Qin Liusi raised an eyebrow, questioning her.
"Grandmother, you honor me too much. Though not an orphan, I've been fostered in the old mansion since childhood, deprived of the guidance of elders. Your inquiry seems to place me in a quandary," Qin Liusi retorted with a hint of sarcasm, causing a twinge of embarrassment and displeasure in Madam Qin.
Mrs. Wang glanced at Madam Qin's complexion, then pondered before speaking, "Onlookers often see clearer than those involved. Because you, Qin Liusi, are not entangled in the vortex at the heart of the capital, you may perceive matters more lucidly than those of us deeply embroiled. As for whether you possess such insight, your assistance to your third aunt during childbirth and your recent arrangements at the old mansion suffice to demonstrate your competence."
Qin Liusi lifted her gaze, turning to her stepmother.
Mrs. Wang had a broad and full forehead, large expressive eyes, straight eyebrows, and a clear philtrum devoid of any moles or lines. Her lustrous black hair framed a face typical of wealth and nobility. However, her marital palace exhibited signs of dimness and collapse, with crow's feet and veins visible, suggesting potential changes or separation in marital affection.
Separation between spouses was not the main concern; rather, the most crucial aspect was the children's palace. Her children's palace was not robust, and with signs of descent, there was a risk of offspring loss.
Nevertheless, it depended on the astrological signs. If there were indications of self-transformation, self-restraint, or self-harm in the children's palace, it could portend peril or danger to the children.
Qin Liusi withdrew her gaze, pursing her lips.
Mrs. Wang was the legitimate wife of the main branch, and although she was called mother to the offspring of concubines, she had only borne a brother named Qin Mingyan, who was currently exiled with her grandfather and father. If something were to happen to that child, Mrs. Wang would be bereaved.
Seeing her eyelids droop, veiling those dark eyes, Mrs. Wang felt an inexplicable tightness in her chest, a vague sense of unease. Whether it was her imagination, she seemed to glimpse a fleeting glimpse of pity in Qin Liusi's eyes.
Surely, she was mistaken!
Mrs. Wang's fingers curled slightly.
"I am not familiar with the actions of the Meng family, nor do I know Consort Meng personally. However, if I were in her position, even with the young prince, I would not dare to touch the scales of the dragon or set such a disrespectful trap," Qin Liusi disdainfully remarked. "The noble consort enjoys favor and has borne a dragon heir. If she wishes to harm the Qin family, a little whispering in the emperor's ear would suffice. Why jeopardize one's own future and that of the prince?"
Having a prince was not tantamount to reaching the heavens, and the current emperor was nearing the end of his reign. Mature princes abounded, with even younger ones in the mix. In short, the royal family was not lacking in princes.
For the Meng family to rely on the young prince to ascend further was foolish, as it was unwise to meddle in major affairs like temple ceremonies. Once uncovered, both the young prince and the Meng family would be irredeemable.
Hence, whoever targeted the Qin family was likely someone else entirely, with the Meng family merely adding insult to injury.
Upon hearing Qin Liusi's words, Madam Qin's eyes flickered incessantly, her chest rising and falling unpredictably.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Wang's eyes sparkled with curiosity, as her daughter's words aligned with her own analysis throughout their journey.
"If not the Meng family, then who?" Qin Liusi questioned.
"As Mother said, I am not at the center of the whirlpool, nor have I been in the capital for these years. I am unaware of the Qin family's enemies. I cannot provide an answer to Grandmother's question," she declared, rising to her feet. "It is almost dark. Please retire to your room, Grandmother."
After uttering these words, Qin Liusi stepped out, one foot beyond the threshold, but then she turned back, blinking as she asked, "Grandmother, is this mansion mine to decide upon, or does it still hold significance?"