Chapter 69: Refusal Unto Death

It didn’t take long for all the misses to arrive. Qin Yining and Qin Huining followed the crowd to the receiving hall, quickly mingling among them. Even though Qin Huining wasn’t the most popular, the scene wasn’t too awkward. A granny servant arrived around noon to ask the duchess, “Senior Madame, lunch is ready. Should we set it out in the warmed room?”

“Set it out there. Make sure to fetch the lords from the outer residence.”

“Understood.”

The ladies of the house chatted and laughed their way to lunch, bumping into the duke and his grandsons at the courtyard door. The girls curtsied while eldest cousin Sun Yu, fifth cousin Sun Jie, and eighth cousin Sun Qin made their bows to the women. They greeted their sisters and female cousins as well before heading inside.

It was as warm as spring inside the house and a full spread was laid out. The delicious fragrance of food wafted towards their noses and teased everyone’s appetites. The duchess smiled. “Let’s take down the divider. There are no outsiders here. Is the duke to eat a lonely meal with just three of his grandsons? Aren't you jealous that we have so many people on our side?”

“You know me best,” the duke chuckled. “I am jealous, but you’ve already given your orders without me having to say anything.”

Everyone started laughing. The duke and duchess took the head seats, while née Sun took her place at the duchess’ side, leaving two seats next to her for her sisters-in-law. The male cousins took their seats at the duke’s right hand. The young girls naturally sat at another table. Senior and second aunt picked up serving chopsticks, but the duchess smiled. “It’s a kind of reunion lunch today. I don’t want you two to stand on ceremony. Take your seats as well.”

The two wanted to protest, but the duke smiled as well. “Just listen to your mother.”

Although the duke was gentle, he was the man of the household. No one would gainsay him after he spoke, so the two madames took their seats as well. Noble households had the rule of no speech during meals and bed, so the only sound in the room was that of chopsticks clinking against bowls and plates. But once everyone had finished their meals and moved back to the receiving hall, the atmosphere once again grew lively.

The duke stroked his beard, in quite a good mood. “Are you used to things yet, granddaughter Yi?”

“In response to grandfather, all is well. Mother thinks greatly of me in all matters and take very good care of me. Huining’s also taught me much that I didn’t know before, so I’m used to life here now.” Qin Yining responded docilely. Née Sun was immensely touched by this response, while Qin Huining flung a startled  look at Qin Yining. What is she up to now?

The duke smiled. “That’s good. It’s your mother’s fortune that you and granddaughter Hui are so friendly with each other. If you need anything or run into any difficulties, send a message to your maternal grandmother.”

“I will. Thank you for your concern, grandfather.” Qin Yining curtsied in gratitude. The duke waved a hand to bid her sit and do away with the formalities. She took a seat next to Qin Huining, her bearing so natural that it seemed like everything was fine between them. Qin Huining, on the other hand, was tensed up all over. She felt incredibly uncomfortable being in such close proximity, but had to force herself to maintain her composure.

Although the duchess was worried about what was going on, she was able to keep her calm. But Qin Yining’s second aunt couldn’t help but speak up due to worry for her family. “Father, do we know how things at Xihua are going?”

The duke thought for a moment before responding gravely, “The two armies are clashing at Xihua. Pang Zhixi deploys his troops in peculiar ways. We haven’t gained the upper hand yet.”

Hearts sank at these words while second aunt tried to comfort herself. “Although we haven’t gained the upper hand, at least our menfolk are still safe and sound.”

Families residing in the rear could only wish for simple hopes like these. The duke sighed. “If only I wasn’t so old, I’d head to Xihua myself and take Pang Zhixi down a peg myself!”