Madam Song’s words caused Madam Hu’s eyes to flicker, and Qin Chaoyu’s expression also changed subtly. While Madam Song had confidently guaranteed marriage arrangements for Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang, why did she say Qin Wan’s matter wasn’t her concern? The distinction carried deep meaning.
Madam Hu said, “Whether it’s my concern or not can be discussed later. For now, the Old Madam has agreed to my request.”
Madam Song smiled, “That’s not difficult at all.”
After exchanging a few more words, Madam Song and Madam Qi bid farewell. Madam Hu kept Qin Chaoyu and the others behind while personally escorting Madam Song out. As they walked, Madam Song asked, “What are your thoughts on this?”
Madam Hu replied in a low voice, “You certainly know my intentions. Among the older generation, you understand the various households in the capital best. Your sisters all have keen eyes for people. Whatever you think is good must surely be good.”
Madam Song smiled warmly, “None of the marriages I’ve arranged have turned out poorly. I won’t meddle in the affairs between your Young Lord and Ninth Miss, but I’ll certainly put some thought into Fifth Miss and Sixth Miss’s matters. However…”
Seeing Madam Song’s hesitation, Madam Hu sighed softly, “I know what Old Madam wants to say. Though Fifth Miss and Sixth Miss are ladies of the Qin family, their father’s previous transgression, though suppressed, is well-known throughout the capital. Those who don’t know can easily find out with a brief inquiry. Thus, their marriages will indeed be difficult.”
Hearing this, Madam Song also sighed, “Two fine young ladies, held back like this. Fortunately, they still maintain some dignity through their connection to the Marquis Manor. In my opinion, their best marriage prospects would be, firstly, to find men of good character. Other considerations would be middle or lower-ranking families with sufficient wealth and simple family structures.”
Madam Hu nodded eagerly. Though she hadn’t spent much time with Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang, she was genuinely considering their welfare in this matter. “That’s exactly right. As long as they hold an official position, we needn’t seek great noble families. In a large family, they would inevitably face gossip about those unsavory past events. The men should be honest, reliable, and steady. A lower position now doesn’t matter – with the Marquis Manor’s future support, things will improve. As for money, that’s secondary. As long as the person is good and the in-laws are agreeable, the Marquis Manor can provide additional financial support if needed.”
As they discussed these matters, the three walked very slowly. Hearing Madam Hu’s words, Madam Qi sighed, “Sister, you’re truly thoughtful. It’s wonderful that you can consider the girls’ situations so carefully.”
Madam Hu sighed, “What choice do we have? If not for Third Brother’s incident, they could have married into high society. But after that event, which noble family would accept them? Even if some would, such people probably wouldn’t be good matches. Besides, they would face a lifetime of finger-pointing because of their father’s actions.”
Madam Song nodded, “That’s precisely right. It’s good that you understand this. With your management, the girls’ marriages will be well-arranged.”
Madam Hu humbly accepted these words and quietly shared Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang’s birth dates and times with Madam Song. After asking about various taboos and preferences, Madam Song finally departed with Madam Qi.
As Madam Hu watched them leave, she sighed softly. Qin An’s case in Jin Zhou had been major, causing significant ripples in the capital. Before the new year, the Marquis Manor had been terrified for quite some time before things settled down. While Madam Hu despised Qin An for his beastly nature beneath his human facade, she still felt pity for Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang. This was why she had asked Madam Song to help with their marriages. Madam Song, coming from a noble family herself, understood the capital’s powerful families best. Her involvement would also add some prestige to Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang’s situations. From the beginning, Madam Hu hadn’t set her sights on high-ranking families. Qin An had only held a minor position before committing his heinous crimes – how highly could people regard Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang? Though they now had the Marquis Manor’s reputation to rely on, others would only respect this temporarily. After marriage, Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang would have to live their own lives, and the Marquis Manor couldn’t intervene much.
