First Maternal Aunt sighed lightly upon hearing this. “This isn’t really a secret. I didn’t tell Mother before because I was afraid she would worry along with us. The other day, people from Great Zhou contacted Ming Ge’er, wanting him to defect to Great Zhou. They spoke all sorts of ill about our Emperor, and said that Great Zhou’s Prince Pang is brave and valiant, and that the iron hooves of the Huben Army he leads will one day trample flat our Great Yan’s mountains and rivers…”

The women present all gasped upon hearing this.

Duke Dingguo’s wife frowned tightly.

Second Maternal Aunt also covered her mouth in shock.

Sun Shi, being the most direct in temperament, grabbed First Maternal Aunt’s hand: “Elder Sister-in-law, these Great Zhou people have ill intentions! If these words reached His Majesty’s ears, wouldn’t that give others leverage against us? What if they pin a charge of collaborating with the enemy and treason on us!”

“But it did reach His Majesty’s ears. Ming Ge’er sternly refused that lobbyist on the spot, and even removed his official robes to go before His Majesty and plead guilty with birch rods on his back. You all know our Emperor… is suspicious. But finally it was a false alarm, and he passed this test.”

Qin Yining didn’t understand much about high-level affairs in the capital, but she knew various rumors about the Emperor.

Among the common people, those cursing the foolish ruler were everywhere: dim-eyed and muddle-headed, incompetent, doting on the demon empress, allowing treacherous ministers to hold sway. Especially the foolish ruler’s favoritism toward Imperial Uncle Grand Tutor Cao, indulging princes’ internal strife, so that now half of Great Yan’s court was controlled by Grand Tutor Cao. With princes withering away, now only the Crown Prince remained as the sole prince, leaving no choice in matters of imperial succession.

First Maternal Aunt sighed again, saying forlornly: “Ming Ge’er offended Great Zhou people like this and has been such a prominent target for so many years. I’m really worried. That person appears gentle in temperament, but when he becomes stubborn, nine oxen couldn’t pull him back.”

“Forget it, it’s all passed. Fortunately His Majesty believed Ming Ge’er.” Duke Dingguo’s wife patted her daughter-in-law’s hand, her eyes gentle and kind, indicating that the children were present and she shouldn’t say more.

Only then did First Maternal Aunt reluctantly recover from her worries, smiling: “The time is about right too. Mother, I’ll first go check the kitchen. The banquet will begin soon. Shall we set it in the warm pavilion?”

“Naturally good.”

First Maternal Aunt then rose and withdrew.

Second Maternal Aunt called over the two male cousins who had come in earlier for introductions: “Yi Jie’er, this is your Fifth Male Cousin, this is your Eighth Male Cousin. Your Second and Fourth Male Cousins both joined the military and aren’t home now.”

Qin Yining quickly rose to pay respects to Fifth Male Cousin and Eighth Male Cousin.

The Sun family men were all tall and large, with thick eyebrows and high noses as their characteristic features. Fifth Male Cousin and Eighth Male Cousin, one in his early twenties and one seventeen or eighteen, both very courteously returned Qin Yining’s courtesy. Perhaps due to the age difference, or perhaps due to the distinction between men and women, they didn’t chat much.

Sitting down again and chatting briefly, Qin Yining learned that among the five male cousins of the Sun family, besides First Male Cousin Sun Yu, the other four were all married. Currently First Maternal Uncle and Second Maternal Uncle were guarding Xihua City not far from the capital. Second Male Cousin and Fourth Male Cousin had also brought their families to Xihua City, rarely returning home. Fifth Male Cousin’s wife and Eighth Male Cousin’s wife were both pregnant – one about to give birth, the other newly pregnant with an unstable pregnancy – both unsuitable for movement, so they didn’t come out today.

“Since the cousins-in-law are inconvenienced, there’s always time ahead – how could we lack opportunities to meet?” Qin Yining smiled: “Please have my male cousins convey my regards.”

Fifth Male Cousin and Eighth Male Cousin both smiled and nodded. “Come visit more often in the future – there will be many opportunities to meet.”

Seeing the younger generation getting along harmoniously, Duke Dingguo’s wife smiled very happily.

While they were talking, a maid came from outside to report: “Old Madam, the banquet has been set. Duke and First Master have gone to the warm pavilion. Please may the ladies, misses, and young masters also move to the warm pavilion.”

“Let’s go to the warm pavilion.” Duke Dingguo’s wife smiled and stood up.

The accompanying maids in the room each attended to their masters’ clothing and accessories. The group moved to the warm pavilion in great numbers, talking and laughing.

The warm pavilion had underfloor heating. Upon entering, one immediately felt warm air rushing over, accompanied by the aroma of food, giving one a feeling of home’s warmth.

In the center was placed a black lacquered azure bamboo eight-section screen, separating two tables. The men were on one side, while the women sat around one table.

From the moment she entered the warm pavilion, Duke Dingguo’s wife kept holding Qin Yining’s hand. When taking seats, Qin Yining naturally sat beside Duke Dingguo’s wife. Sun Shi sat on her birth mother’s other side.

Qin Huining pressed her red lips together, sitting with downcast eyes beside Sun Shi, followed by the female cousins.

First Maternal Aunt and Second Maternal Aunt stood beside Duke Dingguo’s wife, both taking serving chopsticks to attend to serving dishes.

Duke Dingguo’s wife laughed: “Today don’t stand on ceremony with me. Sit down quickly. Let our family have a good meal together.”

First Maternal Aunt placed a piece of deboned sweet and sour fish on the exquisite five-blessings-embracing-longevity plate in front of Duke Dingguo’s wife, smiling: “Mother cherishes her daughter-in-law, but daughter-in-law cannot presume too much.”

