Qin Huaiyuan clapped Pang Xiao’s shoulder. “Stay calm. The more critical the moment, the calmer we must be. If we lose our heads, my daughter would be even more at a loss out there, wouldn’t she?”
Pang Xiao nodded after hearing that. “You are right, father-in-law.”
They climbed into their respective carriages, not daring to leave together and headed off in different directions instead.
As soon as Qin Huaiyuan’s carriage returned to the Qin Manor, he went upstairs to look in on the sick old dowager.
“Mother,” Qin Huaiyuan bowed.
The old dowager was leaning against a large cushion and wet her throat with a spoonful of wood ear soup from Qin-mama before speaking. “You’ve returned, but are you going to be busy with work again?”
“There is nothing critical going on. Are you feeling better, mother?”
“Yes, much better.” The old dowager nodded merrily. “The imperial physician that came this time was highly skilled. You should express your gratitude to him later too, Meng’er.”
“Your son understands,” Qin Huaiyuan nodded with a smile.
Off to the side, the second madame and second wife joked in their capacities as caregivers, “Old Dowager has greatly recovered after just seeing senior uncle. Naturally, she has fully recovered now after being examined by the imperial physician.”
“You two little rascals.” The old dowager chuckled delightfully, then turned to Qin Huining and Qin Baoning, who were standing attentively at the side. “Granddaughter Hui and eighth lass, you two should go rest. Don’t stay here lest you get sick yourselves.”
The girls immediately understood that the old dowager didn’t want them to stay because she had something to say.
Chapter 507.1: Support
"Yes, Old Dowager." Qin Huining and the eighth miss rose and curtseyed before quietly making themselves scarce.
When they arrived at the covered hallway, Qin Huining tugged on the eight miss' hand and murmured, "Do you know what Old Dowager wishes to discuss?"
Thinking back to when the old dowager had instructed her to serve Pang Xiao, the eighth miss flushed red. Memories of how the prince’s handsome face was barely marred by his disheveled appearance made her face burn even hotter. He was so dashing and unfettered!
Noting the reaction, Qin Huining had an inkling of what the eighth miss was thinking about. An indescribable sense of resentment and envy rose from her bones. As the former favorite daughter of the family, she’d once lived in the lap of luxury. Now, she was left in the dust to watch others attain their happiness.
Though she and Qin Yining were of the same age, Qin Yining had gotten to marry a brave hero. Meanwhile, there wasn’t even a whisper about her own marriage, nor did she see the family elders draw up any plans. How was she not to feel any resentment or jealousy?
Qin Huining took a deep breath and with heroic effort, schooled her expression into one devoid of any dissatisfaction or bitterness.
Her numerous clashes with Qin Yining had long obliterated her previously good reputation among the family. Even though Qin Yining was missing, conversation among the household remained in her favor despite her absence.
Née Sun, especially, had never displayed much fondness toward her daughter in the past, yet now spent every day weeping inconsolably and refusing to eat, growing thin from her loss of appetite. Every so often, she sobbed about how sorry she was toward her daughter.
Qin Huining hated most to see née Sun so teary-eyed, what with the current state of affairs. It reminded her of how the mother who’d once treasured her so deeply had abandoned her long ago.
Fine, so she’d made some mistakes in the past. However, wasn't it too heartless for née Sun to abandon her and pretend not to see her, despite the two of them living under the same roof?
Sensing that Qin Huining hadn’t paid her much mind for a good while, the eighth miss looked at the foster girl out of curiosity. The unmistakable venom in her eyes had the eighth miss' heart jolting in fear, her face paling instantly.
Remembering what Qin Huining had done in the past, the eighth miss surreptitiously took two steps back. "I am a bit tired. Big sister Hui should rest as well." With that, she hastily curtseyed and turned in retreat.
Qin Huining gritted her teeth for a moment before spitting out, "Brown-nosing bitch!"
She had seen too many of these grovelling sorts before and was used to the sight of them.