Therefore, the character was what Madam Hu valued most now. Finding someone of good character from a clean, simple family background – as long as they weren’t foolish – with the Marquis Manor’s support, their positions would surely improve in the future.
Having made up her mind and trusting in Madam Song, Madam Hu felt much lighter when she returned to the front hall.
Inside the room, Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang were waiting for Madam Hu. Seeing her enter, they immediately stood up. Madam Hu knew they had figured things out, and since there were no outsiders present, she reassured them, “Don’t worry. Old Madam Song is a highly respected elder in the capital with an excellent reputation. With her involvement, you will surely be satisfied.”
Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang blushed. Qin Xiang curtsied, “Thank you, First Aunt, for your trouble.”
Madam Hu smiled, “This is only natural. Though First Aunt hasn’t known you long, I truly appreciate your good behavior. Thinking about sending you off in marriage, First Aunt will miss you.”
Qin Xiang and the others showed shy expressions again. Meanwhile, Qin Chaoyu walked over to Qin Wan’s side, “Ninth Sister, have you thought about your own marriage?”
Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly, “With three sisters ahead of me, it’s not yet time for me to think about such things.”
Qin Chaoyu lifted her chin slightly, “Ninth Sister’s beauty and character are such that even Old Madam Song says your marriage isn’t for ordinary people to decide. Your future husband must surely be either wealthy or noble.”
Qin Wan’s expression remained mild, “Then I’ll take Sister’s lucky words.”
Qin Chaoyu felt frustrated as if every meaningful word she spoke hit cotton, and she felt increasingly uneasy since Qin Wan’s appearance.
After spending some more time in the front hall, Qin Wan and the others bid farewell to Madam Hu and returned to their respective courtyards, with Qin Shuang naturally accompanying Qin Wan.
“Was that Old Madam Song the matchmaker First Aunt enlisted?” Qin Shuang asked softly, linking arms with Qin Wan, who nodded, “I believe so.”
Qin Shuang blinked, falling unusually silent.
Qin Wan turned to look at Qin Shuang, “What’s wrong? Are you nervous or scared?”
Qin Shuang shook her head, “It’s not nervousness or fear, just uncertainty.” Then she smiled, “But I shouldn’t expect too much. I’m just a concubine’s daughter from the Third House, and now with Father’s case having such an impact, we naturally can’t hope for a good family. As long as the person is good, that’s enough. I dare not hope for more.”
Hearing this, Qin Wan patted her hand, “Sometimes having high expectations only leads to disappointment. But with an open mind, you might find pleasant surprises. Don’t think too much about it now, let’s wait for Old Madam Song’s news.”
Qin Shuang exhaled, “That’s all we can do.”
Meanwhile, when Qin Xiang returned to her courtyard, she showed an expectant expression. Wan He approached and asked, “Miss, is First Madam arranging your marriage?”
Qin Xiang nodded with a slight smile, “Yes, she’s having the Wu’an Marquis Old Madam help with the matchmaking.”
Wan He’s face lit up, “Wu’an Marquis? Though I don’t know the exact rank of the Wu’an Marquis, since it’s a marquis household, the matches must be good.”
Qin Xiang lifted her chin, “Of course. How could ordinary families be worthy of my consideration?”
Wan He looked at Qin Xiang’s confident expression and seemed to want to say something but held back after some thought.
When they returned to Song Feng Court, it was already late. After sitting for a while, Qin Wan suddenly remembered the box Qin Shu had given her.
Qin Wan had Fu Ling bring out the box and examine the property deeds and land contracts inside once more. After a moment, Qin Wan instructed Fu Ling, “Go to the study and see where Third Brother is. If you find him, tell him I wish to meet Father’s former stewards tomorrow.”
Fu Ling nodded and hurried out, while Qin Wan sat lost in thought, holding the deed to the property in An Le District.
Having been back in the capital for half a month and with the city’s case resolved, no one would likely object to her leaving the manor alone now. It was time for her to visit the Shen family residence.
