Chapter Seventy: Standing Up Against Injustice, Others' Forced Marriage

Qin Huaiyong arrived swiftly, reaching the mountain before noon. He first went to see the Old Madam, who promptly dismissed everyone else from the room.

Nurse Duan understood that mother and son had matters to discuss and stationed herself deliberately outside the door.

“Huaiyong, how do you intend to deal with this?” the Old Madam asked, her expression grave as she sat on the edge of her bed.

“Mother, I cannot cast off Lady Di at this time!” With just the two of them in the room, Qin Huaiyong saw no need for pretense. He gave a bitter smile and continued, “Back then, it was the Marquess Yongkang’s household who acted with kindness and virtue. Even though my status was not prominent at the time, they still wed their legitimate daughter to me. I cannot be ungrateful and betray them.”

He spoke wearily.

“I will not force you on this matter,” the Old Madam replied. Before Qin Huaiyong had even arrived, she had already reasoned through it. To divorce Lady Di now was impossible—not only because the Marquess Yongkang’s family had always prided themselves on their daughter’s ‘condescending’ marriage, but also because this was a crucial moment, with Qin Huaiyong on the verge of returning to the capital. Such a scandal could not break out.

The General’s Estate was powerful in Jiangzhou, but in the capital, it was hardly noteworthy. Moreover, there was Qin Yurou to consider; knowing her son’s temperament, the Old Madam was certain he would not abandon his only daughter.

“You should marry Ruolan, in a proper ceremony as a secondary wife. Henceforth, let Ruolan care for Zhuozhuo. The rear court can be managed by both Lady Di and Ruolan together. These old bones of mine are no longer up to the task—I cannot look after the household for you any longer.” The Old Madam sighed and leaned back, her expression bleak.

“Mother, I will do as you wish. Your health will improve!” Qin Huaiyong’s heart ached to see her in such a state, and he felt deep sorrow.

“After what happened today—Lady Di’s attempt to frame Zhuozhuo—it will not be long before all of Jiangzhou knows. They will also learn that Lady Di tried to implicate Ruolan. News will spread that you are marrying Ruolan both to give her her due and to ensure Zhuozhuo has a mother’s care. With today’s events, no one in officialdom will gossip about your motives. In misfortune, there is at least this small blessing,” the Old Madam continued.

“I originally thought this was not the time to bring Ruolan into the family, but now there is no choice.”

She spoke methodically, each word and phrase revealing her careful deliberation for Qin Huaiyong’s benefit. He felt both shame and remorse; he was indeed grateful for what had been done for him in the past, yet he could not deny that he had harbored selfish motives in other matters.

The Old Madam did not expose him, thinking only of his welfare. How could he not feel ashamed?

“Mother…”

“There should be no further trouble from Lady Di, should there?” The Old Madam waved her hand, exhaling softly, and regarded Qin Huaiyong with a gentle expression.

“After such actions, what face does she have left? She actually tried to have Wanru abducted—Wanru is such a gentle child, raised for so many years. How could she bear to do it!” Qin Huaiyong said angrily, a cold smile on his lips.

When the coachman was brought before him, and Lady Di arrived in a panic, Qin Huaiyong had immediately understood. He ordered the coachman interrogated. Being a military man, he naturally had his own ways of dealing with spies; the coachman confessed everything. Qin Huaiyong had then given Lady Di two resounding slaps and brought his men up to the Tranquil Heart Nunnery.

So long as he did not divorce Lady Di, she had no grounds for complaint. Even if the Marquess Yongkang’s family in the capital learned of it, they would have no right to intervene.

He had, in effect, gained the upper hand over Lady Di and the Marquess Yongkang’s household.

“Now that this is settled, return to the estate and make preparations. Five days from now, when I descend the mountain, I will preside over your marriage, making sure Lady Di arranges it splendidly within the household as well.” The Old Madam nodded, then added, “I still have an estate at the foot of the Tranquil Heart Nunnery. Ruolan can stay there for now; you can fetch your bride from there.”

That estate was not close to the General’s residence—it would require passing through much of Jiangzhou to bring the bride home. This was the Old Madam’s special way of giving Shui Ruolan her due, ensuring that everyone knew the marriage was legitimate and aboveboard, so as to forestall gossip.

“I understand!” Qin Huaiyong agreed to everything.

“What about Yurou? There were many ladies present at the time. Rumors will only multiply from now on.” The Old Madam sighed. After all, Qin Yurou was her granddaughter, and she could not help but worry.

“Send Yurou ahead to the capital. She can stay temporarily at the Marquess Yongkang’s estate. She cannot remain in Jiangzhou any longer. As for her marriage, we will discuss it after I arrive in the capital.” Qin Huaiyong pressed his temples, his resentment toward Lady Di deepening. If not for Lady Di’s poor guidance, none of this would have happened.

His once promising daughter now had her reputation all but ruined in Jiangzhou. He could only hope that, upon reaching the capital, the matter would be forgotten.

Since the Marquess Yongkang’s heir had expressed intentions of marrying her, the matter would be settled as such. Thus, Qin Yurou’s journey to the capital would be under the pretext of arranging her engagement.

