Her blushing protests proved completely ineffective. In the end, she didn’t even have the energy to eat dinner. Collapsing in the middle of the soft, sateen sheets and sleeping until the end of time was all that she could do.
When Zhao Kunjia’s wife came to deliver the verification tokens, it was Jiyun and Bingtang who accepted them.
The granny servant knew that Pang Xiao and née Yao weren’t on the best of terms at the moment. She craned her neck for a peek at what the situation was inside the house. However, Bingtang wasn’t a fan of people like this.
“Their Highnesses are discussing matters of court and are currently busy. If Zhao-mama has any instructions, go ahead and tell me. I’ll pass it along to the princess consort later.”
“Aiyo, that’s fine then. I’ll be off then.” Zhao-mama scampered away.
The two maids looked at each other, both blushing slightly and chuckling.
On the morning of the third day, when it was tradition to return to the bride’s home, Qin Yining still rose early to greet née Ma and née Yao first.
“We’ll be visiting my family for a quick visit today and to introduce His Highness to my family. We’ll return by early evening.”
Née Yao was just as demure and gentle as always, as if nothing unpleasant had happened.
“Do give our greetings to your parents, and don’t forget the gifts we’ve prepared.”
Qin Yining smiled. “Yes, thank you, mom.”
“What’s a bit of thanks for between family?” chuckled née Ma. “I hear you gave all the servants in the park their orders this morning?”
“That’s right. Your granddaughter-in-law is silly and spent quite a lot of time thinking about how to settle affairs in our residence. Thankfully we don’t have many servants, so it wasn’t that hard to sort out.”
“You’re much too humble. I hear that you set up quite a neat system for your servants.”
Chapter 427.1: Three Days After the Wedding
Qin Yining smiled bashfully. “I just wanted to save time so I could laze around.”
After being handed a dressing-down from her son, Née Yao insisted on ignoring everything household-related in Pang Xiao’s residence for one night. She hadn’t sent Missus Zhao to pry either, which was why she was lost when it came to née Ma’s remarks.
Née Yao wanted to hang onto her airs of superiority, but curiosity got the better of her as she saw how marvelously her mother and Qin Yining were getting on.
“How did daughter Yi arrange things?” She felt slightly discomfited as soon as that came out of her mouth, and stammered, “I, I could possibly learn a thing or two.”
Reading the sheepishness on née Yao’s face, Qin Yining responded with a smile, wanting to spare her mother-in-law embarrassment.
“I simply slotted the household affairs into different categories and assigned the servants to various duties. I created set hours that servants are to report back in. If there are no emergencies, servants will pick up their verification tokens about halfway into the hour of the sheep. Exceptions are made during emergencies.”
Née Yao immediately recognized the cleverness of her daughter-in-law’s plan and launched into impromptu praise.
“What a wonderful idea! That’s the perfect transition for the hours before and after. Errands taken care of in the morning and those to be handled in the afternoon can be assigned properly. Disruptions from constant updates can be spared. Brilliant idea!”
As soon as the acclamation was given, née Yao remembered that she was in a battle with her daughter-in-law. Discomfiture flashed across her face.
Qin Yining, on the other hand, answered bashfully with congenial shyness. “That was overpraise, mom. This daughter-in-law’s simply used to being lazy.”
Née Yao couldn’t help but beam at Qin Yining’s glowing and sincere smile.
Née Ma watched the pair’s interaction with gratification. “Dafu told us that you have business to supervise. Be careful that you don’t tire yourself out.”
“Yes, there’s that. I actually just collect profit without doing anything. Grand Steward Zhong has been with me since my days in Great Yan, and he’s loyal and smart. He sets everything into motion as soon as I ask. I don’t even have to lift a finger.”
“Wonderful, that’s wonderful! You’re fortunate to have someone loyal by your side to help you, but it’s also a sign of your own abilities that he gives his allegiance to you. I always thought you were able and talented. It definitely looks like I’m right. Dafu’s extremely lucky to have you as his wife.”
Née Ma folded Qin Yining into her bosom and patted the girl’s back affectionately with her aged, large hand.