Fu Ling returned quickly after leaving, announcing as soon as she entered, “The Young Master said he’ll arrange it immediately. You can meet them tomorrow afternoon after returning from the palace.”
Qin Wan felt relieved hearing this, “That’s good.”
She slowly closed the box, her hands lightly tapping its lid. Her dark eyes gazed at the twilight outside the window. Since returning to the capital, she had temporarily settled in. No one at the Marquis Manor had noticed any inconsistencies, and with her role in treating Empress Dowager’s illness, she had now earned the right to make some decisions for herself.
Since that was the case, she couldn’t simply remain as the Ninth Miss of the Marquis Manor.
Having made up her mind, Qin Wan only told Fu Ling and Bai Ying about going out tomorrow afternoon, saying nothing more. Apart from thinking about the Meng family’s case before retiring for the night, her mind was entirely focused on the Shen family’s old residence.
Early the next morning, Qin Zhen sent Cheng Hu to Song Feng Court to inform her that the stewards from the estate and shops had received the message and could meet in the afternoon. Hearing this, Qin Wan focused solely on preparing for her palace visit.
After Si time(09:00 – 11:00), Qin Wan headed toward the manor gates with Fu Ling. Outside, Qin Yi was still waiting by the carriage.
Seeing Qin Yi like this made Qin Wan feel somewhat guilty, but he seemed to know what she was about to say and spoke first, “Fortunately, I still have the duty of escorting Ninth Sister to the palace. Otherwise, I’d be gathering dust in the manor.”
He stretched lazily, his lean figure appearing even more tall and straight.
Qin Wan smiled helplessly, “It’s good if Fourth Brother has nothing else to do, but if you have matters to attend to, please go ahead.”
Qin Yi smiled, “I understand, don’t worry.”
Qin Wan said no more and boarded the carriage, heading straight for the palace gates and proceeding to Shou Kang Palace as before.
This was Qin Wan’s third time entering the palace to treat the Empress Dowager. After examining her through the four diagnostic methods, Qin Wan relaxed slightly, “Empress Dowager has passed this hurdle. Starting today, we’ll use a new prescription. With this treatment, you will surely recover.”
Elderly Maid Chen was greatly relieved hearing this. She took the new prescription and sent someone to report to the Emperor. Meanwhile, Qin Wan stayed by the Empress Dowager’s side to keep her company.
The Empress Dowager’s spirits had improved significantly. She held Qin Wan’s hand and asked about everything in detail. Learning that Qin Wan had lost both parents, the Empress Dowager felt sympathy and quickly invited her to stay for lunch in the palace. Thinking of her afternoon visit to Chang Le District, Qin Wan could only apologetically decline, “I’m grateful for Your Majesty’s kindness, and I shouldn’t refuse. However, I need to return to the manor this afternoon to handle my father’s former properties, so I dare not stay long in the palace.”
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager seemed to understand Qin Wan’s difficulties as an orphan dependent on others and didn’t insist. Instead, she had someone bring a pair of jade bracelets for Qin Wan, “You saved my life – anything I give you would be insufficient. These bracelets were given to me by the late Emperor. They were my favorites when I was young. Now they would suit you perfectly with your complexion.”
Qin Wan immediately showed alarm, “They were given to you by the late Emperor, how could I dare accept them?”
The Empress Dowager smiled kindly, “Why not? My wrists are weak now, and everything feels too heavy. I haven’t worn these bracelets for many years. It’s most fitting to give them to you now.”
As she spoke, she directly placed the bracelets on Qin Wan’s wrists.
Qin Wan looked at them carefully, reminded of the poem “Green bamboo law body in emerald waves, dewdrops crystalline with rainbow light,” and realized these were premium-grade jade. She repeatedly expressed her gratitude. By now it was getting late, and after checking the new medicine brought by the palace maids, she took her leave from Shou Kang Palace. She had arrived punctually and departed efficiently, neither taking advantage of the Empress Dowager’s kindness nor showing any desire to curry favor.