Since she’d learned of Qin Yining's disappearance, she knew it was very likely for the family to send another daughter to the Faithful Prince of the First Rank, so she had to make plans for herself. As of now, the only daughters of marriageable age were herself and the eighth miss—if she didn't take advantage of this fifty-fifty chance, even the heavens would laugh at her weakness.
While Qin Huining stood outside in deep thought, the old dowager had already pulled at Qin Huaiyuan's hand to speak with him heart-to-heart. "Meng’er, your mother knows your heart aches with panic from not being able to find granddaughter Yi. You only have this one daughter—who in this family wouldn’t feel anxious over such a tragedy? However, you must also think of the family."
Qin Huaiyuan stared unwavering at the old dowager for a moment before inquiring, "What do you mean, mother?"
"Granddaughter Yi's disappearance has left the Faithful Prince of the First Rank without a woman to helm the household. Considering how highly His Highness thinks of our Yining, he won’t dislike other Qin daughters. I’ve been thinking, perhaps we should send the eighth lass to them to be a concubine. Though she is low-born, she is pretty, kind and good-natured. Daughter Yi was also closest to the eighth lass before her marriage.
"If she returns, the two sisters would get along well. If… the unthinkable truly befalls her, then the eighth lass will ascend from concubine to second wife and secure the position of Princess Consort. That would greatly benefit the house of Qin."
The old dowager smiled as she tugged Qin Huaiyuan's hand. "Now, this concerns the future of the family, Meng'er. You mustn’t reject this idea out of hand for concern about daughter Yi."
Though the old dowager acted as if she were merrily consulting Qin Huaiyuan, she clearly had already come to a decision.
The second madame remained silent, evidently disinterested in being drawn into the mire of this affair. The eighth miss was a daughter of the third branch of the family, after all, and the third branch currently didn’t have a matriarch. Since neither the third elder master nor the second wife was speaking up, it wasn’t her place as the second aunt to comment either.
The second wife, however, smiled at this point and said, "I think what Old Dowager says makes sense. My sister-in-law is a fine young lady who is pure of heart, and senior uncle is aware of this. She could keep Yining company, as those two sisters get along swimmingly."
Qin Huaiyuan dropped his gaze without responding immediately. Née Sun, on the other hand, had heard enough—she flipped over a nearby side table.
The tableware hit the floor with a dramatic crash. The sound of shattering porcelain was so ear-piercing that it frightened to the ones who were happily plotting away. The old dowager clutched at her chest, dumbstruck. The second madame and second wife also took a few steps back.
Chapter 507.2: Support
Née Sun pointed at the old dowager and the second wife, face ruddy with rage and chest tight. The corners of her lips trembled, unable to utter a complete sentence due to her fury. However, her blood-shot eyes were so filled with anger that they seemed as if they were about to pop out entirely, frightening the others profusely; even her raspy wheezing seemed eerie.
Qin Huaiyuan stood to hold née Sun back and consoled her gently. "There now, don’t be angry. If you hurt yourself, you’ll be the one to suffer. You must take care of yourself in order to help our daughter in the future, no?"
Née Sun looked at Qin Huaiyuan, her harried breaths finally evening out. Tears sprang to her eyes at once. Qin Huaiyuan busied himself with gently
patting née Sun on the back.
Seeing Qin Huaiyuan console the crazed harlot, the old dowager's face fell immediately. "Meng'er, you......"
"Mother." Qin Huaiyuan interrupted the old dowager in a placid, weary tone. "I ask you not to make any more decisions in the future on daughter Yi’s behalf. I will arrange for daughter Hui and niece Bao's marriages when it is time. However, with current circumstances, now is not the time to discuss that.
"As for having sisters be wife and concubine to the same man, I must ask mother to refrain from bringing up such a proposal ever again. Daughter Yi is alive, and she is the only one in my son-in-law's heart. As her grandmother, why must you waste energy on such displeasing arrangements?"
