“What? The Anyang Marquis wants to adopt Ninth Sister as his daughter?” Qin Li stood up from his seat, his face full of astonishment. From the main seat, Huo Huaixin nodded with a smile, “Indeed. You know that Ninth Miss has been taking care of the Imperial Princess and has gained much favor from both the Imperial Princess and the Marquis’s wife. This was the Imperial Princess’s decision, and both the Marquis and his wife fully approve—”
Qin Li recovered from his initial shock, beginning to understand. Indeed, Qin Wan had been frequently visiting the Marquis’s mansion, and the Princess often came to play with her. Qin Li collected himself, “This… this is naturally good for Ninth Sister, but what are the Marquis’s household’s intentions?”
Seeing Qin Li’s understanding, Huo Huaixin showed a satisfied smile, “The Imperial Princess said that normally there should be a grand banquet, but since Ninth Miss is about to leave and time is short, they plan to hold a feast at the Marquis’s mansion tomorrow, inviting Madam Qin and the Second Young Master to attend. That will serve as the ceremony.”
Qin Li quickly nodded, “The Imperial Princess has thought of everything. In that case, I’ll go inform Mother right away.”
Huo Huaixin nodded with a smile, “Good, then please take these gifts for Madam Qin to see. I’ll wait here for your response, so I can report back to the Marquis’s household once you’ve decided.”
Qin Li wanted to say there was no need to wait, knowing that Madam Lin wouldn’t say no, but to avoid appearing too eager, he merely nodded, “Very well, then please wait a while, Magistrate.”
Huo Huaixin smiled, “Go ahead, it’s no trouble.”
Qin Li instructed He Xing to attend to the magistrate, then took the gifts toward Madam Lin’s courtyard.
As he walked, Qin Li privately marveled at the timing – just as the Qin family was about to leave Jinzhou, the Marquis’s household wanted to adopt Qin Wan. Their intentions were clear – they wanted to give Qin Wan support.
Taking care not to be careless, Qin Li soon arrived at Madam Lin’s courtyard. The servant at the door went in to announce him, and soon returned to say, “Second Young Master, I apologize, but Madam is ill in bed and isn’t seeing anyone at the moment.”
Qin Li frowned, his lips curving into a cool smile, “It’s not just me wanting to see Madam – the Magistrate has come with important matters to discuss. Will Madam still not see visitors?”
The servant then noticed the other servants carrying gifts behind Qin Li, and their expressions flickered. They hurriedly said, “Please wait, Second Young Master.”
The servant went back inside, while Qin Li stood at the door, laughing coldly.
He knew his status as a concubine’s son made him detestable, but he was currently supporting the entire Qin household. Yet Madam Lin still didn’t know what was important – didn’t she realize he wouldn’t come to her quarters without good reason?
As Qin Li thought this with slight annoyance, the servant quickly returned, “Second Young Master, Madam invites you in.”
Qin Li laughed coldly to himself before entering.
Inside, Madam Lin hadn’t yet emerged from her inner chamber, so Qin Li waited in the outer room. After a moment, Qin Xiang appeared to support Madam Lin. Qin Li bowed slightly to Madam Lin, “Mother—”
Qin Xiang helped Madam Lin to the main seat. Only then did Madam Lin cough lightly and ask, “The Magistrate has come to our house?”
As she spoke, she glanced at the servants standing by the door, noting that each carried gifts. Her suspicion grew stronger. Qin Li explained, “Yes, the Magistrate has come on behalf of the Marquis’s household.”
“The Marquis’s household? The Anyang Marquis’s household?” Madam Lin’s eyes brightened slightly.
Qin Li nodded, deliberately speaking slowly, “Indeed, the Anyang Marquis’s household—”
Hearing this, Madam Lin grew somewhat impatient, “What business does the Anyang Marquis’s household have that requires the Magistrate to visit?”
Qin Li smiled, “The Anyang Marquis wishes to adopt Ninth Sister as his daughter, and has asked the Magistrate to be a witness.”
Madam Lin was stunned, and Qin Xiang standing beside her frowned deeply. After a moment, Madam Lin spoke again, “Adopt… adopt Wan’er as their daughter?”
