Chapter 13: Who Designed the Qin Family's Downfall?

Chapter 13: Who Framed the Qin Family?

When Old Madam Qin reached a point of agitation, she began to cough violently, and her head throbbed with waves of dizziness. Madam Wang and Nanny Ding rushed forward to help her catch her breath.

After a long while, Old Madam Qin's breathing eased slightly, but her complexion grew even paler.

Qin Liuxi took one look and said, "Setting aside whether the Old Master was wronged, within the officialdom, serving a monarch is like serving a tiger. If the monarch demands a minister's death, the minister has no choice but to die. Even those with the deepest imperial favor can be struck down by the Emperor at any moment over the slightest pretext. Now that things have come to this, there is no use in overthinking. You must prioritize your health first."

Her calm narration, like that of an outsider, not only caused Old Madam Qin to knit her brows deeply but also left Madam Wang and the others with complex emotions.

Although this girl was registered under her name, she had been raised in the old residence since childhood. Having had no elders to guide her for many years, it was impressive that she could speak such words.

Deep imperial favor is a blessing, but sometimes it is also a blade hanging over one's head, ready to fall at any moment.

The younger generation in the family were all still trembling in fear that the Qin family had fallen and their wealth and glory were gone. None were like Qin Liuxi, who could still speak of serving a monarch as if serving a tiger.

Madam Wang felt a surge of intense curiosity regarding the life this girl, whom she had raised under her name for several years, had led over the past decade.

Her composure, her steadiness, and her medical skills—in these ten years, was the old Taoist Chi Yuan the only one who had taught her?

"Even though the matter is settled, your grandfather, your father, your uncles, and your brother must all be brought back," Old Madam Qin said fiercely. "If I do not see the Qin family's name cleared, if I do not see the men of my Qin family return from that bitter, desolate land in the Northwest, I... I will not be able to rest in peace even in death, cough, cough..."

Qin Liuxi said, "Then you truly must take care of your health."

After all, her lifespan was not long.

Old Madam Qin choked on her words, her face darkening.

Madam Xie said, "You girl, are you intentionally trying to provoke your grandmother?"

Qin Liuxi silently picked up her tea and took a sip, refusing to engage.

Madam Xie felt as if she had punched a ball of cotton, feeling stifled and frustrated.

Old Madam Qin raised her hand and continued, "The seizure of our property came so suddenly, and we weren't allowed to smuggle out any wealth. This was because the one leading the raid was Meng Li of the Meng family."

Qin Liuxi looked toward Madam Wang, waiting for an explanation.

Madam Wang said, "Three years ago, the Meng family sent a woman into the palace, and she gained immense favor. In just three short years, she has already risen to the rank of Noble Consort. Our family and the Meng family have always been at odds. Even when Noble Consort Meng was promoted, your grandfather once said to a friend over drinks that the Meng woman was a vixen whose virtue did not match her position. He has been held a grudge for it until now..."

Qin Liuxi's lip twitched. Had her foolish grandfather been set up?

Madam Wang mentioned this old matter with a sense of helplessness; the old man had indeed lost his composure regarding this issue.

"Noble Consort Meng was promoted to Consort, and this year she even gave birth to a little prince. The Meng family has risen with her; not only was Noble Consort Meng titled Imperial Noble Consort, but the Meng family was also granted a marquisate, and they are now the Ancheng Marquis Mansion." Madam Wang's expression was indifferent as she continued, "That man named Meng Li is Noble Consort Meng's favorite brother. He was granted the position of an armed imperial guard, and he was the one leading the raid on our house."

It all became clear now.

No wonder when the Qin family members appeared, they didn't even have a single piece of silk, let alone any valuables. They had a sworn enemy watching them closely; naturally, it would have been impossible to secure any wealth.

Of course, those who were more cautious might have hidden a tiny bit of something privately.

"Was it the Meng woman who orchestrated the framing of the Old Master?" Qin Liuxi asked, interjecting.

Madam Wang fell silent.

For some reason, Old Madam Qin countered her, "What do you think?"

(End of Chapter)