The old dowager hadn't expected to be scolded by her own son. Her eyes went round with anger and she stammered in disbelief, "You, you say I am wasting my energy on displeasing arrangements? You are looking down on an old woman like me!"
"Mother, the situation at hand is truly fraught. Work has been so exhausting that I haven't the energy to attend to household affairs. I ask mother to save yourself the trouble. Let us keep things at the current status quo. As for my daughter's marriage, no one is to interfere. I will not allow it." Finished, Qin Huaiyuan held the tearful née Sun as he helped her outside.
Beet red with anger, the old dowager watched as Qin Huaiyuan left with his wife and slammed her hand against the mattress.
"Utter insolence, such impertinence! He forgets his mother when he has a wife! What a black-hearted wolf of an ingrate! Thankless bastard! I doted on him the most, yet he denounces me for a damned brat!"
The old dowager broke down into tears. Oh, the injustice of the heavens!! Why had her husband died so prematurely?? Now look at her ungrateful, unfilial son!
In other words, the entire world was against her.
The second madame and second wife found themselves slightly exasperated, but they couldn't just watch as the old dowager cried herself sick. All they could try was persuade her to cheer up, but the more they tried, the louder she wailed. She frequently peeped at the door through her fingers, as if expecting Qin Huaiyuan to return, console her, and admit his wrongdoings.
Qin Huaiyuan seemed to not hear a single hint of the old dowager's wailing and continued to hold née Sun. "Don’t concern yourself with mother's words, I still hold sway over daughter Yi's affairs. If I forbid it, no one can bully our dear daughter."
Née Sun nodded and choked out, "I’m the one who did wrong by that child. I have yet to treat her properly as my daughter. If the worst is to truly befall her, how could I live with myself?"
"It won’t. Rest assured, our daughter is a blessed child. Even if she encounters a setback, she can surely turn the tides to her favor. Furthermore, I’ve just received word that she is alive and well in Tatar. Don’t let your imagination trouble you."
"Truly?" Née Sun's tears were forgotten as she cried out in surprise, "My lord, do you speak the truth? Surely you’re not only saying this just to make me feel better?"
"Why would I deceive you like that?" Qin Huaiyuan led née Sun to their bedroom and placed his hands on her shoulders. "I am no hero, but I consider myself noble of character. I would not lie to you."
"I know, I know. I’m just too happy! Daughter Yi is alive? Really alive?"
"Indeed, she is. Though she’s run into some trouble, rest assured. She has me and our son-in-law. Nothing will happen to her." Qin Huaiyuan didn’t disclose the details of her predicament as he didn’t want to worry his wife, and the second to keep her tongue from wagging. Certain matters needed to remain discreet, and were thus unsuitable for careless conversation, lest trouble come knocking on their door.
Née Sun's tears were now replaced with a smile. "So long as she lives. If she is alive, hope remains. Our family has never done evil, so the heavens would not be so cruel to us."
"Indeed. Therefore, you shouldn’t cry any longer. If you fall ill, I won’t be able to explain myself when our daughter returns and thinks I’ve been mistreating you."
Née Sun's grief morphed into happiness at his words. She lightly batted Qin Huaiyuan's shoulder before leaning into his arms. Qin Huaiyuan held his wife, his furrowed brows of worry going unseen.
…...
After a night's rest, the Minuo were finally able to replenish some of their energy. The ones in charge had already passed on Qin Yining's words during idle conversation with others last night.
At the crack of dawn, Harbhara and Caganbhara gathered their tribesmen together again and repeated their plans to all.
Though the weakest of the lot felt fear at their vague future, at least they knew they weren’t being left behind.
Chapter 508.1: The Desert
And so, the Minuo split into two groups. Harbhara and Caganbhara were to lead a number of the men in fighting condition and a few of the stronger women across the desert.
The other group—the elderly, children, sick women, and handicapped who couldn't fight—was to find a place to stay elsewhere in the desert. There also were mothers and children, as well as married couples, among their number.
