Pang Xiao greatly admired Qin Huaiyuan in his heart.
He was someone who remained calm in the face of change and always clearly knew what he wanted regardless of when or where. Even facing such a major upheaval, he hadn’t been defeated, but instead sought the best way to give himself and his family a good life.
Moreover, Qin Huaiyuan’s proposal to move to the prince’s mansion was also for his family’s consideration.
Apart from Qin Huaiyuan, only Second Master Qin Xiuyuan held office in court among the Qin family, but he was just a nominal minor official without real power. It could be said that whenever the Qin family did anything significant, Li Qitian would definitely find fault with Qin Huaiyuan. Even if someone attempted assassination or sought revenge, they would come for Qin Huaiyuan. The other family members had too little presence.
So Qin Huaiyuan moving away at this time, though he said it was for himself, was actually because he feared bringing disaster to the family and implicating them.
On the other hand, living with Pang Xiao in the prince’s mansion would also conveniently provide protection from the mansion. At least Qin Yining and Pang Xiao wouldn’t have to worry constantly and divide their attention.
However, Qin Huaiyuan’s heart must certainly be concerned about his family. Even if he moved to the prince’s mansion, he would inevitably worry that enemies would come looking for him and, not finding him, would turn to persecute other Qin family members instead. As Pang Xiao’s father-in-law, it was awkward for him to directly suggest bringing the whole extended family to live in the prince’s mansion.
Understanding the subtle meaning, Pang Xiao immediately said: “Father-in-law and mother-in-law must honor us with your presence. Moreover, there are many empty courtyards in the prince’s mansion. If second uncle and third uncle would honor us by living here together, that would be even better.”
Hearing Pang Xiao say this, Second Master, Third Master, Qin Han, Qin Yu and others were all very surprised, then moved and flattered.
What was Pang Xiao’s status and position? Usually only others fawned over and revered him; it was rarely heard that he would court anyone. Who would have thought he valued relationships so much that he would include them all as well.
Although their reactions weren’t as quick as Pang Xiao’s, after thinking carefully they also understood Qin Huaiyuan’s intention and couldn’t help feeling touched.
This was Qin Huaiyuan tactfully making a request of his son-in-law for the safety of the whole family.
Second Master hesitated a bit: “The prince’s proposal is certainly good, and we’re very grateful. But moving to live together – wouldn’t that be too much of a disturbance to your household?”
“Exactly,” Qin Han was a bit afraid of causing trouble for Qin Yining.
The old dowager was someone who never brought peace. If she went to live in the prince’s mansion, wouldn’t she stir up the mansion’s peaceful days until they were in chaos? Qin Yining also had a mother-in-law, great-grandfather, and great-grandmother. If this caused Qin Yining to be disliked by her elders, that would be their fault.
What Qin Han considered, Third Master and Qin Yu also thought of. Since it was such kind intention from others, they couldn’t be too selfish, so they all expressed their polite refusal.
However, Qin Yining smiled and said: “The prince’s mansion indeed has several empty courtyards. Second uncle, third uncle, and brothers, please don’t be so polite.” She then turned to ask Pang Xiao: “When the time comes, shall we tidy up Snow Plum Courtyard for our family to live in?”
Pang Xiao nodded with a smile: “Naturally that would work.” He then explained: “Snow Plum Courtyard is on the western side of the prince’s mansion. It’s a separate three-courtyard compound with its own side gate. If you want to leave the mansion without taking a detour to the main gate, opening the side gate alone would work too.”
Qin Yining said: “Snow Plum Courtyard is included within the prince’s mansion, but the connecting passage can also be closed off. With the side gate opened, you can live your own lives independently. This way our family can live closer together, and it’s also convenient for the prince to have people provide protection. When we want to visit, we can just open the door in the passage to freely visit around the mansion – the freedom is quite high.”
Qin Huaiyuan felt very satisfied hearing his daughter and son-in-law’s arrangements. He turned to inquire of Second Master and Third Master beside him: “Second brother, third brother, what do you think?”
