Qin Yong followed the crowd, keeping his head lowered, cautiously observing with the corner of his eyes, not daring to make the slightest unnecessary movement.
When those ahead stopped, he quickly stopped too. When they began to bow, he hurriedly followed suit.
"Greetings, Young Master."
"We are all of the same clan, from the same lineage. No need for formalities," Qin Xu said gently, raising his hand in a warm gesture.
Qin Xu walked up to a trembling elderly man at the front of the crowd. Gripping the old man's hand, he exclaimed with excitement:
"Grandpa Liang, do you remember me? Back when you served my grandfather, you even held me in your arms."
The elder squinted, carefully examining him for a long while before recognizing Qin Xu. Excitedly, he gestured with his hands and opened his dry, toothless mouth, mumbling indistinctly:
"So it's Young Master Xu! I remember… When I returned to the village to retire, you were just this small. Who would have thought… in the blink of an eye, you've grown so much."
"Yes, indeed." Seeing Grandpa Liang, Qin Xu couldn't help but think of his grandfather who passed away ten years ago, a wave of nostalgia washing over him.
After reminiscing about the old days of the Hou family with Grandpa Liang and noticing that he was tired, Qin Xu stopped talking. He then walked to a middle-aged man in his forties who had lost one arm. Gripping the man's remaining left arm tightly, he said:
"Uncle Ding, long time no see. How have you been all these years?"
Uncle Ding's eyes reddened. He held Qin Xu's hand tightly, shaking it with emotion, choking up as he said:
"I'm well. Thank you, Young Master, for your concern."
Qin Xu spoke with him briefly about the daily matters of the Hou family, then released his hand. He then approached Qin Yong, smiling as he patted his shoulder:
"Qin Yong, do you remember me?"
Qin Yong, surprised that Qin Xu would seek him out, bowed respectfully and replied cautiously:
"Yes, I remember. I was fortunate to train alongside Young Master Xu for half a year."
Qin Xu patted his shoulder, a look of regret crossing his face:
"Such talent… what a pity…"
If only back then Qin Yong hadn't given all the resources he received to Qin Yi… perhaps things might have been different.
Then Qin Xu's expression softened into one of satisfaction:
"But your brother, Qin Yi, hasn't let you down. He has now become a squad leader in the Imperial Guard, earning our father's great trust."
Hearing this, a proud smile appeared on Qin Yong's face, though he still kept his head bowed, expressing his gratitude:
"Thank you, Lord Hou, for your guidance."
Qin Xu nodded, saying no more. He withdrew his hand from Qin Yong's shoulder and returned to the plaque reading "Tranquility and Far-reaching". Addressing everyone, he said:
"I will be resting at the Jingyuan estate for several years. During this time, I will rely on all of you."
The crowd immediately insisted that it was no trouble, saying that having Qin Xu here to rest was an honor. Using the excuse of not disturbing his recuperation, they politely took their leave.
When Qin Yong returned home, still emotionally stirred, he saw Da Tou running up to him on his short legs, holding his head high, his face serious, and asking in a childish but firm voice:
"Father, who was the person in that carriage just now?"
Knowing that Young Master Xu would be staying in the village for several years, Qin Yong decided not to hide the truth. He picked up Da Tou and called over Shuanzi and Zhuzi, who had been playing in the corner with mud.
Carrying Da Tou, Qin Yong entered the main bedroom, placed him down, then sat with Shuanzi and Zhuzi in front of him. He spoke solemnly:
"The person in the carriage is the Young Master of the Changping Hou Mansion."
Upon saying "Young Master," Qin Yong couldn't help but boast:
"Do you know what kind of person is called a Young Master? Only an outstanding heir from a noble Hou family with inheritance rights can be called a Young Master."
"Changping Hou? Young Master Hou?" Zhuzi scratched his head: "What kind of Hou is that? Is a Young Master so special?"
Shuanzi nodded vigorously in agreement.
Qin Yong's anger flared. He set Da Tou down, grabbed Zhuzi, and gave him a swat on the rear:
"You will not disrespect the Changping Hou! Do you hear me?"
Zhuzi, having never seen his father like this, burst into tears:
"I won't, I won't…"
Shuanzi, frightened, quickly ducked into a corner, afraid that his furious father would notice him, staying completely still.
Qin Yi, realizing the severity of the situation, furrowed his brows deeply.
Changping Hou?
He must be a noble in this world.
Do nobles in this world all possess such an instant, overwhelming aura that seizes the heart?
And what is the relationship between Changping Hou and their Qin family village?
Why would a Young Master with inheritance rights come to a poor, remote village like theirs?
Hearing the commotion, Zhen Niang, who was weaving, turned and saw Qin Yong hitting the children so forcefully. She quickly stepped forward, grabbing his raised hand:
"Speak properly! Why are you hitting the children?"
Qin Yong finally put down Zhuzi. In a very serious tone, he explained:
"The Young Master will be staying here to recuperate for several years. If they don't learn some discipline, and accidentally offend him, no one will be able to save them."
Then he turned to Zhuzi, his face stern:
"Do you understand?"
"Yes." Zhuzi choked out, still holding his backside.
"And you, Shuanzi?" Qin Yong looked at the boy in the corner, his expression serious.
"I understand, Father!" Shuanzi straightened up and answered firmly.
Qin Yong then crouched down, looking at Qin Yi:
"Da Tou, how about you?"
"I understand, Father."
"Good. Remember, Shuanzi, Zhuzi, Da Tou, from now on, when you see the Young Master, you must show respect even greater than what you show me. Understand?" Qin Yong reminded them once more.
"Yes, Father!" The three responded earnestly and firmly.
Seeing that his father had regained composure, Qin Yi cautiously asked:
"Father, why is the Young Master of Changping Hou coming here?"
Qin Yong hesitated briefly before answering:
"This was supposed to be told to you when you were eight or nine. But the Young Master arrived unexpectedly, letting you come into contact with the Hou family earlier. I'll tell you now, so you don't unknowingly offend him."
He took a deep breath, speaking solemnly:
"All members of the Qin family in our village belong to the same lineage as Changping Hou, descending from the Weishui Qin clan."
Then, in a grave tone, he continued:
"The heavens are unpredictable, and misfortune can strike at any time. Three hundred years ago, the world fell into chaos, clans suffered, and our ancestors were scattered. Our branch settled here, taking root and thriving—this is the origin of our line."
(End of Chapter)