Chapter 044: Ending
After the wedding, when they finished packing, it was already October. Afraid of further delaying their trip to Beijing and encountering severe snow, Qin Xue and Liu Zhiyan began to make arrangements for the trip.
The Liu family's base camp is in the capital, so they don't have to worry about food, clothing, housing and other necessities when they go to the capital. The main luggage is just their books, which is not difficult to pack.
Therefore, the couple quickly packed up and decided to set off north on the tenth day.
Knowing that she would be going to the capital soon, Cheng Jingshuang and her sister sent visiting cards to say goodbye to her.
Qin Xue knew that she would not return to Yangzhou in the short term after going to the capital this time, so she naturally wanted to have a good chat with her two good sisters before leaving, so she immediately invited them to her home.
Guessing that the two were almost there, Qin Xue walked towards the Chuihua Gate. Just as she reached the Chuihua Gate, she heard familiar laughter. Cheng Jingshuang and her sister had arrived.
"Xue'er!" Cheng Jingshuang came in quickly with a food box, her goose yellow skirt sweeping the fallen leaves in front of the steps. Behind her, Cheng Jingyi was holding a brocade box, and a crabapple hairpin that Qin Xue gave her last year was stuck in her hair.
Qin Xue went up to them and shook their hands. "Come on, why bring anything with you?"
"I know you don't need anything, but this is a gift from us two sisters." Cheng Jingshuang said.
Qin Xue pulled one with her left hand, the other with her right, and they walked towards the courtyard. After hearing what Cheng Jingshuang said, she stopped refusing. "No one would think too much of Dingxi. Just give it to me. I promise I won't refuse anyone. Okay?"
"We will be thousands of miles apart from each other from now on. Even if we want to send her off, we won't have the chance." People these days, especially women, can't even step out of their homes easily, let alone travel thousands of miles to look for someone. Now that Qin Xue has left, it will be difficult for them to see each other again.
This is true and really sad.
Therefore, after speaking out, the three of them were immediately shrouded in the sadness of separation.
The three of them walked into the courtyard in considerable silence. Their long sleeves brushed the ginkgo leaves in front of the steps, dropping two petals onto the bluestone slabs. The old ginkgo tree in the courtyard was now stained a golden hue, its tiny leaves spread across the stone table like a layer of gold.
Qin Xue had someone set up a small charcoal basin next to the stone table. The charcoal fire was burning warmly, and a jar of last year's osmanthus wine was warming next to it.
Pulling the two of them to sit on the cushioned stone bench, Qin Xue said, "Hurry up and sit down." She reached out and moved the charcoal basin to the center. "Knowing you were coming, I specially warmed up the osmanthus wine. There's only one jar left, so it's a perfect time to share it today."
A wire mesh was placed on the charcoal basin. Besides the covered wine bottles, there were various things placed on the side, including oranges, peanuts, and opened chestnuts. Cheng Jingshuang and her sister's eyes lit up, "So when it comes to food, Xiaoxue'er is still the one."
They set up the stove like this to keep warm every year, but they never thought of grilling something to eat at the same time.
"If this was an idea I came up with, I would have shared it with you a long time ago." Qin Xue said as she used tongs to help Cheng Jingshuang and her sister pick up things, "This is a method my husband taught me."
Liu Zhiyan has traveled to many places and has many novel ideas that Qin Xue has never heard of before.
Therefore, during this period of time after getting married, she felt that she was experiencing new things every day and it was very interesting.
"It is said that reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles. This is really true." Qin Xue had previously thought about going on a diplomatic mission to other countries simply because she was influenced by Ye Qinghan's words. However, after witnessing the various novel experiences that Liu Zhiyan brought her, she sincerely wanted to go out and take a good look.
Seeing her relaxed expression and her tone full of love when she talked about her husband, Cheng Jingshuang and her sister were sincerely happy for her, "You have finally met the right person."
A woman’s happiness can be seen on her face.
"Indeed." Before meeting Liu Zhiyan, she never dared to imagine her married life. After meeting Liu Zhiyan, she realized how happy life can be when you meet the right person.
Compared to the marriage arranged by parents and matchmakers, the relationship between her and Liu Zhiyan is truly rare.
However, after experiencing what happened at home, she gradually learned not to be too high-profile. So, she didn't continue to talk about her and Liu Zhiyan, but asked the two of them to taste the roasted oranges. "Roasted oranges taste good, you guys try it."
Cheng Jingshuang and her sister followed his instructions and peeled an orange each.
The warm touch on your fingertips and the warm yellow glow of the orange petals make you drool just by looking at them.
I broke off a petal and put it in my mouth. The sweet and sour juice spread on the tip of my tongue. "This temperature is just right. It seems that I don't have to avoid eating fruit in the winter because of the cold."
"I'm warming wine today, but you can also change it to tea. You can make tea while eating fruits and roasting by the fire. It's really great."
"From now on, my sister and I will stay in the room every day and do this."
