Chapter 28: What a Coincidence, Indeed

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Inside the study, Qin Huaiyong’s teacup smashed to the floor at Lady Di’s feet. Startled, she stumbled back two steps and bumped into the side table.

“Speak. What exactly happened?” Qin Huaiyong’s face was dark as storm clouds, his gaze sharp and menacing.

Lady Di jumped at his tone, realizing just how furious he was. She hurried to feign ignorance, stammering, “General, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“How is it that I never knew you shared the same tastes as your cousin? Since when did you start taking away dishes she likes to eat?” His voice was cold, like the calm before a storm.

“I… General, I… That day I was only curious to try a little of Cousin’s food. I casually mentioned it to the kitchen staff, and when the dishes came, I tasted a few bites, didn’t find them special, and didn’t pay it further mind. Who would have thought the kitchen would go behind our backs and take away more than half of Cousin’s dishes!” Flustered, but quick-witted, Lady Di grasped the crux of the issue and replied at once.

The kitchen’s conduct was not a secret; many had seen Lady Di take the majority of the dishes. Concealing it was impossible.

“So you liked Cousin’s dishes and wanted to split some to taste?” Qin Huaiyong sneered.

“If you don’t believe me, General, you can ask. That very day, you and Magistrate Qi were discussing Yuru’s marriage. I was anxious about the outcome and had little appetite. After visiting Mother, I returned for dinner. It was one of Mother’s attendants who remarked on how good Cousin’s food was, which sparked my curiosity. Would you truly think I set out to deliberately take Cousin’s food?” Lady Di’s eyes reddened with grievance.

She had been cautious that day, specifically having one of Old Madam’s attendants mention the matter in the presence of Granny Duan, Old Madam’s confidante.

Qin Huaiyong was often convivial with Magistrate Qi; every time they drank together, he returned home inebriated. That day, Lady Di had intentionally sent him off to discuss the marriage.

“How coincidental that you just happened to take Cousin’s dishes, and Qionghua then used her own portion and fell ill from it?” Qin Huaiyong’s suspicion was clear, though his voice had softened.

“How could I have known… You know Cousin and I have never been close. She never confides in me. I’ve tried my best to befriend her, but she’s always cold and distant. I truly don’t know what she’s thinking. Qionghua is her maid—what are you implying?” Lady Di’s tears flowed in earnest, her handkerchief pressed to her face, her words now accusing Qionghua’s testimony.

Qin Huaiyong’s expression remained grim. He knew well enough that Shui Ruolan and Lady Di’s temperaments clashed, and their interactions were always distant. Lady Di was telling the truth about that, but he could not shake his unease, the knot between his brows tightening.

Of course, he was unaware that everything he’d seen was meticulously staged by Lady Di. His so-called knowledge was but a fragment, believing Lady Di genuinely treated Shui Ruolan kindly. In truth, Lady Di ignored or mocked her whenever he was not present.

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“No matter whether you meant it or not, the mistake occurred because of you. Since the fault is ours, we mustn’t wrong Cousin any further.” Qin Huaiyong was silent for a moment before speaking solemnly.

“General…” Lady Di was taken aback, forgetting to cry, lifting her head in astonishment.

“What? Do you not agree? The matter has happened. We must bear the responsibility.” Qin Huaiyong sat down, decisive. He had been uncertain of Shui Ruolan’s feelings, but now that she had chosen not to retreat into the temple out of guilt, he could not let her down.

“But… but it was a misunderstanding, and Cousin has already taken herself to the convent out of remorse, which means…” Now truly panicked, Lady Di protested, her feigned tears forgotten, “If you want to compensate her, then do as she wishes, but if you embarrass her further, it will only make things worse!”

Her words were perfectly crafted, appearing considerate of Shui Ruolan, logical and heartfelt.

Had it been before, Qin Huaiyong would have been moved, which was why he had hesitated to act these past days. But after Qin Wanru’s words earlier, his doubts were gone.

“Since she was wronged, as a man I must make amends. I’ll speak to Mother about this at once!” Qin Huaiyong waved his hand, silent a long time before making up his mind.

