Chapter 4: Breaking Up, Yet Still Taking Advantage

The Qin residence was festively adorned with lanterns and decorations, the welcome ceremony extraordinarily grand. Qin Qingxue’s father, Qin Xinghuai, led the entire family to personally greet her at the gate. Numerous officials stood nearby, having come to offer their congratulations.

Qin Qingxue’s carriage stopped at the doorstep, and she stepped down. Taking in the impressive scene before her, her face was filled with deep emotion. She bowed solemnly and said, “Father, I have returned!”

Qin Xinghuai quickly reached out to steady her. “Well done, well done! Truly worthy of being a daughter of the Qin family. A heroine who outshines men, you have brought great honor to our house.”

After speaking, Qin Xinghuai glanced behind him in puzzlement. “I heard that Sixth Prince Li Ye personally went to the city gate to receive you. Why did you not return together?”

The news of Qin Qingxue’s parting with Li Ye had not yet reached the family. No one knew of it. The other officials leaned in curiously to listen. It was well known that Sixth Prince Li Ye doted on Qin Qingxue. Even the entire Qin family basked in the reflected glory.

Given they had been apart so long, they should have been inseparable. How could Qin Qingxue possibly have come back alone?

Qin Qingxue no longer wished to have any entanglement with Li Ye. She replied, “Father, I have parted ways with Li Ye amicably. We no longer have any relationship.”

Qin Xinghuai was greatly shocked, his eyes full of questions. The daughter and the Qin family’s current standing all relied on Li Ye’s support. Though Li Ye’s reputation was less than stellar, he had been undeniably good to the Qin family. How could they break up at such a time? What would others think of the Qin family?

“Did you two have a falling out? You haven’t seen each other for months; surely you could have talked it out?” Qin Xinghuai urged anxiously.

“Father, please don’t worry. During these recent days leading troops in battle, I have come to understand. The one I truly love is not Li Ye. Our relationship was never genuine love. I am in love with Master Shi Wushuang of Yunlu Pavilion. Moreover, I have been accepted as a disciple by the master of Yunlu Pavilion. From now on, I will be not only a general of the Dayuan Dynasty but also a direct disciple of Yunlu Pavilion.”

This announcement stunned everyone present. When she said she had parted with the Sixth Prince, many thought Qin Qingxue must have lost her mind. No matter how low Li Ye’s status among the princes, he was still a prince. Breaking up with him was unwise.

Yet, upon hearing she had joined Yunlu Pavilion and was involved with its most famous disciple, the attitudes of the congratulating officials shifted immediately. They became far more respectful, even somewhat obsequious.

Yunlu Pavilion was an extraordinary force. It had played a crucial role in the founding of the Dayuan Dynasty. Even His Majesty treated its master with utmost respect. As a direct disciple of the Pavilion’s master, one’s status was comparable to that of the crown prince, and their influence among the common people far exceeded that of the crown prince.

“Congratulations! We thought the victorious return of General Qin was already the greatest joy. Yet, it turns out to be a triple blessing. With Yunlu Pavilion backing the Qin family, their rapid rise is assured!” an insightful official hurried forward to flatter them.

“A hero like General Qin, a true woman warrior, surely the Qin family will become one of the top noble houses of the Dayuan Dynasty.”

“With unmatched battlefield prowess and now the status of a Yunlu Pavilion disciple, the Sixth Prince is indeed no longer a suitable match. Should General Qin marry the renowned Master Shi Wushuang, her position would be exalted beyond measure.”

Qin Xinghuai, initially angry, was unexpectedly delighted. No wonder his daughter had decisively abandoned the Sixth Prince. It was because she had a better choice. Especially after the officials’ flattering remarks, he felt elated. Who would dare say his daughter was relying on an unworthy prince now? The Qin family now represented Yunlu Pavilion, admired and revered by millions, their status and reputation instantly elevated.

“This is wonderful! It truly brings honor to our Qin family. I support you in choosing the one you love. Since you have no feelings for the Sixth Prince, it is best to make it clear,” Qin Xinghuai said.

Seeing her father’s support, Qin Qingxue felt immense joy. Qin Xinghuai then addressed the crowd, “Everyone, listen well! Today is a great day of celebration for the Qin family. All of you will join me at Qilin Pavilion for a feast!”

The guests and officials gasped in surprise and delight. Qilin Pavilion was the finest restaurant in the capital. Not only was its cuisine exquisite, regarded as culinary treasures, but it also catered exclusively to the highest nobility. Ordinary officials and wealthy merchants were not permitted entry. The capital’s elite considered dining there a great honor and a status symbol. Despite the exorbitant prices, the powerful eagerly sought admission.

For Qin Xinghuai to have the courage to invite so many to Qilin Pavilion was astonishing.

“Is that even possible? I’ve heard reservations are required well in advance. Can they accommodate so many guests?” someone asked.

Qin Xinghuai replied proudly, “Hmph, that applies to ordinary nobles. I never need a reservation at Qilin Pavilion. Moreover, I never have to pay the bill. Today, to celebrate my daughter’s triumphant return, I want all of you to witness this.”

All the guests were thrilled, their flattery overflowing as they vied to please Qin Xinghuai. Qin Qingxue did not object. Her achievements and status as a direct disciple of Yunlu Pavilion warranted such grandeur.

To her, this was merely the first step in establishing the Qin family’s renown. Not only would she elevate the Qin family to the premier noble house, but she aspired to become the Dayuan Dynasty’s female marshal, commander of the armies, revered by millions.

The entire assembly proceeded in a grand procession toward Qilin Pavilion. Qin Xinghuai walked at the forefront, boldly instructing the doorman, “Today we celebrate my daughter’s victorious return. Prepare thirty tables for a banquet at Qilin Pavilion immediately. No other guests are to be admitted; the Qin family is reserving the entire establishment.”

The doorman did not greet them with his usual enthusiasm but replied coldly, “Sir, you are not a member of Qilin Pavilion; we cannot admit you.”

Qin Xinghuai had hoped to show off in front of his guests but was publicly rebuffed instead. His face darkened with anger as he shouted, “Open your eyes and see who I am! How many times have I dined here? How dare you block me? Where is your manager? Bring him out to see me!”

“No need to call,” the manager appeared.

“Manager, how have you trained your staff to refuse me admission?” Qin Xinghuai immediately complained.

The manager gave him a cold glance and said, “Our staff are correct. You are not a member, so refusal is normal.”

Qin Xinghuai stared incredulously at the manager. “Look closely! I am Qin Xinghuai! Haven’t you always welcomed me warmly?”

The manager’s lips curled in a cold smile. “That was before, out of respect for His Highness the Sixth Prince. He had instructed that all your expenses here be covered by him. However, His Highness has since withdrawn this privilege. You are no longer eligible to enter Qilin Pavilion.”

Qin Xinghuai’s chest heaved with fury. He could not believe that at a time when the Qin family was so glorious, a mere manager would deny him respect, and worse, humiliate him before so many people. If he could not host guests at Qilin Pavilion, it would be a public disgrace.