My Lady Always Lacks Ambition
Chapter 139 - 138: The Eldest Miss is Very Thoughtful

Chapter 139: Chapter 138: The Eldest Miss is Very Thoughtful

Qin Liuxi felt incredibly exhausted with the rigid daily ceremonial duties and wished she could find an excuse to move out and avoid these complicated rules.

However, as soon as such thoughts arose, they were forcibly suppressed. It was pointless to even consider it; it wouldn’t be allowed.

Qin Liuxi yawned and noticed a gaze upon her; following the sightline, she saw Qin Mingqi looking her way, which prompted her to raise an eyebrow.

Qin Mingqi’s eyes darted away, avoiding hers.

Boring.

Yet, the boy hadn’t tattled on her; Old Mrs. Qin hadn’t reprimanded her about any rules.

"Everyone, go back," Old Mrs. Qin dismissed everyone, looking weary.

Qin Liuxi stood up, bowed, and turned to leave.

"Xixi."

Qin Liuxi halted, turned around, and saw Mrs. Wang and Mrs. Xie stepping out together; Mrs. Xie cast a glance at her then walked away with a few children.

"Mother, did you need something?"

As they walked out, Mrs. Wang said, "It’s about your second aunt; she has invited me to visit the temple tomorrow to pray for your grandfathers and others for their safety."

In reality, it was an excuse. Mrs. Xie felt that things had been going unfavorably recently and believed in the validity of Qin Liuxi’s words, prompting a visit to pray to Buddha.

Qin Liuxi instantly understood the underlying reason and said with a smile, "Mother can arrange these matters herself; just have Uncle Li prepare the carriage."

"I was actually thinking of going to Qingping Temple." Mrs. Wang replied, "But your second aunt is more devout in her belief in Buddha, so..."

"It doesn’t matter; Wuxiang Temple also has thriving incense and many devotees, it’s also a good choice for you."

Mrs. Wang mentioned another matter, "Recently, the women in the family have made some handkerchiefs and wallets, and I was thinking of having Chief Li take them to the shops to sell, to earn some pocket money."

Qin Liuxi nodded, "Have him take them to Qianji’s Trading Company for consignment. The family bought fabric and other items from there before; the Boss there owes me a favor and wouldn’t take too much commission."

"It’s because you treated his family before?"

"Correct."

Mrs. Wang felt assured and said, "This year may be a bit difficult, but now that our family has bought a small farm, next year we could harvest some grain. Also, your great aunt mentioned she found a job as a helper at a restaurant, she starts tomorrow."

"A helper? That sounds like tough work; she has always lived comfortably, can she handle it?" Qin Liuxi remarked, "She doesn’t need to go; the family won’t short-change them."

"Your great aunt is illegitimate; it was just that after her mother passed away when she was young, she was well-behaved, so Old Lady Qin took her in for some years and later allowed her to marry the Song family’s legitimate son," Mrs. Wang continued indifferently, "She’s been married into the Song family for over a decade but only birthed two daughters. Her mother-in-law and husband had opinions about this since long ago but feared your grandfather’s third-rank status, so they did not dare to favor concubines over her, thereby keeping the Song family in check. However, they couldn’t prevent others from marrying and having children, leading to many illegitimate children appearing one after another; she could only endure the situation in acceptance. Unexpectedly, the Song family was so ruthless; once our family fell into hard times, they drove her and her daughters out."

"Returning to the Qin family was merely a last resort, and they will not lack food here, but thinking about future marriage prospects for your two cousins, even if your grandmother agrees to prepare a dowry, given our family’s downfall, it’s uncertain what can be provided. Moreover, ultimately, they bear the Song surname. Your aunt is willing to take a tough job because she understands this; every little bit she can save matters."

Once a woman is married, she is like water spilled out of the family. That the Qin family welcomed her back after being divorced reflects the Qin family’s compassion. Some truly heartless maternal families wouldn’t care whether you lived or died.

Qin Meiniang was also aware of this, and she dared not fully rely on the Qin family, so she saved some private money for her mother to have some confidence in the future.

"Still better than the second auntie."

Mrs. Wang gave her a reproachful glance.

"Isn’t there still a little aunt?"

"That little aunt of yours is your grandmother’s child born in her old age, but she married into the wealthy Liu Family in the northeast. The Qin family’s downfall was sudden, and it remains unknown whether the news has reached her. Even if it has, who knows what situation she is in now!" Mrs. Wang sighed, "Your little aunt’s full name is Qin Ying. Being a child of old age, she was pampered as she grew up and is quite a spirited lady. She is only nineteen this year, only married for two years with no children yet. Now with the downfall of the Qin family, it’s unknown how the Liu Family will treat her."

As she spoke, she laughed with a sigh, "Look at me, you’re still so young, yet I find myself discussing such distressing matters with you. It’s strange, talking to you always feels unusually comforting."

Though Qin Liuxi had not spent much time with her, their conversation always made her feel not like she was talking to a junior, but as an equal, which was quite peculiar.

"Mother, whatever you want to say, I’m listening," Qin Liuxi responded with a light smile.

A gust of cold wind blew, causing Mrs. Wang to shiver and say, "Nothing else, you should head back to your courtyard."

Qin Liuxi bent her knee in a bow, noting the thin clothing on her mother, and said, "Li City is surrounded by mountains, and it gets much colder in autumn and winter. It has already turned to autumn, so mother should make a couple more cloaks to protect against the cold to avoid getting chilled. If there isn’t enough fabric, let Chief Li go and buy some."

"Alright."

Qin Liuxi then nodded slightly and turned to leave.

Mrs. Wang watched her leave, a smile forming at her lips.

"Milady, the young miss may look indifferent, but her heart is very attentive, and she shows great respect and care for you," Nanny Shen approached her, feeling her cold hands, "I’ve long suggested making a couple more cloaks with that embroidered cotton fabric, but you always prioritized others first, thinking of yourself last. Aren’t you a mortal too?"

"Who said managing a household would be easy? Always looking out for oneself first, wouldn’t that give people something to gossip about? I’m too tired to squabble with her, better to enjoy another sip of tea?"

The ’her’ she referred to was self-evident.

Nanny Shen said, "But we can’t just leave it at that."

"Hmm, let’s take some cotton fabric and make a cover later. We don’t need to go out, nor does it have to be very luxurious, just something to block the wind," Mrs. Wang said.

Currently, there weren’t many people in the household, and the men were not around; Mrs. Wang, along with Aunt Wan and Qin Mingchun, lived in one courtyard. She resided in the main room, Aunt Wan in the east wing, and Qin Mingchun in the west wing.

However, Mrs. Wang and the others did not expect that upon just returning to the courtyard and checking Qin Mingchun’s homework, Qi Huang arrived, holding a large bundle.

"Madam," Qi Huang bowed and put the bundle on the table, with her hands placed in front of her abdomen, "My young miss instructed me to bring several clothes and fabrics here, all with designs and patterns that she does not really like. They have been sitting in trunks, for Madam to decide how to deal with them."

Mrs. Wang paused.

"The servant will take her leave."

After Qi Huang left, Nanny Shen came forward to open the bundle, unfolding the neatly stacked so-called clothes, and looked towards Mrs. Wang.

These were not just any clothes, but clearly cloaks, in a royal blue mink fur, and even capes, with two large overcoats at the very bottom.

Mrs. Wang’s eyes slightly moistened: "This child..."