Chapter 274: Chapter 273: Qin Liuxi’s Connections
The true origin of Qin Liuxi had never been concealed from Master Tang of Tang Mountain. He had long expressed disapproval over the Qin family’s decision to leave a young girl alone in the old mansion. Now that the Qin family had fallen, he was aware and even considered going to ask if she needed help. However, Qin Liuxi hadn’t visited for so ti, and upon learning that the Qin Family had all moved back to the old residence, it was inappropriate for him to call on them uninvited. All he could do was wait. While waiting, he also sent a letter entrusting a friend to investigate the true cause of the Qin family’s offense.
He was well aware of her temperant. She had never spoken ill of her family before him, seeming indifferent to her familial ties.
Indeed, perhaps he would feel the sa if it were him.
Finally, Qin Liuxi had co, bringing her younger brothers with her. She ca to cash in a favor, to have her two brothers placed in the academy.
Then, what truly were her feelings towards the people of that house, maternal or heartless?
“Hmm, they’re from my direct family, born from the sa mother,” Qin Liuxi nodded. “That one at ho is from my uncle’s family.”
Seeing her acknowledgnt, Master Tang said, “I have also heard about your grandfather’s incident. Such a scandal during the ancestral rites is a great taboo. The Holy Emperor allowed the won and children of the Qin family to return to their hotown, only exiling males above the age of twelve. It was likely also for the sake of Noble Princess Consort ng’s recently born little prince, to accumulate blessings for him.”
Otherwise, execution and exile for the entire family wouldn’t have been unusual.
For the monarch, the most crucial thing is to ensure that his throne is secure and his realm stable. No one wishes to see unpropitious matters arising from a significant sacrifice ritual.
Luckily, Noble Princess Consort ng had birthed a new little prince this year and had been graced with imperial favor. The Holy Emperor was slightly swayed by a plea and thus treated the matter with ‘leniency.’
Qin Liuxi was noncommittal, saying, “Blessing or curse, one cannot escape their fate. The Qin family’s misfortune is a calamity they cannot evade.”
“I’ve always thought of asking if you needed help but feared coming over hastily, causing your family elders to overthink,” Master Tang said. “I’ve been waiting for you, yet you never showed up.”
He was certainly old enough to be Qin Liuxi’s father, but as a lady who had reached her coming of age, proprieties must be observed; even though their interaction was candid, who can tell what the Qin Family elders might think?
“We’ve known each other for five years. Don’t you understand what kind of person I am? If there were truly a matter, I would seek out my own connections and solutions. If I haven’t sought help, it ans the situation is within my control. You needn’t worry.”
Master Tang snorted, “Of course, I know. I’m also aware that you always take karma into account, fearing to owe a favor, lest you have to repay it in the future.”
“With that tone, you sound like a nagging woman. It’s unbecoming.”
Master Tang: “!”
Sotis, she could really provoke agitation in his heart.
Master Tang took a deep breath and then said, “I am aware of your capabilities. Yet the old saying goes, compared to saving a life, what’s a small favor worth? If we were really to tally, I owe you much more.”
“Please don’t say that. I treated you dically, and you’ve paid for the consultation. We are already even,” Qin Liuxi quickly said.
“You’re deliberately trying to distance yourself from ,” Master Tang feigned heartbreak. “It is understandable, I’m rely a mortal commoner, how could I bear the responsibility of being your teacher? No wonder you disdain .”
“Stop behaving like that. Pretending to be pitiful doesn’t suit you who should serve as an example to others. Speak plainly.”
Master Tang suppressed the smile in his eyes and said, “Your teacher’s wife and the others will return soon. They’ve already sent a letter saying they want you to co over for a al. I’m telling you now, you can’t refuse.”
The two had not officially taken roles as master and disciple, but out of respect, Qin Liuxi privately referred to him as her teacher, and naturally, his wife as the teacher’s wife.
Qin Liuxi nodded, “When the ti cos, I’ll pay a visit.”
Master Tang was finally satisfied, then said, “Hold on a mont.”
He rose, went to the inner chamber, and returned with a small box, which he handed to Qin Liuxi. “A coming-of-age gift, though it’s delayed. Unexpectedly, you didn’t co to receive it. It’s not worth much, just play with it, or set it aside if it doesn’t strike your fancy.”
Though he spoke thus, there was a trace of apprehension in his eyes.
He knew this girl all too well; always fixated on karma, if given too much, she would find ways to return it. Were the rules of the Mystic Sect so strict?
Even stricter than those of prestigious noble families.
It made him extra cautious when giving a birthday gift, fearing it might be rejected.
Qin Liuxi opened the box, inside was a small and exquisite top-quality Chicken Blood Jade seal. Shaped in a round cylinder, finely carved like fire, with a lotus base, it even had her na etched on it, highly delicate.
“You are a person of the Mystic Sect, you also have a Daoist na. I wasn’t sure if you’d use your courtesy na, so I didn’t carve it, just your full na. A lady of age should have her own seal,” Master Tang said casually.
But Qin Liuxi knew that the seal contained the blessings of an elder. Master Tang was known as a teacher, but few knew that he was also the renowned layman Yun Guan, outstanding in jade carving and unparalleled in landscape painting.
“It is very valuable,” Qin Liuxi played with the seal.
Master Tang’s heart tensed, fearing she might refuse it.
Qin Liuxi placed the seal back into the box and stood up to bow in gratitude: “Thank you, teacher.”
Master Tang’s heart settled down, and stroking his beautiful beard nonchalantly, he waved it off: “As long as you don’t dislike it.”
“Who would dare to dislike a work from layman Yun Guan?” Qin Liuxi smiled and then produced a bottle from her sleeve, offering it to him: “Here, for you.”
Imdiately, Master Tang’s expression darkened, “So for every birthday gift I give, you must give a return gift? Do you always have to be so formal with ?”
“Not at all, it’s a token of thanks for leveraging connections for my younger brothers. It was supposed to be prepared by my mother, but I took over,” Qin Liuxi explained. “This isn’t entirely a gift of thanks; it’s for your health. I cured your heart ailnt, but you still need to take good care of yourself.”
Master Tang then examined the bottle; inside were Yangrong Pills, extrely precious dicinal treasures. He said helplessly, “These are even more valuable.”
“If they’re effective, that’s all that matters. These things are not hard to co by. It’s important that you stay healthy to continue teaching and nurturing talents for many years,” Qin Liuxi smiled.
Master Tang pointed a finger at her, faking a jab: “The silly boy from earlier is…”
“He’s the fifth in the household ranking, and the other one is the fourth.”
“Alright, this Xiao Wu seems to be pure and kind. But his studies… are truly painful to witness. And as for the one at ho?”
“That one is foolish from too much reading.” Qin Liuxi curled her lip.
Seeing her expression, Master Tang understood this young lady’s intent.
“Intent on correcting chaos with clarity?”
“It’s up to their own fate. If they can be set right, that’s the best outco. With a clear mind, they can understand how things work and not cause trouble for the family. I certainly don’t want to follow behind, constantly cleaning up their sses. That would be truly annoying.”
She was at ease with Master Tang teaching students. Handing them over to him, she wouldn’t need to worry.
“Do you want to take Xiao Wu as a student?”
Qin Liuxi was stunned for a mont. Being accepted as a true student by Master Tang would truly be a golden opportunity for Qin Mingchun, who was born illegitimate. And by his looks, as long as she agreed, he would accept.
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