However, most able-bodied men and women willing to take up arms did so because they wanted to fight for the future of their people, even if it meant laying down their lives. To those who remained behind, these people were warriors and heroes—the hope they held of restoring their tribe to its former glory.
If all that remained of the Minuo were the elderly and the weak, they would have no choice but to be enslaved, dooming their descendants to oppression.
After preparing water and dried rations for the trip, Qin Yining's group of nearly one thousand —which included a few experts at finding water sources—set course for the desert. This journey was unlike her previous trip. Siqin had been unprepared for their travels then, as they had been chased into the desert by the pursuing Great Zhou soldiers.
That group had been in no ways small, but their supplies were limited. Thus, he had discarded the hostages one by one as they went. Even the Azure Justice members who knew the treasure's location had been left for dead in the end.
This time, however, Qin Yining was entering the desert with a plan, and the Minuo had made ample preparations for their travels. Though the hardships of the journey left them exhausted, at least the one thousand of them could rest assured that no one would die of dehydration.
Meanwhile, Utkin Khan's soldiers had already caught up with the other Minuo group. However, they all insisted in unison that they didn’t know where their other brethren were.
Just as Lu Heng and Qin Yining predicted, Siqin didn’t lift a finger against those who’d stayed behind in order to uphold his benevolent reputation. He only ordered them to remain where they were, to provide for themselves and not to disturb the other tribes. They were also forbidden from entering any of the neighboring cities and villages.
"The nerve of them indeed. I seem to have underestimated those two!" Siqin already knew with certainty that Qin Yining and her people had entered the desert.
He’d thought the people of Great Zhou were all lily-livered chickens who were too cowardly to do anything despite their highly developed brains. Never did he expect the two to have the courage to lead the Minuo—a group of strangers—across the desert!
Seeing the look on his face, his entourage of soldiers fearfully fell as silent as cicadas in winter. Even if Siqin was a just ruler who always forgave his subordinates for their shortcomings, everyone knew the khan and Anari were a young couple who’d shared a deep bond that dated back to their childhood friendship.
Though they knew where Anari’s killers had gone, they had yet to catch up with the murderers. They could only imagine how infuriated the khan was. They were so used to Anari Khan's ruthlessness that they feared Utkin Khan all the same, even if they knew he wasn’t the same.
Their leader was an elderly man who had followed Siqin since the khan's time in the army and was thus more familiar with his character. He knew Siqin wasn’t one to
take out his anger on others. As the only one who dared to speak up, he inquired, "Noble khan, do we continue our pursuit?"
Siqin pursed his lips and contemplated for a moment. "Entering the desert will prove to be a difficult endeavor. It is far too dangerous, for one, and the climate so harsh that it wouldn’t be easy to maintain our bearings. I will not have my men throwing their lives away."
"As you say, great khan." As men of war, they weren’t inclined to continue their pursuit under such harsh conditions so as to avoid needless losses.
When training his soldiers, Siqin also often told them to "use their best steel for the cutting edge of their blades". Sending his warriors to their deaths for no reason wasn’t a wise course of action.
He rose to his feet, his head nearly touching the roof of the tent due to his tall stature. He walked over to a simple wooden table and carefully studied the map laid across the surface, hands clasped behind his back.
His men followed suit, with the more thoughtful of the group carrying lanterns to him. The map depicted the mountains and rivers of Tatar's grasslands and deserts. A finger callused from years of gripping a sword glided across the desert before stopping near a few locations near the borders of Great Zhou.
"Station soldiers outside the desert close to Great Zhou's borders, focusing on these places. Capture the ones who leave the desert and bring them back immediately."
"Yes sir!" His subordinates jolted into action and shouted back unanimously.
Seeing how Siqin didn’t let his desire to avenge Anari blind him to the lives of his soldiers, the admiration his men felt toward their new khan grew even more.
In the army, Siqin had won the unblinking respect of those beneath him through his decorated achievements on the battlefield and exemplary command. As a ruler, he was calm, wise and just, which gave everyone a heightened sense of stability.
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