Seeing the expressions of both mother and daughter, Qin Li felt satisfaction. Previously, Qin Wan had been someone stuck in the mud, someone they looked down upon. But now her circumstances far surpassed what Qin Xiang could achieve – how could Madam Lin and Qin Xiang not be angry?
“Indeed. And since Ninth Sister is leaving soon, the Marquis’s household has set the ceremony for tomorrow. There won’t be much ceremony – Magistrate Huo says the Marquis’s household wants to keep it simple, just requesting Mother and I attend the feast.”
Madam Lin’s hand gripped the armrest tightly, unconsciously saying, “Why would the Marquis’s household suddenly want to adopt Wan’er as their daughter?” Her eyes shifted, “This matter probably needs the First Branch’s approval…”
Qin Li immediately frowned, “Mother, how can you be so foolish!”
In the past, Qin Li would never have dared speak to Madam Lin this way, but things were different now. He was the head of the Qin household and was also dissatisfied with Madam Lin’s attitude toward him, so his expression naturally turned cold.
Madam Lin’s face changed at Qin Li’s rebuke, but before she could speak, he continued, “Has the First Branch cared about Ninth Sister these past years? They aren’t Ninth Sister’s birth parents, their relationship with her is no closer than ours. Moreover, Ninth Sister is currently in Jinzhou, so the Marquis’s household naturally recognizes us as her elders. Though the Heir has arrived, the Marquis’s household must know this, yet they didn’t invite them – what does this mean? Isn’t it because in the Marquis household’s eyes, the Heir is also too junior to warrant an invitation?”
He paused, then said solemnly, “It’s Ninth Sister’s good fortune to have gained the Marquis household’s favor, and it’s also fortune for our Qin family. With Ninth Sister establishing this connection, the Marquis’s household will surely look after us more in the future. We’ll have ties to the Marquis’s household. The Magistrate is still waiting in the main hall – if Mother starts being difficult and harboring other thoughts at this time, it would be quite ungrateful.”
Madam Lin had never been spoken to like this by Qin Li before – that final “ungrateful” was his rebuke to her. Anger surged in Madam Lin’s heart, but Qin Li’s words seemed to make sense. Looking at Qin Li standing straight-backed with a serious expression, Madam Lin realized for the first time that the Qin household had changed masters – even with Madam Jiang gone, she couldn’t overstep.
Thinking this, Madam Lin closed her eyes briefly and said in a cool voice, “Since Second Young Master has his own opinions now, we’ll do as he says. We’ll attend the feast tomorrow.”
With that, Madam Lin opened her eyes and stood up, supported by Qin Xiang as she walked into the inner chamber.
Qin Li also stood, smiling, “That’s more like it, Mother. I’ll leave these gifts for you—”
Seeing Madam Lin enter the inner chamber without looking back, Qin Li smiled coldly and pointed to a nearby table, “Leave the gifts for Madam.”
With that, he also turned and left.
As soon as they entered the inner chamber, Qin Xiang’s face darkened severely, “Mother, how could the Marquis’s household adopt her? Being the Marquis household’s adopted daughter, isn’t that almost the same as being the Princess? This is true—”
Qin Xiang’s voice was gloomy, her jealousy obvious in her words. Madam Lin also frowned. Among the three Qin sisters, Qin Xiang had been the most noble, but now if Qin Wan became the Marquis household’s adopted daughter, she would far surpass Qin Xiang. Moreover, Qin Wan’s appearance was already superior to Qin Xiang’s, and if her status and position also…
Madam Lin sat down on the bed, her eyes full of worry, “Xiang’er, what’s done is done, there’s nothing we can do now.”
Qin Xiang sat beside Madam Lin, squinting and smiling coldly, “Such clever tactics, getting everyone to favor her. What does it matter if she’s adopted by the Marquis? Once she’s in the capital, they won’t be able to help her anyway.”
Madam Lin gripped Qin Xiang’s hand tightly, thinking of something that made her eyes redden slightly, “Xiang’er, do you know what this trip to the capital is for?”
