Chapter 349: Settling into the Marquis’s Residence

Chapter 349: Settling into the Marquis's Residence

The moment these words were spoken, the three people in the courtyard turned their attention.

Qin Xiaoyao noticed that they had already changed into the clothes she had arranged for them.

She had previously purchased clothes for her family and knew their sizes.

She hadn’t anticipated how much these elegant clothes would elevate their presence.

Madam Liu now looked every bit the part of a refined noblewoman.

Song Yun and Song Ye carried themselves like proper young nobles.

Reflecting on her in-laws' prestigious background, Qin Xiaoyao realized this was exactly how things should be.

"Sister-in-law!" Song Ye and Song Yun called out immediately upon seeing Qin Xiaoyao.

"Hmm." Qin Xiaoyao smiled in response and quickly walked towards them.

"Mother, have you rested well?" she asked Madam Liu.

Then, she turned to Song Yun and Song Ye.

"Did you two bother Mother at all?"

"No. The doctor checked and said I’m fine."

"I rested for a bit after freshening up, and now I feel much better."

"I only had them stay with me for a while." Madam Liu said, smiling.

"I heard you were busy with official duties. Have you finished?"

When she married into the Prime Minister’s residence, her father-in-law also handled official business at home frequently.

Sometimes, he’d be busy for hours, and it wasn’t an easy task.

"There wasn’t much to do, and I’ve finished already. I can spend the rest of the day with you all." Qin Xiaoyao said with a smile.

"By the way, lunch should be ready soon. Mother, please come with me to the main hall for the meal."

"Alright!" Madam Liu agreed with a smile.

She then asked Song Yun to help her up.

"Has the steward been sent to invite your father-in-law and elder brother?" Madam Liu suddenly remembered.

"I’ve already sent the steward to invite them. By the time we get there, they might have arrived." Qin Xiaoyao replied with a smile.

Madam Liu felt reassured and continued chatting with Qin Xiaoyao as they made their way to the main hall.

Along the way, Song Yun and Song Ye couldn’t help but marvel at the flowers, plants, and exquisite garden structures.

If their sister-in-law hadn’t been busy chatting with Mother, they would have bombarded her with questions for hours.

The marquis’s residence lived up to its reputation—truly beautiful!

My sister-in-law is really something, managing to live in such a grand residence.

They arrived at the front hall as they were talking.

Qin Xiaoyao helped Mother Liu inside, where she indeed found her father and elder brother waiting.

Not only were Qin Dazhuang and Qin Dahu present, but Princess Xiangyang and Liu Ling had also returned.

Moreover, it was clear that Father and Brother had already met the two guests from the marquis's residence.

You could tell from their cautious behavior, avoiding eye contact with Princess Xiangyang.

After Mother Liu entered, she quickly spotted Liu Ling.

Her eyes widened in surprise.

Liu Ling, upon seeing Mother Liu, also appeared startled for a moment.

But he quickly masked his surprise, so fast that no one noticed.

"Grandmother! You're finally here!" Princess Xiangyang suddenly spoke, and immediately rushed to Mother Liu's side, taking her other hand.

"Did you rest well, Grandmother? Are the maids serving you satisfactorily?"

"If you're not satisfied, let me know, and I'll make new arrangements for you!"

This left Mother Liu a little confused.

Seeing this, Qin Xiaoyao smiled.

"Mother, this is my new disciple. She now lives with us in the marquis's residence."

"The servants in the courtyard where you, Yun'er, and Ye'er are staying were all hired by her."

Then, Qin Xiaoyao looked towards Qin Dazhuang and Qin Dahu.

"Also, the servants in the courtyards of Father and elder brother were bought by Princess Xiangyang. It's a small token of her heart."

Upon hearing this, everyone looked towards Princess Xiangyang.

This made Princess Xiangyang's face turn red.

"Young one, thank you!" Mother Liu took Princess Xiangyang's hand and said kindly.

Princess Xiangyang felt warm inside and was just about to say not to be so polite.

Qin Dazhuang and Qin Dahu also spoke up.

"Tha—thank you, Princess!" they said, and bowed to her.

At this, the room fell silent.

Mother Liu's grip on Princess Xiangyang's hand stiffened.

Then, her gaze turned somewhat stiffly towards Qin Xiaoyao.

Qin Xiaoyao gave an awkward smile.

"Xiangyang is indeed the Emperor and Empress's youngest daughter," Qin Xiaoyao explained to Mother Liu.

Madam Liu's expression turned pale in an instant, and her knees buckled—

Qin Xiaoyao tightened her grip to keep her steady.

"Mother, don't be nervous."

"This girl may be a princess, but she's also my disciple. Even though she's staying at the marquis's residence, there's no room for her to act like a princess."

"Right, Xiangyang?" Saying this, Qin Xiaoyao gave Xiangyang a subtle nod.

"Yes, yes, yes!" Xiangyang quickly responded.

"Here, I'm just Master's obedient disciple. And Grandmother's obedient great-granddisciple."

"Grandmother, don't dislike me, alright?" Saying this, Xiangyang gave a pout of sorrow and pleading.

Her playful demeanor quickly melted away any lingering tension.

But Madam Liu only glanced at Xiangyang briefly before looking away.

While she wasn't as afraid of Xiangyang as before, she still kept her distance on purpose.

Remembering the conflict between the Song family and Empress Jia, Qin Xiaoyao didn't press the issue.

After giving Xiangyang a reassuring glance, Qin Xiaoyao helped Madam Liu to a seat at the table.

Instead, Song Yun and Song Ye smiled at Xiangyang, showing their friendliness.

Especially Song Yun, who was around the same age as Xiangyang.

As soon as their eyes met, the two girls immediately hit it off.

At this point, Xiangyang let go of her worries.

She followed and sat down at the table.

Every now and then, she exchanged glances with Song Yun.

They hadn't exchanged a word yet, but they already felt like kindred spirits.

By now, everyone had taken their seats and started eating.

Seizing the opportunity, Qin Xiaoyao began discussing the next plans.

"This afternoon, I'll have some free time. If you're not tired, Mother, I'll take you out for a stroll in the streets. To get some things for you, Yun'er, and Ye'er."

Madam Liu hurriedly declined.

"There's no need for anything."

"I—I'll stay in."

Seeing the disappointment on Song Yun and Song Ye's faces, Madam Liu added, "You take Yun'er and Ye'er out."

Qin Xiaoyao looked at Madam Liu, thought for a moment, and agreed.

"Alright. Then you rest at the residence, Mother. If we come across anything good, we'll buy it for you."

Madam Liu likely didn't want to go out, fearing she might be recognized.

Carrying such a heavy secret must be tough.

"Alright," Lady Liu finally smiled and said.

Qin Xiaoyao then turned to her father and elder brother.

"Do you two want to come along?"

"If you have any places in mind, the steward can take you there."

The women and kids probably have different preferences than my father and brother, so it wouldn’t make sense to plan everything together.

Qin Dahu and Qin Dazhuang exchanged a look.

Then, Qin Dazhuang said, "Don’t worry about us; the steward’s already taken care of everything. We’ll handle it from here."

Qin Xiaoyao smiled and nodded.