When Xiao Yan and Song Tangning arrived at the Qian household, the place was in utter chaos.
Qian Baokun was disciplining his daughter in an unusually creative manner. Qian Qiyue knelt miserably on a prayer mat, her stomach growling from hunger, while her three elder brothers knelt behind her, their faces sporting fresh bruises.
Second Brother Qian’s legs were numb from kneeling. He shifted slightly, but before he could move another inch, Qian Baokun, who seemed to have eyes on the back of his head while reviewing ledgers, hurled a thick ledger at him.
“Got ants crawling on you? Why are you fidgeting? Straighten your back!”
Second Brother Qian clutched his forehead in pain. “Dad, I’m not the one who lied to you!”
Fine, punish the little sister—but why drag them into it?
Qian Baokun shot him a look. “What’s your surname?”
“Qian.”
“And what does Ah Yue call you?”
“Second Brother...”
“Then you’ll take it like a man. Elders pay for their juniors’ mistakes. Now kneel properly!”
Second Brother Qian: “...”
Third Brother Qian rolled his eyes as he watched his second brother get scolded. He already knew their father was biased, so speaking up was just asking for trouble. He glanced over at his newlywed wife, who was standing at the door with his second sister-in-law, peeking in. Hoping for some support, he signaled to his wife to plead for leniency.
But before she could move, the slightly older young woman next to her, with a composed and graceful air, gently held her back.
“Second Sister-in-law?”
Weng Shi, who had recently married into the Qian family and wasn’t yet familiar with everyone, hesitated. She whispered, “Father looks really angry. Shouldn’t we step in and mediate?”
The second sister-in-law, surnamed Zhou, smiled with the gentle elegance of a blooming magnolia. “There’s no use. Favoring the girls isn’t new in this family.”
Noticing Weng Shi’s furrowed brows and clear misunderstanding, Zhou Shi quickly clarified, “Don’t overthink it. Father doesn’t just favor Ah Yue—he favors all the girls in this household, including you and me.”
Seeing Weng Shi’s wide, astonished eyes, Zhou Shi led her aside and explained the unique “house rules” of the Qian family.
In the Qian household, women were regarded as the most precious treasures. It wasn’t that the men feared their wives; rather, it stemmed from Qian Shangshu’s early years of hardship, during which his wife had suffered alongside him. This had instilled in him a deep sense of cherishing his wife and daughters. Over time, this extended to all women in the household, including daughters-in-law.
In the Qian family, unless a woman committed an unforgivable sin, she was never punished—be it a daughter, a daughter-in-law, or even a servant. Instead:
If a wife erred, the husband was punished.
If a couple argued, the husband was punished.
If there was discord in the household, the husband was punished.
Qian Shangshu upheld an ironclad fairness. His reasoning? "A virtuous husband ensures harmony in all matters. If there’s disharmony, it’s the husband’s fault."
The Qian family also had no tradition of concubinage. Qian Shangshu adored his wife, and over time, the Qian men accepted and upheld this unique family dynamic.
Zhou Shi smiled as she said, “Don’t mind their complaints. Have you noticed any real resentment on their faces? Don’t worry, it’s all in good fun.”
If Father Qian were truly angry, kneeling wouldn’t be the end of it.
Weng Shi glanced at her husband, Qian Sanlang, and saw that while he was muttering grievances with a pout, he looked more like a mischievous child than someone genuinely upset. Even the eldest brother, who had recently returned to the capital and seemed stern, showed a resigned smile beneath his apparent seriousness, as if this was a common occurrence.
“Have they... always been like this?”
“Always,” Zhou Shi confirmed.
Weng Shi was astounded. She came from the Enyuan Marquisate, where she had always been valued as a legitimate daughter. However, compared to her brothers, she had never held equal importance. Her parents loved her, yes, but when it came to the family’s future, she was always secondary to the men.
She thought this was simply the way of the world. Even her mother, a kind and fair woman, would blame her sisters-in-law for disputes rather than her brothers.
In contrast, the Qian family’s treatment of women was nothing short of revolutionary.
Zhou Shi glanced at the bustling ancestral hall and smiled at Weng Shi. “The Qian family is different. To women, it’s a blessing here. Stay longer, and you’ll come to appreciate it.”