After Elderly Maid Chen escorted Qin Wan back, the Empress Dowager remarked, “This girl is truly extraordinary—”
Elderly Maid Chen smiled in agreement, “Indeed she is. This servant has followed you for a lifetime and seen many daughters of noble birth, even princesses from other countries, but few could compare to Ninth Miss.”
The Empress Dowager leaned back against her cushion, her gaze becoming distant as if remembering someone from the past.
Leaving Shou Kang Palace, Qin Wan returned directly to the Marquis Manor without delay.
Today, the stewards from her father’s time would be coming to the manor. She needed to inquire about those properties and understand the situation before going to look at them. It wouldn’t be reasonable to go straight to the residence in the west without meeting the stewards first.
With these thoughts, the carriage returned directly to the Marquis Manor. At the manor gates, she noticed two carriages parked outside, but didn’t pay much attention – there were always many people coming to the manor daily for business or visits.
After thanking Qin Yi, Qin Wan was about to head to the front courtyard when Qin Yi asked, “Is Ninth Sister planning to go out later?”
Qin Wan paused slightly, “How does Fourth Brother know?”
Qin Yi raised his horsewhip, “Father instructed that I must accompany Ninth Sister wherever she goes, so I need to follow you when you leave later.”
Qin Wan’s lips pressed together, somewhat helplessly, “Later, I’ll be going to look at the properties Father left behind. They’re all in busy market areas. Fourth Brother is already tired from escorting me to the palace daily, there’s no need to accompany me further.”
Qin Yi’s bright eyes watched Qin Wan, “Perhaps my presence would be inconvenient?”
Qin Wan’s heart skipped a beat, and she immediately composed herself. Though Qin Yi had a warrior’s bearing, his eyes were remarkably sharp. She wasn’t one to show emotions openly, yet he had seen through her.
Qin Wan smiled wryly, “I was planning to buy some feminine items.”
Qin Yi’s smile broadened, and his eyes twinkled as he said, “Don’t worry, whatever you buy, I’ll just follow from outside.”
Seeing that Qin Yi seemed determined to carry out Qin Shu’s orders completely, Qin Wan gave up struggling, “Well… alright then, thank you for the trouble, Fourth Brother… I’ll let you know when I’m ready to leave.”
Qin Yi nodded, playing with his horsewhip as he turned and walked away dashingly.
Qin Wan watched his retreating figure for a moment, feeling somewhat puzzled as she headed to the front courtyard. Qin Yi had only returned on New Year’s Eve, and this was just their third meeting, yet he had volunteered for this escort duty. Why?
While Qin Wan didn’t sense any ill intent from Qin Yi, this inexplicable kindness made her wonder.
Walking and thinking, she reached the front courtyard. Just as she arrived at the courtyard gate, she saw Madam Hu and Qin Zhen waiting at the entrance. Seeing Qin Wan return, Madam Hu came forward to greet her, “Wan’er, you’re back. How did it go today?”
“The Empress Dowager’s critical condition has passed, there’s no major concern.”
Madam Hu’s smile deepened, “That’s wonderful, wonderful. The stewards have all arrived, you should meet them properly.”
As she spoke, she led Qin Wan into the main hall of the front courtyard. Before they got close, Qin Wan could see four people standing inside.
Qin Wan swept her gaze over them – the lead person was elderly with white hair, while the other three were middle-aged men in their thirties. Qin Wan followed beside Madam Hu, with Qin Zhen walking behind as the three entered the hall.
As soon as they entered, the elderly man at the front lifted his robe and knelt before Qin Wan.
“Miss… this old servant finally sees Miss again. Miss has grown up…” The elderly man’s eyes reddened as he looked Qin Wan up and down, then suddenly asked, “Miss, do you still remember this old servant?”
The elderly man was very emotional, and after he spoke, even Qin Zhen and Madam Hu looked at Qin Wan. Qin Wan looked at the old man’s unfamiliar face, her lips pressing together slightly.