novelraw Chapter 126 : How Did Your Highness Enter
Chapter 126 : How Did Your Highness Enter
126: How Did Your Highness Enter?
"What? The Anyang Marquis’s residence is adopting Ninth Sister as an adopted daughter?"
Qin Li stood up from his seat, his face filled with astonishment. On the main seat, Huo Huaixin nodded with a hearty smile. "Exactly. You know, Ninth Miss has always taken care of the Grand Princess and has gained the affection of the Grand Princess, the Marquis, and Madam. This was the Grand Princess’s decision. Both the Marquis and Madam fully agree."
Qin Li recovered from the initial shock, a flicker of understanding dawning in his heart. It was true, Qin Wan often visited the Marquis’s residence, and the Young Princess frequently came to play with Qin Wan. Qin Li composed himself. "This... is naturally a good thing for Ninth Sister. But I wonder what the Marquis’s residence plans to do?"
Huo Huaixin smiled, pleased by Qin Li’s cooperation. "The Grand Princess said a grand banquet should have been held, but since Ninth Miss is leaving soon, there simply isn’t enough time. They plan to hold a small gathering at the Marquis’s residence tomorrow. Please, Mistress Lin and Second Young Master, come for a meal. That will finalize the matter."
Qin Li quickly nodded. "The Grand Princess has considered everything thoroughly. If that’s the case, I’ll go tell Mother right away."
Huo Huaixin smiled broadly. "Good. Then please deliver these gifts to Mistress Lin for her to see. I’ll wait here for your response. Once you’ve decided, I’ll go to the Marquis’s residence to report."
Qin Li had wanted to say there was no need to wait, certain Madam Lin wouldn’t refuse. But to avoid appearing too eager, he nodded. "Good. Then I’ll trouble Prefect Huo to wait a moment."
Huo Huaixin laughed. "Go, go. It doesn’t matter."
Qin Li instructed He Xing to wait nearby, then took the gifts Huo Huaixin had brought and headed to Madam Lin’s courtyard.
As he walked, Qin Li felt a quiet surprise. Just as the Qin residence was about to leave Jinzhou, the Marquis’s residence decided to adopt Qin Wan as an adopted daughter. Their intentions were unmistakably clear, they wanted to give Qin Wan a backing.
Qin Li didn’t dare be careless. Soon, he reached the entrance of Madam Lin’s courtyard. A maid went in to announce him. After a while, she returned. "Second Young Master, I’m sorry, but the Mistress is bedridden and not seeing anyone."
Qin Li’s brow furrowed. He forced a cool smile. "It’s not that I want to see the Mistress, it’s the Prefect who has come with important business. Will she refuse to see him?"
The maid noticed the servants behind Qin Li, each carrying gifts. Her eyes flickered. "Please wait, Second Young Master."
She hurried back inside. Qin Li stood at the gate, a series of cold laughs escaping his lips.
He knew his status as a concubine-born son made him unwelcome, but with him supporting the entire Qin residence now, Madam Lin still acted so thoughtlessly. Didn’t she realize he rarely visited her unless it was important?
Frustrated by the thought, Qin Li soon heard the maid’s voice again. "Second Young Master, the Mistress will see you."
Qin Li gave another cold laugh before entering the courtyard.
Inside the house, Madam Lin hadn’t yet emerged from the inner chamber. Qin Li waited in the outer hall. After a moment, Qin Xiang appeared, supporting Madam Lin as she walked out. Qin Li bowed slightly to Madam Lin. "Mother."
Qin Xiang helped Madam Lin settle into her seat. Madam Lin gave a light cough. "Has the Prefect come to the residence?"
As she spoke, Madam Lin glanced at the servants standing by the door, each holding gifts. Her suspicion deepened. Qin Li replied. "Yes, Prefect Huo came on the Marquis’s residence’s behalf."
"The Marquis’s residence? The Anyang Marquis’s residence?" Madam Lin’s eyes brightened slightly.
Qin Li nodded slowly. "Yes, the Anyang Marquis’s residence."
Madam Lin grew anxious. "What does the Anyang Marquis’s residence want? Why would they send the Prefect?"
Qin Li smiled. "They wish to adopt Ninth Sister as an adopted daughter. The Prefect is acting as the witness."