Then, she added, “And don’t hold this incident against Ah Yue. She’s a good girl—forthright and sincere. If you and I ever find ourselves in trouble, Father would stand up for us just as he does for her.”
Weng Shi’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly protested, “Second Sister-in-law, I wasn’t…”
Zhou Shi gave her a knowing look. She, too, had been in Weng Shi’s shoes as a newcomer. She didn’t push further and instead offered gentle advice.
“Don’t let small things affect your relationship with Sanlang.”
At that moment, a figure approached. Zhou Shi looked up to see Madam Qian. She patted Weng Shi’s hand. “Mother is here.”
Weng Shi straightened nervously.
Madam Qian, dressed in an elegant water-green robe, approached with grace. She glanced into the ancestral hall. “Still punishing them?”
Zhou Shi smiled. “Father hasn’t vented his anger yet.”
“He storms into the Lu household on impulse when Ah Yue is wronged, and now he’s scolding Qingran and the others for it,” Madam Qian remarked, shaking her head. She turned and stepped into the hall.
“That’s enough. Stop kneeling and get up.”
Qian Baokun frowned. “They haven’t admitted their mistakes yet…”
“Do you want to kneel too?” Madam Qian shot him a glare. “The Duke of Supervisors and the County Princess of Yiyang are here. Go entertain the guests.”
Qian Baokun immediately straightened. “Xiao Yan is here?”
His tone was visibly pleased, and he even rolled up the ledger in his hand.
After returning home, he’d felt that his earlier conversation with Xiao Yan in the palace had been lacking, and there were still matters about the Lu family he wanted to discuss.
The sudden rain had dampened his plans to visit Xiao Yan tomorrow, but now, his new confidant had come to him instead.
Excited, he tidied his sleeves. “You’re lucky today.”
With that, he strode out of the ancestral hall, leaving the three Qian brothers to finally relax. Qian Qiyue perked up as well. “Tangning is here? I’ll go see her—”
“Kneel.”
Qian Qiyue froze. “Mother…”
Madam Qian gave her a sharp look. She didn’t need to say much; the fiery Qian Qiyue, who had just been defiant with her father, meekly knelt back down.
Madam Qian turned to the brothers. “You three, go clean up. You look like you’ve been rolling in the mud.”
She then added, “Eldest, did you settle your posting at the Ministry of Personnel? If not, take care of it soon. Don’t give the noble families a reason to trip you up. Second, get your injuries tended to—just don’t heal too quickly. Your father might need to use them as leverage later.”
Weng Shi, overhearing from outside, was stunned. The Qian brothers, however, were utterly unfazed.
After receiving their instructions, the eldest brother, Qian Qingran, spoke up. “Mother, Ah Yue realizes her mistake. Don’t make her kneel too long.”
Qian Qiyue’s jaw dropped in disbelief. “Are you really my brother?”
Smack!
Madam Qian gave her a flick on the forehead, silencing her protests. Qian Qingran smiled wryly and said, “Mother, I’ll take my leave with Second and Third Brother.”
Second Brother added, “Don’t hit her too hard.”
Third Brother chimed in, “A few strokes with the ruler will do...”
“Qian Qingyao!”
“Ah! ow!”
As Madam Qian grabbed Qian Qiyue by the ear, she calmly replied, “Understood.”
The brothers left, the youngest giving his sister a teasing, pitying look as he exited.
Qian Qiyue wanted to curse but was silenced when her ear was yanked again.
“Ow! Mother, my ear is going to fall off…”
Madam Qian snorted. “You know pain now? I think you’ve grown too bold. Using your own innocence to provoke your father? Do you know the trouble you caused when you tricked your father and brothers into confronting the Lu family?”
“If not for the Lu family already being entangled in their own mess and the emperor’s intent to clean house, your father might have lost his head because of you!”
Her voice grew sharper as she twisted Qian Qiyue’s ear. “How many times have I told you not to meddle in Song Tangning’s and the Lu family’s affairs? I didn’t stop you from associating with her, but dragging your father and brothers into this mess? That’s going too far!”