“But… but what about me?” Lady Di, unable to believe the sudden turn, felt aggrieved. “I… I can’t just change overnight and treat her as anything but Cousin… I feel awful!”

Her tears now were not entirely feigned; much of her distress was genuine. If there was truly nothing between Shui Ruolan and Qin Huaiyong, Lady Di would not care. But if there had always been affection, this could become a disaster.

“That day you suddenly took most of Cousin’s dishes, and then Qionghua happened to fall ill after eating—do you really expect me to believe this is all coincidence?” Qin Huaiyong’s voice was cold. Now that suspicion had taken root, his mind was drawn ever more toward that conclusion. The sequence of events was simply too convenient.

He was not fully aware of the inner workings of the household, nor could he see through Lady Di’s machinations immediately, but he could sense the strangeness. Seeing Lady Di’s continued reluctance, he grew increasingly impatient.

“This was just a coincidence, truly! If you don’t believe me, General, ask the kitchen, or speak to those around Mother!” Lady Di cried into her handkerchief, looking pitiful.

“You may go. The matter is settled.” Qin Huaiyong waved her away, annoyed, then added, “And stop with these so-called coincidences. There aren’t so many in this world! If you can’t manage Yuru’s affairs, someone else will handle the household!”

The words were a clear warning.

Lady Di was furious, about to retort, when her sleeve was tugged quietly. Turning, she saw it was her personal maid, Granny Zhou.

Granny Zhou gestured toward the door, signaling it was best to leave for now.

Seeing Qin Huaiyong’s demeanor, Lady Di knew any argument was pointless. Biting her lip, she curtseyed in grievance and left with tears in her eyes.

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Only after Lady Di had gone did Qin Huaiyong look up again, rubbing his brow as he stared long and hard at the plate of pastries on the table.

Leaving the study, Lady Di and Granny Zhou turned down a quiet corridor. Once out of sight, Lady Di spat viciously, her face twisted with hatred. “That wretch actually has a thing with the General! If I’d known, I never would have given them the opportunity!”

“Madam, don’t worry. It’s not done yet,” Granny Zhou soothed.

“From the General’s attitude, he can’t wait for it to happen. He’s already favoring her before she’s even in the door. If she becomes official, what will happen to me and my daughter?” Lady Di gritted her teeth, her handkerchief nearly torn to shreds. How could she accept that a minor scheme had brought her such a formidable rival?

She’d thought Shui Ruolan’s temperament would wither in shame after this, that she’d hide herself away, unable to show her face.

“Don’t fret, Madam. Even if the General wants it, it won’t happen so soon. Just the other day, the Eldest Miss’s engagement fell through, and now everyone’s gossiping about our household and Magistrate Qi’s. Neither the General nor the Old Madam would dare accept Miss Shui at such a sensitive time,” Granny Zhou said, eyes glinting as she gestured toward the convent.

They were in the center of a storm. If word spread that Qin Huaiyong had taken his own cousin as a concubine, it would be scandalous and might even jeopardize his career.

This reminder sobered Lady Di, who nodded darkly. To take in her widowed cousin as a concubine would indeed be frowned upon, and Qin Huaiyong treasured his reputation, especially now as he sought a transfer back to the capital.

“But… in the end, she’ll be brought in!” Lady Di still could not resign herself.

“Madam, whether she enters the household isn’t just up to the General. If something happens to the young lady in the next few days, nothing will come of it, no matter what the General wants. Isn’t Miss Qi coming to visit? Keep her here a few days, and wait until Magistrate Qi or Young Master Qi comes to fetch her. Then we’ll see what to do,” Granny Zhou advised.

“No, the General would grow suspicious!” Lady Di refused at once, recalling Qin Huaiyong’s warning.

“Don’t worry, Madam. Even if it’s a coincidence, no blame will fall on you. The General can hardly confront the Qi family, can he? Our household is already indebted over the Eldest Miss’s situation,” Granny Zhou said, nodding toward the convent.

Lady Di fell silent, a glint of malice in her eyes as she considered. “Very well. If something happens to that girl, wouldn’t the Qi family step in? Let them both, that girl and that wretch, come to grief together!”

Hearing this, Granny Zhou immediately understood and praised the plan with eager applause.