Madam Lin froze. Qin Xiang, standing beside her, also frowned sharply. After a moment, Madam Lin spoke again. "Adopt... adopt Wa’er as an adopted daughter?"
Seeing the expressions on Madam Lin and Qin Xiang’s faces sent a wave of satisfaction through Qin Li. Qin Wan had once been someone they trampled upon, someone they couldn’t stand to look at. Now, her prospects far surpassed Qin Xiang’s. How could they not be bitter?
"Exactly. And since Ninth Sister is leaving soon, the Marquis’s residence has set the ceremony for tomorrow. There won’t really be a ceremony, Prefect Huo says the Marquis’s residence wishes for it to be simple. Just have Mother and me attend the banquet."
Madam Lin’s hands gripped the armrests tightly. "Why on earth would the Marquis’s residence adopt Wa’er as an adopted daughter?" Her eyes flickered. "We’ll probably need to ask the Main Branch’s opinion…"
Qin Li’s brow creased sharply. "How can Mother be so foolish!"
In the past, Qin Li would never have dared speak this way to Madam Lin. But now, as the head of the household, he was dissatisfied with her attitude toward him. His expression turned cold.
Madam Lin’s face changed under Qin Li’s words. Before she could reply, Qin Li continued. "For years, has the Main Branch ever cared for Ninth Sister? They are not her birth parents. Their relationship with Ninth Sister is the same as ours. Besides, Ninth Sister is in Jinzhou now. The Marquis’s residence naturally recognizes us as her elders. Although Third Brother has come, the Marquis’s residence clearly knew better than to invite them. Why else? Because in the Marquis’s residence’s eyes, Third Brother is still a younger generation unworthy of their formal invitation."
After a pause, Qin Li’s tone grew serious. "Ninth Sister gaining the Marquis’s residence’s favor is Ninth Sister’s fortune and our Qin residence’s fortune. With this connection to Ninth Sister, the Marquis’s residence will undoubtedly look after us more. We’ll also have ties to the Marquis’s residence. Prefect Huo is waiting in the main hall. If Mother pushes back or tries something now, it would be ungrateful."
Madam Lin had never been spoken to like this by Qin Li. That final "ungrateful" was clearly Qin Li’s accusation toward her. Anger surged in Madam Lin’s heart, but Qin Li’s words seemed to hold no fault. Looking at Qin Li’s straight posture and solemn expression, Madam Lin suddenly realized, the Qin residence now had a new master. Even with Madam Jiang gone, she could not overstep.
Thinking this, Madam Lin closed her eyes slightly. Coldly, she said, "Second Young Master clearly has his own thoughts now. Then follow Second Young Master’s words. We’ll attend the banquet tomorrow."
With that, Madam Lin opened her eyes and stood up. Supported by Qin Xiang, she walked into the inner chamber.
Qin Li also rose. "Mother saying this is right. These gifts are for Mother." Seeing Madam Lin head straight into the inner chamber without looking back, Qin Li gave a bitter laugh. He pointed to a nearby table. "Put them down for the Mistress."
After speaking, he turned and left.
Just entering the inner chamber, Qin Xiang’s face turned dark. "Mother, why would the Marquis’s residence adopt her as an adopted daughter? If Ninth Sister becomes the Marquis’s adopted daughter, doesn’t that put her on the same level as the Young Princess? Truly…"
Qin Xiang’s voice was heavy with resentment, her jealousy obvious. Madam Lin also frowned. Among the three Qin sisters, Qin Xiang had always been the most esteemed. Now, if Qin Wan became the Marquis’s adopted daughter, she would far surpass Qin Xiang. And Qin Wan’s appearance was already superior to Qin Xiang’s, if her status also...
Madam Lin sat down by the bed, worry written on her face. "Xiang’er, with things as they are, there’s nothing we can do."
Qin Xiang sat beside Madam Lin, her narrowed eyes flashing a cold laugh. "What clever tricks she uses, charming everyone around her. So what if she gets the Marquis as an adopted father? Once she reaches the capital, their influence won’t stretch so far."
Madam Lin tightly grasped Qin Xiang’s hand. Something seemed to make her eyes glisten. "Xiang’er, do you know why we’re going to the capital this time?"
