Volume 1, Chapter 16: In the End, It Is Our Qin Family That Owes You!
After receiving their orders, everyone moved swiftly. Steward Li hurried toward Pine Crane Garden with Little Fuzi and Nurse Zhao. Little Fuzi struggled along the way, cursing frequently, but under the guards’ escort, it was nothing more than a desperate fight of a trapped beast.
Nurse Zhao kept her head lowered, trailing behind with unsteady steps, her heart a tangled mix of guilt toward Qingqian and worry for her son and grandsons.
Hongzhu and Lvzhu dared not delay even a moment; they sprinted toward the residence of the Marquis and his wife. They knew well that tonight their mistress was about to undertake a significant matter, and under no circumstances could they falter.
Zizhu and Lanzhu gathered the guards and rode without pause toward the manor.
By this time, it was past midnight. The various courtyards of the Marquis’s estate were asleep, yet such a commotion had roused some of the servants. Clusters of three or five gathered, watching as Qingqian led a group of guards escorting two individuals toward the Northern Duke’s mansion.
“What’s going on? What happened?”
“No idea! One of those being escorted is Nurse Zhao from the Young Madam’s side, and the other is Little Fuzi from the heir’s attendants, right?”
“Yes, that’s them! What did they do? Judging by the direction, it seems they’re headed to Pine Crane Garden?”
“Don’t you know? Early yesterday, the heir apparently intended to dismiss the Young Madam. He summoned the Qin family patriarch and several uncles, but it seems the dismissal didn’t go through. I tried to find out, but the maids and nurses in the old madam’s quarters are tight-lipped—no one says a word! Judging by this situation, it must be related to yesterday’s incident…”
“Sigh! The Young Madam is so lovely! Why doesn’t the heir like her? In terms of looks, the Young Madam is far more beautiful than that concubine Lu. In terms of status, one comes from a noble family, the other is merely a courtesan. As for talent, Lu can only play a few tunes, but the Young Madam excels in all arts—music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. She’s a true refined lady.”
A maid dressed in green sighed softly, her voice full of regret and injustice for Qingqian.
“Lower your voice! Don’t you fear Lu’s people will hear and kill you? By the way, weren’t you indifferent to the Young Madam before? You always dragged your feet on her orders; I thought you didn’t like her!”
“I was naive back then. Now, I sincerely hope the Young Madam takes charge of the Marquis’s estate!”
“Me too. I miss those days so much…”
Qingqian paid no heed to the gossip and strode straight toward Pine Crane Garden.
...
At Pine Crane Garden, Nurse Sun, who was on night watch, quickly came forward upon seeing so many arrivals.
“Young Madam, it’s so late—why have you come?”
“I have urgent matters to discuss with Grandmother. Nurse Sun, please help convey the message.”
Seeing the situation, Nurse Sun immediately understood something serious had occurred and turned to enter the old madam’s bedchamber.
Qingqian waited outside for about a tea’s time before Nurse Sun called her in.
The old Madam Qin sat in her seat, gazing at the kneeling Nurse Zhao and Little Fuzi. She already had an inkling of what had transpired. Frowning, she dismissed all the servants, leaving only Qingqian, Steward Li, and Nurse Sun in the room.
“Qingqian, what exactly happened? Tell me.”
Pinching the bridge of her nose in helplessness, Madam Qin asked.
Qingqian stepped forward and bowed respectfully. “Grandmother, I believe that seeing the scene before you, you can guess what occurred. The heir forged letters and colluded with Nurse Zhao to slander me. To fabricate my guilt and silence me, he even sent Little Fuzi to Clear Breeze Pavilion to kill and cover up!
Fortunately, I was prepared, or else I would have become a woman condemned by all!
I beseech Grandmother to intervene, summon the heir, and have him confront me face to face!”
Madam Qin closed her eyes, exhaustion etching her face. She spoke sternly to Nurse Sun, “Go summon that scoundrel! Also, bring the Marquis and his wife here!”
“Grandmother, I’ve already sent someone to invite Father and Mother. I’ll fetch the heir now.”
“Go.” Madam Qin raised her hand weakly to dismiss.
Nurse Sun obeyed and left. The room fell into a profound silence, the flickering candlelight reflecting the varied expressions of those present.
Sorrow weighed heavily on Madam Qin’s face. She lamented her family’s misfortune. She had wished for harmony and prosperity, yet her eldest grandson had stirred such disgrace, bringing shame upon the Marquis’s household.
“Qingqian, I only ask you one thing: what do you intend to do?” Madam Qin looked at Qingqian with eyes full of regret.
“Grandmother, a forced match never bears sweet fruit. The heir’s willingness to go this far for Concubine Lu proves his true feelings for her. I do not wish to stand in their way. I want to reclaim the dowry I contributed to the Marquis’s estate over these years, then seek a divorce from the heir. I hope Grandmother will grant me this.”
Hearing this, Madam Qin’s heart ached. She gently patted Qingqian’s hand. “My child, is there any chance to salvage this?”
Qingqian shook her head. “Madam, you are wise and know why I came to Pine Crane Garden in the middle of the night.”
“Though the heir is at fault in many ways, you still remember his kindness to you in youth, and the kindness I have shown you. You do not wish to escalate matters and ruin his reputation and future.
But…”
Qingqian stopped before continuing. Madam Qin understood the implication well.
Out of old affection, Qingqian wished to settle the divorce quickly before the elders of the Qin family intervened.
Yet if the Marquis’s household refused, the scandal would become public. Qingqian did not want that either. She merely hoped for a dignified resolution.
After a moment’s silence, Madam Qin spoke softly, “My child, I understand your feelings. If there is no way to turn back, I will stand for you. I only hope that after your divorce from the heir, you will hold no grudge against the Qin family and continue treating my precious Jue’er.”
“Grandmother, rest assured! I will cure Second Uncle before leaving. Until then, I will remain at the Northern Duke’s mansion until he recovers fully.”
“To facilitate matters, you may tell others that you are convalescing here under my care. This way, your treatment for Second Uncle continues without interruption, and no one will gossip about your staying at the Qin family after the divorce.”
Qingqian had long planned her retreat. If she left the Northern Duke’s mansion alone, she might not withstand the retaliation from Qin Lang and Lu Hongzhao.
She must stay for now until the Northern Duke awakens and agrees to cooperate.
As the treasury of the Northern Army, the Duke would surely protect her if he were wise.
Hearing this, Madam Qin finally relaxed.
“My dear child, our Qin family owes you much. Rest assured, even if we sell the last shops and land deeds of the Marquis’s estate, I will ensure your dowry is fully restored!”
“Thank you, Grandmother!” Qingqian bowed deeply.
Before long, the sound of hurried footsteps approached, and the first to enter the room was the Marquis of Eternal Peace...