This was the day Qin Yixian arrived at the General’s estate, and Song Xian was summoned to Yin’an Hall. By the time she entered, the guest was already seated beside Princess Duanrong—a girl of fifteen or sixteen, smiling sweetly. Though she had been married to Wei Ling for three years, this was her first time meeting his cousin.
Qin Yixian’s features were delicate and charming, her eyes misty and luminous, making her especially endearing.
“Ah Xian, come quickly,” Chen Ruo called.
“Second Cousin-in-law,” Qin Yixian greeted with a smile.
Song Xian stopped, first bowing to Princess Duanrong. “Mother.” Then she smiled in turn. “Cousin Yixian.”
“Second Cousin-in-law is so beautiful,” Qin Yixian praised. “My cousin is truly blessed.”
Song Xian smiled lightly but did not answer.
Princess Duanrong asked, “Is your grandmother in good health?”
“She is very well. Just a few days ago, she was speaking of Aunt and Cousin. When she heard I was coming to the General’s estate, she was displeased, saying I cared more for Aunt than for her.”
Princess Duanrong chuckled, a kindly smile Song Xian had never seen before. “At her age, still jealous over trifles.”
“Indeed. In a few days, it will be Grandmother’s birthday, and the household is in a frenzy of preparations. I begged Mother for a long time before she allowed me to come here for some respite.” Qin Yixian rose, walked behind Princess Duanrong, and began massaging her shoulders with practiced ease. “Aunt, you mustn’t send me away. At least wait until after Grandmother’s birthday.”
“I won’t send you away. I’m delighted you came.”
As aunt and niece chatted warmly, Song Xian and Chen Ruo had no place to join in.
After a while, Qin Yixian turned to Chen Ruo. “Elder Cousin-in-law, why haven’t I seen Cousin Yujun?”
At this, Chen Ruo silently thanked Wei Ling. Wei Yujun and Qin Yixian had never gotten along, and as mistress of the household, she dreaded the petty quarrels that might arise. If they clashed, Princess Duanrong would surely blame her.
Now that Wei Ling had confined Yujun, she was spared much trouble.
Still, it was strange—what had Yujun done to anger Wei Ling so deeply that he imposed such punishment, and why had Mother not intervened?
Chen Ruo’s thoughts turned, but she dared not speak plainly. She looked instead to the head of the hall.
Princess Duanrong glanced twice at Song Xian before saying: “Never mind her. These days, just stay with me. Don’t worry about anything. If you need something, go directly to your elder cousin-in-law.”
Qin Yixian smiled sweetly. “Yes, Aunt still loves me best.”
“All right, go back and rest for now.” Princess Duanrong took her hand and patted it gently. “Come again for supper this evening—your cousin will be back by then.”
She then turned to Song Xian. “Ah Xian, accompany Yixian back, and check that everything at Yuqing Lodge has been properly arranged.”
Song Xian obediently agreed.
Yin’an Hall was some distance from Yuqing Lodge. As they walked side by side, Qin Yixian spoke first: “Cousin-in-law, do you know when Cousin will return today?”
She didn’t even know where he had gone, much less when he would return. “I don’t know. But Mother said he should be back by supper.”
“Mm. I don’t often come to the General’s estate. I hope Cousin-in-law can guide me about the household rules.”
“Don’t worry about such things, Cousin. It’s rare for you to visit—if you live comfortably, Mother will be pleased.”
Soon, they arrived at Yuqing Lodge. Qin Yixian walked around the courtyard, clearly satisfied.
Song Xian, mindful of Princess Duanrong’s instructions, inspected the lodge inside and out to ensure everything was in order.
“Then Cousin, rest well. If you need anything, send someone to find me at any time.”
Qin Yixian said cheerfully: “Of course. Tell me, where do Cousin and Cousin-in-law live? Let me go see with you.”
Song Xian hesitated briefly, then agreed.
The two residences were close—just a few steps from Yuqing Lodge lay Liuying Pavilion.
“This is the study,” Song Xian said, pointing, her words brief.
Qin Yixian, curious, had already stepped forward.
At that moment, no one was guarding the study. Song Xian recalled Wei Ling’s warning—“no one may enter without permission”—and wondered if she should remind her. But then she realized Qin Yixian was different. If it were her, Wei Ling likely wouldn’t mind.