Qin Xiang’s eyes shifted. "Daughter... does not know..."
Madam Lin sighed. "I didn’t want to speak of this yet, but if I don’t, you wouldn’t know. Xiang’er, this time going to the capital, they’ll likely arrange marriages for you and your two sisters."
Qin Xiang, though pretending ignorance, didn’t look surprised upon hearing this. Madam Lin gripped her hand tightly. "Xiang’er, listen to Mother. From the moment we depart the residence, don’t oppose Ninth Sister. Treat her well. On the journey, speak more with Third Brother. Third Brother is the future Marquis of Loyal and Valiant Marquis’s residence, he already manages affairs. Since he and Ninth Sister know each other, you must also make her like you. Once in the capital, flatter your Uncle and Aunt well. The marriage arrangements will likely be decided by your Aunt after she looks them over, then confirmed by your Uncle. Above all, don’t show too much of your character in the capital. Be skillful with all sides."
Bitter resentment filled Qin Xiang’s heart. Since childhood, she’d been the favored eldest daughter of the Qin residence. Her lineage and appearance would have ensured young men from prestigious southern families came seeking her hand. She didn’t need to go to the capital. There were many powerful families in the south too. But now, with the Qin residence’s sharp decline, this was their only path.
All her life, she’d only needed to charm Qin Shuang to get her to jump through hoops. Now, her mother wanted her to make peace with someone who had once been beneath her contempt, someone she’d bullied endlessly. Qin Xiang’s chest burned with helpless rage. Looking at Madam Lin’s red-rimmed eyes and deeply lined face, she couldn’t even muster the energy to lash out. Her mother was too powerless. Qin Xiang had no strong maternal family, no powerful father. Worse, her father was now a stain on her name. With this in mind, Qin Xiang focused all her resentment and hatred onto Qin Wan.
"Xiang’er, did you hear me...?"
Madam Lin squeezed Qin Xiang’s hand hard, making her wince.
Qin Xiang snapped back to attention. "Heard it, heard it."
Madam Lin wrapped an arm around Qin Xiang, tears flowing softly. "Mother is helpless. All I can offer you besides my dowry is my prayers. Xiang’er, you must strive for Mother. You must strive for yourself."
Swallowing bitterness, Qin Xiang nodded. Thinking of Qin Wan becoming the Anyang Marquis’s adopted daughter tomorrow, her brows tightened deeply.
…
…
As dusk fell, the invitation from the Marquis’s residence arrived at Tinglan Pavilion. Fuling entered the main room with a beaming smile. "Miss, tomorrow’s time is set for the Wei shi. Let’s go early."
Qin Wan had already finished washing. She wore only a pale white under-robe. She shook her head. "We’ll go with Mistress Lin."
After a pause, Qin Wan asked. "What did the Mistress say?"
Fuling gave a soft humph. "What could she say? She’d never say ‘no.’"
Qin Wan didn’t reply further. Just then, a light sound came from the courtyard gate. Fuling went to the door but saw Wanxing had already opened it. Outside stood Qin Li and two servants.
Seeing Qin Li, Fuling hurried to the gate. "Second Young Master, why have you come?"
Qin Li glanced at the main room, a slight smile on his lips. "Tomorrow isn’t an ordinary occasion. Time is so tight I could only buy a ready-made set from the Brocade Embroidery Workshop. Thankfully, they kept Ninth Sister’s measurements, they were almost perfect. I also prepared a sapphire headpiece."
Two servants stepped forward with boxes. Fuling said quickly, "Second Young Master shouldn’t spend on such things. Won’t you come inside and speak with Miss?"
Qin Li waved his hand. "No need. Let Ninth Sister rest early."
Fuling hesitated. "But this…"
"Take them. Last time she refused money. Consider this my goodwill."
Fuling stood silent. Qin Li took the boxes himself and placed them into Fuling’s hands, then set the other box into Wanxing’s arms before turning to leave. Only after Qin Li had walked over ten steps did Fuling remember herself. "Thank you, Second Young Master!"
Qin Li didn’t turn back, only waving his hand as he left. Fuling closed the courtyard gate and walked back to the main room with Wanxing.
