Chapter 42

Chapter 42: The Need for a Low-Profile Retreat

Chapter 42: The Need for a Low-Profile Retreat

"Chen Pi is your own brother, how can you, as his sister, criticize him for being impulsive?" Qin Liuxi chided with a smile. "In the past, both of you could have accompanied me, but now, with so many new people in the house and things not yet settled, you should stay and help the lady keep an eye on things."

Qi Huang replied, "The lady has capable maids by her side; she doesn't need me. Even without me, she can manage things. But you, you can't be without a maid. Miss, why don't we buy a couple more maids for them to command? We can afford it. Anyway, I intend to stay by your side. I don't want to be in charge of internal affairs."

Qin Liuxi teased, "Oh, so you don’t want to be the head steward? You're just like your master, not striving for advancement?"

"Following you is my greatest ambition," retorted Qi Huang. "In my heart, you are my true master. How can I serve others when you need me? That would be putting the cart before the horse."

"Then, as your master, I assign you this task: during this period, stay with the lady and get the house in order. After that, you can stay by my side, inseparable. Is that acceptable?"

Qi Huang glared at her.

"It's not that we can't buy more maids; after all, problems that can be solved with money aren't big problems. But you know the Qin family’s situation: after the confiscation and exile, this residence is all that's left thanks to the old lady's pleas. Even if living conditions are manageable, if people with ulterior motives learn the Qin family has returned and is living comfortably with servants, what would the consequences be if they report us?"

Qin Liuxi, stroking the rim of her teacup, said, "The Qin family's downfall was orchestrated. If those with ulterior motives investigate and find out that despite the confiscation, we're still living luxuriously, it would be seen as defiance of imperial authority, a ready-made pretext to accuse us. What would the emperor, seated on the dragon throne, think? Even if it doesn't cross his mind at first, a whisper in his ear could make him wonder if he's been too lenient, enabling the Qin family's audacity."

Qi Huang pursed her lips in silence.

"No one wants their power and prestige challenged and disrespected, especially the emperor. A challenge to imperial authority is absolutely intolerable. If the emperor turns against you, there are plenty of ways to deal with you, leading to utter ruin," Qin Liuxi continued. "The Qin family is still in a precarious position. It’s best not to attract attention but to keep a low profile and bide our time, waiting for this storm to pass. Only then can we hope for a resurgence."

Qi Huang asked, "With you here, how low-profile can the Qin family really be?"

"You're really giving it to me," Qin Liuxi huffed. "So, to stay low-profile, it’s right for me not to seek progress."

"So we have to endure hardship and self-sacrifice?"

"That's not acceptable," Qin Liuxi replied firmly. "Why suffer needlessly? Life should have meaning."

Qi Huang felt resigned. This was a case of 'officials may set fires but the common people can’t even light a lamp.'

"Let's leave it at that. For now, you follow the lady and offer suggestions. If the lady and the old lady can keep these people in check, that’s enough. We won’t let them lack for food or drink."

"As a mere servant, I don't have the right to advise a lady of the house. It's up to you to speak. And that eldest lady, she seems to be planning to go out and find a job herself!"

Qin Liuxi raised an eyebrow lightly, "My aunt, the eldest?"

Qi Huang nodded.

"Miss, the lady of the house summons you," came a call from outside the door.