When Madam Qin reached an impassioned point, she began to cough violently, her head spinning with dizziness. Mrs. Wang and Nurse Ding hurried forward to ease her discomfort.
After a while, Madam Qin's breathing eased somewhat, but her complexion grew even paler.
Qin Liusi glanced at her and said, "Let's not dwell on whether Grandfather was wronged. In the political arena, it is said that accompanying the ruler is like accompanying a tiger. Even if the ruler desires the death of a subject, they must comply, regardless of the intensity of royal favor. If the emperor erupts in anger, any pretext can be used to mete out punishment. At this stage, pondering over this matter will only be detrimental to your health. You must prioritize your well-being."
Her detached and calm narration, akin to an outsider, furrowed Madam Qin's brow deeply and left Mrs. Wang and others feeling somewhat conflicted.
Although Qin Liusi's name was listed under her own, she had been fostered in the old mansion since childhood. Without elders to guide her over the years, it was remarkable for her to articulate such thoughts.
While being in favor with the ruler was advantageous, sometimes it was akin to a sword hanging over one's head, ready to fall at any moment.
Among the younger generation in the family, all were still apprehensive about the downfall of the Qin family. Few, like Qin Liusi, could articulate sentiments such as "accompanying the ruler is like accompanying a tiger."
Mrs. Wang felt a strong curiosity about this girl listed under her own name.
Her composure and steadiness, along with her medical skills—over the past decade, who had been teaching her? Was it that venerable Daoist Chiyuan?
"Although the situation is settled, your grandfather, uncles, and your brother—all must be brought back," Madam Qin said sternly. "Until I see the Qin family vindicated, until I see the men of the Qin family return from the harsh lands of the northwest, even in death, I will not close my eyes."
"In that case, you must take care of yourself indeed," Qin Liusi remarked, given her short lifespan.
Madam Qin choked, her face turning black.
Mrs. Xie interjected, "Are you deliberately angering your grandmother?"
Qin Liusi silently picked up her tea and took a sip, declining to respond.
Mrs. Xie's frustration felt as futile as punching cotton.
Madam Qin raised her hand, continuing, "The confiscation came suddenly, without allowing us to take any possessions. This was because the one leading the confiscation was Meng Li from the Meng family."
Qin Liusi looked to Mrs. Wang, as if awaiting an explanation.
Mrs. Wang explained, "Three years ago, the Meng family sent a woman to the palace. She gained favor and within three years rose to the rank of noble consort. Our family has always had a feud with the Meng family. When Consort Meng was promoted, your grandfather once drunkenly remarked that the Meng family's charm was unworthy of their status. This grudge has been remembered to this day..."
Qin Liusi's lips twitched. Wasn't her silly grandfather deceived?
Bringing up this old matter was also out of helplessness. Indeed, the old master had lost his composure over this matter.
"Consort Meng has been elevated to noble consort, and this year she bore a young prince. The Meng family has risen to the heavens. Not only has Consort Meng been titled Empress Consort, but the Meng family has also been granted a marquisate. They now reside in the Ancheng Marquisate," Mrs. Wang said indifferently. "This Meng Li, known as Meng Li, is Consort Meng's favorite brother. He has been endowed with a position as a personal guard in the imperial palace. He led the confiscation against our family."
It all made sense now.
No wonder when members of the Qin family appeared, they didn't even have a single piece of silk, let alone any possessions. It turned out they had a sworn enemy watching them closely, so naturally, nothing could be preserved.
Of course, it was prudent to hide a tiny bit of something, just in case.
"Was it Consort Meng who orchestrated this against Grandfather?" Qin Liusi interjected with unnecessary curiosity.
Mrs. Wang fell silent.
Madam Qin, for some reason, turned the question back to her, "What do you think?"