Qin Wan had overheard the commotion outside. Seeing Fuling carrying two boxes, she asked, "Second Brother came?"
Fuling nodded, placing the boxes down with Wanxing.
"He said he bought them from the Brocade Embroidery Workshop this afternoon. There’s also a sapphire headpiece." Fuling opened the box containing the headpiece. A dazzling array of sapphire jewelry glittered inside. The other box held a tea-white wide-sleeved pleated gown embroidered with silver-thread white orchid patterns. At the sight, Fuling’s eyes lit up.
"Second Young Master put real thought into this. This dress suits Miss perfectly. And this sapphire headpiece... it wasn’t likely bought on short notice..."
Qin Wan stepped forward to look. A soft sigh escaped her. This consultation fee was a bit too pricey.
Fuling, having brought the gifts inside without Qin Wan’s permission, seemed slightly apprehensive now. She asked tentatively, "Miss... will you wear this tomorrow...?"
"Wear this," Qin Wan said calmly.
Hearing this, delight shone in Fuling’s eyes. She gave a crisp reply.
The next afternoon, Qin Wan finished preparing and headed toward the front courtyard. Arriving there, she saw Qin Li, dressed in an uncommonly ornate white robe. His usual faintly gloomy expression had lifted slightly. Always fond of blue and other depressing hues before, the white robe swept away some of his darkness. His dark hair was pulled high and bound by a jade crown. With his health improving, his entire demeanor seemed brighter and more refined. Seeing Qin Li, Fuling even paused for a moment in surprise.
"Miss, truly, people need fine clothes just as horses need good saddles."
Fuling muttered softly. But Qin Li’s gaze only held pure admiration for Qin Wan. Dressed in the gown he’d chosen, the tea-white silk looked like frost and snow. The wide sleeves and fluttering pleats complemented Qin Wan’s refined grace. The silver orchid embroidery added gentle elegance. Combined with her elegant figure, the gown highlighted her poised charm perfectly. Qin Li sighed softly, someone of Qin Wan’s caliber truly needed backing.
"Second Brother." Qin Wan curtsied. "Thank you."
Qin Li understood she was thanking him for the gifts. "What thanks? We’re family. Only after you accept them can I feel at ease. Let’s wait a moment, Mother will be here soon."
Just as he spoke, Madam Lin slowly approached, supported by two servants. Dressed for the banquet at the Marquis’s residence, Madam Lin wore new clothes and light makeup. Paint covered the paleness of her illness, making her appear, from afar, still the noble lady of the Qin residence.
"Mother."
"Third Aunt Mother."
Qin Li and Qin Wan stepped forward to pay their respects. Madam Lin pulled a faint smile, reaching out affectionately to Qin Wan. Qin Wan hurried forward to help Madam Lin. Seeing Madam Lin’s demeanor, Qin Li gave a silent humph. He felt far more at ease. Today was about attending the Marquis’s residence banquet. If Madam Lin acted improperly, it would shame Qin Wan and shaming Qin Wan would shame him.
Madam Lin held Qin Wan’s hand, coughing lightly. "Good child, the Marquis’s residence favoring you is your blessing."
Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly. "The Marquis and Madam are kind-hearted."
"Being kind-hearted is one thing, but they don’t lightly adopt someone as a daughter. You’re blessed. Remember to honor your adopted parents later."
Madam Lin’s tone was gentle, just as she had been when serving Madam Jiang.
Qin Wan agreed respectfully. The three of them walked toward the gates for the carriages. Three carriages had been prepared, yet as they reached them, Madam Lin said, "Let Wa’er ride with me. There’s no need for so many carriages."
Qin Wan had no choice and joined Madam Lin in the lead carriage. Once the carriage moved, Madam Lin began speaking to Qin Wan in fits and starts. First, she asked about the Marquis’s residence daily life, then about the Grand Princess’s preferences. She subtly inquired whether the Marquis’s residence planned to leave Jinzhou for the capital. Qin Wan answered the irrelevant questions but evaded what she didn’t wish to. Finally, Madam Lin grasped Qin Wan’s hand. "Wa’er, though you’re a year younger than Xiang’er and Shuang’er, among the three of you, your temperament is the most steady. With you all about to leave, I must entrust them to your care."
