Eat well, bring the silver.
Mrs. Xie stared at Qin Liuxi's slender fingers, her face turning red with restraint.
Money, where did she have any silver coins?
Even if she had some, it was just a tiny bit, and she dared not use it casually, otherwise, when she needed some silver later, she would have none at all.
"What, what silver!" Her eyes darted away as she stammered, "You're not unaware of our family's situation, where would I get silver!"
Qin Liuxi laughed, "Oh, Aunt, you are finally clear-headed now, aware of the Qin family's plight. I thought you were born an optimist, acting as if nothing's the matter, living the good old days surrounded by servants and indulging in delicacies!"
This speech, like a slap, scorched the faces of those present and sobered them up.
Indeed, the Qin family today was no longer the third-rank official's family but had been reduced to ordinary civilians, who no longer lived high and mighty with servants at their beck and call, no longer constantly discussing which Silver Building had new jewelry or which cloth shop had new fabric patterns, or even eating delicacies until they were sick of it.
Such seemingly lavish items had all drifted away from them, no longer in existence.
Everyone glanced again at the dishes on the table, feeling a shiver down their spine. The days of riches were unattainable, and perhaps even these meat-containing dishes were beyond their reach, since the main earners of the family had been exiled, and these women and children, powerless to truss a chicken, who could earn the silver?
Panic and bewilderment once again overwhelmed them like dark clouds, leaving them gasping for breath.
Mrs. Xie felt unexpectedly embarrassed.
But quickly, she set her face in a frown. After all, she was a senior; this girl was truly lacking in respect.
Just as she was about to speak, Qin Liuxi turned to Qin Mingyue and asked, "This sister, have you recognized the situation? You yourself are a precious lady, but you must also adjust to circumstances, right?"
Not recognizing the situation is a serious matter. Looking at Qin Mingyue, her eyes slightly sunken, they seemed to be hiding, which in physiognomy indicates that the 'Couple Palace' is sunken, suggesting a troubled marital life. This cousin, with an unstable temperament and emotions that easily fluctuate between anger and joy, might not have a favorable marital fate, and her family tranquility might be difficult to maintain.
Qin Mingyue stiffened, biting her teeth and said with a slightly fine voice, "Even if I'm not a precious lady, neither is big sister anymore."
They are all Qin family members, no two Qins can be written differently. They are dismal, isn't she the same, just a civilian, and moreover, a concubine's daughter only registered under her legitimate mother's name, how could she be nobler than anyone?
As Qin Mingyue thought this, she straightened her chest.
"Oh, I am different from you, I have always considered myself an orphan!" Qin Liuxi said indifferently.
Mrs. Wang and Aunt Wan: "..."
They are still standing right here, alive and well!
However, Mrs. Xie seized the opportunity, saying, "Big sister-in-law, you see, this girl really needs to be well educated, isn't this cursing you and big brother?"
Qin Liuxi snorted coldly.
At such a young age, she was sent to be raised in the old house, and now they come to talk to her about being well educated, she wanted to see who dared bring up this issue!
Mrs. Wang said, "Younger sister-in-law, Miss Xi does have a point. Our Qin family is no longer the Qin family of the past; we must tighten our belts and live frugally, not as richly as before. If you really want to add some dishes, you could use some of your private money to ask Aunt Li to cook for you."
"You big sister-in-law is right!"
A feeble voice emanated from the entrance.
Everyone turned to see Old Mrs. Qin being supported by Nanny Ding walking in, and they all hurriedly went to greet her.
"Old Lady's well-being."
"Mother," Mrs. Wang stepped forward to support her, concern in her voice, "Why have you come as well?"
Old Mrs. Qin took the main seat, looking around with an authoritative expression, she spoke, "If I don't come, have you all forgotten that we are the Qin family who were investigated by the Holy Emperor, and should keep our tails tucked between our legs?"