The three of them ate and chatted, and time passed by unknowingly.
After finishing most of the roasted food, Qin Xue stood up to pour the osmanthus wine. The wine flowed from the mouth of the pot into the porcelain cup, and a few dried osmanthus flowers floated in the air. "Come, let's have a drink."
She handed the wine glasses to the two sisters and said, "After today, even though we are thousands of miles apart, we will all remember the taste of this osmanthus wine."
The three of them clinked their glasses together; the wine was sweet, with the aroma of osmanthus, yet also had a hint of sourness, just like their mood at the moment, with both anticipation for the future and reluctance to leave.
After seeing off the Cheng sisters, Qin Xue was about to return to the backyard when Qin Laicai called her, "Xue'er, come sit in the study. Dad has something to tell you."
Qin Xue followed her father into the study. On the desk lay the tracing book she had used when learning to write as a child, with a charcoal brazier burning brightly beside it. A paperweight was placed on top of the account book to prevent it from being blown around by the draft. There was also a mahogany box.
After Qin Xue sat down, Qin Laicai slowly opened the mahogany box. Inside was a stack of banknotes and a warm, smooth mutton-fat jade fish pendant. "This jade pendant was your mother's dowry. She's always afraid of the cold in winter. Wearing it close to your body will keep you warm and comfortable."
He picked up the banknotes, counted them, and handed them to Qin Xue. "This is five thousand taels. You can keep it as a personal treasure. Buy whatever you want. Don't be stingy with your money. Dad will go to the capital after the New Year, and then we can buy our own house."
The Qin family's foundation is in Yangzhou Prefecture, and the Qin family only has the two of them, father and daughter. Qin Laicai couldn't give up everything in Yangzhou Prefecture and follow them to Beijing.
"Minxing has his own house. We live in his house in the capital, not in the Liu family's." Liu Zhiyan was impatient to deal with the aunts and uncles in the family, so even in the capital, he rarely lived in the Liu family.
Although the Liu family became wealthy thanks to his parents and changed their family background, there are still those who are confused and look down on Qin Xue's background. Liu Zhiyan doesn't want his wife to be criticized by others. He said long ago that when they arrive in the capital, they will live their own lives behind closed doors and not give others the opportunity to talk about them.
Qin Laicai certainly knew this, but he was still worried. "There's no shortage of people gossiping behind people's backs. When Dad married into your family, he was also talked about a lot. We can't control what others say, but we can control ourselves."
"As long as we use our own abilities and live our lives well, over time, those gossips will naturally disappear."
"With my father's strong support, I won't let myself be wronged." Those who are wronged in their husband's family simply know that they can no longer go back to their parents' home, so they can only endure the grievances.
She is different.
She has a father who can always be relied upon by her, so she has nothing to be afraid of.
Thinking of this, Qin Xue felt warm in her heart, "Dad, you don't have to worry about me, you just need to take care of yourself."
"As long as you are well, I am not afraid of anything."
"I'm still waiting for you to give me a grandson and raise him myself. You'll definitely take good care of yourself." Qin Laicai was only in his early thirties, in the prime of his life. Although his only daughter's marriage was different from what he had originally envisioned, he still wanted to raise his future grandson with the same intention of raising him as his daughter's support.
"Minxing is a good boy, well-educated and humble. However, the officialdom in the capital is complicated, and there are many social engagements in the winter. You are by his side, so please persuade him more and don't let social engagements harm his health."
Qin Xue nodded, put the jade pendant on her body, and carefully put the banknotes into her purse. "Dad, don't worry, I will take good care of myself and advise my husband. You should also take care of yourself at home and don't work too hard. If it's cold, go to bed early. Don't put out the charcoal brazier too early to avoid catching a cold."
Qin Laicai looked at his daughter, his eyes full of reluctance, but he pretended to be calm, "Don't worry about me, I'm in good health."
The father and daughter gave each other detailed instructions for a long time before Qin Xue returned to her own yard.
Qin Xue returned to her room. Liu Zhiyan was sitting at the table sorting out paperwork for the trip to Beijing. A charcoal basin burned brightly in the corner, and a cup of warm ginger tea sat beside him. Seeing Qin Xue's red eyes, he put down his pen, walked over, and gently put his arm around her shoulders. "Can't bear to leave Dad?"
Qin Xue leaned in his arms, her voice nasal, "Well, for the past ten years, we have depended on each other as father and daughter... I feel a little empty inside when you suddenly have to leave."
Liu Zhiyan touched her head and said gently, "It's already October. Dad will go to Beijing in a few months. It will be quick, ok?"
Qin Xue wanted to say, "Otherwise, I'll go to Beijing with Dad after the New Year." But in the end, she couldn't bear to leave the man in front of her who always put her first in everything, so she could only say sullenly, "I know."
Seeing his thoughts, Liu Zhiyan said directly, "How about we wait until after the New Year and go to Beijing with Dad?"