Qin Wan blinked. "Third Aunt Mother over-praises me. In steadiness, I still can’t compare to Fifth Sister."
Madam Lin sighed. "Xiang’er seems less lively than Shuang’er, but truthfully, she’s also inexperienced. I worry greatly about this journey. You’ve lived in the capital before, but Xiang’er and Shuang’er haven’t. I fear they won’t adapt well to the unfamiliar capital. Then I’ll rely on you."
Qin Wan lowered her gaze briefly. "We’re sisters, we’ll naturally look after each other. Please set your mind at ease, Third Aunt Mother."
Hearing this, Madam Lin breathed a soft sigh. "Good, good. Hearing you say this puts my mind at ease."
Madam Lin sighed again, then turned to talk about Qin Chen. Her voice choked with emotion, as if she had completely forgotten Qin Chen had harmed Qin Wan. Qin Wan listened quietly. Seeing Qin Wan wasn’t engaging, Madam Lin eventually stopped. Her eyes shifting, Madam Lin said, "I remember when your parents passed, Second Household’s portion of the estate was kept by the clan. I wonder what your Uncle says about it now?"
Qin Wan’s heart stirred at these words. Back when Qin Wan’s ninth birthday came and went without her parents, she’d been too young to manage family affairs. Handing it to the clan made sense. But she’d never heard Fuling mention it. Now Madam Lin asked, how should she respond? Qin Wan’s eyes shifted. "So long ago... I’ve forgotten..."
Madam Lin’s gaze darkened. "I remember Second Household’s estate was no small matter. I wonder what’s become of it now."
Qin Wan didn’t care about such things. Returning to the capital, her first priority was finding a way to clear her father’s case. She knew how difficult it would be; why worry about family property?
Seeing Qin Wan wouldn’t engage, Madam Lin fell silent. Before long, the carriage stopped steadily before the Marquis’s residence.
The moment the carriage halted, Yue Ning’s voice rang out. "They’re here! Go tell Grandmother."
A faint smile touched Qin Wan’s lips. She lifted the carriage curtain and stepped down. Yue Ning hurried forward. "Why didn’t you come earlier?"
As soon as she spoke, Madam Lin emerged from the carriage. Qin Wan helped steady her. Once Madam Lin stood firmly, she gave a slight curtsy. "Young Princess…"
Yue Ning glanced at Qin Wan, then Madam Lin. She smiled, avoiding Madam Lin’s curtsy. "Mistress needn’t be so polite. Please come inside."
The words had barely finished when Qin Li approached from behind. He bowed respectfully to Yue Ning, his manners refined. Yue Ning raised an eyebrow, smiling. "No need for formalities today. Please come in. Grandmother and Father and Mother are waiting."
Madam Lin clung affectionately to Qin Wan. Qin Wan knew Madam Lin’s motives but followed along for now. The group entered the Marquis’s residence quickly. Neither Madam Lin nor Qin Li was unfamiliar with this place. To maintain the Qin residence’s dignity, both kept their eyes forward and behaved with perfect propriety. Soon, they were led to the flower hall prepared for guests today.
Though not a grand feast, Qin Wan noticed the hall had been freshly decorated. New potted plants graced the interiors and exteriors. Moved by these details, Qin Wan bowed upon entering the hall.
In the main hall, the Grand Princess sat in the place of honor. Yue Qiong and his wife sat to the left, Huo Huaixin and his wife to the right, all chatting pleasantly. The moment Qin Wan’s group entered, Yue Qiong, Madam Jiang, Huo Huaixin, and his wife all stood.
"We pay respects to Your Highness the Grand Princess. We pay respects to the Marquis."
Madam Lin curtsied deeply. Madam Jiang quickly helped her up. From her seat of honor, the Grand Princess said with a smile, "No need to be so formal today. We gather because of Wan’er. From now on, we may consider ourselves close. Wan’er, come here..."
Only then could Qin Wan step away from Madam Lin’s side. Meanwhile, Qin Li paid his respects. As a younger generation, Yue Qiong and others accepted his bow. Madam Jiang praised him several times. The Grand Princess held Qin Wan’s hand, looking her over for a moment. She didn’t directly praise Qin Wan’s beauty today, only nodding repeatedly. "Hmm... very good... very good..."
