Mrs. Cui casually picked up some sunflower seeds from the table and cracked them open, saying with a smile, "What you said is very true. In life, fate can change dramatically over thirty years from east of the river to west. When luck comes, it stays for ten years! Your grandfather used to say at home that when fortune aligns, the world supports you, but when it fades, even heroes are not free. The Qinghe Cui Family has been declining over the years. We are just a branch and cannot rely on the main family’s support. We must seize the opportunities and strive hard. When fortune comes, we should manage it carefully; when it departs, we should hibernate peacefully. Only by doing so can we fulfill our duties to both our ancestors and descendants."
Qin Wan listened patiently.
Mrs. Cui continued, "Your cousin Si Yuan worked very hard in his studies; now he is basking in good fortune. It was heartbreaking to see your second aunt bringing him to our family for refuge, so full of sorrow and hardship. If Qin Siyuan achieves success, she can finally enjoy the blessings of her grandchildren. Qin Siyuan must grasp this good fortune well to honor the ancestors of the Qin Family!"
Qin Wan replied with a smile, "That’s natural. Ziqi and cousin Siyuan have similar talents, yet he missed out on this opportunity for guidance. Alas, he just fell ill. If he had been present yesterday, maybe he would have had the chance to gain favor with the Holy Emperor. I wonder when our Ziqi’s luck will turn."
Mrs. Cui put down the sunflower seeds in her hand and let out a cold laugh.
"I see you didn’t come back to see me but to gather information."
"Why does Mother say that about me?"
Qin Wan felt a bit uneasy.
Mrs. Cui pointed straight at her head, spitting, "I gave birth to you, and when you lift your bottom, I know what you’re up to. Is Lin Ziqi at home blaming fate? Hiding behind a woman, what kind of man is that! No wonder your father doesn’t even want to mention him now. The other day when you were helping at the Marquis Mansion, your father said he spent all day dabbling in petty tricks instead of preparing for the Advanced Scholar exam. I thought he was being too rigid, but now I realize he was right."
Saying this, she got up to leave, but Qin Wan quickly clung to her mother, pleading bitterly.
"Mother, I’m just desperate. Cousin Siyuan has gained the Emperor’s favor—who wouldn’t envy that? We’re family, and I just want to find a good mentor for Ziqi. Seeing these poetry collections being published one by one, and the Emperor taking note, who doesn’t wish to gain fame through poetry and catch the Emperor’s eye? Ziqi doing well means I’m doing well, and me doing well is good for Brother Heng too, isn’t it?"
Mrs. Cui softened a bit but still felt quite angry.
"Let me tell you, he shouldn’t have sent you to ask such questions. Why doesn’t he ask Qin Siyuan or your father himself? He lacks even the slightest bit of manly openness, which would make your father even more disapprove of him."
Qin Wan replied quietly, "If Father took care in every aspect, would Ziqi have to go through so much trouble?"
Mrs. Cui turned to face Qin Wan sternly, "Even though you were pampered before, you still had your pride. What happened now? Didn’t you say that Lin Ziqi would one day be second to none but the Emperor? Why panic now? Do you not even believe what you said?"
Qin Wan was speechless for a moment before she finally said, "...Aren’t I just thinking that if Ziqi could get some guidance..."
Mrs. Cui interrupted, "If Ziqi has any confusion regarding poetry, ask Siyuan, and I believe he won’t shirk. But if you insist on knowing who guided Siyuan, I’ve mentioned before, your father avoids talking about it, indicating that person doesn’t want to be mentioned."
Qin Wan sighed and stopped pursuing it, thinking to ask her second aunt during the banquet.
Soon, the ladies were all gathered.
The mother of Qin Siyuan was already residing at the Qin Mansion, so she came quickly and helped with some chores.
Qin Wan chatted with her for quite some time, making Qin Siyuan’s mother feel a bit awkward.
After the banquet, Qin Siyuan returned to his room, intending to take a nap before studying again. His mother came in.
"Mother, what’s the matter?"
His mother asked, "Son, do you have a headache? Should I make you some soup to relieve the alcohol?"
Qin Siyuan shook his head.
"No need, I didn’t drink much in the first place. The Sixth Madam of the Marquis Mansion hasn’t had her funeral yet, and Uncle said the main thing was to eat and talk."
His mother said, "Weren’t there many people praising you today?"
Qin Siyuan immediately understood that his mother had heard what the ladies said, so he responded, "Not really, they were just asking about the audience with the Emperor yesterday. I’m just a small scholar, getting noticed by the Emperor is naturally a good thing."
His mother felt relieved and said, "Your cousin also said so. She said that everyone is praising your poetry and that catching the Emperor’s attention will surely lead to a great future, reminding not to forget their kindness. You know your cousin was spoiled, and wouldn’t usually say such things."