Qin Xue shook her head, "No, you have to go to Beijing to study."
"I can study here just as well."
"If you encounter something you don't understand in Beijing, you can go back and ask Dad. If you encounter something you don't understand here, no one can answer it for you." Qin Xue persuaded him, fearing that he really would not leave. "Dad has been away from home for several months at a time in the past. These past few months, I will just treat him as if he is out on business again."
"Then don't be so depressed. Otherwise, I'd rather wait until the next New Year and go to the capital with Dad."
Qin Xue raised her face, looked at the man in front of her steadily, and said coquettishly, "Then please love me more."
What man can stand his beloved woman acting like a spoiled child like this?!
So the final result is that the little girl who was acting coquettishly was hugged by the person she was acting coquettishly to and lay on the bed, unable to recall the sadness of separation anymore.
…
By the end of October, the capital was already tinged with autumn. The two ancient locust trees in front of the Liu Mansion were covered in golden dust. Qin Xue sat in the carriage, her fingertips gently clutching the hem of her clothes. Although she had heard Liu Zhiyan speak of her father, Liu Yunfan, as a gentle person, the thought of meeting this elder, the Prime Minister, still made her heart tighten.
Liu Zhiyan, who was beside her, seemed to notice her nervousness. He gently held her hand and soothed her softly, "My father is looking forward to seeing you, and mother is here too. Don't worry."
The carriage slowly came to a stop. The doorman had already been waiting with his head bowed. Seeing Liu Zhiyan helping Qin Xue get out of the carriage, he hurriedly came over with a smile, "Second Master, Second Young Master's Madam, Madam is waiting in the main hall!"
Qin Xue looked up and found that the Liu Mansion was not as majestic and intimidating as she had imagined. The copper ring on the vermilion gate was carved with lotus patterns, and on the screen wall inside the gate was a painting of bamboo in ink. The brushwork was elegant and seemed to be the work of a woman.
"That was painted by Mom last year." Liu Zhiyan followed her gaze and explained softly, "My dad always said that if we had more of Mom's calligraphy and paintings at home, it wouldn't feel like a cold official residence."
As soon as I entered the second gate, I saw Ye Qinghan walking towards me quickly, holding up her skirt. She was wearing a moon-white dress embroidered with magnolia flowers, with a silver hairpin in her hair. She looked even more gentle than when she was in Yangzhou. "Xiaoxue'er! You're finally here!"
She grabbed Qin Xue's hand, her fingertips warm. "Are you tired from the journey? I asked the kitchen to make some Tremella soup, it's just warmed up."
Qin Xue smiled and shook her head: "Thank you for your concern, mother. The journey was smooth, but when we entered the capital, there were a lot of people, it was more lively than Yangzhou."
As they were talking, they had already arrived at the main hall. The hall was simply furnished, with a painting of "Waiting for the Ferry on the Autumn River" hanging in the middle. Some celadon and ancient books were placed on the antique shelves on both sides. The charcoal basin in the corner was burning with silver charcoal, and the warm smoke curled up, dispelling the autumn chill.
At the head of the main hall sat a middle-aged man in a plain stone-blue casual suit with a white jade belt hook tied around his waist. He held a thread-bound book in his hand. When he saw them come in, he slowly put the book down and stood up.
Qin Xue thought, this must be her father-in-law Liu Yunfan.
Sure enough, this guess was soon confirmed by the man next to her.
Liu Zhiyan pulled her forward, and Qin Xue knelt down and saluted according to the etiquette of younger generations paying respects to elders, "Daughter-in-law Qin Xue, greetings to father-in-law." She lowered her eyes and could see that Liu Yunfan's shoes were made of plain satin with cloud patterns, without a speck of dust, and he looked more elegant than ordinary officials.
"Hurry up and get up." Liu Yunfan's voice was gentle, without any of the authority of an official. He extended his hand to support her. When his eyes fell on Qin Xue, they were scrutinizing but not disdainful. "Your mother has been nagging about you every day these days. Now that you're here, she can finally stop talking."
"A girl who is so favored by your mother must be dignified and steady."
After praising his daughter-in-law through his wife's words, Liu Yunfan turned to his son and said with a hint of smile, "I told you long ago that when you meet the right person, you can't wait to marry him or her home. You don't want to live alone for the rest of your life."
"Dad, I'm marrying her, not her marrying me." Liu Yunfan corrected seriously.
Qin Xue tugged at Liu Zhiyan's sleeve, glared at him, and then looked at Liu Yunfan, "Dad, don't listen to his nonsense. We agreed not to marry or have children together. The first child, regardless of gender, will have the surname Qin, and all subsequent children will have the surname Liu."
With a wife who possesses a modern soul, many of Liu Yunfan's ideas are more advanced than those of ordinary people. Besides, he knows very well that whether he said that he would live out his life alone or that he is now willing to marry into the Qin family and become a son-in-law, it is all because of his youngest son's wish for the good of the Liu family. How could Liu Yunfan care about his son marrying into the Qin family?