Yue Qing and Yue Jia were also present in the room. The Grand Princess smiled. "You two take Second Young Master outside to play for a while. Ning’er and Wan’er will stay and chat with this old woman. Jing Shu, please lead Huo’s wife and the Qin residence people to have some tea. There’s still time until the auspicious hour. Everyone be at ease. As for Qiong'er, you may go to the study with Prefect Huo."
The Grand Princess’s instructions were met with immediate assent. Yue Qing felt disheartened but watched as Yue Jia smoothly invited Qin Li out to the training ground. Qin Li didn’t decline, he wasn’t skilled in martial arts but didn’t want to spoil the mood. Madam Lin had visited the Marquis’s residence before and knew Madam Jiang, but they’d never had a close conversation. Now, seeing the Grand Princess and speaking with Madam Jiang like old friends, she found herself somewhat overwhelmed.
As for Madam Yuan, who had come with Huo Huaixin, her feelings were even worse. Living in the inner quarters, she’d long ago heard about Qin Wan and her son. Not only had she heard, it had been her immediate reaction to reject the idea. She’d considered Qin Wan presumptuous and overstepping. Though Qin Wan bore the Qin surname, she’d lost both parents, a significant mark against her. Plus, the original Ninth Young Miss had been soft-spoken and unremarkable. Madam Yuan had disliked her outright.
But when Qin Wan entered, Madam Yuan had stared, wide-eyed. If she hadn’t known the purpose of today’s gathering, she might have mistaken Qin Wan for some Young Princess or Imperial Princess from the capital. Could anyone in Jinzhou, let alone the entire city, match Qin Wan’s grace and bearing?
Madam Yuan’s heart churned with mixed emotions, especially hearing her son had lost interest. Deep regret followed immediately. Now, with the Marquis’s residence adopting Qin Wan as an adopted daughter, Qin Wan’s standing became utterly impeccable. Not only suitable as a daughter-in-law for her Huo family, she’d be fitting even for a Prince or Imperial Prince...
Madam Yuan sat opposite Madam Jiang. Though she was somewhat familiar with Madam Jiang compared to Madam Lin, she seemed dispirited now. As the three chatted, her face smiled brightly, but her heart tasted as bitter as yellow chain.
Meanwhile, the Grand Princess asked Qin Wan softly, "Madam Lin seems quite affectionate toward you. But is it true or false?"
The Grand Princess’s eyes held a knowing twinkle, as if she’d already seen through Madam Lin. Seeing this, Qin Wan couldn’t help but smile. She replied tactfully, "Half true, half false."
The Grand Princess gave a soft humph. "I knew it."
Qin Wan smiled. "Please don’t mind her, Your Highness. She has her troubles."
The Grand Princess lifted her chin. "Why should I mind her? If she truly cares for you, I won’t wrong her. Now that it’s half true and half false, the Marquis’s residence will naturally be perfectly polite to her."
Yue Ning laughed. "Why worry? Grandmother understands these things best. Besides, the Qin residence is in its current state, Grandmother naturally won’t add to their burden."
Qin Wan pressed her lips together. "I was narrow-minded."
The Grand Princess shook her head with a sigh. "You’re too kind-hearted. But with people like them, there’s no need to dwell. Watching good days turn bad, Heaven itself has already punished them."
Noticing a servant entering with tea, the Grand Princess immediately straightened, putting on a serious face. Qin Wan and Yue Ning exchanged a look, almost laughing. Yue Ning sighed. "Since recovering, Grandmother has become more playful than ever."
The Grand Princess humphed lightly. "I’ve gained perspective. Before, I followed my nature but still had so many rules to keep. Now... I don’t care about most of them."
As the three conversed, Yang Xi soon entered to report. The auspicious hour approached.
Hearing this, the Grand Princess instructed everyone to return to the main hall. The hall had been arranged for the ceremony. Five sacrificial animals were offered before the Yue ancestors. Incense burned in the censers. Seeing this, Madam Lin finally understood how much the Marquis’s residence valued this adoption.
