amaotonovel Chapter 15 Poetry Gathering (2)
Chapter 15 Poetry Gathering (2)
Qin Yaoyao sighed with regret, "Alas, the princess's fate is truly tragic, don't you think so, Fourth Brother?" Upon hearing this, Qin Yunqi looked up at Qin Yaoyao and asked in confusion, "Why do you say that? The consort chosen by the Emperor for the princess must be of great importance, and naturally a first-rate talent."
Qin Yaoyao gently shook her head and retorted, "But the princess doesn't like that person!" Then she turned to He Yanxi beside her and asked, "Brother Yanxi, if you were to marry a woman you have no feelings for, would you be willing? Would you be happy?"
He Yanxi answered almost without hesitation, "I would rather remain unmarried for life." Qin Yaoyao pressed, "But what if circumstances force you to marry?" He Yanxi frowned, stared at Qin Yaoyao, and said firmly, "I will never compromise."
Hearing this answer, Qin Yaoyao was speechless, thinking that it was a wasted question. However, she was not discouraged, but turned her gaze to her fifth brother, who was watching the show as if no one else was around, and asked, "Fifth brother, what if you were the one who had to get married?" Qin Yunji thought for a moment, and then replied, "I might obey and get married, but I certainly wouldn't be happy." Qin Yaoyao showed a satisfied expression and nodded.
Then she asked Qin Yunqi, "Fourth Brother, don't you think this is miserable and pitiful enough?"
Fourth Brother quickly explained, "Feelings can indeed be cultivated over time!" Qin Yaoyao blinked her bright eyes and pressed on, "If that's the case, then why hasn't Fourth Brother gotten married yet? After all, according to Fourth Brother, feelings can be cultivated. Could it be... that the reason Fourth Brother hasn't gotten married is because he already has someone he likes, right?"
Upon hearing this, Qin Yunqi was stunned. He stared blankly at the innocent-looking little girl before him, speechless for a moment, unsure how to respond. Qin Yaoyao didn't stop talking, but continued, "There are too many people in this world who are good at disguising themselves. It might be better for men, but if a woman chooses the wrong husband and marries the wrong person, it's tantamount to ruining her life! What if she unfortunately encounters a man with a bad temper who likes to beat people, and suffers his beatings every day? Fourth Brother, can you bear to see the woman you love endure such pain and torment?"
Fourth Brother suddenly stood up, his voice trembling with emotion, and exclaimed, "She absolutely won't suffer such a thing! With her status and the protection of so many brothers and sisters, those people wouldn't dare lay a hand on her!" Qin Yunqi's intense reaction startled everyone present. However, Qin Yaoyao remained calm and composed. She continued, "What if Fourth Brother is imprisoned and unable to send messages? Even with her incredibly high status and so many brothers and sisters protecting her, it's impossible to ensure her safety every single moment. If that really happens, she might be tortured to death, and no one might even know about it." Fourth Brother slumped back into his chair like a deflated balloon, staring blankly ahead, saying nothing. Yes, the world is so vast, and danger lurks everywhere. Even if someone is willing to protect her at all times, who can guarantee absolute safety?
Seeing her fourth brother's dejected appearance, Qin Yaoyao couldn't help but comfort him again, "Perhaps she will meet someone better in the future, and the two of them can live in harmony and support each other. However, there will still be certain risks involved. In that case, why doesn't your fourth brother take the initiative to try and win her over?"
Hearing this, Fourth Brother shook his head with a wry smile, muttering to himself, "I'm just an ordinary citizen now, powerless and without influence. What can I use to fight for her? What can I give her?" Qin Yaoyao retorted, "The princess is of noble status, so naturally she wouldn't care about these worldly things. What she truly desires is the heart of someone who loves her wholeheartedly and without reservation! Don't force your will upon the princess. Haven't you ever asked her what she truly thinks?"
Before he could finish speaking, Qin Yunqi suddenly opened his eyes wide, staring at Qin Yaoyao in astonishment. He was about to say something when Qin Yaoyao waved her hand to interrupt him: "Hmph, don't underestimate me! Not only do I know about this, but everyone in our family knows it. You still think you can keep it a secret!"
