Chapter Thirty-One: The Qin Family

Yongchun Alley.

Within a grand mansion with five courtyards, the direct branch of the Qin family had just settled in. Originally, they planned to seek refuge with their relatives, the Xue family, but upon arriving in Jiankang, their plans changed. The reason was simple: the Ninth Prince valued them highly. Not only did he arrange positions for the men in the family, but he also provided them with a place to live.

The head of the ancestral branch was not in good health, so all matters fell to Madam Liu. In the main house, Qin Dalang discussed with Liu, “They are our kin, after all. We had agreed to stay at the Xue residence. Now, not only have we gone back on our word, but you ought to take the children to pay respects to the Old Madam and General Xue. We must not neglect propriety, yet you only sent the steward to deliver a message. Isn’t that too disrespectful to our relatives?”

What kinship? The ancestor of the third branch wielded no authority in the Xue household. As for ties with the eldest branch, it was only that marriage arrangement. Back in their old home, the Qin family was smaller and inferior to the Xue family, so this marriage was advantageous. But now, in Jiankang, things were different. They had found favor with the Ninth Prince, and their own son was so outstanding. To marry him off to a daughter of a declining Xue household seemed a loss.

Liu was not so blunt as to contradict her husband, yet she was far from convinced. She replied, “We’ve just moved in and things are hectic. Once I’m settled, I’ll visit them.”

After a few perfunctory words, she turned to discuss her son’s marriage with Qin Dalang. “Do you remember what the eighth daughter was like? I still recall—she was only ten, chubbier than a panda, and aside from greetings, she had nothing else to say. At the time, I really had little hope for her. Who knows how much weight she’s gained in three years, and her personality must be even more dull!”

If she didn’t favor the match then, why was the engagement made at all?

Qin Dalang had not initially agreed to the marriage with the Xue family. The two families had generations of ties and should cherish the bond, not use favors to threaten marriage.

He sensed his wife’s dissatisfaction with Xue’s eighth daughter. He soothed her, “Marriage is about the union of two souls. How can you simply say you’re dissatisfied? Besides, a plump child is blessed with good fortune. The eighth daughter clearly has such luck; after three years, children grow taller and thinner. Don’t be so quick to judge.”

“Who’s quick to judge? Did I judge you, husband?” Liu snapped, her words clashing with Qin Dalang and her temper flaring.

At that moment, a servant announced, “Young Master Second has arrived!”

Liu had two sons. The eldest was well-mannered and responsible, able to manage the family; she had little to worry about with him. The youth who now entered was her second son—handsome, intelligent, diligent, and skilled in both literary and martial arts, even more accomplished than his brother.

Such an extraordinary son could not be wasted on Xue’s eighth daughter! Don’t think she didn’t know—the Xue family head didn’t like the eighth daughter; otherwise, why bypass the seventh daughter and promise the eighth to their family? Clearly, they were taking advantage of the Qin family’s former misfortune.

But to break off the engagement outright would be difficult, as the Xue family was no common household with Xue Qiu present. It would be better if the Xue family initiated the break.

With Qin Jianyu’s arrival, Liu forgot her quarrel with her husband and began plotting. Qin Jianyu had no idea his mother’s thoughts were so complex. His first purpose was to pay respects to his parents; the second, to consult his mother. His beloved woman had also come to Jiankang, but had no home. Could his mother take her in?

“Mother, Yao Yao’s family has nowhere to stay. Our house is so spacious—shouldn’t we arrange a place for them?”

This so-called Yao Yao was also a lady from a noble family, though born illegitimate. Now, the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate offspring was strictly observed. Only legitimate children were masters of the house; illegitimate ones could be sold as slaves or servants.

Yet Yao Yao’s case was different. She bore the surname Kong. The Kong family was sparse—three brothers, but only one son who died young, and only one daughter in the third branch, Yao Yao herself. Though illegitimate, she was the sole bloodline of the third branch and their treasured darling.

The Kong family, despite having few people, possessed substantial wealth. The eldest branch proposed adopting a son, but he would never truly be their own, merely someone to care for the third branch in old age. Genuine affection was unlikely.

Thus, Yao Yao became precious as the family’s only bloodline, and her future marriage would surely come with a dowry of immense wealth.

Liu had received little dowry herself and naturally hoped for a wealthy daughter-in-law. Who would complain about too much money?

Yet as illegitimate, to make her son’s legitimate wife would be too humiliating. Liu could not reconcile herself to it.

She had thought Xue Fanzhi was honest and wouldn’t interfere in her son’s affairs. It would be best to marry Xue Fanzhi as the main wife and raise Yao Yao as a favored concubine—neither party would be wronged.

Now that their family had risen in status, she no longer wished her son to marry Xue Fanzhi. But if they chose another, she feared they’d never accept Kong Yao, and thus never acquire her wealth.

Both options had their advantages, making the choice difficult.

A sudden inspiration struck Liu. If her son and Kong Yao consummated their relationship and she became pregnant, the Kong family would have no reason to object. Then she could find a wife who didn’t mind Kong Yao, and all would be resolved.

With her mind made up, Liu was even more reluctant to oppose her son’s wishes. She smiled affectionately, “The Kong family is unfamiliar with the area and lacks the luck of our family in earning the Ninth Prince’s favor—it’s not easy for them. My son, arrange for the Kong family to move in.”

“Kong’s daughter gets along well with your sister. Have her stay with your sister—that will make things easier.”

Qin Jianyu hadn’t expected his mother to be so open-minded. Previously, whenever he mentioned Kong Yao, his mother never spoke ill of her, but it was clear she was merely playing the part of a loving mother and didn’t truly like Kong Yao.

Today was different.

Whatever the case, it was good news for him and Kong Yao. Living close would ease the pain of longing.

Qin Jianyu hurriedly thanked his mother and was about to leave when Qin Dalang commanded, “Stop! I don’t agree!”

Qin Jianyu looked at his mother, helpless.

Liu, though strong-willed, feared being seen as domineering. Thus, before her son, she was as gentle as possible. “Isn’t the master fond of accumulating virtue and helping others? The Kong family has no place to stay—what harm in taking them in?”

Qin Dalang was unmoved, his expression stern. “You know well why it’s inappropriate!”

Liu was momentarily silenced.

Qin Dalang turned to Qin Jianyu. “You are already engaged to Xue’s eighth daughter. If you are not yet married, but rumors arise about you having a favored woman, what of the Qin family’s reputation? And what about the eighth daughter’s dignity? I’ve told you before not to associate with Kong’s daughter. I never thought you’d agree in words but defy in action. This time, I cannot indulge you any longer. If you do not wish to marry the eighth daughter, I will take the marriage contract and break the engagement—then you can wed Kong’s daughter!”

“Absolutely not!” Qin Jianyu didn’t object, but Liu could not sit still. Her son could never marry an illegitimate daughter as his main wife—never!