Chapter 909 - 745: Blossoms on Embroidered Brocade

Chapter 909: Chapter 745: Blossoms on Embroidered Brocade

Seeing Qin Min nod powerlessly, Qin Yingyuan continued, "Brother, as soon as you seek an official position, you get the Standard Fourth Rank, and mother was born to the Empress. Our mansion can be said to be adorned with flowers and cooked in raging oil."

Qin Min nodded again; the Qin family’s prominence has been evident for many years, and their maternal family is also part of the Imperial Family. The Duke Qin Mansion is undoubtedly an object of many aristocratic families in the Capital wishing to curry favor.

"But, brother, have you ever thought about why Grandfather is not very affectionate towards the Second Prince? He even doesn’t show as much respect to Grandmother as before. Logically speaking, Grandmother shared hardships with Grandfather initially, and Grandfather should value Grandmother more."

Qin Yingyuan pondered for a moment, deciding to start with the Second Prince. Their Duke Qin Mansion was already tied to the Second Prince.

Mother and the Second Prince were born to the same mother, and anyone would think they are from the same lineage with the Second Prince, which is an inescapable fact.

Qin Min’s face grew increasingly unpleasant, and he scolded, "How dare you talk insolently about the Emperor behind his back? Luckily there are no outsiders here today, but in the future, when there are outsiders around, you must be cautious and refrain from reckless behavior."

Then he glanced around the room, noticing that the maid Chonglou beside his sister had already left the room at some point, leaving only the two siblings inside.

Qin Min let out a sigh of relief, although Chonglou was just a servant, he never dared to underestimate anyone. Sometimes, a seemingly inconspicuous person could be the key to your victory or defeat.

"I only say this in front of brother; I haven’t mentioned any of this to anyone else beforehand, including mother. But since I was born into the Duke Qin Mansion, there are some things I cannot but speak of."

Qin Yingyuan saw that although her brother looked unpleasant and even chastised her, she knew that he was indeed listening.

As long as brother was willing to listen, it was already good enough for her, reigniting endless hope.

"The Second Prince is not valued by Grandfather because he fears the maternal family’s growing power. Our mansion needs no further mention; how illustrious was the Li Family originally? The Li Family members were everywhere in the court, originally an aristocratic family with a century-long legacy, plus the merit from following the dragon; which aristocratic family in the Capital could compare? But look at them now, how does the Li Family fare? Aren’t they just nesting in their ancestral lands, afraid to show themselves?"

How could Qin Min not be aware of what Qin Yingyuan spoke of? Back then, the Li Family was indeed unparalleled in prestige, more enviable than the sudden rise of that father-son duo from nowhere, the hundred-year legacy of aristocratic family lineage was more enviable.

Unfortunately, the Emperor seized power relying on the Li Family’s influence. But after gradually consolidating power, he viewed the Li Family as a thorn in his side.

After years of suppression, if not for Grandmother’s nephew’s capability and the Emperor’s consideration for past amiability, the Li Family would have faced worse.

Grandmother’s nephew could now sit firmly as the Salt Transport Commissioner, owing to his remarkable skill. Of course, this also had much to do with his awareness of current affairs.

Salt trade was highly profitable, with the Emperor far away, gaining benefits from it was all too easy.

However, managing so many salt fields, Li Zhanhua dared not even take any benefit from it, and it’s a tough task, as there were countless people watching him. Even the slightest mistake found would easily cost him his head.

A treasure trove that couldn’t be touched, witnessing the white silver flow past like water from his own hands, yet unable to take a share.

Not only unable to take, but also needing to prevent others from taking, could be said to be extremely difficult.

Seeing her brother’s expression softened slightly, and even showing signs of contemplation, Qin Yingyuan couldn’t help but relax a little.

Afterward, she continued, "Talking back to the Second Prince, back then Grandmother had some disagreements with Grandfather over the Second Prince Consort issue. The reason, brother, you understand better than I do, wasn’t it because Grandfather considered the Second Prince Consort’s father from the Lang Family was the Commander? Although the Tiger Talisman was in Grandfather’s hands, he managed the military power daily, how could Grandfather not worry?"

This analysis from Qin Yingyuan made Qin Min look at his sister in surprise.

"You seem to know quite a lot; I didn’t expect a daughter of the boudoir to inquire into court matters."

Qin Min was truly somewhat surprised. Young ladies usually loved rouge and powder, right?

Although these matters were no secrets, everyone understood them well. But after all, they were court affairs, not for daughters to inquire into.

"Does brother look down on women? I may seem ignorant daily, but I have a clear mind."

Qin Yingyuan glanced at Qin Min, not angry at her brother’s attitude.

If not to achieve her goal, why would she bother with these court matters?

"What you analyzed, both father and I know clearly. You’ve said so much; I understand your meaning. Isn’t it just saying that our Duke Qin Mansion is already cooked oil on raging fire, not suitable for further marriage alliance with aristocratic families?"

Men’s thought on court affairs tends to be more comprehensive than women’s.

Qin Min thought of himself; his father-in-law was Dai Yuanji, Minister of War. The Commander’s Office belongs to the Five Armies Commander’s Mansion, also under the Ministry of War.

He and Mrs. Dai’s matchmaker was precisely the Second Prince Consort’s mother. It’s no surprise for him to marry Mrs. Dai given the intertwined relationships in the Capital’s aristocratic families.

But the Second Prince marrying Lang Family, the purpose therein is self-evident.

Back then, when Grandmother brought it up, Father disagreed with the marriage, fearing further angering the Emperor.

But mother and Grandfather disagreed; the Li Family faced considerable suppression back then, almost suffocating the clan.

Grandmother naturally couldn’t watch her maternal family decline nor leave the Second Prince unsupported by scholarly families. Hence, she resisted Grandfather’s pressure, leading him to marry Mrs. Dai, making Grandfather’s amiability towards Grandmother not as before.

"Since brother understands, why do you and mother still want to find me an aristocratic suitor?"

Qin Yingyuan sighed; her mother previously said to keep her a few more years, hence not setting a marriage early.

But she was about to come of age soon, once a girl passes her coming of age without engagement, those talkative ladies will gossip behind her back.

Only that mother’s need to attend to illness recently caused her to neglect this, or she would have begun arrangements sooner.

"Father and I believe your marriage shouldn’t be with families in the limelight, but you shouldn’t be wronged either," Qin Min spoke lightly.

Father had already confided in him, wanting to find Ying a household with a fresh reputation, so as not to upset Grandfather while Ying wouldn’t be mistreated in marriage.

Anyway, with sister being a Commandery Princess, the dowry wouldn’t be little. Finding a Second Legitimate Son, not needing to be the Lady of the Clan to manipulate affairs, as long as life is harmonious, it’s enough.