Yet Qin Yixian stopped at the study door, then turned and walked instead toward the side chamber.
Song Xian glanced toward the locked side chamber and quickly said to Qin Yixian: “Cousin, I’ve just acquired a few new chrysanthemum plants. Would you like to come see them with me?”
Qin Yixian looked at the chamber, then at Song Xian. After a brief pause, she replied: “Mm, then let’s go, Cousin-in-law.”
Song Xian instantly felt relieved and led her toward the rear courtyard.
“Cousin-in-law, you’ve been married here for quite some time, yet I’ve never spoken with you alone.” Qin Yixian began the conversation herself. “Grandmother has only Aunt and Father under her care. Aunt is strict, and I have only one elder brother—no other siblings. The Qin family’s side branches rarely visit, and the tutors at Jinshu Hall are all stiff and formal. My days are dreadfully dull. At last, coming to Aunt’s household, I finally have someone to talk to. Cousin-in-law, may I often come to see you?”
“Of course,” Song Xian agreed readily. Yet the words left her puzzled. With Qin Yixian’s status, even a noble title like Princess would not be excessive—so why did her tone carry a trace of loneliness?
Still, the remark about Princess Huihua’s strictness rang true. Not only the Qin family—even the Wei family had only Wei Ling and his two sisters. The General’s household had no concubines, so there were no other children.
If that were the case, then Qin Yixian and Wei Yujun should have grown up together. Why, then, did they seem like enemies whenever they met?
Song Xian glanced sideways. Qin Yixian did not look like someone prone to conflict.
As if reading her thoughts, Qin Yixian smiled. “Cousin-in-law is wondering about me and Yujun, isn’t she? It’s nothing serious. Yujun is hot-tempered and impulsive. When we were young, something happened—she thought I had harmed her. Since then, she’s kept her distance, unwilling to speak with me. Over time, it became what you see now. No matter how I try, she won’t respond.”
“I heard the servants say Yujun has been confined by Cousin?” Qin Yixian asked curiously, glancing around before lowering her voice. “Do you know why?”
Song Xian shook her head. She wasn’t sure.
Indeed, the day Wei Yujun left Liuying Pavilion only to be confined had surprised her. But Song Xian was not naïve enough to think Wei Ling had done it for her sake. If confinement had been imposed merely because Wei Yujun tried to search her rooms, Princess Duanrong would have objected first.
Clearly, Princess Duanrong had tacitly approved because Wei Yujun had caused trouble outside and needed discipline. Wei Ling, too, was likely acting to protect his sister. And yet, in the end, wasn’t the blame still laid on her?
If Wei Ling had thought more of her, she would not have suffered such needless misfortune.
Qin Yixian walked ahead, saying cheerfully: “Still, I envy Yujun very much. Aunt’s household is far freer and livelier than ours. And Uncle and Elder Cousin are great generals defending the realm—much more impressive than my brother.”
“Second Cousin is the same. Though it may not be obvious now, I know that in the future he will surely rise to greatness!”
Song Xian couldn’t help but ask: “Why are you so certain, Cousin?”
Qin Yixian tilted her head, countering: “Does Cousin-in-law not believe in him?”
Song Xian faltered, then quickly replied: “I do.”
“Cousin has always been clever. When I first entered Jinshu Hall, he was still there. I often heard how he left the tutors speechless in debate, yet even so they held him up as a model for the other students. Unfortunately, for reasons unknown, he later withdrew from the academy and never returned.”
Qin Yixian’s face showed regret. “I thought he would take to the battlefield like Uncle, but he never did. For that, Uncle quarreled bitterly with him. These past two years things seem calmer. By the way, Cousin-in-law, why haven’t I seen Uncle today?”
In recent years, Eastern Xia had seen no wars. Of the Wei family, only Wei Ling’s elder brother, Wei Shu, guarded the frontier. Grand General Wei Haifeng had returned to the capital two years ago and now served as Minister of the Inner Army, overseeing the training of the imperial forces.
Truthfully, Song Xian hadn’t seen him in some time. Even with her frequent visits to Yin’an Hall, he was absent—like Wei Ling, elusive and unpredictable.
“I don’t know. Perhaps he is busy.”
“Busy?” Qin Yixian scoffed lightly. “I truly don’t know what they’re all so busy with.”
