"Truly, it's like the collapse of a wall with everyone pushing against it. When our Qin family held the rank of the third grade, the Ding family used to present gifts every year, each expression filled with the sentiment of hometown. Think about Ding Shouxin, rising from a ninth-grade minor official to his current position as a fourth-grade magistrate. How much influence from our Qin family has he benefited from? Yet now that the Qin family has fallen, they are quick to distance themselves. Such is the nature of 'hometown relations.' *Ahem*..."
The agitation gnawed at the heart of Madam Qin, causing her to cough violently. Taking the handkerchief from Aunt Ding, she pressed it against her mouth, revealing a smear of red upon the fabric.
"Mother!"
Wang Shi's face blanched in shock, trembling hands poured warm water, directing the equally pale Aunt Ding to fetch medicine.
"Mother, please don't worry." Placing the water on the small table, Wang Shi soothed her mother-in-law's back. "It's common for people to turn away when the situation changes. Allowing oneself to be emotionally affected only serves to validate the petty gossip of such individuals."
Aunt Ding also brought medicine, coaxing her to take it. "Madam, please take care of yourself. You still need to await the return of Master and the other gentlemen."
Having taken the medicine and water, Madam Qin lay back against the cushion, a bitter smile appearing on her face. "Though I anticipated this outcome, I still harbored a glimmer of hope. Who would have thought they would refuse even to meet me?"
At that moment, she truly experienced the meaning of desolation.
Wang Shi sighed inwardly. It's human nature to seek fortune and avoid misfortune. It's no wonder these people are avoiding our Qin family like a flood beast. They're merely concerned about their own futures being jeopardized.
Consider Qin Meiniang, her own sister-in-law and a relative by marriage, yet the Song family unceremoniously dismissed her, even driving her and her two daughters out without hesitation. Such cruelty.
If even relatives could be so heartless, let alone those who claim to be from the same hometown.
Madam Qin sighed in relief. "We can't rely on the Ding family anymore. However, in Li City, there's not just one Ding family. There are others…"
"Mother!" Wang Shi interjected.
Madam Qin looked over, puzzled by her daughter-in-law's interruption.
"Mother, we've only just returned to Li City. As you know, our Qin family is still teetering on the edge. Even if someone is willing to lend a hand, not many are brave enough to risk their own prospects. I recall Li City's magistrate, Zhao Ping, is the cousin of the wife of the Meng family. Our Qin family is essentially operating under the watchful eye of the Meng family. If we continue making such overt moves, it's inevitable that matters will be reported to them, potentially leading to trouble."
Madam Qin pursed her lips, understanding the severity of the Qin family's situation from her daughter-in-law's words.
"Therefore, Mother, if we were to visit rashly, there might be those who hesitate due to concerns about the Zhao and Meng families. Even if someone intends to help, they may not dare to. After all, everyone has their own interests, and no one is willing to sacrifice their future for mere sentiment." Even Madam Qin herself would likely not act differently.
Wang Shi continued, "Mother, perhaps we should stabilize our situation first before considering other options."
"But can we afford to wait? I fear that Bo Hong and the others cannot." Madam Qin's heart ached at the thought of her grandchildren and husband enduring the cooling weather, especially in the northwest region.
Wang Shi pondered for a moment before suggesting, "Mother, we have more allies than just those here. There is also Xier. Xier and Master Chiyuan share a master-disciple relationship, and Master Chiyuan has guided our Qin family in the past. He knows our family's situation well. If he can assist in arrangements in the northwest without worrying about repercussions, then he is our best hope."