Chapter Three: Seeking a New Path

"Why not?" Qin Song retorted after hearing this. "The Qin family has been operating in Great Xia for decades—do you really think such minor tribulations could bring us down?"

"Young Master Qin, your composure in the face of catastrophe truly commands my admiration," the official replied with a sneer. "Your uncle has just been dismissed from office by His Majesty, and now the tribute silk your family owes the throne cannot be delivered!"

"Once His Majesty learns of this, he will fly into a rage. How many heads does the Qin family have to lose? Even if you were to kneel before me and beg for mercy, I would not spare you so much as a glance!"

"Oh, His Majesty’s wrath, is it? Lord Lin, what grand airs you put on! Anyone unaware might think the ruler of this land bears the surname Lin!"

"Qin Song, hold your tongue!" Even Lin You himself was startled by these words, his arrogance vanishing in an instant. For a moment, believing the Qin family doomed, he realized he had overstepped. Qin Song, quick-witted, seized upon the opportunity.

"Did I say something wrong?" Qin Song sneered. "If His Majesty favors the Xiangyun brocade of the Qin family, it is our honor. For decades, our family has conducted business in Yuezhou, paying tens of thousands of taels in taxes to the court each year and bringing prosperity to countless commoners."

"Our wise and discerning emperor is beloved by the people. Would he truly destroy the Qin family over a temporary delay in tribute silk? Or do you, Lord Lin, claim powers greater than His Majesty himself?"

"And though my uncle is currently stripped of office, who in all Great Xia does not know his name? In time, should the realm face hardship, His Majesty will surely call upon him again!"

"Silence!" Qin Song’s words struck true, sending Lin You into a trembling rage, his face drained of color. The dozen or so followers behind him sucked in their breath, fear flickering in their eyes as they looked at Qin Song.

"You sharp-tongued wretch, I have no desire to waste more words with you. We’re leaving!"

Unable to remain any longer, Lin You turned on his heel and stormed off. Lin Wanqing paused to cast a deep, complicated look at Qin Song—her eyes glimmering with guilt and astonishment—before she too departed.

"Uncle Qian, escort them to settle the accounts! Today is my father’s funeral—when compensation is paid, drive these ungrateful wolves out of my sight!"

"Yes, young master!" Uncle Qian hurried to comply.

Compared to moments before, Uncle Qian’s tone now bore a distinct note of respect.

"Qin Song, don’t be so arrogant—" Tang Ze and the others barely began to protest before Qin Song’s icy gaze silenced them. After a few muttered threats, they followed Uncle Qian to the back to settle their debts.

Outside the Qin residence, Lin You and his daughter Lin Wanqing had already boarded their carriage.

"Daughter, I have arranged a marriage for you," Lin You announced impatiently as soon as he climbed in.

The engagement between the Qin and Lin families hadn’t even been formally dissolved, and yet her father had already found a new match for her?

"Father, didn’t you promise me that after breaking off the engagement with the Qin family, you would no longer interfere in my marriage?" Lin Wanqing’s eyes burned with confusion, but even more with anger.

"This is different. This time, it’s the eldest grandson of the Right Chancellor’s family!"

"But Father, didn’t Lord Cao’s eldest grandson already marry?" Lin Wanqing’s eyes widened as the realization struck her. "You want me to enter the Cao household as Cao Ruixuan’s concubine?"

She could hardly believe it. At long last she thought she had escaped one nightmare, only for her father to thrust her into another, deeper abyss.

"Cao’s legitimate wife died of illness half a year ago. If you marry into their family, you’ll be the principal wife."

"Father!" Even with her usually cool temperament, Lin Wanqing could not contain herself. "What am I to you?"

"Of course, you are my precious daughter," Lin You replied with a kindly smile, though in Lin Wanqing’s eyes, he seemed a devil incarnate.

Lin Wanqing, strong-willed and resolute, would not allow her fate to be dictated a second time.

"In your eyes, I am nothing but a stepping stone for your advancement—just as I was three years ago, and just as I am now. If one day you needed to cast aside Mother and me for your career, I fear you would not hesitate."

Her gaze was filled with bitter disappointment.

A furious slap struck Lin Wanqing across the face.

"No matter what you think, this marriage will happen! I have already agreed with the Cao family—the wedding is in a month!"

"I would rather die than marry into the Cao family!"

"Wretched girl!"

As the carriage rolled away from the Qin residence, Lin You’s hysterical roar echoed inside.

Later that day, after driving out those ungrateful scoundrels, Qin Yuanhuai’s coffin was finally interred. On the day of the funeral, aside from Qin Song, his mother Madam Wu, and a few loyal servants, no one else attended.

That day, Madam Wu clung to her late husband’s tombstone, wailing bitterly. Qin Song, his face streaked with tears, knelt before the grave, vowing to uncover the truth and restore the family’s honor.

Deep into the night, after comforting his mother to sleep, Qin Song sat in the study, poring over his thoughts. Before him lay a sheet of paper covered in notes:

First: a new path.
Second: traitor.
Third: revenge.

The tribute silk meant for the emperor had been destroyed; the workshops and warehouses had been burned. Producing new brocade would take time. In the meantime, the Qin family needed a new way forward—even if it could only buy them a little time.

As for the traitor, the fire was no accident; there was a mole within the workshop, and that person must be found.

Revenge was simple: the river bandits who plundered the family’s merchant ships and killed Qin Yuanhuai would pay in blood.

There were other matters, too, that required investigation, but the most urgent was finding a new path for the Qin family.

As he thought, inspiration struck.

"Little Deng! Little Deng!"

"Young master?" The loyal servant at the door hurried in.

"I recall we still keep several sheep in the back courtyard. Take some men and shear all their wool for me. And fetch the carpenter and Green Bamboo here as well."

Little Deng was momentarily stunned by this string of orders. The last part was easy to understand, but the request about shearing sheep left him bewildered.

"Did you not hear me? Get moving!" Qin Song barked, his face stern.

"Yes, yes!" Though still confused, Little Deng dared not question the command. Quickly, he gathered men and tools and set off for the backyard.

Soon, the pitiful cries of sheep being shorn rang through the night air behind the Qin residence.