Despite having her own birth grandmother, Qin Yining had never experienced love of such sincerity from the Qin old dowager. Nor had she been so dearly loved.
Née Ma gave off the fragrance unique to elders: a dry, warm, and sunny scent mixed in with the sweetness of her lotion. Qin Yining couldn’t resist nestling into the matriarch’s bosom, basking in that warmth.
“Grandmother’s praising me too much. I might grow too arrogant in the future.”
“No, you won’t. You’re a great child. You’re not that type”
Née Ma patted Qin Yining’s back, her fondness for the girl blossoming. She had no granddaughters, and Qin Yining was younger than her grandson by eight years! The matriarch had never known the joy of having a sweet granddaughter chortling by her side. The gain of such a docile, smart, and beautiful granddaughter-in-law absolutely delighted her.
Seeing her mother cuddling Qin Yining just so, an ache in née Yao’s heart reminded her that such warmth in her mother’s arms had never been hers during her own childhood.
Awareness of such feelings rattled her, yet some indeed were an honest, emotional outpouring that she had no control over. These feelings were tantamount to the fear she’d experienced when her precious son welcomed his bride.
“Mom.” Pang Xiao strode in at this very minute, wearing a brand-new navy blue brocade overcoat. Née Yao was the first person he saw from his approach through the door. He bowed with a smile.
Née Yao breathed a sigh of relief seeing her son act his normal, friendly self around her. There was no standoffishness after yesterday’s encounter. She smiled. “There you are, Dafu.”
“Aye. I was getting some meager gifts ready for today’s visit to the in-laws. I’ll remember to address them as my relatives from now on.” He bowed to Yao Chenggu and née Ma with a smile.
Yao Chenggu summoned his grandson to his side and inquired softly about the gifts. He gave his approval as Pang Xiao made his report, but advised after giving the report some thought, “Make sure to prepare a few grab bags as well and stuff them with gold and silver bits. That’ll help keep up appearances should you run into any juniors or peers.”
Pang Xiao naturally had them at the ready, but had neglected to mention it. At Yao Chenggu’s reminder, he nodded deferentially. “Ah, those are definitely a must. I’ll remember to get them ready.”
It was a picture of familial harmony at the manor, as if discord had never happened.
Delighted with the scene, née Ma prodded Pang Xiao. “Be on your way if you’re all ready. The lord uncles should be here soon.”
The uncles and elder brothers of the bride’s clan were supposed to pick up the newlyweds on the third day after the wedding.
Qin Yining smiled. “They should be here soon.”
No sooner had she finished her remark than an announcement sounded outside the inner residence. “The lord uncles have arrived!”
“Go on now. Be careful on the road. Send our regards to our in-laws.” Née Ma lightly patted the backs of Qin Yining’s hands.
Qin Yining nodded with a smile and a curtsey. She followed Pang Xiao to depart from Pinecrane Hall.
Standing by the prince’s manor were Qin Yu and Qin Han, deep in a discussion about whether to enter and offer their greetings to the Pang grand-madame. The newlywed couple e
merged from the front doors as the two brothers talked.
“Greetings to my brothers-in-law.” Rather than being a haughty prince consort, Pang Xiao took the initiative and stepped forward to greet his new in-laws.
Given Pang Xiao’s high-ranking position and authority, plus his notoriety as a god of war, Qin Yu and Qin Han were slightly wary of him. They were also worried that he’d married Qin Yining to avenge his father’s death.
Seeing his radiant smile and their cousin’s obvious peace and joy, the two brothers felt the weight of concern lift off of their hearts. Their attitude shifted much more to the amicable and natural side.
Chapter 427.2: Three Days After the Wedding
“Brother-in-law, shall we be on our way then?” asked Qin Han.
Pang Xiao found himself extraordinarily pleased with Qin Han’s address, more so than when he was called your highness or lord secretariat.
At this time, the carriage rolled out of the manor. Pang Xiao stepped up to help his wife get on the vehicle. Concerned with Qin Yining’s poor health, he was this close to carrying her into the carriage with a strong embrace.