However, as a father, seeing his daughter-in-law defending her son like this, he was still very happy in his heart, "This is your young husband and wife's business, just discuss it among yourselves, Dad doesn't care about it."
"I've already told you that I'm willing to find someone to live with. Mom and Dad are fine. They don't care whether I marry a wife or marry myself off."
Just at this moment, Ye Qinghan, who had gone to make some Tremella soup, also came over.
She pulled Qin Xue to sit on a brocade stool beside her and personally poured her a cup of warm white fungus soup. "Stop standing there and talking. Xue'er, try it. The kitchen stewed it according to your preferred sweetness."
Qin Xue took the porcelain bowl, and the warmth spread along her fingertips, and the tension in her heart was mostly gone. She drank the Tremella soup in small sips, but her ears were paying attention to the conversation between Liu Zhiyan and his son.
They talked about some daily topics, and she understood them all.
Qin Xue was originally afraid that since she came from a merchant family, she would not be able to understand what the officials were talking about when she first entered their house.
Now that I heard this, I felt secretly relieved.
Just then, a maid came to say that dinner was ready. Ye Qinghan pulled Qin Xue up and said, "Let's go to the dining hall. I asked the kitchen to prepare some Yangzhou dishes today. Try them and see if they suit your taste."
Liu Yunfan was walking by when he suddenly remembered something and said to Qin Xue, "I have a few Yangzhou local chronicles in my study. They were given to me by a friend a few years ago. If you are interested, you can take a look at them when you have time. It will also help you relieve your homesickness."
Qin Xue thanked him in surprise, "Thank you, Dad. I'm just looking to learn more about the capital and read some records about my hometown."
Liu Yunfan smiled and nodded, "From now on, if you want to read any book, just ask Zhiyan to get it for you."
Qin Xue thanked him again.
The group soon arrived at the dining hall.
The candlelight in the dining room was a warm yellow. Several dishes were laid out on the table, including Beijing's braised pork elbow, Yangzhou's braised lion's head, and hot dried bean curd strips. Ye Qinghan offered Qin Xue a piece of the lion's head. "Try this! Minxing said you like it, so we had the kitchen cook it the Yangzhou way. See if it tastes the same as what you eat at home."
Qin Xue took a bite. The meat was tender and the broth was delicious. It was surprisingly similar to what the Qin Mansion kitchen made. Her eyes were slightly warm. She looked up at Liu Yunfan and Ye Qinghan. Suddenly, she felt that although she had just arrived in this Prime Minister's Mansion in the capital, she already felt the warmth of home.
After dinner, Liu Yunfan went to the study to handle official business. Before leaving, he specifically said to Qin Xue, "The servants in the mansion know the rules, so you don't have to be polite. If you want to buy anything, just tell the housekeeper and he will arrange it."
Qin Xue nodded in agreement. After watching Liu Yunfan disappear at the end of the corridor, she turned to Ye Qinghan and said softly, "Mom, Dad... isn't at all like I imagined."
She thought that Liu Yunfan had been in a high position for many years and should be a very serious person.
Ye Qinghan smiled and patted her hand. "In his life, your father has always valued his family. He never cared about family background. He only hoped that Zhiyan could marry a girl who shared his feelings and live a stable life. As long as you and Minxing live a good life, that's all he needs."
Liu Zhiyan came over and held Qin Xue's hand. "I told you my father is an open-minded person. Are you relieved now?"
Qin Xue looked at his gentle eyes, then looked at the mansion full of warmth, and nodded slightly.
The moonlight outside the window sprinkled on the bluestone slabs of the corridor, reflecting the two people's clasped hands. She knew that from now on, she would not only have her husband in the capital, but also a family who loved and protected her.
Liu Yunfan is the Prime Minister and has heavy responsibilities on his shoulders. He is rarely at home. Ye Qinghan is also busy. Even if Qin Xue and the others live in the Liu family, it is actually difficult for them to see each other.
But Liu Zhiyan still followed what he had said before and stayed in the Liu Mansion for only one night before taking Qin Xue to live in his own house.
Neither Ye Qinghan nor Liu Yunfan had any objection to this.
This couple is well aware of the principle that things that are far away smell good, but things that are close by smell bad.
I think it is better for parents and children, especially those who have already started their own families, to maintain an appropriate distance.
Therefore, Qin Xue did not have to visit her father every morning and evening like other daughters-in-law did.
Apart from living in a different place, her life was not much different from before she got married.
Without those troubles, she can spend more time on her foreign language learning and have more energy to translate her own books.
That day, Ye Qinghan asked the couple to return to Liu's house for dinner.
Qin Xue also brought along the translation manuscript that she had reorganized, intending to ask Ye Qinghan to review it for her.
