Wang Shi cast a profound glance at Qin Liu Xi.
"You speak with utmost wisdom," she remarked. "Moreover, with the Qin family in decline and only women and children left at home, it's prudent to avoid unnecessary complications."
Qin Liu Xi fell silent. If his legitimate mother, born into a prominent family, failed to grasp even this fundamental understanding, it would be a disservice to the family's reputation.
Wang Shi continued, "Actually, your grandmother has been contemplating a visit to the Qingping Taoist Temple to pay respects to the temple master. However, her recent health issues have hindered her."
"Given that the temple master is currently away, even if she were to go, she might not be able to meet him," Qin Liu Xi remarked.
At the door, Qi Huang glanced at her and then lowered her gaze, feigning ignorance. Qin Liu Xi felt no guilt or remorse. With her ailing health, it was futile to continue such endeavors. At this juncture, there was no possibility of a sudden reversal of fortunes.
"Why did you summon me?" Qin Liu Xi inquired.
Wang Shi regained her focus and said, "During the confiscation of property, all male children over twelve years old are on the list of those banished..."
"Are you concerned about Second Brother?" Qin Liu Xi glanced at her expression and said, "Rest assured, hardships are inevitable for Second Brother on the road to exile, and even... But rest assured, he has benefactors to assist him, and he will safely reach his destination."
Wang Shi's heart skipped a beat. She looked at Qin Liu Xi, her lips trembling, "Do you... do you know something?"
Could it be that this child has also learned the art of divination from the Daoist master?
"There's no need to know for certain; speculation will suffice. Given the suddenness of this matter, he was originally a pampered young master. Faced with a sudden family calamity, it's natural for him to endure hardship at such a tender age," Qin Liu Xi said. "As for having benefactors, it's a prediction made by the master."
This is the second time, using the Taoist master to fend off criticism.
In the main hall of the Qingping Taoist Temple, Taoist master Chi Yuan rubbed his slightly feverish ears and unceremoniously pinched his nose.
That scoundrel must be deceiving his master.
Wang Shi felt inexplicable joy upon hearing this, and she couldn't help but grab Qin Liu Xi's hand tightly. "Is it really what the temple master said?"
Qin Liu Xi looked at the hands that had become noticeably rough in a short period of time, nodded, and said nothing.
Wang Shi's eyes suddenly became hot, "That's good."
She turned her head slightly, wiped the corner of her eye, and said, "Let's not dwell on this. Regarding what we just discussed, currently, all that's left in our family are powerless women and young children. Although some distant relatives privately sent us some money when we left Beijing, with so many people, we'll eventually run out of resources. I'm thinking, should we buy about ten acres of good farmland and lease it out under the name of Li Dagui? This way, it won't attract attention, and the rent collected can also cover the food expenses of this family, so we won't have to spend money buying it all the time. So, what do you think of Li Dagui?"
"Li Dagui and his family are all loyal servants," Qin Liu Xi said succinctly, affirming the character of Li Dagui and his family.
Wang Shi understood and said, "Then let's do it this way. As for other prospects, we're considering producing some embroidery and sending it to those embroidery shops and general stores to sell. We'll also provide monthly allowances to them, so they'll have some money in hand to feel secure."
Qin Liu Xi was impatient with such matters. "You and the old lady can handle it."
She looked up, glanced at Wan Yiniang, who was wearing a coarse cloth hairpin and was busy sewing, then looked at Qin Mingchun, who was also dressed in coarse cloth, and thought, If only they were better dressed, they would be much more pleasing to the eye.
"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave," Qin Liu Xi said as she rose to bid farewell.
"Go ahead."
Qin Liu Xi bowed and then paid her respects to Wan Yiniang before walking to Qin Mingchun's side. Seeing the little fellow stiffening, she remarked, "Although one may rely on appearance to make a living, what if you become disfigured? It's still necessary to learn some skills. If this calligraphy doesn't improve by the time I return, I'll give you a good beating!"
Qin Mingchun: "!!!"
Waaah, is she really my own sister?