Return of the Swallow

ter-in-law, all of this might be happening to née Sun at the moment, but what if it similar straits befell them in the future?

Née Sun was lucky in that even though her family had fallen mightily in the world, she had a filial and capable daughter of her own.
The lord also wasn’t a bastard who could led willy nilly.
If any of this happened to them, who could predict how the situation would turn out? Setting aside a comparison between their husbands, none of their daughters were as competent or charismatic as Qin Yining.

It’d been eight days since the whole execution ground debacle had happened, and the manor had swapped out their old signboard for the new ‘Marquis of Anping’ signboard over the main doors.
Craftsman had also mounted a tablet for née Sun in front of the manor doors.
That a woman would receive an imperial compliment and have a tablet erected in her honor was unparalleled glory enough, but how many madames boasted of a paramount rank title in Great Yan?

The days were slowly growing warmer now that spring was here.
The noble madames and ladies who’d grown lethargic in winter hibernation had started to spread their wings.
And so, a continuous string of invitations for née Sun and Qin Yining started to arrive at the manor doors.

The old dowager declined them at first, citing née Sun’s fragile health, but continued use of this excuse made it seem that the matriarch was purposefully obstructing the senior madame.
But if she had the invites sent to Roamer’s Return, it would appear that she, as a mother-in-law, couldn’t bear to put up with her daughter-in-law and had chased away the proper mistress of the Anping Manor.

In actuality, the old dowager had already heard multiple sets of rumors, each version going further and further in speculating that she was too narrow-minded to allow her daughter-in-law to stay and that she wanted to vie with née Sun.
The matriarch gave orders to Qin-mama early that morning for the old servant to make a visit to Roamer’s Return, instructing her to bring back née Sun and Qin Yining no matter what.
But the granny servant came back with nothing to show for her efforts as well.

This finally set the old dowager off and she summoned Qin Huaiyuan, newly returned from court for the day, for a thorough lecture.
However, to her surprise, her son’s response made it clear what stance he was taking in the matter.

“I’m not the one who caused my wife and daughter to leave out of anger.
I’m very tied up with the matters of court and have no time to pay attention to this.
Please shoulder some of the burden, mother.”

“You mean for me to personally pay a visit and request that they return?!” The old dowager gaped in shock.

Qin Huaiyuan smiled gently.
“Mother is the best at keeping the inner residence in order, what would your son know of this? All shall be as you say.” Without further ado, he quickly took his leave afterwards to meet with his peers in the outer residence study.

The old dowager’s gums positively itched with anger, but maintaining face was still the most important.
She could only turn to Qin-mama.

“Prepare a carriage.
I’m making a trip to Roamer’s Return.
Let’s see if that damn brat can still throw her weight around when she sees me!”

The old servant quickly acknowledged the order and had servants prepare the carriage, providing transport for the old dowager, Qin-mama, Jixiang, Ruyi, and other servants for a quick trip.

“Miss, I was chatting with some others outside just now and saw a luxurious carriage parked in front of the main tavern doors.” Bingtang’s voice preceded her lithe figure as she bounded excitedly into the house.
“I went to take a look and found out that it was Qin-mama asking where the miss was! You’re so smart miss, the old dowager really has come in person!”

“How could she not?” Qin Yining toyed with a brand new snuff bottle and dimpled.
“There’s been an unending stream of people asking us to return over the past two days.
Something must be happening in the manor that the old dowager needs my mother present for.
She probably can’t handle it by herself.
Bingtang, request the madame to join me and have Songlan wait for our honored guests outside.”

“Understood!” Enthusiasm gleamed in Bingtang’s big, round eyes as she merrily trotted out.

It wasn’t long until Jin-mama, Caiju, and Cailan accompanied née Sun in.
The madame took a seat by Qin Yining and smiled at her.

“Is there some good news? Bingtang’s eyes were creased from the force of her smile, like she’d found a big gold ingot.”

Qin Yining rose to fetch a platter of snacks and a cup of hot tea.
She placed the white and blue porcelain teacup lightly by née Sun’s hand.
“Those outside say that the old dowager has descended upon us with her personal servants.”

Née Sun’s teacup froze halfway to her lips.
After so many days apart, she was actually a bit nervous to hear that the old dowager was here for a visit.

Qin Yining understood her mother’s apprehension and smiled.
“Don’t be nervous, mother.
Just be as you normally are.
Besides, you haven’t done anything wrong at all.”

True! It was the old dowager who’d been utterly heartless towards her.

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