Everyone’s expression changed, the maids lowering their eyes and standing quietly. The young master stopped fidgeting, quickly straightening up and holding his book to appear studious. When the noble lady in fine clothes entered, she saw this carefully composed scene of diligent study.
Madam Qin, supported by a maidservant, sat on the couch. The young man stood to greet her, calling “Mother” and sitting beside her. Qin’s wife took his hand, reproaching: “It’s getting dark. Why aren’t the lamps lit? Be careful not to damage your eyes.”
The maids immediately lit the lamps and brought fresh tea. The boy said casually: “I was so absorbed, I didn’t notice.”
Why are you here at this time?”
Madam Qin replied: “I was discussing some matters with your third uncle in the front yard and stopped by on my way back. This saves you an extra trip tonight.”
The boy’s eyes rolled: “Is it about my big brother’s matter?”
Madam Qin gave him a sidelong glance: “You know too much. Always gossiping instead of studying.”
“The whole capital is talking about it. Do I need to deliberately inquire?” the boy scoffed. “Isn’t it just that he broke his leg in the border region and can’t stay there, so he’s coming back to recuperate?”
Madam Qin pursed her lips but did not scold him. Instead, she ordered the servants: “Everyone leave. I want to talk to Yan’er alone.”
The people withdrew from the room.
“The eldest young master is a young hero, but at home, he became someone who couldn’t even be mentioned. Unfortunately, our young master has no heart, staying far from his elder brother, only listening to those scoundrels’ instigation…”
Another maidservant lightly slapped her hand and said, “What do you know? They are not born from the same mother, so how can they be ‘elder brothers’? Strictly speaking, only the second young lady, now the Qi Wang’s wife, can call him big brother.”