The two walked on into the rear courtyard. Song Xian said no more.
There, her newly transplanted chrysanthemums—*Green Water Autumn Waves* and *Jade Phoenix of the Celestial Terrace*—still drooped a little, though their heavy buds bent the branches.
Qin Yixian exclaimed in delight: “Cousin-in-law, where did you get these varieties? I’ve never seen them before!”
They were not rare. Song Xian had chosen them simply for their vigorous growth, their vitality surpassing even spring blooms.
“Just bought them casually on the street.”
“Flower tending is delicate work—I’m no good at it.” Qin Yixian touched a drooping leaf, smiling playfully. “My mother keeps many flowers, but she never lets me near them, afraid I’ll ruin them.”
Her smile was genuine, her eyes pure. Song Xian felt herself warmed and asked: “Then what do you enjoy doing, Cousin?”
“Me?” Qin Yixian thought seriously. “I love making things—kites, hairpins, lanterns. Watching scraps come together into something whole in my hands gives me such a sense of accomplishment.”
*Making things by hand…*
Song Xian froze until Qin Yixian waved a hand before her face. “Cousin-in-law?”
Song Xian came back to herself. “I never would have guessed you enjoyed that.”
“Mm. But Cousin-in-law, you know, Cousin does too.”
This time Song Xian was struck silent, as if something had pierced her heart—dull, aching.
No wonder Qin Yixian had gone straight toward the side chamber. So that was it.
Perhaps seeing her expression, Qin Yixian quickly covered her mouth. “Ah, Cousin-in-law, pretend you didn’t hear that. Cousin never likes to talk about such things.”
Song Xian steadied herself, feigning ignorance, even showing a touch of surprise. “What is it Cousin doesn’t like to say? Tell me, Cousin.”
“Oh, I’ve talked so much I’m parched. Could I trouble Cousin-in-law for a drink of water?” Qin Yixian clearly wished to change the subject.
“Come with me then.”
The two returned indoors. Qin Yixian lingered for some time before leaving, but no matter what, she refused to return to the earlier topic.
After she departed, Song Xian sat down, gulped several mouthfuls of tea, then reached back to press her aching shoulder. Wan Cui, just returned from seeing the guest off, immediately stepped forward to knead her shoulders gently.
As Wan Cui kneaded her shoulders, she said: “Madam, I had thought Cousin would be as spoiled as Third Miss, but I never expected she would get along so well with you.”
Song Xian reflected. Indeed, she had spoken more than usual today, while Qin Yixian had hardly stopped—one question after another.
Yet Qin Yixian was nothing like Wei Yujun. She carried none of Princess Duanrong’s haughty airs, nor Yujun’s willfulness. Her temperament was gentle and composed, with a touch of girlish charm.
After half a day together, Song Xian felt no discomfort. On the contrary, Qin Yixian often coaxed her into cheer, her words sweet and flattering, gradually dissolving the guard she had set up.
“She is indeed pleasant,” Song Xian affirmed.
Wan Cui continued: “Did you notice what Cousin said later? She clearly knows how to tend flowers—she was just being modest. And look at the hairpins she made herself. The craftsmanship is exquisite, unlike anything I’ve seen in the market.”
Wan Cui kept talking, but Song Xian’s thoughts drifted. Yes, such a girl—her family, her status, her looks, her nature—all flawless. Who would not like her?
Princess Duanrong’s affection for Qin Yixian seemed greater than for her own daughter. Chen Ruo was warmer than usual. Even the servants rushed to serve her. With Qin Yixian’s arrival, the entire household bustled as if it were a festival.
Song Xian smiled faintly. Surely Qin Yixian would also win Wei Ling’s favor. She seemed to understand him better than she herself did. She found herself curious—curious how Wei Ling would treat her.
Wan Cui, noticing her smile, said: “Madam, I think Master has returned. I heard movement in the front courtyard.”
“Mm. If he has, then he has.”
“Will Madam join Master at Yin’an Hall for supper?” Wan Cui asked cautiously. She had been present that morning and knew a small banquet was planned for the evening, hence her question. But as soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted them, her hands softening their pressure.
Three years—and Madam had gone to Yin’an Hall for meals only a handful of times.
Sure enough, the woman before her fell silent. After a long pause, she replied: “If someone comes to invite me, refuse them. Say I am unwell.”
“Yes.”