Second Master and Third Master were actually already tempted.
The two exchanged glances, then said: “Why don’t we discuss this with the old dowager?”
Qin Huaiyuan nodded: “I won’t go in. Second brother, would you go speak with mother?”
Second Master nodded and sighed: “Very well.” After hesitating a moment, he advised again: “Mother is getting on in years and inevitably becomes a bit confused, acting like an old child in daily life. Eldest brother, don’t be hurt – mother actually still loves you most in her heart.”
Qin Huaiyuan smiled: “I naturally know that. At our age, how could we still argue with our elderly mother?”
Seeing Qin Huaiyuan’s serene and calm smile, Second Master and Third Master knew he was a magnanimous person who truly wouldn’t fuss over such things. Setting their minds at ease, they went in to persuade.
At first, when the old dowager heard that Qin Huaiyuan wanted to move house, she immediately cursed him as an ungrateful wretch who forgot his mother after marrying a wife.
But when she heard that Pang Xiao was inviting their whole family to move to the prince’s mansion, she became somewhat tempted too.
What kind of place was a prince’s mansion? If she refused this, she probably wouldn’t have another chance in this lifetime to enjoy life in a prince’s mansion!
Moreover, with her status, if she went to the prince’s mansion she would be the most senior in generation. Wouldn’t everyone have to serve her then?
The old dowager broke into smiles through her tears, saying somewhat proudly: “At least they still know filial piety.”
Then she asked with some worry: “How is the situation outside now? If we move there, will we also get involved in some trouble? I always feel that this time your eldest brother was dismissed from office by His Majesty, it’s related to Sister Yi and her husband.”
The old dowager saying this made Second Master and Second Madam feel disgusted. Fortunately the first branch family members weren’t present, otherwise with such sincere kindness and genuine feelings, encountering such a selfish and self-interested person, who knows how heartbroken they would be.
Second Master’s expression turned serious: “Mother, you absolutely cannot say such words again in the future. When we serve as officials in court, we must naturally watch the imperial mood. Imperial moods are unpredictable – fortune and misfortune are not things we can control ourselves. In this current matter, no one is to blame. If anyone is to blame, it’s that we were destined to have this episode in our fate. Sister Yi is a filial child, and eldest brother is even more magnanimous. He’s genuinely filial to you, mother. Please don’t say such hurtful words anymore. Even we feel disheartened hearing them.”
Second Madam also nodded with a smile: “Mother, don’t lower yourself to our junior level. Master speaks bluntly, but it’s all with good intentions. You are the most understanding and magnanimous person when it comes to your children. As the saying goes, ‘A prime minister’s belly can hold a boat,’ and there’s also the saying ‘If you’re not deaf and blind, you can’t be a patriarch.’ Mother, you’re our elder – we still need you to anchor us. Without you, our days would have no backbone.”
Second Master and Second Madam played good cop and bad cop, talking until the old dowager lost her temper. Her heart felt somewhat soothed by her daughter-in-law’s words, so she nodded: “Very well, then our whole family will temporarily go live there. If there’s any situation, we’ll move out immediately. We’ll have people watch over this residence, so if we need to move back temporarily, we can live here immediately upon return.”
Second Madam nodded, but internally rolled her eyes. She really wanted to say that this residence also belonged to Sister Yi – when the Qin family arrived, all their belongings had been robbed by mountain bandits. Where did they have their own residence? The old dowager ate and lived off Sister Yi but didn’t know gratitude. Even she, as second aunt, found it disgusting to watch.
Second Master then went out to discuss moving matters with Qin Huaiyuan, Pang Xiao and others.
Once things were decided, packing up was also convenient. What the prince’s mansion lacked least was servants. Pang Xiao’s subordinate mansion soldiers and Elite Tiger Guards fought like little tigers in battle, and they were equally capable when it came to moving house.
The prince’s mansion had everything from furniture to bedding completely ready. The Qin family members only needed to bring their personal clothing and daily items. Thus everything was quickly organized.