Qian Qiyue clutched her throbbing ear and knelt obediently. “I know I was wrong…”
She had been furious at Lu Zhinen’s behavior and wanted her father to stand up for her. But after the Lu family scandal erupted, she was filled with regret.
Tugging at her mother’s sleeve, she muttered, “I just wanted to protect Tangning and teach Lu Zhinen a lesson. I didn’t think it through.”
Her voice softened. “I thought if I didn’t exaggerate the situation, Father wouldn’t go to the Lu family. If the Duke of Supervisors didn’t step in, Tangning would have no one to protect her. She would’ve been bullied by Lu Zhinen for nothing.”
“You’re this close to Song Tangning?” Madam Qian asked, puzzled. “You haven’t known her for long.”
Qian Qiyue mumbled, “She’s my little sister.”
Madam Qian paused, realizing who her daughter was referring to. “You mean the girl who used to protect you in the capital and play with you before you left for Lingnan?”
Qian Qiyue nodded.
Madam Qian was taken aback. When her youngest daughter was born, she had a slight limp. As a result, she was often bullied until a young girl stood up for her and became her playmate. When Qian Qiyue was sent to Lingnan for treatment, she clung to thoughts of her “little sister” for comfort, but Madam Qian never imagined that little girl was Song Tangning.
Qian Qiyue’s voice trembled with anger. “She promised to take me riding and show me her secret hiding spot, but she’s forgotten all about me!”
She had tried hinting about their past, but Song Tangning never seemed to remember.
Madam Qian frowned but didn’t press further, assuming Song Tangning had forgotten due to a late memory development. She asked, “So you caused trouble in the palace for her too?”
“Those girls were being vile...”
“And you’re proud of that?” Madam Qian flicked her daughter’s forehead again.
Knowing the reason for her daughter’s actions, Madam Qian sighed. “No more of this nonsense. Your father’s position is precarious, and your recklessness could ruin everything.”
Qian Qiyue lowered her head. “I understand.”
Madam Qian softened. “Good. Now go copy the Kṣitigarbha Sutra fifty times for your elder sister-in-law’s memorial.”
Qian Qiyue looked horrified. “Mother, please just punish me physically instead!”
Madam Qian shot her a look. “No shortcuts. If you make someone else write it, you’ll copy it tenfold.”
Qian Qiyue slumped in defeat.
When Song Tangning arrived at the Qian household, she felt nervous. She feared Qian Shangshu would be furious with her for involving his family in the Lu family’s mess.
To her surprise, Qian Baokun was not only amicable but incredibly warm. He treated Xiao Yan like an old friend and was full of smiles.
Xiao Yan placed a food box on the table and spoke solemnly, “I felt apologetic about today’s palace matters. Tangning and I owe you an apology for involving your family in this.”
“I considered preparing a formal gift, but given how closely the court is watching us, I thought it best to avoid anything too lavish. These are simple treats. I hope you won’t mind.”
Qian Baokun felt touched. Over the years, many people had tried to bribe him, yet Xiao Yan’s thoughtful gesture meant more to him than any lavish gift.
“You’re too considerate,” Qian Baokun said with a smile.
Xiao Yan responded earnestly, “You are truly righteous.”
Qian Baokun chuckled. “And you are no less so.”
Impressed by Xiao Yan’s character, Qian Baokun grew fonder of his new friend.
He turned and called out, “Ah Yue, come greet your Uncle Xiao!”
Qian Qiyue froze.
Uncle Xiao?!
Xiao Yan, maintaining a composed expression, felt his smile stiffen. Turning to the stunned Tangning, he exhaled and muttered softly, “Uncle Xiao, indeed...”
At just twenty years old, he felt the weight of his newfound “seniority.”
"Junior has long admired Minister Qian and dare not address him by name directly. To be allowed to call you 'uncle' is already a great honor."
He was only twenty years old.
What nonsense is this 'Uncle Xiao'?!
=================
T/N: He deceived Old man Qian a bit too well
You can read ahead to chapterr 300 (100+ extra chapters) here
Is this like how I was miffed the first time I got ‘Ma’am’ instead of ‘Miss’ at like 18? 😂
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