Chapter 43

Chapter 43: The Humiliation from the Eldest Sister

Chapter 43: The Humiliation from the Eldest Sister

"Qin Liuxi entered Madame Wang's room to find Wan Yi's mother and Qin Mingchun also there. Wan Yi's mother was doing needlework, while her stepbrother sat at the table, writing calligraphy with a resentful look in his eyes upon seeing her."

"Oh, is the little guy still holding a grudge over that cake incident?"

"Qin Liuxi glanced at him, then respectfully greeted Madame Wang and Wan Yi's mother."

"Madame Wang smiled and beckoned, 'Xi'er, come and sit.' Seeing Qin Mingchun sitting still, just his eyes wandering, she said, 'Chun'er, your elder sister is here, why don't you stand up and greet her?'"

"Her voice was gentle, yet carried an undertone of authority."

"Qin Liuxi looked over, her expression a mix of amusement and mockery."

"Qin Mingchun's small frame shivered, and he quickly got down to bow and stammered, 'El... Elder sister, greetings.'"

"Hmm."

"Qin Mingchun lowered his head."

"Qin Liuxi walked over to his table, glanced at his writing, and commented, 'Such ugly handwriting, how many years have you been practicing?'"

"'He started his basic education two years ago,' Madame Wang also came over, glanced at it, and chuckled, shaking her head."

"Two years and still writing like this?" Qin Liuxi remarked, "Well, you could become a junior Taoist priest in the future. Taoist priests draw talismans just like this."

Commonly referred to as 'ghostly scrawls.'

Not particularly harmful, but highly insulting.

Whoosh.

Qin Mingchun, feeling humiliated, burst into loud crying.

Mrs. Wang was somewhat torn between laughter and pity.

Aunt Wan approached, peering over curiously and said seriously, "It is indeed a bit ugly. But son, as long as you're handsome, that's enough. You can marry a wife with a hefty dowry. We don't need talent; good looks will suffice."

Mrs. Wang: “……”

Qin Liuxi's eyebrows lifted slightly, thinking how typical of a mother. Her son becoming just a pretty face was acceptable!

Qin Mingchun cried even harder.

"Stop crying!" Qin Liuxi admonished lightly.

The crying instantly ceased, turning into intermittent sobs.

Mrs. Wang then said, "Mingchun, continue writing." She pulled Qin Liuxi to sit on a Luohan bed near the window to talk.

Sitting down, Qin Liuxi said, "I wanted to tell you that I plan to retreat to the Taoist temple for a while starting tomorrow. I'll leave Qihuang here for you to manage things. I want her to sort out the house inside and out before returning to assist me."

Mrs. Wang was startled, "A retreat?"

Qin Liuxi explained calmly, "My health wasn't great as a child, remember? That's why I was sent back to the old house. The temple is located in Xiangshan, an area rich in natural beauty, perfect for recuperation and cultivation. I go there every year for a period of retreat. How else could I have such good health?"

Mrs. Wang glanced at the peach wood hairpin in her hair and asked cautiously, "Xi'er, although you've followed a master, you haven't formally joined the Taoist path, have you?"

"You are mistaken; I am indeed formally initiated into the Taoist path."

Mrs. Wang's expression shifted slightly.

Aunt Wan asked, "If you've become a female Taoist priest, how will you marry and have children?"

"In my sect, we're not strict about worldly attachments and even allow the forming of Daoist couples," Qin Liuxi said. "But talking about this now is premature."

Aunt Wan wasn't particularly affected by this, but Mrs. Wang let out a sigh of relief, asking, "How long will you be gone?"

"It's uncertain," Qin Liuxi replied. "As the lady of the house, and with the old lady’s instruction, you should manage the household affairs. I've already instructed Uncle Li to procure the household necessities. Mother, just keep the house in order and avoid going out for now."

Mrs. Wang looked slightly surprised.

Qin Liuxi idly toyed with the silk ribbon at her waist, remarking casually, "The Qin family's recent troubles haven't quite passed; keeping a low profile prevents unwanted attention, doesn't it?"