"We will take it upon ourselves to bear the burden!"
Qin Liuxi stared at Mrs. Wang somewhat dazedly, feeling an unfamiliar sensation in her chest, something indescribable, a sour and swelling emotion, very alien to her.
"Is Mother saying I’m wrong?" she asked with pursed lips. Where did she go wrong? Was it a mistake to speak the truth?
Mrs. Wang looked at her, as bewildered and dismayed as a little lost puppy, and sighed again.
Qin Liuxi left home at the age of five. The only time they had spent together was before she turned five. During those years, after losing a son and feeling as desolate as a withered tree, she was fortunate to have another. Fearing he would share the same fate as her firstborn, she became overly cautious and protective of him, inevitably neglecting Qin Liuxi who was merely three years older.
Indeed, there was not much interaction or affection between them. If Qin Liuxi did not understand certain emotions, how could she claim to understand them all herself?
No matter how composed and calm this child may appear, she is still just a girl who has recently come of age, growing up through her own explorations.
Mrs. Wang stepped forward to take Qin Liuxi’s hand and led her towards her own courtyard, saying, "To say you’re wrong is not entirely true. You’re simply used to being open-minded and carefree. Nobody has instilled these conventional filial rites and rules into you."
"Xixi, I’ve observed your behavior on usual days. As a person from the Mystic Sect, you wouldn’t normally be bound by worldly constraints, carefree and unrestrained. However, in Da Feng, our great-grandfather established the nation with filial piety. In the secular world, especially within prominent families, filial rites and rules are of utmost importance. Just like how you talked back to your grandmother earlier, it would indeed attract criticism if word got out. The stigma of being unfilial is something no one dares to shoulder, regardless of their high status; no one would dare to be tainted with the dishonor of un-filiality."
Qin Liuxi remained silent. Was she truly unfilial?
"Have you considered that your grandmother is quite advanced in age and not in the best of health? What if your words vex her into some misfortune, if she becomes ill or faints because of it? Could you then shake off the stain of being unfilial?"
Immediately, Qin Liuxi replied, "Mother, rest assured, I am a Daoist doctor, and my medical skills are excellent. Even if she is vexed by me, I will not let anything serious happen to her."
Mrs. Wang was at a loss for words: "..."
You’ve left me somewhat speechless with your response.
Qin Liuxi then smiled, "However, for Mother to stand up for me in this way, Liu Xi is deeply grateful."
She stepped back and bowed respectfully to Mrs. Wang.
"Xixi, there’s no need for such formality," Mrs. Wang said. "Remember, you are the legitimate eldest daughter of our main branch. Protecting you is what I, as your legitimate mother, ought to do. You are a fine person; indeed, it is we who owe you these past years."
Let it be. Some emotions cannot be forced. There are still many days ahead to take things slowly.
"About that, do we really not need to bother with the Zhao Family?" Mrs. Wang recalled what she had said before: "It is just like the bent posture of an inchworm, seeking to build trust, or the retreat of dragons and snakes, to safeguard one’s life. Actually, bowing your head is not too humiliating; being able to yield or stand tall is what defines a true man."
The situation is not always more powerful than oneself, it’s not wrong to bow one’s head when necessary; the most important thing is to protect the family, awaiting dawn’s light.
"The Zhao Family is not yet worthy!" Qin Liuxi snorted, saying, "Mother, just listen to me, there’s no need to fear them. But if you wish to go somewhere and someone bullies you, just come to me."
Mrs. Wang chuckled: "Your tone sounds rather like that of the mountain king."
Qin Liuxi frowned: "I’m being serious."
"Alright," Mrs. Wang said. "Let’s dine together tonight. Chun’er has been mentioning you these past days too."
"Mm, I will also check on how his writing is coming along."
Just as Qin Mingchun put down his brush and stretched, he suddenly felt a chill down his back—trouble, there was a murderous aura!