“I wonder if Third Uncle still remembers that I have a garden estate on Changchun Mountain?” Qin Yining took a seat in the nearby armchair, and immediately a maid served clear tea.
“How could I forget? Your garden estate is said to contain all sorts of rare immortal birds and celestial herbs, magnificently luxurious like a fairy palace, even more grand than the neighboring Empress’s Changchun Garden. Most precious of all is the hot spring within…” Third Master suddenly stopped speaking, leaning forward with confusion, “Yining, why do you bring up the garden?”
Qin Yining smiled gracefully, “I plan to sell all the exotic flowers and plants and rare immortal birds in the courtyard, along with all the valuable furnishings and objects inside, converting everything to silver to settle the current refugees in the city there.”
Third Master couldn’t help but be stunned speechless upon hearing this, “Yining, that garden isn’t… I mean, to tear down and sell such a garden for money would truly be such a waste. You really don’t need to go to such lengths!”
Qin Yu, however, frowned thoughtfully, “Fourth Sister, are you planning to create public opinion?”
“Exactly so.” Qin Yining smiled.
Third Master wasn’t unable to understand Qin Yining’s approach. The Emperor had imprisoned Qin Huaiyuan and stripped him of his official position – this news would probably soon become common knowledge. Qin Huaiyuan had always enjoyed high popular support among the people, so the Emperor’s actions would naturally provoke some public resentment. Yet the Qin family, who were clearly the victims, were willing to sell all the valuable items from a precious garden estate to feed the refugees that the court couldn’t support. Once this act became known, the public outcry would likely grow even stronger. As long as the Emperor had even a bit of concern for his reputation, he probably wouldn’t be able to deal harshly with Qin Huaiyuan.
Qin Han also understood, but still couldn’t help worrying, “Your method is good, but our Emperor is a shameless person. He was previously able to disregard his reputation and destroy even the Duke Dingguo’s household, such loyal and devoted ministers. Would he go easy on Great Uncle now?”
Qin Yining thought carefully before cautiously saying, “The situations appear similar but aren’t entirely the same. The reason the Emperor ordered the confiscation and execution of Grandfather’s family’s male members back then was because Emperor Zhou had issued a national decree, and word had spread throughout the streets and alleys that Emperor Zhou was very displeased about not receiving the brain matter and wanted the Emperor’s life. The Emperor feared that Emperor Zhou would immediately send assassins to kill him, which is why he immediately ordered the confiscation and execution of Duke Dingguo’s household’s male members to appease Zhou’s anger. As for the external claims that the Emperor wanted to appease Emperor Zhou’s fury in hopes that the other side would cease hostilities, I don’t quite agree with that interpretation. The Emperor was primarily afraid of being killed himself; the country came second.”
Qin Han nodded, “What you say makes sense.”
“This time is different. Although war has already begun, judging by the Emperor’s usual character, as long as there’s no blade at his throat, he can still live his life in luxury and comfort. His sense of crisis won’t be that intense. So this time when public opinion emerges, it will put pressure on the Emperor and displease him, possibly even making him feel humiliated, but he won’t kill my father just yet.”
As Qin Yining analyzed the situation, Third Master, Qin Han, and Qin Yu all turned to watch her with focused attention.
“Don’t think that just because the Emperor heavily relies on Imperial Uncle Cao, the Emperor doesn’t harbor some wariness toward Imperial Uncle Cao in his heart. This can be seen from how the Emperor previously relied heavily on my father. Now he wants to use Imperial Uncle Cao’s relationship with the Tatars to seek assistance from the Tatars and reduce the Zhou Dynasty’s offensive against us, which is why he had no choice but to restore Imperial Uncle Cao to power again. But in his heart, he will still be somewhat wary of Imperial Uncle Cao. In this court, besides my father, I imagine there’s no second person capable of restraining Imperial Uncle Cao. That’s why the Emperor hasn’t immediately killed my father, but instead imprisoned him in the Ministry of Justice’s prison for reflection, without ordering torture or interrogation.”
Third Master nodded repeatedly, never imagining that Qin Yining could analyze court affairs so thoroughly, even understanding the relationship between the Tatars and Imperial Uncle Cao. After all, he wasn’t an official at court. His mental capacity and abilities were already stretched to their limits just managing the Qin family’s shops and properties, leaving no energy to concern himself with court affairs. Hearing Qin Yining’s analysis now was truly like having enlightenment poured into his mind.
“So you’re saying that if we create some favorable public opinion, it would truly help Big Brother.” Third Master nodded.
Qin Yining said, “That’s my analysis, but I can’t be certain whether my thinking is correct. However, I believe that with the pressure of public opinion, since the Emperor isn’t one to give up completely, if he wants to continue being his ‘enlightened ruler,’ he must let go. Moreover, he still needs to use Father to balance the Cao family.”
“I think Fourth Sister’s plan is feasible.” Qin Han nodded straightforwardly.
Qin Yu was more deep in thought, unlike Qin Han who would directly give people advice. However, after careful consideration, he also felt that Qin Yining’s reasoning made sense, so he nodded in agreement as well.
Third Master stood up, paced several steps in place, then clapped his hands saying, “Good, this method is workable.” Thinking carefully, this method could not only save Qin Huaiyuan now but might also save other Qin family members in the future. Moreover, the brothers had grown accustomed to relying on Qin Huaiyuan over the years. Without Qin Huaiyuan as a decision-maker, the Qin family was truly struggling to move forward, so rescuing him was indeed the priority.
Therefore, Third Master asked, “Yining, how do you plan to settle these refugees?”
Qin Yining frowned as she thought, then said, “Have someone tell these people that there’s work available at my Ning Garden that can earn them a meal. Those who want to go may do so. I think for people living from day to day, having work, food to eat, and a roof over their heads should be enough to satisfy them.”
Third Master was startled, “You don’t plan to support these people for free.”
Qin Yining looked surprised, “I’m doing good deeds, not being their parent. How could there be any reason to support them for free?”
Upon hearing this, Third Master actually burst into hearty laughter, “Good, good! Fourth girl isn’t the type to fish for fame and reputation, just like your Third Uncle, haha!”
Qin Yining laughed, “Since Third Uncle and both brothers think it’s feasible, then I’ll arrange for people to begin preparations.”
Third Master said, “Whatever you need to do, however much silver you need, list out a plan for me.”
Qin Yining smiled and shook her head, “Third Uncle, for safety’s sake, I don’t plan to use the family’s silver for this matter. And I have a small concern to share with Third Uncle – from now on, you should secretly begin paying attention to how much property the family has and prepare a backup plan for the family, just in case.”
“You mean…”
“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” Qin Yining smiled slightly, “Don’t worry, Third Uncle, I don’t mean anything else by it. As for settling the refugees, if it succeeds, it will be credited to all of us in the Qin family. If the Emperor becomes angry, then it was done by me alone. For this matter, I will discuss it with the head manager of Zhaoyun Company. Whether it’s manpower or resources, I don’t plan to use the Qin family’s, nor do I plan to touch a single coin of the Qin family’s money.”
“Yining…” Upon hearing this, Third Master was so moved that his eyes became teary.
When Qin Yu looked at Qin Yining, the expression in his eyes also became profound. He was the one who most prioritized self-preservation, and now seeing that Qin Yining, a young woman, had such responsibility, his face began to burn with shame.