Return of the Swallow

Chapter 17 – To View With New Eyes

Ruilan had never felt so strongly before that her life was grasped in her mistress’ hands. Sick with regret, she recalled her dismissal of Qin Yining the day before. But things had already come this far, and her life and death hinged on a word from Qin Yining. 

Hands clammy from nervous sweat, Ruilan lifted her head to meet Qin Yining’s calm eyes. She hastily looked down again, attempting to show maximum subservience.

Qin Yining blinked, dimpled, and moved to the side. An unspoken indication that she wouldn’t pursue things further. 

Ruilan’s heart could finally dislodge from her throat to be quickly suffused with gratitude for Qin Yining’s generosity instead. She kowtowed to the old dowager, curtseyed to all the mistresses present, and departed with Qiulu. The second and third madame had missed none of the silent conversation, and a hint of a smile flickered across their faces. 

Further approval of how Qin Yining handled matters colored their thoughts of her. If she’d turned on Ruilan right then, it’d only incite wariness in those who sought to flock to her banner. After all, immediately selling off someone who’d just helped her wasn’t an action that induced a sense a comfort.

When they took a step back to review the matters of the day as a whole, though not everything had gone smoothly, the old dowager was plainly in very good spirits. The second and third madame were quite aware that this calm was due solely because of Qin Yining’s words just now. 

The girl had subtly soothed the old dowager’s hackles in all the right places. Whether it was because she was a secretively calculating type, uncommonly intelligent, or just had that innate sense, Qin Yining was no ordinary character. 

They’d thought her to be a simple “barbarian”, but they had been the ignorant ones instead. The girl looked weak and tender, but she had courage, brains, and knew how to react appropriately to the situation. Such a smart, brave, and perceptive girl was much better than one full of book knowledge but woefully ignorant of real world knowledge.

The greatest use for women born of distinguished families lay in strategic marriages. If they were full of learned wisdom, but didn’t know how to handle conflict or conduct themselves, it would be extremely difficult for them to establish themselves in their husband’s home. 

Besides, the commonly accepted notion of a virtuous woman had its roots in humility and quiet capability. Most families of the current dynasty didn’t require their daughters to be quite so learned. It was enough if they understood the household accounts. 

Qin Yining already showed signs of reaching these requirements. She wasn’t any weaker than the other girls, and had a good head on her shoulders. She also had an illustrious background and a formidable family clan, as well as stunning features that most girls didn’t possess. Just this last point alone would be enough to completely entrance her future husband. If such a girl secured the old dowager’s favor, wasn’t her future bright without parallel?

The second and third madame looked at Qin Yining with new eyes as their attitudes took a subtle shift. 

Seemingly out of concern for the girl’s health, Second Madame asked whether her clothing was warm enough. 

On the other hand, Third Madame spoke with a smile, “I just received a new set of jade ornaments. Niece Yi has just returned and I don’t have a good gift ready at hand. I’ll have someone send it over later.”

“Thank you, Third Aunt.” Qin Yining rose with a smile to curtsey.