Hearing this, Qin Xiang’s eyes flickered, “Daughter… doesn’t know…”
Madam Lin sighed, “I didn’t want to tell you these things, but you wouldn’t know if I didn’t. Xiang’er, this trip to the capital – the First Branch is likely planning to arrange marriages for you and your two sisters.”
Though Qin Xiang claimed ignorance, she wasn’t surprised by these words. Madam Lin gripped her hand tightly and said, “Xiang’er, listen to your mother. From the moment we leave the Qin household, don’t oppose your Ninth Sister – get along well with her. Along the way, talk more with your Third Brother. Your Third Brother is the future Marquis of the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s household, and even now he has influence. He has a past friendship with your Ninth Sister, and now you need to make her like you too. Once we reach the capital, please your First Aunt and Eighth Sister more. The marriage arrangements will likely be your First Aunt looking at prospects and your First Uncle making the decisions. In short, once we reach the capital, don’t be too sharp – you must be diplomatic on all sides.”
Listening to these words, Qin Xiang’s heart was full of bitterness and unwillingness. She had been the most beloved legitimate daughter of the Qin family, her background and appearance sufficient to have young talents from the south come seeking her hand in marriage. She didn’t need to go to the capital – there were many powerful clans in the south. But now, with the Qin family’s dramatic fall, going to the capital was their only option.
Since childhood, she only needed to placate Qin Shuang to have her run errands. But now, her mother wanted her to make peace with that lowborn person she had bullied countless times, and to curry favor with others everywhere.
Qin Xiang had a knot of anger in her chest with no way to release it. Looking at Madam Lin’s reddened eyes and wrinkled face, she felt even less courage to express it. Her mother was too weak, she had no powerful maternal family, and no influential father – on the contrary, her father was her shame. Thinking this, Qin Xiang directed all her resentment and hatred toward Qin Wan.
“Xiang’er, did you hear me…”
Madam Lin squeezed Qin Xiang’s hand so hard it made her wince.
Qin Xiang came back to herself and quickly nodded, “Yes, yes, I heard.”
Madam Lin then half-embraced Qin Xiang and began crying softly, “Mother has no other way. Besides giving you my dowry, I can’t help you with anything else. Xiang’er, you must make Mother proud, and make yourself proud too.”
Qin Xiang nodded with a bitter heart, thinking of how tomorrow Qin Wan would become the Anyang Marquis’s adopted daughter, her brows furrowing deeply.
…
As darkness fell, the invitation from the Marquis’s mansion arrived at Tinglan Court. Fuling entered the main room with a bright smile, “Miss, tomorrow’s time is set for the Hour of the Goat. Shall we go early—”
Qin Wan had already finished washing up and was wearing only a moon-white inner robe. Hearing this, she shook her head, “We’ll go together with Madam.”
After a pause, Qin Wan asked, “What did Madam say?”
Fuling snorted lightly, “What else could she say? Naturally, she wouldn’t say ‘no’.”
Qin Wan said nothing more. Just then, there was a light sound at the courtyard gate. Fuling went out to find Wan Xing had already opened the gate, and Second Young Master Qin Li was standing outside with two servants.
Fuling hurried to the gate, “Why has Second Young Master come?”
Qin Li glanced at the main room, his lips curving slightly, “Tomorrow isn’t just any occasion, and time was too rushed. I only managed to go to Jinxiu Workshop to get a set of ready-made clothes. Fortunately, they had Ninth Sister’s measurements, and this set should fit her well. I also prepared a set of ruby accessories.”
As he spoke, the two servants behind him presented boxes. Seeing this, Fuling quickly said, “How can we let Second Young Master spend so much? Would Second Young Master like to come in and speak with Miss?”
Qin Li waved his hand, “No need. Let your Miss rest early.”
Fuling hesitated somewhat, “But this—”
“Take it. She wouldn’t accept money last time, so consider this as my sincere gesture.”
Fuling stood silently, so Qin Li personally took the box and handed it to her, then placed the other box in Wan Xing’s arms before turning to leave. Only after Qin Li had walked more than ten steps did Fuling react, hurriedly saying, “Thank you, Second Young Master.”
Qin Li waved his hand without looking back. Fuling then closed the gate and went with Wan Xing to the main room.