Second Maternal Aunt also said: “Exactly. We’re accustomed to serving Mother’s meals. Mother, please don’t decline.”

Qin Yining imperceptibly observed First and Second Maternal Aunts’ expressions, finding that both were very sincere and cheerful, not speaking against their hearts.

Great families observed the rule of no talking during meals. In the warm pavilion only the sounds of bowls and dishes could be heard, but Qin Yining could feel the light and pleasant atmosphere. After everyone finished eating, maids brought spittoons, tea bowls, brass basins, and towels to serve the masters in rinsing mouths and washing hands. After everything was ready, tea was served.

Since Qin Yining was returning to a prestigious family for the first time, she naturally became the focus of attention. The sisters secretly observed her, and Duke Dingguo’s wife especially observed Qin Yining’s behavior throughout. She found her sitting posture dignified, back straight, calm and composed with a natural bearing and gentleness befitting a daughter of a prominent family. Her etiquette and manners had no flaws whatsoever. If no one mentioned her past, one couldn’t tell she was someone who had only returned home a few days ago.

Duke Dingguo’s wife nodded secretly.

This girl was willing to work so hard at learning – intelligence was one aspect, but another was her ability to assess situations and, after determining circumstances, had extremely strong execution ability.

Having such a person by Sun Shi’s side, at least when something happened she could offer a few words of advice. It wouldn’t be like before when Sun Shi alone became Qin Huining’s weapon. Duke Dingguo’s wife could feel a bit more at ease.

“Remove the screen. We’re all family, and Yi Jie’er should also meet your maternal grandfather.”

“Yes.” The maids carried away the screen.

Nanny Bao walked to the door and merely glanced at the serving maids in the room. Everyone immediately understood and followed Nanny Bao out of the warm pavilion, carefully closing the door and retreating to wait by the courtyard gate for orders.

Only family members remained in the room.

Duke Dingguo and his wife rose and sat again in the seats of honor, while the other siblings stood to the side according to status.

Qin Yining knelt on the flowery bright red carpet and performed the grand ceremony before Duke Dingguo: “Yi Jie’er pays respects to Maternal Grandfather.”

“Rise.” Duke Dingguo’s voice was deep and resonant like a great bell, and just from hearing it one knew Duke Dingguo had an excellent physical foundation.

Taking advantage of raising her eyes, Qin Yining quickly observed. Duke Dingguo was nearly seventy, tall in stature, with a ruddy complexion and spirited eyes – an extremely dignified and vigorous old man.

Duke Dingguo asked Duke Dingguo’s wife beside him: “Don’t you have a meeting gift to give Yi Jie’er?”

“I was just about to tell Yi Jie’er.” Duke Dingguo’s wife handed a bowl of warm tea to Duke Dingguo, then pretended to be annoyed: “You’re the one who likes playing the good person. You stole what I wanted to say.”

Duke Dingguo chuckled, nearly spitting out his tea: “Look at you all, such a grown person, still twisting my words like this.”

The young ladies and masters, accustomed to their grandparents being like this, all laughed along.

Qin Yining couldn’t help laughing too.

Maternal Grandfather and Maternal Grandmother really had a good relationship.

This whole family was also kind. Compared to them, the Prime Minister’s mansion was much colder, and the people much more difficult to get along with.

Duke Dingguo’s wife beckoned to Qin Yining.

Qin Yining obediently went to stand beside Duke Dingguo’s wife.

“Good child. You suffered so much outside all these years. Now you’ve finally reached the end of hardships and beginning of happiness.” Duke Dingguo’s wife lovingly patted the back of Qin Yining’s hand, saying:

“Maternal Grandmother is now giving you ‘Zhaoyun Company.’ From now on, business management matters will all be your responsibility, and all profits earned will be your own, no need to give them to your mother or anyone else. Giving you such a business serves two purposes: first, to let you learn management and practice, so if you really need to manage household affairs after marriage you won’t be completely clueless; second, it’s Maternal Grandmother giving you some private money – there are many places where you’ll need to spend silver.”

Qin Yining obediently listened to her maternal grandmother’s words throughout, observing everyone’s expressions from the corner of her eye. When she saw that everyone’s expressions were slightly subtle, especially Qin Huining’s suddenly bitten lower lip, she knew this Zhaoyun Company must be something good.

However, she didn’t understand what kind of business Zhaoyun Company was involved in.

She only knew this business must be quite profitable, representing a large sum of profit. Being given it so freely made her somewhat incredulous, instinctively raising doubts in her heart.

Qin Yining looked at Duke Dingguo’s wife uneasily: “Maternal Grandmother, how would I know how to manage these things?”

“Silly girl, naturally there are people below for you to command. I’ll also give you Manager Zhong’s letter of allegiance later – he’s a capable person, so you can rest assured.”

Meaning Qin Yining would just hold the title and could sit back and collect dividends from now on?

She became even more uneasy.

Qin Yining never believed there were free lunches in this world. But she also knew her maternal grandmother would never harm her.

Sun Shi, listening from the side, finally couldn’t sit still: “Mother, what would a young girl like her understand about management? Zhaoyun Company is such a large enterprise – she might not manage it clearly. Loss of money would be minor, but what if she offends people and brings trouble to the family? Besides, I remember Zhaoyun Company was previously under Ming Ge’er’s name, right? How can it be given to Yi Jie’er now?”

Qin Yining looked up in surprise, meeting Sun Yu’s gentle gaze.

“Aunt, don’t overthink it. I’m busy with court duties, and with studying and socializing, I really can’t spare the time and energy to manage Zhaoyun Company. Grandmother has already exchanged it with me for fertile fields and shops – I just sit and wait to collect silver.” Sun Yu smiled: “From now on, I’ll have to trouble my female cousin to manage it.”