Commoner Hero

Chapter 19: Backing

The person who spoke up was none other than Qin Ziyin’s older brother, Qin Huai.

Qin Ziyin was the youngest in her family, with two older brothers. The eldest, Qin Wu, was a martial arts escort, responsible for the Qin family’s external security and escort business. Qin Huai, the second son, was the only scholar in the family, having passed the imperial exams to become a xiucai (scholar). He was seven or eight years older than Su Qi’an.

Qin Huai had earned his xiucai title five or six years ago. While he couldn’t compare to Su Qi’an’s former brilliance, he was still considered one of the talented young men of Lingbei County.

The Qin family was in the textile business, and over the years, their business in Lingbei County had grown significantly, making them one of the wealthiest families in the area. With Qin Huai’s scholarly achievements, the family had gradually built connections with the local gentry. Thanks to his outstanding abilities and high emotional intelligence, coupled with the Qin family’s behind-the-scenes efforts, Qin Huai had become a leading figure among the scholars of Lingbei County three years ago. If he could advance further and pass the provincial exams to become a juren (provincial scholar), the Qin family would truly shed their merchant status and become a respected noble family in Lingbei County.

However, all of this had little to do with Su Qi’an.

Ever since Su Qi’an had failed the imperial exams repeatedly, the Qin family had long given up on him. At one point, Qin Ziyin had even returned to her family to ask for financial support, which was considered a disgrace for a wealthy family. They had tried to persuade Qin Ziyin to leave Su Qi’an, but she stubbornly refused. This led to the Qin family’s deep disappointment in her, and they had cut off contact for nearly seven or eight years.

When Su Qi’an saw Qin Huai standing up for him, he was initially surprised. However, he didn’t reveal their relationship or acknowledge it publicly. After so many years, even the other influential families in Lingbei County were unaware of the connection between Qin Huai and Su Qi’an, let alone someone from another county like Wei Yun.

Qin Huai’s intervention was calm and measured. He sat across from Su Qi’an and said softly, “Yes, Xiao Yin is doing well.”

This simple statement carried a coldness that Qin Huai could clearly sense.

However, Qin Huai didn’t take it to heart. He looked deeply at Su Qi’an and said, “Brother-in-law, you’ve really changed. You’ve become someone I can’t quite figure out anymore.”

Su Qi’an smiled faintly. “After going through some things, I’ve gained some perspective. Change is inevitable.”

Qin Huai nodded but didn’t continue the conversation, leaving the room in an awkward silence.

To be honest, Su Qi’an had mixed feelings about the Qin family. Although he had taken over the original host’s body, after spending so much time in this world, he had not only accepted the body but also been influenced by its lingering emotions.

The Qin family’s coldness during Su Qi’an’s lowest moments was something he could understand, but it wasn’t something that could be resolved with a few pleasantries. At most, Su Qi’an didn’t hold a grudge against them, but he also had no intention of going out of his way to help them. He would find an opportunity to repay Qin Huai’s kindness and leave it at that.

Qin Huai, being perceptive, could guess Su Qi’an’s thoughts. He took a sip of tea and sighed. “Brother-in-law, I know you resent the Qin family. I won’t deny that we were opportunistic, and I have no excuses for that. But the reason I’m helping you isn’t just because of your talent. It’s also for Xiao Yin’s sake.”

“Back then, I didn’t have enough influence in the family to protect her, and she suffered a lot because of it. I feel deeply ashamed. Now, all I can do is do my best to ensure your safety in Lingbei County.”

“Whether you pass the exams or not in the future, as long as you still recognize me as your brother-in-law, the Qin family’s doors will always be open to you.”

Qin Huai’s words were sincere and heartfelt. He was one of the few members of the Qin family who hadn’t kicked Su Qi’an when he was down. If it weren’t for that, Su Qi’an wouldn’t have even bothered sitting down to talk with him.

Seeing that Qin Huai had spoken so openly, Su Qi’an also decided to be honest. “Brother-in-law, I understand what you’re saying, and I appreciate it.”

Qin Huai waved his hand dismissively, as if it were no big deal. He stayed in Su Qi’an’s room for another half an hour before finding an opportunity to slip away quietly.

Su Qi’an and Qin Huai had agreed to keep their relationship under wraps for now. This would be beneficial for both of them. If anything were to happen, it would give Wei Yun a big surprise.

At this moment, Su Qi’an, sitting alone in his room, had no idea how much of a stir his actions at the Moonview Pavilion would cause in Lingbei County.

If his first six lines of poetry had made the scholars, gentry, and officials take notice of his youthful arrogance, the next four lines would cement his reputation as a legend. It was no exaggeration to say that the entire county was abuzz with discussions about Su Qi’an’s Moonview poems. Even his background and personal history were being dug up.

In the main hall of the county government office, Fang Jingzhi, the county magistrate, was beaming as he held a copy of the Moonview poems. Even at his age, the verses stirred something deep within him.

After savoring the lines, Fang Jingzhi couldn’t help but exclaim, “Excellent! Truly excellent!”

“This Su Qi’an is truly a rare talent bestowed upon our county. The brilliance of these four lines is something even I, as the county magistrate, cannot match.”

“Liu Shiyi, have Su Qi’an’s poems from the Moonview Pavilion been sent to Marquis Xie?” Fang Jingzhi suddenly asked, turning to his advisor.

Liu Shiyi, standing beside him, nodded. “Your Honor, rest assured. As soon as Su Qi’an recited those lines, I had them transcribed and sent to Marquis Xie. By now, Marquis Xie must be as impressed as you are.”

“Good, very good.”

“Your Honor, with Su Qi’an displaying such extraordinary talent at the Moonview Pavilion, he’s undoubtedly made an enemy of Wei Yun. I’m afraid it won’t be long before they...”

“Hmph, it doesn’t matter. The depth, breadth, and grandeur of the Moonview poems are worthy of praise even from the highest officials in the court. Even if Wei Zhentang is protective of his nephew, he should understand the gravity of the situation.”

“Send someone to the prefectural capital immediately to inform His Excellency about the Moonview poems. With such a talented scholar emerging from Lingbei County, our county is sure to make a splash in this year’s exams.”

Fang Jingzhi’s gaze then shifted to Wang Xiaowei, who was kneeling below. “Wang Xiaowei, you’ve done well this time. During Su Qi’an’s stay in the county, you must ensure his safety. If even a single hair on his head is harmed, you know the consequences.”

“If necessary, spread the word that Su Qi’an is under the county’s protection. Anyone who dares to cause trouble will answer to me at the county government office!”

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