Qin Wan had already heard the commotion outside. Seeing Fuling return with two boxes, she asked, “Second Brother came?”
Fuling nodded, setting down the boxes with Wan Xing.
Fuling continued, “He said he went to Jinxiu Workshop this afternoon to buy these, including a set of ruby accessories.” As she spoke, she opened the boxes. The jewelry box gleamed brilliantly with ruby ornaments, while the clothing box contained a tea-white wide-sleeved pleated long dress, embroidered with white orchid patterns in silver thread. Fuling’s eyes lit up at the sight.
“Second Young Master put great thought into this. This dress suits Miss perfectly, and this set of ruby jewelry… probably wasn’t bought on short notice…”
Qin Wan came forward to look, internally sighing – this medical fee was becoming rather expensive.
Fuling had accepted the gifts without asking Qin Wan first, worried that she might not like them. Now she tentatively asked, “Miss… tomorrow will you…”
“I’ll wear this,” Qin Wan said quietly.
Hearing this, Fuling’s eyes brightened, and she responded cheerfully.
The next day afternoon, Qin Wan finished preparing and headed to the front courtyard. There, she saw Qin Li had also unusually changed into an elegant white robe. He usually had a somewhat gloomy smile and preferred wearing blue and other somber colors, but wearing this new white clothing instantly dispelled some of his gloominess. His black hair was held high with a jade crown, and with his condition slightly improved, his whole person appeared much brighter and more handsome. Fuling was stunned when she saw him.
“Miss, it’s true that clothes make the man and saddles make the horse.”
Fuling muttered quietly, but it was Qin Li who truly showed amazement when he saw Qin Wan. Wearing the dress he bought, the tea-white gown was like frost and snow, the wide sleeves flowing and the skirt swaying. This pure color matched Qin Wan’s noble temperament, while the silver-threaded orchid pattern added a touch of gentleness. Combined with Qin Wan’s graceful figure, this dress particularly emphasized her elegant bearing. Qin Li sighed inwardly – with Qin Wan’s beauty, she truly needed support.
“Second Brother—” Qin Wan curtsied, “Thank you, Second Brother.”
Qin Li knew what she was thanking him for and quickly said, “What thanks? We’re family. Only when you accept these things can I be at ease. Let’s wait a moment, Mother will be here soon.”
Just as he spoke, Madam Lin approached slowly, supported by two servants. As they were going to the Marquis’s feast, today Madam Lin had also changed into new clothes and applied light makeup, the powder concealing some of her sickly appearance. From a distance, Madam Lin still looked like the elegant Madam of the Qin family.
“Mother—”
“Third Aunt—”
Qin Li and Qin Wan both came forward to pay their respects. Madam Lin’s lips curved in a thin smile as she affectionately reached out to Qin Wan, who quickly went forward to support her. Seeing Madam Lin act this way, Qin Li snorted quietly but felt somewhat satisfied – they were going to the Marquis’s feast, and if Madam Lin showed any lack of proper etiquette, it would embarrass Qin Wan, and embarrassing Qin Wan meant embarrassing him.
Madam Lin held Qin Wan’s hand and coughed lightly twice, “Good child, it’s your blessing that the Marquis’s household values you.”
Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly, “The Marquis and his wife are kind to everyone.”
“Even with kindness, they don’t easily adopt anyone as their daughter. You are blessed, and must remember to be filial to your adoptive parents in the future.” Madam Lin’s tone was gentle, very much like how she used to behave in front of Madam Jiang.
Qin Wan naturally agreed, and the group headed to the gate to board the carriages. Three carriages had been prepared, but when they reached them, Madam Lin said, “Let Wan’er ride with me, we don’t need so many carriages.”
Qin Wan had no choice but to board the first carriage with Madam Lin. Once the carriage started moving, Madam Lin began making casual conversation with Qin Wan, first asking about daily life at the Marquis’s mansion, and the Imperial Princess’s preferences, and indirectly inquiring whether the Marquis’s family would leave Jinzhou for the capital. Qin Wan answered the trivial questions but avoided those she didn’t wish to answer. Finally, Madam Lin suddenly took Qin Wan’s hand and said, “Wan’er, though you’re a year younger than Xiang’er and Shuang’er, among you three, you’re the most steady. Seeing that you’re all about to leave, I must ask you to look after them both.”