The capital had already seen two snowfalls in November. The newly planted ginkgo trees in the Liu Mansion's garden, covered in snow, had a touch of the charming winter scenery of Yangzhou. Qin Xue sat by the window, gazing out at the scenery. Across from her sat Ye Qinghan, who was concentrating on her manuscript. After she finished reading it, she gave her daughter-in-law a thumbs-up. "Xiaoxue'er, your translation is becoming increasingly smoother. When I mentioned it to His Majesty the other day, he was quite curious and said he wanted to meet you."
Ye Qinghan had said long ago that when the time was right, he would mention her matter to Emperor Tianyou.
Hearing Ye Qinghan say this now, she wasn't too surprised. She just didn't expect it to happen so soon. "Seeing the emperor so soon?"
Thinking that he was the supreme ruler of the world, Qin Xue was somewhat frightened.
Seeing her fear, Ye Qinghan quickly comforted her, "Don't be afraid. His Majesty has always hoped that the wisdom of Zhaoguo could spread beyond the borders, and he often says, 'Diplomatic relations must first be based on mutual understanding.' Explain clearly the meaning behind translating Confucius's 'Do not do to others what you do not want others to do to you,' the considerations behind translating the deeds of the Qin Emperor and Han Emperor Wu, and the purpose of Zheng He's voyages to the West. His Majesty will surely understand. Besides, I'm here with you, and your father has already laid the groundwork for you. He will definitely not let you get embarrassed."
It turned out that Liu Yunfan had, under the pretext of "diplomatic policy and cultural dissemination" during the court meeting the previous month, casually mentioned: "My daughter-in-law has learned Latin and is currently translating the words of Zhao State's sages, the benevolent policies of its emperors, and the history of Zheng He's voyages into Western languages. This is intended to let distant nations know that our Zhao State is not a barbarian nation, but one that possesses millennia of wisdom and a spirit of prosperity."
Emperor Tianyou had already been thinking about "how to make the outside world correctly understand Zhao State", and he took the words to heart. When Ye Qinghan came to the palace to pay his respects to the empress, he mentioned it again, and then arranged for this audience.
When Qin Xue heard what her father-in-law had done for her during the imperial court, and that Ye Qinghan would accompany her to see the emperor, she was no longer afraid. "As long as Sister Ye is here, then I won't be afraid."
Her sister Ye was able to serve two dynasties and was valued and trusted by the emperors in both dynasties. She definitely had extraordinary abilities.
There's nothing to be afraid of if you follow her.
Seeing that she trusted him so much, Ye Qinghan felt very warm in his heart.
In the next few days, Ye Qinghan personally prepared matters for Qin Xue to enter the palace: choosing suitable clothes; when teaching her court etiquette, he specifically reminded her that "Your Majesty does not like empty formalities, just be frank and speak your true feelings when translating"; he also had "Zhaoxian Xiyilu" and "Popular Translation of the Analects of Confucius" packed in two brocade boxes for His Majesty to review - the light red brocade box contained the Latin translation, and each page was accompanied by a Chinese comparison for His Majesty's convenience; the moon-white brocade box contained the popular translation, which served as a background for the background.
Ye Qinghan actually knew more about diplomacy than Liu Yunfan, so the night before entering the palace, she instructed Qin Xue, "Your Majesty discussed Zheng He's voyages with us yesterday, saying, 'Emperor Chengzu sent Zheng He not for plunder, but for trade and friendly neighborliness. This is the spirit of a great nation like Zhao.' Tomorrow, when you meet His Majesty, if he asks about the reason for the translation, tell them that you want the world to know that Zhao has the benevolence of a sage, the responsibility of an emperor, and the sincerity of friendly neighborliness."
The next day was a sunny day, and the sunlight after the snow shone on the glazed tiles of the Forbidden City, casting a golden glow.
Qin Xue followed Ye Qinghan through the palace gates. Although her palms felt a little cold, she remembered Liu Yunfan's advice before leaving to "keep your heart and express your true intentions", and gradually calmed down.
Arriving at the side hall of Changchun Palace, the Empress was accompanying Emperor Tianyou to review memorials. Seeing them enter, the Empress smiled and waved, "Is this Lord Ye's daughter-in-law? She looks quite talented. I heard that you have translated the stories of our Zhao Kingdom's saints and emperors into foreign languages?"
Qin Xue knelt and saluted according to the etiquette taught by Ye Qinghan, and said in a steady voice, "I, Qin Xue, pay my respects to Your Majesty and the Empress."
Emperor Tianyou put down the memorial. When his eyes fell on her, there was no sense of threat, but rather a gentle scrutiny. He first pointed at the light red brocade box handed to him by Ye Qinghan, "Ye Qing said you were translating the story of Zhao State. How could you have such an idea?"
Qin Xue told Emperor Tianyou what Ye Qinghan had said last night.