He Yanxi finally couldn't help but speak up, "I asked Fifth Sister before, and she frankly told me that she has someone she likes, but it seems that person doesn't reciprocate her feelings. Because of this, Sister even shed tears of sadness." Qin Yunji chimed in, "Fourth Brother, no matter the outcome, we should at least give it a try!" Seeing that everyone in the family agreed, Fourth Brother nodded in agreement. Qin Yaoyao was overjoyed and excitedly exclaimed, "So, Fourth Brother will definitely attend that poetry gathering? That's wonderful!"
As they left the dining room, Qin Yaoyao curiously asked He Yanxi, "Did the princess really cry?" He Yanxi gently shook his head, and Qin Yaoyao immediately understood, revealing a knowing smile.
After seeing He Yanxi off, Qin Yaoyao dragged her tired body back to her courtyard. She had hoped to get some rest, but before she could even sit down, a servant came to report, "Miss, the Liu family has sent someone!" Qin Yaoyao instantly perked up and turned to Yingchun and Banxia beside her excitedly, saying, "My compensation has finally arrived! Let's go see!"
Upon entering the front hall, they saw Liu's mother sitting leisurely with Liu Xiaoyu, sipping tea. The room was already filled with boxes of all sizes, and some were even piled up in the courtyard. Seeing Qin Yaoyao arrive, her mother quickly rose to greet her, saying, "Yaoyao, come and meet Madam Liu." Qin Yaoyao bowed to Liu's mother and went straight to her mother. After they sat down, her mother took Qin Yaoyao's hand, beaming, and said, "Yaoyao, look, all of this was specially brought by Madam Liu to visit you, and also to apologize on Xiaoyu's behalf."
Upon hearing this, Liu's mother's face darkened instantly, her anger rising and almost erupting. However, thinking of her daughter's reputation, she had no choice but to suppress her anger and forcefully hold back. After calming down slightly, Liu's mother quickly put on a smiling face and said gently, "Yes, although Yaoyao falling into the pond was not directly related to our Xiaoyu, as the older sister, Xiaoyu should have taken good care of her younger sister. Therefore, I specially brought Xiaoyu here today to apologize to you."
After hearing what Liu's mother said, Qin Yaoyao said to her with a feeling of grievance, "Madam, what you're saying makes it sound like our Duke's mansion is deliberately causing trouble, intentionally making things difficult for you and bullying you. However, the truth is that Xiaoyu took me to the pond, and it was because she was unsteady on her feet that she knocked me down, causing me to fall into the pond. I was the one who suffered this accident! But you claim that this matter has nothing to do with Xiaoyu." After saying this, Qin Yaoyao couldn't help but sob softly.
Seeing her daughter suffer such injustice, Fan Ning was quite displeased. With a grave expression, she said to Madam Liu, "Madam Liu, do you intend to shift all the blame for your daughter's mistakes onto my daughter? In my opinion, Madam Liu doesn't seem to realize her own faults. If that's the case, then I suppose you all didn't come here sincerely to apologize. Since it's not out of sincerity, then please take your belongings back with you. Our Duke's mansion really doesn't care for these things! Madam Liu, please leave! Please trouble the steward to see the guests out."
Upon hearing this, Liu's mother's face instantly turned grim. She inwardly groaned: her daughter's reputation hadn't fully recovered; if she left now, wouldn't all her efforts be in vain? Thinking this, she quickly lowered her stance, forced a smile, and softly explained to Madam Qin:
"Madam Qin, please don't misunderstand! I acted impulsively and spoke without thinking just now, please forgive me. Actually, we came here today to sincerely apologize and hope to gain your and Yao Yao's understanding. To express our apology, I will send someone to deliver a few more shops to Yao Yao later, as a way to calm her nerves."
Seeing how quickly Liu's mother's attitude changed, Qin Yaoyao couldn't help but sneer inwardly. However, on the surface, she maintained a tolerant and magnanimous demeanor, responding with a smile:
"Although Madam's apology came a little late, I am not a narrow-minded person and can naturally accept it. However, I can help clarify those false rumors outside targeting Xiaoyu. I just don't know when would be the most appropriate time to do so?"
Upon hearing this, Liu's mother was overjoyed and quickly echoed, "The sooner the better! Thank you for your trouble, Yao Yao. In that case, I will thank you for your kindness and await good news." She knew in her heart that this time the gift to calm her nerves would probably have to be even more substantial.
