun and Xianyun were helping her dress and put up her hair when Bingtang returned from her news-gathering jaunt.
“Miss, the prince set out early this morning. He said it was for the grand court session.” A merry Bingtang hung an exquisite pouch on Lian Xiaozhou’s neck. The little girl was busily stuffing her face with snacks.
Crumb-encrusted cheeks bent down to closely scrutinize the pouch. The girl snatched it up for a close sniff and immediately beamed with joy. She ran up to Qin Yining to proffer her new treasure.
“Big sis, smells nice.”
“That’s right. There’s dried flower petals and a few medicinal ingredients inside the pouch. Smell it often in this weather. You can ward off colds this way.”
Bingtang knew that Lian Xiaozhou was an orphan and had a speech impediment. After close diagnosis, she concluded that, in this life, it would be difficult for the child to speak normally like other people. This conclusion had inspired deep tender protectiveness.
Qin Yining smiled. “Isn’t that lovely? Xiaozhou, thank big sister Bingtang.”
Lian Xiaozhou looked at the maid who wasn’t much taller than herself. She bowed merrily. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Bingtang waved her hand.
Qiulu brought over the semi-worn, pale blue cotton jacket that Qin Yining was to wear today. She dimpled at the scene. “Our Bingtang can finally enjoy having her turn as big sister.”
The maid didn’t speak much ordinarily, but the occasional word would always poke straight at the heart of the matter.
Bingtang snorted and feigned anger. “And wouldn’t you like to enjoy being a younger sister? Who told you to be the oldest out of all of us? We’ll have the miss find you a husband later on and marry you off. What should I call your husband then? Brother-in-law?”
“Oh, you! All you know is to tease and make fun of others. I’m going to smack you silly!” Qiulu put down the jacket and chased after Bingtang, who promptly ran circles around the octagonal table and kept up a string of teasing remarks.
Everyone else found it hilarious.
Qiulu had been with Qin Yining the longest and was the oldest out of all the maids. She tended to offer few words and was extremely conscientious.
After a round of meting out punishment, the maid came back to continue sorting through Qin Yining’s jewelry and clothes, as well as take stock of the household’s spending. She’d garnered quite a bit of respect from Xianyun and Jiyun.
“I kept the miss company before you all returned. It was dreadfully lonely in the house,” said Xianyun with a smile. “The miss was in low spirits everyday and very pensive. Only the prince could cheer her up. But everything’s great now. Everyone is safe and sound, and even big sister Qiulu knows how to have fun. This is proof of the good fengshui the prince’s manor has. It’s bringing the miss good luck.”
Xianyun stuck a jade-green flower hairpin in Qin Yining’s hair and looked at her mistress’ fair reflection in the mirror. “Miss, aren’t you going to hurry and marry into the family?”
Qin Yining rolled her eyes, but Jiyun piped in before she could respond. “The prince must be thinking about that everyday.”
“You wicked girls, it looks like I’ve spoiled you! I’ll tell the prince next time I see him and have him beat you!” Qin Yining snorted.
The girls broke out into such loud giggles that they didn’t hear a serving girl at the door until she piped up the second time.
Jiyun went to open the do
or. “What is it?”
The serving girl stood in the yard and peered smilingly inside the half open door with curiosity. “In response to the miss, two Qin masters are in the front hall. They say that they’re Miss Qin’s uncles. Sir Xu’s already seen them and sent me with this message. Will the miss receive them in Snowtrace Garden or the front hall?”
The giggles petered up and the smile disappeared from Qin Yining’s face. “I’ll go to the front hall.”
“Understood.” The serving girl peeked curiously inside again before dismissing herself with a curtsey.
Newly somber, Bingtang asked, “Miss, are you really going to see them? They’re undoubtedly here to force you to enter the imperial selection. Why don’t you just pretend that you’re sick?”
“That’s right, miss,” chorused Qiulu and Jiyun. They supported Qin Yining and Pang Xiao from the bottom of their hearts. They didn’t want her to serve the emperor at all.
Qin Yining rose to fling her cape over her shoulders. “I can hide for a time, but I can’t hide forever. Avoiding them isn’t really the thing to do either, some things still need to be said. The old dowager only came to deliver a high-handed order yesterday—she didn’t explain the particulars at all. I also want to know where my father is. Jiyun, Bingtang, come with me.”
“Understood.” The two curtsied and readied themselves to follow their mistress.
In the front hall, the second and third elder master were drinking tea with Xu Weizhi’s company. The strategist’s outfit was more opulent than the two Qin elder masters’ simple cotton jackets. His glory as the butler of a prince’s manor was on full display.
When he saw Qin Yining arrived, he coughed and cast a glance in the men’s direction.
“Your family comes to disturb us day and night,” he declared presumptuously. “Take care of this well so the prince isn’t irritated.”
Qin Yining understood and nodded. “I will, many thanks to the honored butler.”
Xu Weizhi couldn’t stop a grin from spreading across his face when he saw the girl’s fast reaction. He nodded and stepped out with his hands behind his back.
Return of the Swallow c1-644 Page 186