Emperor Tianyou nodded repeatedly after hearing this. He then inquired in detail about the words and deeds of Confucius, the deeds of the Qin Emperor, Han Emperor Wu, Tang Emperor Taizong, and Song Emperor Taizu. Finally, he turned to the volume on Zheng He's voyages to the West and saw Qin Xue's Chinese annotations next to the Western text. "Emperor Chengzu sent Zheng He to the West seven times, leading dozens of large ships carrying silk, porcelain, classics, and medicinal herbs. Wherever he went, he didn't plunder or pillage, but instead gave away products from Zhao State in exchange for local treasures. When there was a famine, he also gave away medicinal herbs and food, and taught the locals how to farm. What he carried on board weren't weapons or swords, but Zhao State's etiquette and skills."
Emperor Tianyou couldn't help but laugh out loud. "Well said! I often hear from envoys that those foreign invaders always burn, kill, and plunder wherever they go. We must show them how a great nation like ours can convince people without even a single blow."
Qin Xue bowed and said, "I simply believe that swords can intimidate people, but they cannot subdue them. Only by making them understand the benevolence of Zhaoguo's sages, the virtue of its emperors, and the kindness of its people can we truly establish a good relationship. Just like Zheng He, when he returned, he brought back not captives, but envoys from various countries, as well as gifts of rare birds and animals—this is the true way to establish diplomatic relations."
Emperor Tianyou put down the manuscript, his eyes full of praise. "You've done a great job on 'Translating the Zhaoxian to the West'! Translating the words of the sages is to pass on the benevolence of the Zhao Kingdom; translating the deeds of the emperors is to pass on the Zhao Kingdom's character; translating Zheng He's travels is to pass on the Zhao Kingdom's virtue. I recommend that you not only publish 'Records of the Zhaoxian to the West', but also ask the Honglu Temple to assist in printing more copies and sending them to foreign envoys, who will then pass them on to their respective states. The veteran officials of the Hanlin Academy who are familiar with Western languages will also assist you in proofreading. Ensure that every sentence is accurate and does not bring shame to the Zhao Kingdom!"
Qin Xue was surprised and delighted upon hearing this. She quickly stood up and kowtowed, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace! I will live up to your trust and carefully proofread every word, ensuring that the sage's benevolence is not lost, the emperor's integrity is not distorted, and Zheng He's neighborly intentions are not altered!"
The Queen smiled and helped her to her feet, handing her a cup of warm ginger tea. "Hurry up and drink something hot. If you translate anything new in the future, whether it's a book of sages or a wonderful folk story, please submit it to me. Your Majesty often says, 'The spread of culture is more powerful than a mighty army.' What you've done is a great contribution to Zhao's diplomatic relations."
The sun was shining brightly when they left the palace. Ye Qinghan held Qin Xue's hand. Seeing that her fingertips were still trembling slightly, he smiled and joked, "Just now in the palace, when we were talking about Zheng He's voyages to the West, your eyes were shining. Now you're panicking?!"
Qin Xue looked at the street scene outside the palace wall, her voice choked with sobs, "A year ago, I was just a little girl who only knew how to eat and drink. A year later, I was summoned by the saints and can even talk so freely in front of them. All this is because of Sister Ye."
"If I hadn't met Sister Ye by chance, and Sister Ye said I had a talent for Xuewaiyu and gave me the opportunity to learn, I wouldn't be where I am today."
Ye Qinghan patted the back of her hand. "A master can only lead you to the door, but learning is up to you. I'm just giving you a chance. It's because of your hard work that you've achieved what you have today."
With the emperor's approval and the help of his mother-in-law Ye Qinghan, the publishing and printing were quickly arranged.
However, because of being summoned by Emperor Tianyou and a series of events that followed, the words that originally thought she was not worthy of Liu Zhiyan gradually disappeared.
At that time, Qin Xue deeply understood what her father Qin Laicai said to her before she went to Beijing.
As long as you do your best, the rumors will disappear.
She did it.
…
"The Emperor, by the Mandate of Heaven, proclaims: Now that European nations have sent envoys to seek peace due to the 'Record of the Western Translations of the Sages of Zhao's Kingdom,' and considering Ye Qinghan's expertise in maritime diplomacy and Qin Xue's mastery of Western translation, I hereby order them to embark on an official ship with the translated manuscripts to publicize the benevolence of the Sages of Zhao and to promote maritime trade. They are to depart from Quanzhou Port on the 28th day of the first lunar month. This is my decree."
Just after the New Year, the Liu family welcomed the father-in-law who came to announce the imperial decree.
After receiving the imperial edict and expressing gratitude, Ye Qinghan and her mother-in-law immediately began to pack up.
The next day, Liu Yunfan and his wife sent the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law to Tongzhou Port and took an official ship to Quanzhou Port.
The Dazhao Kingdom had already had tidal power ships in the early years. They were very fast and the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law reached Quanzhou Port in two or two days.
Then they set off from Quanzhou Port and began their six-month diplomatic mission.