Qin Wan blinked, “Third Aunt overpraises me. In terms of steadiness, I’m not as good as Fifth Sister.”
Madam Lin sighed, “Xiang’er, this child, though she seems less lively than Shuang’er, is quite inexperienced. I’m very worried about this journey. At least you’ve lived in the capital before, but Xiang’er and Shuang’er have never been there. I fear they won’t know anyone there and won’t adjust well. At that time, we’ll have to rely on you.”
Qin Wan lowered her eyes for a moment, “We sisters naturally look after each other. Please don’t worry, Third Aunt.”
At these words, Madam Lin slowly exhaled, “Good, good, good. With your words, I can rest easy.”
Madam Lin sighed and then turned to speak of Qin Chen, her voice becoming choked with emotion as if she had completely forgotten that Qin Chen had once harmed Qin Wan. Qin Wan just listened quietly. Seeing that Qin Wan wasn’t responding much, Madam Lin stopped, and then her eyes shifted as she said, “I remember that after your parents passed, the Second Branch’s assets were kept with the clan. I wonder what your First Uncle has to say about that?”
Hearing this, Qin Wan felt somewhat puzzled. When the Ninth Miss’s parents died, she was only nine years old and naturally couldn’t manage the family assets, so it wasn’t surprising they were entrusted to the clan. However, she had never heard Fuling mention this, so how should she respond to Madam Lin’s question now? Qin Wan’s eyes shifted slightly, “It was so many years ago, I’ve forgotten…”
Madam Lin’s eyes darkened slightly, “I remember the Second Branch’s assets were quite substantial back then. I wonder what became of them.”
Qin Wan wasn’t concerned about these matters. Upon returning to the capital, her priority would naturally be finding a way to investigate her father’s case. She understood the difficulty of this task and had no interest in fighting for family assets.
Seeing Qin Wan not responding, Madam Lin fell silent. Soon after, the carriage came to a steady stop before the Marquis’s mansion.
As soon as the carriage stopped, Yue Ning’s voice rang out.
“They’re here, they’re here! Quickly, inform the Old Madam—”
Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly as she lifted the curtain and descended from the carriage. Seeing this, Yue Ning immediately came forward to greet her, “Why didn’t you come earlier?”
Just as she spoke, Madam Lin emerged from the carriage. Qin Wan helped her down, and once Madam Lin was steady on her feet, she curtsied slightly, “Princess—”
Yue Ning glanced at Qin Wan, then at Madam Lin, smiling as she avoided Madam Lin’s formal greeting, “No need for formalities, Madam. Please, come in.”
Just then, Qin Li approached from behind, paying his respects to Yue Ning very courteously, showing considerable refinement in his speech and manner. Yue Ning raised an eyebrow and smiled, “No need for such formality today. Please come in, Grandmother and Father and Mother are all waiting.”
Madam Lin held onto Qin Wan very affectionately. Understanding Madam Lin’s intentions, Qin Wan temporarily went along with it. The group quickly entered the mansion. Though this wasn’t Madam Lin and Qin Li’s first visit to the Marquis’s mansion, for the sake of the Qin family’s face, both maintained perfect etiquette, keeping their eyes straight ahead. Soon they were led to the flower hall prepared for today’s guests.
Though it wasn’t a grand feast, Qin Wan could see that all the halls had been newly decorated, with fresh potted landscapes placed inside and out. These details moved Qin Wan, and upon entering the hall, she immediately paid her respects to the Imperial Princess and others.
In the main hall, the Imperial Princess sat in the chief seat, with the Yue Rong couple on the left and the Huo Huaixin couple on the right, all laughing and chatting. As the three entered, both couples quickly stood.