Huo Huaixin presided over the ceremony. After reciting an auspicious text, he had Qin Wan kowtow before the Yue ancestors and offer incense. Then, she kowtowed to the Grand Princess seated in honor and to Yue Qiong and Madam Jiang, serving them tea. Qin Wan obediently called them "Adoptive Father, Adoptive Mother." Approaching the Grand Princess, Qin Wan hesitated on how to address her. Madam Jiang, to the side, smiled. "Silly child, naturally you call her Grandmother."
A faint blush touched Qin Wan’s face. Softly, she called "Grandmother." As she said it, a pang struck her heart. In her past life, her father’s mother had died young, she’d never had a grandmother. And the Grand Princess treated her with such warmth. She’d spent more time with the Grand Princess than anyone else. This feeling was naturally different.
Complete with emotion, the Grand Princess had a box of black sandalwood brought forward. "This is a gift from your Adoptive Father, Adoptive Mother, and me. Keep it well."
Yang Xi personally carried the box over. "Fourth Young Miss, please take care of this."
This "Fourth Young Miss" title matched Qin Wan’s new status perfectly. Qin Wan took the box. It felt surprisingly light in her hands, certainly not filled with gems or jade. Madam Lin and Huo Huaixin watched with puzzled expressions. For such an adoption ceremony, the gift should be valuable. Yet Qin Wan’s box wasn’t large, could it contain a full box of gems?
Thoughts like this swirled in their minds, but Qin Wan’s embrace of the box showed it wasn’t heavy at all.
Slight doubt lingered, but the experienced Huo Huaixin quickly understood, the contents must be worth more than a box full of gems.
"Thank you, Grandmother. Thank you, Adoptive Father, Adoptive Mother."
After Qin Wan paid her respects, Yue Jia stepped forward with a smile. "Fourth Sister, this is my gift."
Yue Jia’s nature was generous and upright, very much like Yue Qiong. He had an elder brother’s bearing. The gift he prepared for Qin Wan was an inkstone of incredibly deep color, an obvious treasure from his collection. Qin Wan accepted it and bowed. "Thank you, Eldest Brother."
No sooner had she spoken than Yue Qing stepped forward. After two days, his expression had settled. Looking at Qin Wan’s exquisite features, he awkwardly rubbed his nose. "Uh... Fourth Sister, I don’t have such fine things as they do. These medical texts... I prepared them for you. It’s a light gift, don’t think badly of me."
A servant behind him presented a bundle. Qin Wan glanced inside, it contained over ten medical texts, all yellowed with age, clearly ancient editions. A faint sense of guilt stirred in Qin Wan’s heart.
She remembered Yue Qing once offering to gift her medical texts, but she’d refused. Now, they’d been delivered anyway, just under different circumstances. Though Qin Wan had no feelings for Yue Qing, disappointing others always troubled her. Sighing internally but showing nothing outwardly, Qin Wan lifted her lips. "Thank you, Second Brother. I’ll study these texts carefully!"
Yue Qing breathed a sigh of relief, his eyes forcing brightness. Before he could speak, Yue Ning quickly pulled Qin Wan over. "Fourth Sister, call me ‘Elder Sister’! Call me, then I’ll give you your gift."
Yue Ning’s tone was bold, one arm slung around Qin Wan’s shoulders like a young man’s. Hearing this, the Grand Princess and Madam Jiang both laughed. The Grand Princess chided her. "Where did you learn such rowdy behavior?"
Yue Ning pulled a delicate, exquisite sleeve arrow from her sleeve. "Will you say it or not?"
Qin Wan couldn’t help but laugh. Though asked to call her "Elder Sister," she adopted a helpless expression, playing along. "Call, call, call... Good Elder Sister... Please give your younger sister the gift..."
Softening her tone as she spoke, Qin Wan felt goosebumps rise on her arms. But seeing Yue Ning’s loud, joyful laugh, she could only sigh with mixed amusement. Pleased, Yue Ning handed over the gift. "Here. Later, I’ll teach you how to use it. Carry it with you, it’s for self-defense!"
Madam Jiang shook her head helplessly. "Your Eldest and Second Brothers gave cultured gifts, yet as an Elder Sister, what you give is a weapon! Truly…"
Huo Huaixin quickly interjected. "The Marquis’s residence is full of heroes. Even the Young Princess surpasses many men!"