Sensing the slight pressure of her husband’s hand on her slender waist, Qin Yining immediately realized what Pang Xiao wanted to do. Heat rose to her cheeks, and she gave him a nudge along with a glare. Too many pairs of eyes are watching!
Resigned, Pang Xiao let go of his hands.
He took the reins and mounted the horse adroitly after Bingtang and Jiyun were settled in the carriage.
Qin Han and Qin Yu took everything in, their observations putting them at further ease. The brothers mounted their horses as well and chatted with Pang Xiao, leading the carriage along.
Qin Yining felt a surge of wistfulness sweep over her. She’d worn a maiden’s twin buns the last time she was in this seat! Now, it was a married woman’s hairdo she was styling.
Their mistress’ knitted brows concerned Bingtang and Jiyun.
They’d witnessed firsthand the tricks née Yao had pulled in the prince’s manor, and felt indignant on behalf of their mistress. Thankfully the prince didn’t take his mother’s side, or Qin Yining would be even more afflicted.
The entourage traveled to the street where the Qin manor sat. It was greeted by a wide-open front door as soon as it turned the corner. Standing in front of the door was Qin Huaiyuan, clad in a casual, round collared long shirt, and a née Sun anxiously craning her neck in wait.
She hurried out to welcome the visitors as soon as she saw the three men come around the corner on their steeds. They quickly dismounted at the sight of her.
Pang Xiao stepped up and bowed. “Mother-in-law.”
It was that familiar address again, but after such a monumental string of events. Née Sun could no longer be certain if the prince would treat her daughter sincerely, so she merely nodded. “You’ve returned. Come on inside.”
The carriage slowed to a stop.
Qin Yining pushed the curtain to the side with a smile. “Mother! What are you doing outside?”
Née Sun reached out for her daughter’s hand and supported her off the carriage. “I came outside as soon as your cousins took off. I couldn’t sit still in the house anyway. Let’s hurry inside.”
Hand tucked into her daughter’s arm, the two women set off together.
Pang Xiao gave Qin Huaiyuan a bow. “Father-in-law.”
The patriarch nodded with a smile. Turning, he called out, “Let’s go, we can chat after getting home.”
The doorman had raced in to notify the family as soon as Qin Huaiyuan and née Sun greeted their daughter and son-in-law. The courtyard of the Qin manor wasn’t that big to speak of. The rest of the group arrived in the main house of the inner residence with just a few steps.
The old dowager wore an eggplant-dyed house robe with buttons down the front. Her hair was brushed and styled until it shone, secured in place with a jade hairpin stuck at an angle.
She sat cross-legged on the heated platform by the window. The second elder master, second madame, third elder master, and the rest of the family were gathered around her.
The host and the guests exchanged greetings and pleasantries when all had crossed over the door. Qin-mama placed two brocade mats on the floor.
The newlyweds knelt and kowtowed to the old dowager.
“Greetings to Old Dowager. Your granddaughter bows in respect to you.”
Pang Xiao followed suit. “Greetings to Old Dowager.”
The family matriarch was overcome with mixed emotions, so much so that her hands were slightly trembling.
Kowtowing to me is Great Zhou’s Faithful Prince of the First Rank! He’s that evil god of violence and the Grand Scholar of the Brave Warrior Palace with unrivaled power and authority in all of the imperial court!
She’d never be privileged to such greetings if her granddaughter hadn’t grasped the chance to ascend to princess consort!
“Don’t stand on ceremony. You may rise.” The old dowager kept her smile in check and ordered Qin-mama to deliver the greeting gifts. Her gift to the prince was a piece of premium Shezhou inkstone.
Pang Xiao congenially handed it to the servants for safekeeping.
Next to follow was the formal introduction of relatives from the bride’s family. Qin Yining had Pang Xiao meet her second uncle, second aunt, third uncle, eldest cousin Qin Yu, second cousin Qin Han, his wife née Meng, fifth cousin Qin Xian, eighth cousin Qin Baoning, tenth cousin Qin Rong, eleventh cousin Qin Zong, and the youngest—cousin-nephew Qin Yuzhen.