“Greetings to Imperial Princess, Your Highness— Greetings to the Marquis—”
Madam Lin curtsied, and Madam Jiang hurried forward to help her up. The Imperial Princess smiled from her seat, “Today let’s not be bound by such formalities. We’re gathered here because of Wan’er, and from now on we’re considered close family. Wan’er, come here…”
Only then could Qin Wan leave Madam Lin’s side. Qin Li also paid his respects, and as he was a junior, Master Yue Rong and the others accepted his greeting. Madam Jiang praised him several times, while the Imperial Princess held Qin Wan’s hand, looking her up and down for a moment. Rather than directly commenting on her beauty today, she just nodded repeatedly, “Mm… very good… very good…”
Yue Qing and Yue Jia were also in the room. The Imperial Princess smiled and said, “You two take Second Young Master out for a while. Ning’er and Wan’er will keep this old woman company. Jingzhu, take Madam Huo and the Qin family members for tea. There’s still time before the auspicious hour, everyone should relax. As for Rong’er, go to the study with Magistrate Huo.”
At the Imperial Princess’s instructions, everyone naturally agreed. Though Yue Qing was unhappy, Yue Jia smoothly invited Qin Li to the martial arts field for a demonstration. Qin Li, though not particularly skilled in martial arts, didn’t want to dampen the mood. Meanwhile, though Madam Lin had visited the Marquis’s mansion before and met Madam Jiang, she had never had a close conversation with her. Now, seeing the Imperial Princess and talking with Madam Jiang like intimate friends, she found herself somewhat overwhelmed.
Madam Yuan, who had come with Huo Huaixin, felt even more distressed. Being from the inner household, she had heard about the matter between Qin Wan and her son early on. She had firmly rejected the idea, viewing Qin Wan as presumptuous and overconfident. Though Qin Wan came from the Qin family, she was an orphan, which already put her at a disadvantage. Moreover, the former Ninth Miss had been known for her weak personality and inability to handle important matters, making Madam Yuan dislike her even more.
But when Qin Wan entered just now, Madam Yuan had stared in amazement. If she hadn’t known the purpose of today’s gathering, she would have thought Qin Wan was some princess or noble lady from the capital. Not just in the Qin family of Jinzhou, but in all of Jinzhou, which family had a daughter who could match Qin Wan’s grace and bearing?
Madam Yuan felt a mix of emotions, especially upon hearing that her son had changed his mind. She felt instant regret, and now that the Marquis’s household was adopting Qin Wan as their daughter, there was nothing to fault with her. She would be suitable not just as a daughter-in-law for the Huo family, but even as a bride for any prince…
Madam Yuan sat across from Madam Jiang. Though she was more familiar with Madam Jiang than Madam Lin was, she appeared somewhat listless. As the three women chatted and laughed, her face showed bright smiles, but her heart felt as bitter as Chinese goldthread.
Meanwhile, the Imperial Princess looked at Qin Wan and asked softly, “Madam Lin seems quite affectionate toward you, but who knows if it’s genuine?”
The Imperial Princess’s eyes showed a knowing craftiness as she spoke as if she had seen through Madam Lin. Seeing her expression, Qin Wan couldn’t help but smile, answering diplomatically, “Half true, half false—”
The Imperial Princess snorted lightly, “I knew it.”
Qin Wan smiled, “Imperial Princess, don’t mind her. She has her difficulties.”
The Imperial Princess lifted her chin, “What would I mind about her? If she truly treated you well, I wouldn’t slight her either. But since it’s half true and half false, the Marquis’s household will naturally be perfectly proper in terms of etiquette.”
Yue Ning laughed hearing this, looking at Qin Wan, “What are you worried about? Grandmother is most clear about these matters. Besides, given the Qin family’s current situation, Grandmother naturally won’t add frost to snow.”
Qin Wan pressed her lips together, “I was being narrow-minded.”
The Imperial Princess shook her head and sighed, “You’re too kind-hearted. But with people like this, there’s no need to hold grudges. Watching their good days turn bad, heaven has already punished them.”
Just then, seeing servants enter with tea, the Imperial Princess quickly sat up straight with a serious expression. Qin Wan and Yue Ning exchanged glances, wanting to laugh. Yue Ning sighed, “Since Grandmother recovered this time, she’s becoming more and more of an old child.”
The Imperial Princess snorted lightly, “I’ve simply come to understand things better. In the past, though I followed my nature, there were still many rules to observe. Now, I don’t care about such things anymore.”
As the three chatted, Yang Xi soon came to report that the auspicious hour was approaching.
