When Madam Qin spoke, the dining hall immediately fell silent, everyone dropping to their knees in fear and reverence.
Except for one.
While everyone knelt, she stood alone, her posture as upright as a snow lotus atop a cliff, impossible to ignore.
Qin Liusi stood straight, his gaze fixed on the embroidered mandala on his robe, seemingly oblivious to the kneeling crowd.
Madam Qin's gaze swept over her, lips pursed, brows furrowed in concern.
Qin Liusi, despite being a member of the Qin family, seemed like an outsider to her, someone beyond her control.
"The Qin family is now in decline. Your grandfathers, husbands, fathers, and brothers are all on the road to exile, enduring untold hardships. They may be hungry, thirsty, sick, or..." Madam Qin's eyes welled with tears, but she stubbornly wiped them away before they could fall.
In the flower hall, a chorus of weeping filled the air.
"Exile and confiscation is not execution. Our only solace is the 'mercy' bestowed by the emperor. If we manage properly, there will be a day when your forefathers and elder brothers return." Madam Qin took a deep breath, saying, "On this premise, we must safeguard our home, stabilize it, and ensure our children excel in their studies. In case they encounter any misfortune in the northwest, you will be the pillars of the Qin family!"
"Grandmother, I will study diligently," Qin Mingyi, the second wife's grandson, declared with clenched fists and tear-filled eyes.
Aunt Wan nudged Qin Mingchun, who blinked his dark eyes and, with a confused expression, echoed, "I-I will too."
Studying was so difficult!
Madam Qin looked at her two grandsons, thinking of the eldest grandson from the main branch, who had just turned twelve and followed into exile, along with the eldest son of the second wife. Tears welled up in her eyes.
Her husband, three legitimate sons, and two grandsons were all on the road to exile. In terms of suffering, none could compare to hers.
Now, all she could do was pray for God's mercy, hoping they would arrive safely, even if life there was difficult, as long as they survived, it would be good.
"The confiscation came suddenly, and we couldn't take anything with us. We can only count ourselves lucky to have this old mansion as shelter. Times have changed, and the days of the Qin family will never be the same. Plain food and simple clothes are inevitable, and we must learn to wear coarse cloth and cotton shoes..." Madam Qin coughed.
Mrs. Wang raised her head, wiping the faint redness from her eyes. "Mother, please don't worry. We still have plenty of time ahead of us. Everyone just needs some time to adjust, to understand. We'll figure it out slowly."
No matter who it was, falling from the clouds required an adjustment period.
Even someone as tough as her was no exception.
Thinking of her only son on the road to exile, Mrs. Wang felt a sharp pain in her heart, but she took a deep breath. She was the mistress of the Qin family and couldn't afford to be weak.
"That's right. Let's all rise and have this meal. Those who still don't understand can go back and think it over slowly after eating," Madam Qin raised her hand, signaling everyone to stand.
They all stood up, sat down, picked up their chopsticks and bowls, and quietly ate.
The food was tasteless, but they gritted their teeth and swallowed.
After dinner, Madam Qin asked the aunts and younger generation to go back to their rooms, leaving Mrs. Wang, Mrs. Xie, and Qin Meiniang to discuss the future of the family. It was important to clarify things now.
Seeing Qin Liusi about to leave, Madam Qin called her back.
"Xisi, you stay and listen too."
Qin Liusi paused, then sat back down, picking up a cup of tea.