Chapter 6: The Eldest Branch’s Family Had It Truly Miserable in the Past Life

Chapter 6: The Tragic Fate of the Eldest Branch in the Past Life

Song Jin ignored Old Madam Liu’s dagger-like glare and ladled a large bowl of thick rice porridge for Eldest Brother Qin.

"Good, good."

Eldest Brother Qin’s dark, weathered face was full of simple, honest smiles.

Beside him sat Madam Li.

Madam Li had been sickly for years, and the son she bore was a weakling as well, leading to no shortage of gossip outside. In reality, she was a graceful beauty, as elegant as a willow in the breeze, and possessed exquisite embroidery skills.

Song Jin didn’t have a deep impression of Madam Li.

In her past life, after Qin Chi died, Madam Li was devastated. She lingered on her sickbed for several months before passing away, and not long after, Eldest Brother Qin went missing. Rumors gradually spread through the village that he couldn't bear the grief of losing his wife and son and had gone into the mountains to end his own life.

This family’s fate was truly tragic, enough to make one sigh with regret.

Song Jin carefully ladled porridge for Madam Li.

Madam Li slipped a gold-inlaid jade phoenix bracelet from her wrist onto Song Jin’s fair wrist, saying gently, "I hope you and Da-lang can live a good life together. If he ever dares to bully you, just come to me, and I will stand up for you."

"Thank you, Mother." Song Jin’s cheeks warmed slightly.

Beside them, Second Madam Liu said sourly, "Eldest Sister-in-law is truly generous today. When the younger sister-in-law wanted this bracelet for her wedding, you wouldn't give it to her."

"This is an heirloom from my grandmother, meant to be passed down to my daughter-in-law. Second Sister-in-law, how could I possibly give it away as a dowry for a sister-in-law? That would be improper, wouldn't it?" Madam Li’s tone was calm, half-joking, leaving no room for criticism.

Second Madam Liu was choked by these words.

Song Jin thought to herself that this mother-in-law was quite formidable.

At the very least, she had a sharp tongue.

Second Madam Liu wasn't a bad person at heart; she was just competitive and loved gossip.

Old Madam Liu darkened her face and said, "Second one, after you finish breakfast, go feed the pigs. Remember to clean the pigsty thoroughly."

"Isn't that Third Sister-in-law’s job?" Second Madam Liu wanted to argue, but was tugged by Second Brother Qin beside her.

Second Madam Liu glared at her husband in displeasure.

In this household, Second Madam Liu had a lot of confidence, a confidence that stemmed from her own family and Old Madam Liu.

Second Madam Liu’s biological father was a cousin from a branch of Old Madam Liu’s maiden family and was also the head of the Liu clan.

When she was a girl, Second Madam Liu was very spoiled. She usually couldn't stand that Madam Li stayed in her room all day and did no housework.

Even though half of the money from Madam Li’s embroidery was turned over to the family coffers, it didn't stop her from making trouble.

In short, despite never gaining any advantage, she was tireless in her efforts, which was truly something.

"Da-lang, now that you're married, you're an adult. You must be filial to your parents and give them a big, healthy grandson soon," Third Brother Qin said with a smile.

Qin Chi replied with a laugh, "Third Uncle, I will."

"What will Big Brother do?"

Second Brother Qin leaned in, winking at Qin Chi.

Qin Chi remained as steady as a rock. "What will I do? Naturally, I’ll let my parents enjoy the joy of grandchildren as soon as possible."

"Hahaha, good lad, you’ve got spirit."

Third Brother Qin and the others burst into laughter.

Song Jin tried to maintain a smile, though her ears were already slightly red.

Only Song Xiu sneered inwardly.

Want to hold a big, healthy grandson?

That’s nothing but a pipe dream!

In her past life, Song Jin hadn't conceived even after seven years of marriage, which was why Song Xiu dared to spread rumors to Old Madam Liu that she was barren.

The entire main room was filled with laughter.

Outside the door, a scholar in a Confucian cap and robe stepped into the room with a composed demeanor.