During the past six months, they passed through Goa, India, and arrived in Lisbon around the Cape of Good Hope, spreading the diplomatic philosophy of the Great Zhao Kingdom throughout Europe, becoming a story of "connecting with distant countries through culture."
When the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law set foot on the land of Dazhao Kingdom, the tension between them finally relaxed.
Liu Zhiyan, who had been waiting at the dock, saw his mother and daughter-in-law whom he hadn't seen for half a year and quickly stepped forward...
The sudden unfamiliar aura made Qin Xue shrink back involuntarily. When she saw the man in the crescent-shaped white gown in front of her, she took the initiative to shake the hand that she had just avoided, "Why are you here?"
The loss in his heart was instantly filled because of her grip. "I guessed you would be arriving soon, so I came here in advance to wait."
He originally wanted to go on this diplomatic mission, but he had not yet taken the palace examination, so he had to let his wife go out alone with his mother.
A long separation is better than a new marriage. Ye Qinghan was very tactful and left some alone time to his son and daughter-in-law, and took the others back to the inn first.
During the six months they had been apart, the couple had been thinking about each other, and it was only the sudden contact just now that had caused Qin Xue to subconsciously avoid him. After a short time together, the unfamiliarity between the two was quickly replaced by the memories etched in their hearts, and they instantly found a sense of familiarity.
So, the couple quickly exchanged some of the more important things that happened when each other was not around.
After returning to the inn, the couple ordered some food and went back to their room. They stayed indoors until the next day when they set off for Beijing.
The ceremonial guards had already been prepared at Tongzhou Wharf, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs came forward and said that the emperor was waiting for an audience in the Purple Palace.
When she entered the palace, Qin Xue was wearing the dark blue and gold-woven jacket that Ye Qinghan had chosen for her, and holding in her hand the supplementary edition of "Zhaoxian Xiyilu", which contained trade documents from European countries and drawings of improved tidal boats.
Inside the Purple Palace, Emperor Tianyou sat on the dragon throne. When his eyes fell on Qin Xue, they were filled with praise. "I heard that you used the translated manuscript of 'Zengzi Killing a Pig' to persuade the king to sign a trade agreement?"
Qin Xue bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, the Portuguese king was initially skeptical about trade. I used the translated manuscript of Zheng He's story of 'not deceiving distant nations' as evidence, and also displayed a diagram of a tidal boat, to show them that Zhao State was both benevolent and powerful, which was how we were able to facilitate the agreement."
As she finished speaking, the Minister of Works stepped out from the ranks of courtiers and added, "I have combined European glass craftsmanship with tidal boat technology to create rudder tower windows with greater light transmittance. This will facilitate nighttime navigation for future diplomatic vessels. This technology can also be used on commercial vessels to showcase the craftsmanship of our country."
Emperor Tianyou clapped his hands upon hearing this, "Great, great! Our Great Zhao Kingdom not only has advanced technology, but also has far-sighted officials. The reputation of the Celestial Empire will spread far and wide in no time."
On that day, the emperor issued an edict, appointing Qin Xue as "Zhaoyi Female Official" to assist the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in diplomatic affairs. He also appointed Qin Xue as the editor of the Hanlin Academy after passing the imperial examination. He also tried to take charge of the technical preparations for diplomatic missions. Liu Zhiyan, who cooperated with his wife in diplomatic work, was also mentioned by Emperor Tianyou.
Following the couple Liu Yunfan and Ye Qinghan, a couple appeared again in the court together, which made people envy them again.
After returning to the Liu Mansion, Ye Qinghan took Qin Xue's hand and handed her a thick volume, "On Diplomatic Policy." "This is what I wrote down when I was handling diplomatic affairs. You can use it in the future. Take your time. Your father and I are here, so there's no need to rush."
Qin Xue took the policy paper and brushed her fingertips across the yellowed pages. She suddenly felt that although the burden on her shoulders was heavy, she felt particularly at ease because of the support of her family.
After the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law returned from Europe, those countries that had already had diplomatic relations with Dazhao Kingdom sent invitations to invite envoys from Dazhao Kingdom to visit their countries.
So, for the next three years, Ye Qinghan took Qin Xue and his son on diplomatic missions everywhere.
Whenever he visited a new country, Ye Qinghan would have Qin Xue draft a plan first, and then they would work together to revise it. While in Persia, the local envoy refused to discuss matters with women due to religious customs. Qin Xue remained calm and asked someone to bring her the "Records of the Western Translations of the Sages of Zhao" and turned to the translation of "Confucius's Meeting with Nan Zi": "The sages of our Zhao State also valued the etiquette of meeting women. Although I am a woman, I hold the seal of Zhao State for trade. If I refuse to discuss matters due to my gender, it will only harm the interests of the people of both countries." Seeing that she was reasoned but not arrogant, the envoy finally gave in.
Afterwards, Ye Qinghan said, "There are no fixed rules in diplomacy, but there are bottom lines—only by maintaining your own position and respecting the other party's customs can you succeed."
