Qin Mingchun returned to the main courtyard with a glum face. He first went to pay his respects to his legitimate mother, Mrs. Wang, who was chatting with some old acquaintances from her maiden home. Seeing him looking so downcast, she couldn’t help but smile and beckon him over.
"Why are you looking so droopy? Are you having trouble understanding something in your studies?"
Qin Mingchun shook his head and said, "It was big sister who scolded me."
Mrs. Wang was slightly surprised: "Your big sister has come back?"
"What did she scold you about?" Mrs. Wang asked with some interest.
Qin Liuxi was not the type to meddle in others’ affairs unless it was necessary. If she had scolded Qin Mingchun, it must be because the child had done something unsatisfactory in her eyes.
Qin Mingchun looked up at her, saw the smile on his legitimate mother’s face, thought for a moment, and then briefly recounted what Qin Liuxi had said in reprimand, concluding with, "Mother, I don’t intend to stop studying. It’s just that when I see Fourth Brother always talking about studying and pursuing an official career, it made me start questioning."
"What your big sister said is correct. We study not only with the aim of pursuing an official career but also to understand the principles of life. You must study." Mrs. Wang stroked his topknot and said, "The Qin family has always valued literature as its heritage. Though we are down on our luck now, we are not so destitute that you can’t study. As your big sister said, even just to keep the accounts, you still need to be literate, right? Your big sister is offering you tough love with good intentions, don’t be upset with her."
Qin Mingchun muttered quietly, "As if I dare, I’m afraid she might hit me."
Mrs. Wang laughed and said, "Go talk with your Aunt Wan."
Qin Mingchun bowed and retreated.
Zhang Quan’s Family then said, "Lady, you are quite lenient with Fifth Young Master, and similarly with the eldest daughter."
Mrs. Wang took a sip of her tea and replied, "Even though the children aren’t mine by birth, I have watched them grow up, and they are good children. Mrs. Wan is a very straightforward person, without the twists and turns of others. When she became a concubine, from the moment she entered our door and offered tea, she made her intentions clear—she came for comfort and wealth. Fortunately, she bore a son and a daughter, both born properly."
Zhang Quan’s Family listened quietly.
"In our branch, we have but one wife and one concubine; as for vying for favor, you know me. Since the time I was married, I never entertained thoughts of winning someone’s heart, but simply chose a family and a person to live my life with. Mrs. Wan, on the other hand, cares only about wealth and beauty, living even more freely than I, the madam of the house. Each wife and concubine seeks what she needs, which makes our inner courtyard more peaceful and trouble-free than others."
Zhang Quan’s Family reflected upon Aunt Wan, understanding Mrs. Wang’s point; the only thing not said was that Aunt Wan was merely an ornamental woman without substance.
Yet, Mrs. Wan was fortunate enough to bear a son and a daughter, and the daughter seemed to possess a strong presence. Mrs. Wan was truly lucky—having a kind madam and good children; her fate was indeed favorable.
"The children of the main branch aren’t very lucky; I lack fortune and couldn’t retain my second son but only Third Master, and now we are separated." Mrs. Wang caressed her tea cup and said, "Now that we’ve returned to this old mansion, seeing these two children gives me some comfort. To be honest, it’s my own selfishness."
Zhang Quan’s Family quickly responded, "Lady, you mustn’t think like that. You have a kind heart. It is their fortune not to have been neglected as illegitimate children."
Mrs. Wang smiled reassuringly, "To speak of kindness, it’s mutual comfort really."
"When Second Young Master returns, you’ll finally see the clouds disperse," Zhang Quan’s Family said dryly.
At that moment, Qin Liuxi arrived to pay her respects and exchanged a few words with Mrs. Wang, then with an excuse not to return for the evening rituals, she went to rest shortly. As dusk approached, she left with Chen Pi and headed straight for the Coffin Shop.