Chapter 27: Seizing the Leverage

“The wind is strong outside, be careful not to catch a chill.” As she was lost in thought, planning for the day ahead, Qin Youtian draped a coat over her shoulders.

She looked up and smiled. “I’m all right now, almost completely recovered.”

Even as she spoke, a cough escaped her lips.

“Don’t push yourself. Go and get some rest. I’ll keep watch outside. If you need anything, just call for me.” Qin Youtian lifted his hand, intending out of habit to pat her shoulder, but stopped midway under her startled gaze.

“I didn’t mean anything by it.”

Hua Qinci’s eyes glimmered with a gentle smile. She said nothing, simply stood up and went inside, leaving Qin Youtian standing bewildered beneath the blossoming peach tree.

Hua Qinci entered the house, then stepped out again. She glanced at Qin Mingyue and waved at him.

Qin Youtian, thinking something was wrong, strode toward her.

Hua Qinci leaned in close, whispering mysteriously in his ear, “I know you didn’t mean anything by it.”

With that, she quietly slipped back inside. As she closed the door, she couldn’t help but flash Qin Youtian a radiant smile.

Qin Youtian felt a sudden confusion. He didn’t understand her words, but her voice and smile lingered in his heart, bewitching him. For the first time in years, the icy mask he wore softened ever so slightly, and an unaccustomed cheerfulness welled up within him.

Neither of them slept that night, both tossing and turning with thoughts unknown to the other.

At dawn, Liu Bingbing was the first to rush to the Qin household, a look of gloating triumph on her delicate face.

She’d spent two days in jail, released only because her mother couldn’t bear it any longer and sent her brother to the county office with silver for her bail. The moment she was out, her anger simmered. She sat day after day beneath the big tree at the village entrance, watching the Qin family’s every move.

From Doctor Li, she’d already learned the truth: the ginseng root was a fake. She hadn’t acted yet, waiting for the perfect moment—the last day—to expose them and enjoy the spectacle.

Doctor Li trailed behind her, guilt etched on his face as he gazed at Hua Qinci who had come out to greet them.

The moment Hua Qinci saw the two, she understood everything.

Soon after, all those who had paid deposits or split shares of silver arrived at the Qin family courtyard.

Liu Bingbing, looking proud and defiant, grabbed Doctor Li by the collar and shoved him into the crowd.

“Doctor Li, go on, explain everything to everyone.”

Doctor Li, nervous and apologetic, glanced at Liu Bingbing in anger and at Hua Qinci in shame. But Liu Bingbing had caught him in a bind. If he didn’t speak, he’d never be able to stay in this village.

“Qin… Qinci,” he stammered, his brows furrowed in distress.

“Bingbing? What’s going on here, hmm?”

“That’s right, Doctor Li? Qinci is still unwell. If the matter of the ginseng root has to wait a couple more days, that’s fine. We’re not in a hurry. We trust the Qin family, don’t we?”

As for the Qin family, Qin Mingyue might be brash and sharp-tongued, but it was usually just empty bluster. Qin Youtian, on the other hand, was generous—if he hunted a wild boar, he’d share the meat with everyone. Whenever there was a sick or disabled villager, he’d lend a hand with farm work.

Apart from Qin Mingyue, the village’s impression of the Qin family was generally positive. They weren’t the type to cheat people.

As for Hua Qinci’s father, Old Man Hua, he was a lost cause—perpetually drunk and rarely sober. Yet, somehow, he managed to raise Hua Qinci well.

Though Hua Qinci seldom left home, everyone remembered her as a gentle and sensible child. Her father’s reputation did not tarnish hers.

Moreover, when Hua Qinci treated the villagers’ illnesses, she never charged a fee, though she seldom offered her services.

“Yes, that’s right. Qin family’s daughter-in-law, are you feeling better? Make sure you rest well! If things are delayed, it’s no trouble.”

There were those in the crowd who saw reason.

“Heh, don’t worry, everyone. Let’s hear what Doctor Li has to say first,” Liu Bingbing said, her small face lifted arrogantly above the crowd.