Yue Ning was clearly pleased with this comment, completely ignoring Madam Jiang’s chiding. The Grand Princess saw nothing wrong with it either. Seeing the rituals mostly complete, she invited everyone to the banquet. While seating the table, Qin Wan’s gaze swept around. Everyone was present except Yan Chi. Though she wanted to ask directly, Qin Wan felt today’s perfect, harmonious gathering was missing something.
Once seated, Qin Wan first offered a toast to the Grand Princess before everyone began eating. Huo Huaixin praised Qin Wan while saying offhandedly, "The man recently captured has confessed to another connection, this time involving a deputy general stationed in the western border forces. His Highness departed last night to apprehend him. I wonder if he’ll return today."
The Grand Princess gave a soft humph. "He’s probably avoiding me, afraid I’ll be displeased."
These words seemed random but made Huo Huaixin’s heart skip a beat. He hadn’t said Yan Chi proposed this adoption arrangement. Yesterday, he’d proudly thought he’d facilitated something good, only realizing afterward that Yan Chi had used him like a pawn. Thinking he’d spoken flawlessly to please Yan Chi, Yan Chi had seen through him immediately. With a few words, Yan Chi had manipulated him completely.
Huo Huaixin’s face burned with shame. Thinking of Yan Chi made him shiver. Did the Grand Princess know?
The Grand Princess didn’t leave room for questions, quickly shifting the topic. Qin Wan didn’t dwell on it either. She joined the others in enjoying the feast. After dinner, Qin Wan stayed with the Grand Princess until dusk before preparing to leave. Madam Lin, having finally managed normal conversation with Madam Jiang, left with a sense of shared pride.
On the way back, Madam Lin looked at the black sandalwood box beside Qin Wan. "I wonder what the Grand Princess gifted? Wan’er, why not open it to see? It must be something very thoughtful..."
Knowing Madam Lin’s intent, Qin Wan felt the request impolite. Yet she too was curious. Gifts prepared by the Grand Princess certainly weren’t shameful. Qin Wan lifted the lid.
Inside lay a stack of papers. Qin Wan blinked, thinking they might be banknotes. But upon closer inspection, she found a property deed. Qin Wan’s heart jolted violently. The deed described a residence in the capital. Beneath it were many more sheets. Qin Wan flipped one another property deed.
Thud.
Qin Wan snapped the box shut. This was far more valuable than a box full of banknotes.
Madam Lin saw the property deed. She wanted to see the next one, but Qin Wan closed the box. "Why not look further...?"
Qin Wan smiled slightly. "The light’s so dim in here. I’ll study it carefully back home."
Even if she knew Qin Wan’s excuse, Madam Lin couldn’t press further. She gripped her sleeves tightly. Bitterness swelled in her heart, what the Marquis’s residence gave Qin Wan was a capital residence! How could even a box of gems compare?
Madam Lin thought of her Qin Xiang. Pain stabbed her heart repeatedly. She didn’t utter a word the rest of the way. Upon reaching the residence gate, she practically leaped out of the carriage, not looking back as she hurried through. Qin Wan pretended not to notice. Qin Li, however, escorted Qin Wan all the way to the courtyard gate of Tinglan Pavilion. Before leaving, Qin Li sighed. "Seeing how much the Marquis’s residence cherishes Ninth Sister puts my mind at ease."
Night had fallen. A single lamp glowed under Tinglan Pavilion’s eaves. Qin Li seemed moved but struggled how to express it. After standing a moment longer, he finally took his leave.
Qin Wan watched Qin Li leave, then turned into the courtyard. Wanxing waited at the gate, escorting Qin Wan to the main room door. Fuling lit the corner lamp inside, her face still bright with joy. "Miss, where should we put these?"
"Put them in the inner chamber. We’ll take everything with us."
Fuling acknowledged the order and entered the inner chamber. But Qin Wan walked instinctively toward the Warm Chamber. Just reaching the doorway, she froze, a figure stood silently inside the normally empty room.
Qin Wan didn’t feel frightened. She calmed herself in an instant, then looked at the tightly sealed doors and windows around her with mild confusion. "How did Your Highness enter?"