Qian Jiaoniang felt that at this moment, Xing Muzheng was like a child—his words and actions both carried that air. She pressed down his restless leg. In her heart she thought: how could a man like him, always so decisive, not know what should be done? But recalling how, when she had fretted about whether or not to acknowledge her second sister, he had given her advice, she knew she could hardly brush him off now with a single word.
After thinking it over, she spoke her mind: “I recognized Qian Liniang as just one person. But what you are facing is an entire clan. Although there is blood relation, in the end it is rather distant, and besides, we do not know their true character or background. If you ask me, it depends on whether this family is proper and upright. If they are harmonious and virtuous, then they are worth recognizing as kin. But if they scheme and fight among themselves, forever noisy and restless, and only want to cling to you for their own prospects—then better not to recognize them at all. Just as you said, even a clear-sighted official cannot settle family quarrels. If distant kin only bring trouble, why invite it upon yourself?”
It was not surprising that Qian Jiaoniang’s view sounded cold. To her, the word “relatives” already carried dread. Once bitten by a snake, one fears the rope for ten years—and she had been bitten not once, but many times.
Xing Muzheng curved his lips in a smile: “What you say is very reasonable. Then I’ll do as you say—first send men quietly to investigate them in detail. These three can stay in the manor for now, while we test their bottom line. If they are good, we recognize them; if not, we send them away.”
Qian Jiaoniang nodded, though inwardly she complained about that “do as you say.” He was a man with strong opinions—no doubt he had already thought out what to do. She had merely spoken what matched his thoughts, yet he insisted on phrasing it as though he were following her lead.
They spoke a while longer, until Hongjuan came to report that Xie Zhang was waiting in the front court. Xing Muzheng went out.
Not long after he left, Ding Zhang came to Qian Jiaoniang to report on the arrangements for the Xing family relatives. Following Xing Muzheng’s orders, he had housed them in the guest courtyard near the front, and since they had not yet eaten breakfast, the kitchen had sent over a meal. Qian Jiaoniang told him to treat them well and asked, “What do you think of the three in their words and conduct?”
Ding Zhang hesitated. “Given the great prestige of the Marquis’ household, the guests seemed cautious. They were very polite to me, even gave me a tip. But before me, they did not speak much.”
Qian Jiaoniang nodded. “Then let’s watch them a few more days. These days the Marquis will be busy with affairs of state, and may neglect the guests. But you must not slight them—make them feel at home. Whatever they lack, supply it.”
Ding Zhang turned her words over in his mind, then understood. “This servant understands.”
She continued: “Tonight the Marquis will host a banquet. I don’t know what preferences or avoidances people from Jiazhou have—do you?”
Ding Zhang shook his head. But Qi Momo spoke up: “In Jiazhou they cannot do without spice. Even plain stir-fried greens must be cooked with chili.”
Qian Jiaoniang looked at her. Qi Momo explained: “The second master of the Hang household had a concubine from Jiazhou, so this old one knows.”
Qian Jiaoniang smiled. “With Qi Momo by my side, I truly feel much at ease.”
That night, Xing Pingchun returned from the academy. Learning there were guests in the house, he was full of curiosity and wanted to see them at once. Qian Jiaoniang thought, then said: “They say they are distant relatives of the Xing clan. But your father is investigating the truth, and I don’t know how best to introduce them to you. Be good for a couple of days. When the scouts return, then you may meet them.”
Xing Pingchun asked: “Who would pretend to be relatives? Did they come to give me New Year money?”
Qian Jiaoniang burst out laughing. “Exactly so—because you look so handsome.”
The boy giggled, threw himself into her arms, and laughed with her.
That night, Xing Muzheng did not dine in the main courtyard, but instead entertained the three guests in the front. He gave them a fine banquet, with many spicy dishes alongside Yuzhou specialties. In truth, Xing Yanan and the others had already been in Yuzhou several days. While staying at an inn, they had learned Yuzhou cuisine was spicy, though they themselves were not fond of it. This spread, prepared with their tastes in mind, touched them deeply.
When his uncles and cousins had speculated that the famous General Xing might be of their clan, Yanan had already been unable to contain himself. For their family to have such a man was a tremendous blessing. After much thought, he had persuaded his second uncle to come with him to seek kinship. If they truly were of one bloodline, the Xing family’s honor would be glorified.
Yet this young Marquis Dingxi, though courteous in his hospitality, did not mention a word of family recognition.
After the banquet, back in the guest courtyard, Second Uncle Xing worriedly said to Yanan: “Yanan, since the Marquis has taken the genealogy to examine, why does he still not acknowledge us? Could it be we are not his kin? If not, does he think we came to swindle him?”
Want to show your support? Go donate at Paypal or Ko-fi to show your appreciation! Want to get early access to at least 10+ chapters in advance? Go to my Patreon to join now! :)