Over a dozen horse carriages were prepared. People were left to watch the residence, while the rest brought their personal attendant servants and maids and headed toward the prince’s mansion.
Snow Plum Courtyard had always had people maintaining it. When Pang Xiao returned, he only needed to instruct the mansion steward to make arrangements.
The old dowager followed the second and third branches and took up residence in Snow Plum Courtyard. Pang Xiao also instructed the steward to bring people to help. Other matters could be discussed after everyone was settled.
As for Qin Huaiyuan and Sun Shi, Qin Yining arranged for them to stay in Tracing Snow Garden, where she had previously stayed during her brief residence in the prince’s mansion.
The environment here was quiet and elegant. Although it didn’t have a separate gate leading outside the mansion, it was in an important location within the mansion – close to the outer courtyard study yet separated from the inner quarters, making it convenient to avoid impropriety. After all, Qin Yining still had an unmarried mother-in-law.
As for Eighth Miss, she naturally lived with the old dowager.
Qin Huining was Qin Huaiyuan’s adopted daughter, so the prince’s mansion could only accommodate her as well. Sun Shi, afraid that Qin Huining might cause some trouble and needing to keep her under watch, proactively said: “Hui Jie’er will stay here with me. You can go to the old dowager’s place when you pay your daily respects.”
Qin Huining had long been dazzled by the prince’s mansion’s vast grounds and elegant, luxurious scenery. Her envy and jealousy of Qin Yining had nearly broken through the heavens. Seeing Sun Shi guard against her like a thief, she felt even more wronged in her heart. But since she also wanted to repair her relationship with Qin Huaiyuan and Sun Shi, she obediently nodded in agreement.
Sun Shi then had a maid serve Qin Huining and take her to rest in the side room.
By this time the sky had already darkened. Lamps were lit inside the rooms, illuminating them bright as day.
Seeing that Qin Yining already showed signs of fatigue, Qin Huaiyuan said: “You’re tired too. Go rest quickly. Other matters can wait until tomorrow.” He then said to Pang Xiao: “I’ve already arranged for people to escort your family back. I believe they’ll arrive in the next day or two.”
Hearing this, Pang Xiao smiled: “Yes, thank you, father-in-law. During the time I wasn’t here, you endured His Majesty’s surveillance to help me look after my mother and my maternal grandparents. You must have spent much effort. Later we father and son-in-law should have a good drink together.”
Hearing them speak this way, Sun Shi was very surprised, because she knew nothing about these matters. Pang Xiao then left Tracing Snow Garden with Qin Yining.
The sky had completely darkened. Maids carried lanterns ahead of them.
Qin Yining felt somewhat achy in her lower back and walked slowly. Seeing her like this, Pang Xiao simply scooped her up horizontally in his arms.
Caught off guard by being lifted into the air, Qin Yining let out a soft cry and hurriedly wrapped her arms around Pang Xiao’s neck: “What are you doing? Put me down quickly.”
“You’re tired. Be good, rest a while. I had them prepare some light porridge and simple dishes. After we go back and eat, you can rest.”
Qin Yining couldn’t help but laugh. Resting her head on Pang Xiao’s shoulder, she felt his strong arms steadily supporting her as he walked with light, smooth steps without any jostling toward the upper courtyard.
She was tired and didn’t want to talk. Her heart was full of gratitude for Pang Xiao’s arrangements today, so she nuzzled his shoulder with her cheek.
Pang Xiao’s heart went soft, and he lowered his head to kiss her forehead once, saying in a gentle tone: “Good girl.”
Before long, Pang Xiao stopped walking: “Sister Yi, look.”
Qin Yining had already become drowsy and sleepily opened her eyes upon hearing this: “What is it?”
Pang Xiao raised his chin.
Following his gaze, Qin Yining saw in the warm yellow light of the lanterns a brand new plaque hanging high on the lintel of the upper courtyard gate. Familiar flowing calligraphy read “Longing for Qing.”
Qin Yining’s eyes couldn’t help but grow warm, and she smiled: “It’s your handwriting.”