“There is nothing else to be done,” the Old Madam agreed, then asked with concern, “What of your transfer order?”

“Do not worry, Mother. There have been some developments. The Marquess Yongkang’s household has already sent word, and I have received information from other sources as well.” Qin Huaiyong’s answer was vague, for the news actually involved that mysterious Prince Chen who had come to Jiangzhou. This was a secret that even with his own mother, Qin Huaiyong dared not divulge. But he trusted that the Old Madam could guess as much on her own.

“Mother, the lady who was mistakenly implicated by Lady Di’s servants today—where is she now? Since this happened in Jiangzhou, I must pay my respects to her.” Having settled the Old Madam’s affairs, Qin Huaiyong rose; this was one of the chief reasons for his hurried visit.

“Is she someone of considerable standing?” the Old Madam asked, lowering her voice.

“The wife of the heir to Marquis Yangqu and their daughter from the capital,” Qin Huaiyong replied, rubbing his brow. This was a delicate matter. From the moment he saw her calling card, Qin Huaiyong knew he would have to offer an explanation.

“The heir’s wife of Marquis Yangqu!” The Old Madam was visibly shocked, her expression shifting. Among military circles, that lady’s family was a powerful faction. “How coincidental. What is she doing in Jiangzhou instead of the capital?”

“I do not know. Perhaps she is visiting relatives,” Qin Huaiyong replied.

“Go to her, then,” the Old Madam instructed. As Qin Huaiyong prepared to leave, she added, “It seems the heir’s wife is quite fond of Zhuozhuo.”

“Thank you, Mother. I know what to do.” Qin Huaiyong paused briefly at the threshold, then nodded and left.

Leaving the Old Madam’s quarters, Nurse Duan personally led Qin Huaiyong to the residence of the heir’s wife of Marquis Yangqu. After her servants announced him, Qin Huaiyong was invited inside.

After the formal greetings, host and guest took their seats.

“General Qin, how do you intend to resolve this matter?” Lady Xin was straightforward, dispensing with pleasantries.

“Madam, this is, after all, a family affair. That you and your daughter suffered such a fright is my fault. Fortunately, you are unharmed—otherwise, I could never atone for my negligence.” Qin Huaiyong stood, cupping his hands in apology. “I will send generous gifts to you and your daughter by way of apology.”

“You are too kind, General. Gifts are unnecessary. What concerns me is the plight of your young daughter—she is truly pitiable,” Lady Xin replied, having already surmised how Qin Huaiyong would handle matters. She sipped her tea, smiling faintly.

Qin Huaiyong fell silent at her words, and after resuming his seat, asked, “What is your meaning, Madam?”

“I have little to say, as this is not my affair. But as a mother whose own daughter narrowly escaped harm, I cannot bear to see your child so pitiful. She deserves a mother who loves her,” Lady Xin said, her gaze sharp.

Qin Huaiyong’s expression darkened. “Madam Xin, are you seeking to interfere in my family’s affairs?”

When the Old Madam spoke, it was out of genuine concern for him. But Lady Xin was an outsider—under these circumstances, her words sounded very much like a form of coercion.

“Do you believe I am forcing your hand, General?” Lady Xin laughed.

“Then what is your intention, Madam?” Qin Huaiyong asked.

“Simply this: your young daughter is pitiable, but so is your cousin. She has been widowed young, and now has been schemed against. If she remains unsupported, at best, she will become a concubine—and a remarried one at that. Who would value her then?” Lady Xin had already learned about Shui Ruolan in the short time she’d been there.

“Both your cousin and your daughter are deserving of sympathy. Since this is so, why not give them a way forward? It is a good deed, and I see both Miss Shui and your second daughter are kind-hearted. If you show them compassion, you will surely be rewarded in the future.”

After these words, Qin Huaiyong was silent for a long time, then finally sighed, stood, and bowed to Lady Xin. “On their behalf, I thank you, Madam.”

“There is no need for thanks—one merely acts when one sees injustice,” Lady Xin replied, bowing in return.

With that, the understanding between them was tacitly established.

Though Lady Xin was frank, she was still a woman; Qin Huaiyong could not linger further. After taking his leave, he crossed directly to the courtyard where Qin Wanru was staying. She had been waiting for him in the garden.

When she saw him striding toward her, she hurried to greet him.

Qin Huaiyong waved her off and entered the room with long steps. Qin Wanru followed, about to bow again, but he stopped her with a raised hand.

“Wanru, your mother too was misled in this matter. The coachman instigated trouble, and so this unfortunate event occurred…” Qin Huaiyong frowned, searching for words that might smooth things over. But looking into his young daughter’s pure black eyes, he found himself unable to continue the pretense.

Her gaze was so clear it seemed to reflect his very soul.

All the words he had prepared, the attempts to cover things up and maintain a semblance of harmony, vanished. He had thought she was still young and could be placated with a few well-chosen words, but faced with her unclouded eyes, his guilt deepened.

Though she was young, Qin Wanru was clever.

He sighed softly and skipped past it all. “From now on, Aunt Shui will be your mother. Do you like that, Wanru?”