Hearing this, the Imperial Princess ordered everyone to return. The main hall had been set up with an altar, with five sacrificial animals offered to the Yue family ancestors, incense burning in the censers. Seeing this arrangement, Madam Lin realized how seriously the Marquis’s household took this adoption.
Huo Huaixin presided over the ceremony, first reading an auspicious text, then having Qin Wan kowtow and offering incense before the Yue family ancestors. Then she kowtowed and served tea to the Imperial Princess and the Yue Rong couple seated in the main positions. Qin Wan obediently called them “Adoptive Father” and “Adoptive Mother.” When she came before the Imperial Princess, Qin Wan wasn’t sure how to address her, but Madam Jiang smiled from the side, “Silly child, naturally you should call her Grandmother.”
Qin Wan’s face reddened slightly, and she softly called out “Grandmother.” This word made her heart ache, for her father’s mother had died early, and she had never had a grandmother before. Moreover, the Imperial Princess treated her most kindly, and she had spent the most time with her, making their relationship particularly special.
The Imperial Princess’s eyes were full of emotion as she ordered someone to bring forward a black ebony box. “This is a gift prepared for you by myself and your adoptive parents. Take it.”
Yang Xi personally presented the box, “Fourth Young Miss, please accept this.”
This address of “Fourth Young Miss” formally acknowledged Qin Wan’s new status. As Qin Wan took the box, she noticed it wasn’t heavy, suggesting it didn’t contain jewelry or jade items. Madam Lin and the Huo couple watched with curiosity – such adoption gifts should be valuable, but Qin Wan’s box wasn’t large. Could it be full of precious stones?
Yet judging by how Qin Wan held it, it didn’t seem heavy either.
While several people wondered, the worldly Huo Huaixin had already guessed that the box might contain something worth more than a box of jewels.
“Thank you, Grandmother, thank you, Adoptive Father and Mother.”
After Qin Wan paid her respects, Yue Jia stepped forward smiling, “Fourth Sister, this is my gift.”
Yue Jia had an honest and upright nature, much like Yue Rong, carrying himself like an elder brother. He had prepared an inkstone of extremely deep color for Qin Wan, clearly carefully selected from his collection. Qin Wan accepted it and quickly bowed, “Thank you, Big Brother.”
Then Yue Qing came forward. After two days, his expression had grown calmer. Looking at Qin Wan’s delicate, refined face, he scratched his nose somewhat embarrassedly, “Well… Fourth Sister, I don’t have anything as nice as theirs. These medical books are for you. Though it’s a modest gift, please don’t mind.”
A servant brought forward a package containing over ten medical books, all yellowed with age-clearly antique editions. Qin Wan suddenly felt slightly guilty.
She remembered how she had refused when Yue Qing previously offered to give her medical books. Now he was giving them anyway, though under different circumstances. Although she had no feelings for Yue Qing, making others unhappy wasn’t good. Qin Wan sighed internally but showed nothing on her face, only smiling, “Thank you, Second Brother. I will study these books well!”
Yue Qing exhaled, his eyes forcefully bright. Before he could speak, Yue Ning pulled Qin Wan over, “Fourth Sister, call me ‘Sister’ first – only then will I give you your gift—”
Yue Ning spoke boldly, one arm around Qin Wan’s shoulders like a man. Hearing this, both the Imperial Princess and Madam Jiang laughed. The Imperial Princess laughed and scolded, “Where did you learn such roguish behavior!”
Yue Ning pulled out an exquisitely crafted sleeve arrow, “Will you call me ‘Sister’ or not?”
Qin Wan couldn’t help laughing. Though being asked to call Yue Ning “Sister,” she pretended to give in helplessly, “Yes, yes, yes… dear Sister… please give your little sister the gift…”
Qin Wan softened her voice while speaking, though internally she was getting goosebumps. Seeing Yue Ning laugh heartily, she could only sigh with mixed amusement. Satisfied, Yue Ning said, “Here you go. I’ll teach you how to use it later. Carry it with you for self-defense!”