After individually greeting all of them and bowing to the elders, Pang Xiao presented greeting gifts to the elders and received them back in kind. His peers followed by presenting their presents as well. The one he gave back to the youngest was a bag of gold bits, making his mother, née Meng, beam from ear to ear.
Qin Yining skipped but one person in this round of introductions: Qin Huining.
The foster girl stood in the corner, her head hanging as she wished for the ground to open up and swallow her in whole.
She really shouldn’t be present for today’s gathering. Yet, her absence would be a sign of disrespect to Pang Xiao and Qin Yining. But coming here, she’d also bring disgrace upon herself.
If she hadn’t come at Qin Yining the way she did and resorted to petty scheming, she wouldn’t have forfeited her parents’ love and compassion. Someone as high-ranking and loyal as Qin Huaiyuan wouldn’t have mistreated her even though she was just a foster girl.
But there was no such thing as remedy for bygones in the world.
Second wife née Meng also noticed that Qin Yining had bypassed the foster girl in her introduction. Thinking that they were all family, that it would be awkward to exclude Qin Huining from the occasion, née Meng took it upon herself to make an introduction.
“This is cousin Hui, senior uncle’s foster daughter. She’s the same age as cousin Yi.”
Chapter 428.1: Father and Son-In-Law
Though the second wife meant well, universal looks of dissatisfaction and reprimand turned her way.
Knowing that his wife wasn’t a bad sort, just sometimes muddleheaded, Qin Han tugged her sleeves. The reminder jerked her back to her senses. Qin Huining’s identity was awkward and she didn’t get along with Qin Yining. The entire family had ignored the foster girl, so what had she stuck her nose into things for?
Née Meng smiled awkwardly, took two steps back, and stayed quiet.
Qin Huining smiled gratefully at her second cousin-in-law. She finally had an opening!
“Hello, younger brother-in-law.” She dipped a curtsey.
“Brother-in-law?” Pang Xiao looked her over with an ambiguous smile. “You may forgo further courtesies.”
Out of respect to Qin Huaiyuan, the prince answered with a greeting gift on par with the other Qin youngsters. Though Qin Huining called him brother-in-law, his actions were befitting of his position and authority.
Deep satisfaction filled Qin Huaiyuan’s heart to see his son-in
-law thus. The boy is really going to great efforts for my daughter.
Such a powerful grandson-in-law grew more pleasing to the eye the more the old dowager looked at him. But she still didn’t dare meet his eyes. The look in those eyes of his was much too sharp. It made one shudder to look at it head-on.
After a bit more conversation, the elder male generation invited Pang Xiao out and left the house to the womenfolk.
When she saw the men leave, née Sun immediately grabbed Qin Yining’s hand for a private heart-to-heart. She didn’t care what expression was on the old dowager’s face at all.
Within née Sun’s bedroom, Qin Yining and her mother sat side by side.
“How does the prince treat you?”
The tips of Qin Yining’s ears burned red and she coughed. “Very good.”
Sizing up her daughter carefully, née Sun was highly satisfied by the girl’s bashful, yet hard to conceal happiness.
“Absolutely wonderful. In my eyes, though the prince doesn’t have a good temper, he’s not one who will abuse his wife. Men of the battlefield more or less have a tyrannical streak in them. Just follow his lead and go with his desires. I’m sure he won’t mistreat you.”
“You’re very right, mother. I will follow your advice. The prince is very good to me.”
“What about your mother-in-law? And the two elders at home?” Née Sun continued worriedly.
Warmth suffused Qin Yining’s heart when she thought of how née Ma defended her.
“The prince’s grandparents are both welcoming and kind people. Grandmother roved the world in her youth and was a wandering hero! She’s very hearty and straightforward, and she likes me a lot. Grandfather has a milder personality but is wise and resourceful. He genuinely likes me too.”
“What about your mother-in-law?” Née Sun grabbed her daughter’s hand. “Has she disciplined you or made an example out of you at all?”
Her mother had suffered greatly at the hands of her own mother-in-law. Qin Yining had seen firsthand how the old dowager doled out punishment and made an example of her daughters-in-law. And look how she’d turned on her eldest daughter-in-law when calamity had befallen the Suns!
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