Liu Zhiyan’s technical support is Qin Xue’s confidence.
When in Persia in the Western Regions, there was a water shortage and drinking water became a problem for the Zhao State caravan. Liu Zhiyan used the water storage technology of tidal boats and combined it with local windmills to build a "wind-driven waterwheel", which not only solved the caravan's problem, but also impressed the Persians.
Qin Xue seized this opportunity to strike a "technology-for-spices" deal with Persia: Zhao would pass on its waterwheel and spinning techniques, and Persia would reduce spice tariffs by 30%. Ye Qinghan observed this and wrote to Liu Yunfan, "Xiaoxue'er, with Minxing's help, is like a tiger with wings. She is now capable of standing on her own."
The most dangerous time was in Sumatra in Southeast Asia.
The ship they were on encountered a typhoon and the rudder was damaged. When Liu Zhiyan took the boatmen to repair it, Qin Xue had to deal with the misunderstanding of the local natives - because the typhoon destroyed the natives' huts, they actually thought that the Zhao State ship had "angered the sea god" and wanted to seize the commercial goods.
Qin Xue, despite the danger, went ashore with grain and seeds, explaining that the typhoon was a natural disaster and promising to have Zhaoguo craftsmen help them build stronger bamboo houses. Ultimately, the indigenous leader was convinced and became a "brother" with Zhaoguo.
After spending three years traveling to all of Da Zhao's diplomatic allies, Qin Xue is no longer the young and immature girl she used to be, but has grown into a mature diplomat who can stand on her own.
Ye Qinghan, who had long wanted to unload his heavy responsibilities, submitted a memorial upon returning to the capital. "Your Majesty, Qin Xue has been leading the diplomatic relations of twelve countries for three years without a single mistake. All the agreements he has made have been beneficial to Zhao State and other countries. I am willing to resign my position as Minister of Foreign Affairs and recommend Qin Xue to take over."
Emperor Tianyou approved Ye Qinghan's proposal.
Of course, no matter how experienced Qin Xue is, her age is still there. It is impossible for her to be the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the time being. She can only be the Consul of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs first.
Neither Ye Qinghan nor Qin Xue had any objection to this.
Qin Xue was only nineteen years old at that time. She still had decades to shine in the diplomatic field, so she was not in a hurry.
Qin Laicai never expected that his daughter would have such good fortune, so he arranged for his daughter to return to Yangzhou Prefecture to pay homage to the ancestors of the Qin family.
Qin Xue thought that she had never returned to Yangzhou Prefecture since she accompanied Liu Zhiyan to Beijing. She also missed her good sister, so she agreed to Qin Laicai's proposal.
As luck would have it, I was diagnosed with pregnancy.
Therefore, Qin Laicai, who had been looking forward to becoming a grandfather for a long time, was afraid that his daughter might have an accident while traveling while pregnant, so he did not agree to let her return to Yangzhou Prefecture.
When they got married, Qin Laicai said that he would consider having children when his daughter turned 18. Liu Zhiyan followed his father-in-law's words and did not discuss having children until his wife turned 18.
So since Qin Xue turned 18, the couple has not taken any contraceptive measures. Qin Xue was ready to get pregnant and have a baby on the boat, but unfortunately she never got pregnant.
I didn't expect that the child would come just after the mission was over.
If she were to say, with her physical condition, let alone not rushing, it would not affect her at all if she took her time returning to Yangzhou.
Even on her way to a diplomatic mission, she was not afraid.
Unfortunately, Qin Laicai would not tolerate any mistakes and would not agree to her returning to Yangzhou no matter what.
So, Qin Xue could only stay in the capital to nurture her pregnancy and give birth to her child.
I originally thought that I could return to Yangzhou after the child was born.
As a result, her father said that children under one year old could not withstand the tossing and turning, so he postponed the return to Yangzhou to worship ancestors for another year.
By the time she returned to Yangzhou with her husband and her son, who could still call her father, mother and grandfather, she had been away from Yangzhou for five years.
By that time, all my former close friends had already become wives and mothers.
However, although they have not been together for many years, they have never stopped communicating with each other.
Qin Xue even wrote about local anecdotes and interesting stories to her former friends, Cheng Jingshuang and Cheng Jingyi, whenever she visited a place. Cheng Jingshuang and Cheng Jingyi would also write to her about the lives of the ladies they used to play with.
So when we met again, although we no longer looked as young as we used to be, we were still strangers.
Qin Xue heard many legends about herself from the two sisters Cheng Jingshuang.
The most common thing people say is, of course: she was lucky and met a good family, and from then on her life was like a cheat, getting better and better.
Qin Xue gladly accepted this.
She was indeed lucky to have met such a good husband and such good in-laws, which completely changed her life.
However, she also knew that in addition to good luck, she also worked hard enough.
She feels that the harder she works, the luckier she gets...
(over)
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