Seeing this, Madam Jiang could only shake her head helplessly, “Your elder and second brothers gave such refined gifts, yet you, their sister, gave such a weapon. You are…”
Huo Huaixin quickly said, “The Marquis’s household is full of heroes, and even the Princess is as capable as any man!”
Yue Ning was very pleased with these words, not minding Madam Jiang’s comment at all. The Imperial Princess didn’t think this was inappropriate. Seeing the ceremonies were almost complete, she hurried everyone to the feast. When they sat down, Qin Wan’s gaze wandered – everyone was present except Yan Chi. She couldn’t ask directly but felt this perfect, joyous feast was missing something.
At the feast, Qin Wan first toasted the Imperial Princess and others before everyone began eating. Huo Huaixin praised Qin Wan while casually mentioning, “The recently captured person confessed about another matter, involving a deputy general from the western garrison. His Highness left last night to make the arrest, who knows if he’ll return today.”
Hearing this, the Imperial Princess snorted lightly, “He’s probably afraid of returning and displeasing me.”
These seemingly random words made Huo Huaixin terrified. He hadn’t mentioned that it was Yan Chi who suggested this adoption. Yesterday he had been proud of facilitating this good deed, but later realized he had merely been Yan Chi’s pawn. He thought his flattery had been flawless, but Yan Chi had seen through his intentions and used him in just a few words.
Huo Huaixin’s face burned with embarrassment, trembling at the thought of Yan Chi. He wondered, did the Imperial Princess know?
The Imperial Princess didn’t give anyone time to wonder, quickly changing the subject. Qin Wan didn’t think much of it either, just accompanying everyone through the enjoyable feast. After the meal, she stayed with the Imperial Princess until late before preparing to leave. By then, Madam Lin could finally converse normally with Madam Jiang and left feeling somewhat proud by association.
On the way back, Madam Lin looked at the black ebony box beside Qin Wan and said, “I wonder what the Imperial Princess gave you? Why not open it and look? It must be something very thoughtful…”
Qin Wan understood Madam Lin’s intention. Though she felt Madam Lin was being improper, she was also quite curious, and the Imperial Princess’s gift wouldn’t be something that needed hiding. So she opened the box.
When the box opened, the first thing visible was a stack of papers. Qin Wan blinked, initially thinking they might be bank notes, but upon closer inspection, she discovered it was a property deed. Qin Wan was shocked – the property was in the capital, and beneath that deed were many more papers. She opened another, finding it was also a property deed.
Qin Wan snapped the box shut with a “bang” – this was far more valuable than a box of bank notes.
Madam Lin had seen the property deed and wanted to see what was underneath, but Qin Wan had closed the box. “Why not look more…”
Qin Wan smiled, “The light is too dim here. I’ll look carefully when we return.”
Even knowing this was an excuse, Madam Lin couldn’t press further. She clutched her sleeves tightly, that sour feeling rising again in her heart. The Marquis’s household had given Qin Wan properties in the capital! How could that compare to a box of jewels?
Thinking of her daughter Qin Xiang, Madam Lin’s heart ached repeatedly. She remained silent the rest of the way, and upon reaching the mansion gate, hurriedly left the carriage and entered without looking back. Qin Wan pretended not to notice. Qin Li accompanied Qin Wan to her courtyard gate. Before leaving, he sighed, “Seeing how much the Marquis’s household cherishes Ninth Sister, Second Brother can rest easy.”
Night had slowly fallen, and a dim lamp was lit under the main house’s corridor in Tinglan Court. Qin Li seemed very emotional but didn’t know what to say. After standing for a moment longer, he finally took his leave.
Qin Wan watched Qin Li leave before entering the courtyard. Wan Xing waited at the door, escorting Qin Wan to the main house’s entrance. Fuling went to light the corner lamps, her face still showing joy, “Miss, where should we put these things?”
“Put them in the inner chamber. We’ll be taking all of these with us.”
Fuling acknowledged and went to the inner chamber, but Qin Wan unconsciously walked toward the warm room. However, just as she reached its door, she stopped abruptly — in the supposedly empty warm room, someone was standing silently.
Qin Wan wasn’t frightened. She collected herself in just a moment, then looked questioningly at the tightly closed doors and windows around her, “Your Highness, how did you get in?”