After the Liu family mother and daughter left, Qin Yaoyao turned around and talked with her mother. Shen Ningxin looked at her increasingly intelligent and clever daughter and praised her with great satisfaction, "Yaoyao is getting more and more amazing!" Qin Yaoyao replied with a proud smile, "Of course, this young lady is exceptionally smart!" Qin Yaoyao hugged her mother's arm and said coquettishly.
Not long after, the Liu family sent over a large and generous batch of gifts. Among them were as many as ten shops! What was even more surprising was that every single one of these shops was thriving and generating substantial profits; one could only imagine how considerable the future revenue they would bring!
Overjoyed to receive so many valuable gifts, the mother immediately ordered the servants to carefully move all the items to Ningxiang Courtyard for safekeeping.
The next morning, Qin Yaoyao overheard some news about the Liu family. It turned out that Liu's mother had returned home in a rage, smashing many valuable items to the ground. However, her anger didn't subside; she was then publicly reprimanded without mercy by Liu Taifu. Upon hearing this news, Qin Yaoyao was overjoyed, practically bursting with delight.
Time flies, and before we knew it, the day of the poetry gathering arrived. Mother had been busy since early morning, carefully making new clothes for the children who would be attending the grand event. That morning, the sun shone brightly, and a gentle breeze caressed their faces. Mother led her fourth and fifth sons, along with Qin Yaoyao, on their journey to the palace to attend this magnificent banquet.
Upon arriving at the palace gates, they were surprised to find a large crowd already gathered, with numerous guests queuing in an orderly fashion to enter. The crowd was bustling and lively, with everyone's face beaming with excitement and anticipation.
As soon as Qin Yaoyao jumped off the carriage, her gaze inadvertently fell on Liu Xiaoyu and her mother standing to the side. She inwardly groaned, but still pretended to be calm, acting as if she hadn't seen them, only wanting to quickly follow her mother and brothers into the palace.
However, things didn't go as planned; it seemed some people were unwilling to let things pass smoothly. Liu Xiaoyu had kept her attention focused on Qin Yaoyao the entire time. Upon seeing her, she immediately rushed forward, trying to affectionately take Qin Yaoyao's arm. Qin Yaoyao nimbly dodged to the side, successfully avoiding Liu Xiaoyu's move. Liu Xiaoyu, having missed her target, stood there stunned, a hint of resentment in her eyes, looking at Qin Yaoyao pitifully and asking, "Yaoyao, are you still angry with me? I've already apologized to you, don't you still forgive me?" At this moment, a considerable crowd of onlookers had gathered. Qin Yaoyao stared coldly at Liu Xiaoyu, who was "performing," tears welling up in her eyes. Her voice choked as she replied, "Xiaoyu, how could you wrong me like this? This is a sacred place, how can we be allowed to fight and entangle here! I was just worried that you would be punished, so... how could you misinterpret my good intentions like this? Not long ago, I cleared up the rumors about you falling into the water, and now you treat me like this, it truly breaks my heart."
Qin Yaoyao thought to herself, "Hmph, it's just acting. Do you think I can't do that?"
Seeing everyone whispering and pointing, Liu Xiaoyu gritted her teeth in anger. She never expected that Qin Yaoyao had become so cunning and clever. However, on the surface, she quickly put on a gentle and charming smile and said softly, "I see. It was all my oversight. I misunderstood Yaoyao. Please don't take it to heart."
Qin Yaoyao stared expressionlessly at the person in front of her who was putting on an act and feigning pitifulness. A cold smile crept across her face, but she still spoke in a gentle, melodious voice, "It's alright. It is getting late, let's hurry into the palace." After saying this, Qin Yaoyao ignored Liu Xiaoyu completely, not even sparing her a glance, and instead quickened her pace towards where her mother was standing.
Meanwhile, Liu Xiaoyu and her companions, left behind, looked somewhat embarrassed and at a loss. They had originally hoped to attract Qin Yaoyao's attention and gain some benefits through this method, but they hadn't expected her to be completely unmoved, instead leaving them in such an awkward situation. Liu Xiaoyu's face was flushed red, her eyes filled with resentment and anger, while the others all lowered their heads, not daring to speak again.