The scholar had an outstanding figure and a handsome, refined appearance. He carried a strong air of scholarly cultivation, yet he lacked none of the aloofness typical of modern-day scholars. From the moment he stepped into the room, he only cast a faint glance around; he said nothing, yet his indifference and lack of concern were clearly felt by everyone.

"Fourth one?"

Old Madam Liu stood up excitedly, set down her bowl and chopsticks, and walked around the table toward him. "Fourth one, you’re back so early? Didn't you say you wouldn't be home until the afternoon?"

Old Man Qin was also surprised.

Returning this early, he must have traveled through the night.

Old Madam Liu took Qin Mingsong’s arm, looking him over with concern, and said heart-achingly, "Are you hungry, Fourth one? Traveling at night is so dangerous; don't do it again next time."

"I’ve troubled Mother with your worry; it is my fault," Qin Mingsong said gently.

Old Madam Liu smiled until her face looked like a chrysanthemum.

Of the four Qin brothers, the first three were authentic, rough country men—each strong and capable, and excellent at manual labor.

When it came to Qin Mingsong, it was the opposite. He was tall, slender, and elegant, with a face like polished jade. He was clearly a delicate scholar, yet he possessed a scholarly pride that made him quite unique.

Those who didn't know his background often mistook him for a noble young master from a prestigious family.

Song Jin only glanced at him faintly before withdrawing her gaze.

This glance was extremely cold.

It was quite similar to the dismissive attitude Qin Mingsong had just displayed.

Qin Chi felt something was strange.

He hadn't intended to pay attention, really.

But he couldn't help it; the moment he saw his uncle, the scene of the sisters turning against each other flashed through his mind. Looking at Song Xiu, who was clearly excited yet feigning modesty, he realized that was the normal reaction for a woman seeing her uncle.

There was something odd about these two sisters.

They had never been to the Qin house before, yet they seemed to know the Qin family quite well...

Qin Chi’s thoughts drifted, but his expression remained unchanged.

Qin Chi had noticed the subtle changes in the Song sisters, and Qin Mingsong had noticed them as well.

He was particularly sensitive to people’s emotions.

Qin Mingsong’s gaze swept past Song Xiu and landed on Song Jin’s jade-like face, and for a moment, his mind wavered.

The woman did nothing, yet her upbringing and decorum seemed carved into her bones. Just sitting there quietly, she was as beautiful as a poem or a painting, captivating the soul. The peerless beauties described and praised in poetry and prose throughout history were likely just like this.

But for some reason, a strange sense of familiarity suddenly rose in Qin Mingsong’s heart.

However, he was certain he had never met Song Jin before.

The next moment, Qin Chi stood up to greet Qin Mingsong, blocking his view of Song Jin.

"Uncle is back just in time for breakfast. This meal was prepared by my wife as a tribute to Father and Mother."

Qin Chi chatted for a few sentences, then kicked Second Brother Qin beside him, laughing and scolding, "You unobservant lad, go get a stool for Uncle, and fetch some bowls and chopsticks from the kitchen."

Qin Mingsong’s fingers tightened subconsciously as he asked with feigned indifference, "Da-lang is married?"

"Yes, unfortunately, I beat you to it, Uncle," Qin Chi replied naturally.

Before Qin Mingsong could speak, Qin Chi added lightly, "But it will be Uncle’s turn soon..."

Qin Mingsong looked sharply at Qin Chi, his gaze fierce for a split second.

Song Jin sat to the side.

The uncle and nephew were clearly just exchanging pleasantries, but she couldn't tell if it was her imagination or if she could actually hear a hint of confrontation.

"That’s right! We’ll be drinking to Uncle’s wedding soon. Because Da-lang got married before Uncle, Mother wouldn't even host a banquet." Second Madam Liu jumped in happily, then stood up to pull Song Xiu over. "Uncle, come take a look, the bride is a little beauty."

Song Xiu was shy and timid, her face like a peach blossom, as she half-reluctantly came before Qin Mingsong.

Qin Mingsong’s expression darkened slightly.

As Song Xiu approached, he took a large step backward.

Qin Mingsong’s avoidant attitude caused Song Xiu’s blooming smile to freeze.