Memoirs of a Strategist | An original chinese novel

Prologue : Filial Daughter

"Is she not out yet?" Qin Liutian asked in irritation.

He was sad that Concubine Li had died. All he wanted was to finish with the funeral and put his feelings to rest. Why must his daughter drag out the process?

"Master, let her grieve for her mother. Even if the proceedings get delayed a little, what of it? It is still the daughter's sorrow of losing her mother that must be considered." Concubine Chen said softly as she patted Qin Liutian's arm in condolence.

An average person listening to these words would praise Concubine Chen for being extremely considerate. Qin Lixue, who could listen to the entire commotion behind the doors sighed. There was a lot of drama to face - and the prima donna was Concubine Chen, the wolf who cried murder.

After rubbing her eyes vigorously to make them look red and tired, Qin Lixue straightened her robes and walked out.

When Qin Liutian's eyes landed on this second daughter, his irritation dissipated slightly. Small build, thin arms, unflattering funeral clothes and a plain face, Qin Lixue was not very beautiful but at least her simple, delicate features had nothing to be criticized about.

"Father, this daughter thanks you for your grace. Please proceed with the funeral and let concubine mother rest in peace." Her soft voice mellowed down the directness of the words, not letting anyone take offense.

"En. You must not let your mother worry about you. " Qin Liutian nodded in approval while he took in the appearance and mannerisms of the daughter he hadn't seen for a few years.

Concubine Li was not an outspoken character and used to hide in her pavilion all day, not daring to go out, lest she offended someone. Under her influence, Qin Lixue also never stepped out of her room, to the point that people almost forgot she existed.

But despite Concubine Li's doormat nature, she was still killed by someone and Qin Lixue was forced to step into the limelight.

Now avoiding eye-contact with Concubine Chen, Qin Lixue paid her respects to Qin Liutian, the legitimate wife Ruofeng and Patriarch Qin. She kept her movements simple, there was nothing to criticize on, but it was not impressive or eye-catching.

With Qin Lixue having finished her personal mourning, the funeral procession began.

* * * * *

A concubine's funeral was nothing too fancy. If the master wished so, the funeral could even be skipped and the body buried with a simple prayer. Given that Concubine Li's family did not live in the capital, they were unable to make it in time for this quick funeral procession, making the procession even more simpler.

After prayers of peace, Concubine Li's body was taken to the burial site.

Qin Suyin, the youngest of the three Qin sisters and the main wife's daughter, was the only one who looked out for Qin Lixue. When she saw the latter's dead-fish eyes, she held her hand and tried to support her wordlessly. Qin Lixue quietly returned the grip on her hand.

For a legitimate daughter to care for a concubine daughter, Qin Suyin was truly as kind as Qin Lixue expected.

Post the funeral proceedings, the Qin family returned to the manor. There was silence at the table as everyone began eating the vegetarian dishes.

Qin Suyin occasionally called the maids and added extra servings on Qin Lixue's plate. While Qin Ruiling, daughter of Concubine Chen snorted at the scene and ate on her own. She was the eldest miss of the Qin family and her mother was Father's favored concubine.

Qin Lixue who saw the sweet Qin Suyin and contrarily arrogant Qin Ruiling, shook her head. The one who could put on airs was a empathic person while the one who should be gentle was actually aloof.