"Master sees clearly, our family indeed doesn't lack this bit of silver, but reputation must not be tarnished!" The woman opposite said with a smile, the very image of a virtuous wife.
Seeing this, Qin Yan felt even more satisfied!
This Third Madam had been with him for so many years, yet her considerate and perceptive mind hadn't diminished one bit, which only increased his trust in her!
He often, when he had to go out for any matter, would hand over all the affairs of the Qin residence, big and small, to her to handle entirely, and every time she managed things to his great satisfaction.
"Master, I have already sent someone to summon him here. Once you have seen him, leave this minor matter to me," the woman continued gently afterward.
Hearing this, Qin Yan smiled slightly. Just as he was about to reply, the voice of a servant reporting from outside the room reached them.
"Master, Qin Ping has arrived with the guest. Do you wish to see him now?"
"Tell Qin Ping to bring the person in!"
After issuing this casual instruction, Qin Yan simply closed his mouth and gave the Third Madam an apologetic smile.
"As you command!"
The servant responded and then said no more.
From outside the reception hall, Qin Ping entered, followed by a rather simple-looking young man.
The young man, as he walked, looked left and right, examining everything in the hall with an air of curiosity, as if utterly fascinated by every object within.
When the two reached the interior of the hall, Qin Ping reported briefly and then automatically withdrew, leaving only the young man standing somewhat uneasily before Qin Yan and his wife.
Seeing the young man's flustered appearance, Qin Yan and the Third Madam couldn't help but exchange a knowing smile. Then, clearing his throat lightly, Qin Yan addressed the young man in a kindly tone: "I heard you have a letter from an elder of mine. Is this true? Could you perhaps give me the letter so I may look at it?"
The young man, who was Han Li, glanced at this master of the Qin household and showed hesitation, asking in a tone of uncertainty: "Are you really Uncle Qin? My grandfather said personally that I could only give the letter to Uncle Qin himself!"
Hearing Han Li's words, the Third Madam was slightly stunned for a moment and nearly burst out laughing.
Who would dare to brazenly impersonate the master of the Qin household in their own reception hall? This young man's question was truly quite amusing!
And Qin Yan, upon hearing this, was also taken aback, showing a similarly amused and helpless expression.
He had no choice but to add: "I am indeed the veritable master of this Qin residence. However, whether I am the 'Uncle Qin' you seek can only be confirmed after I see the letter!"
Seeing Qin Yan put in this awkward position, the Third Madam, watching from the side, found it greatly entertaining. Who would have thought that the famously renowned and almost universally recognized master of the Qin household in the capital of Yue would be doubted by a rustic-looking young man? What a curious tale!
Hearing Qin Yan's words, a look of tentative belief finally appeared on Han Li's face. He then reluctantly produced the letter, which had been crumpled almost into a useless piece of paper, and handed it to Qin Yan.
Qin Yan, who had long grown impatient, forced down the urge to snatch the letter and finally maintained his composure as he accepted it.
However, he did not immediately open it. Instead, he gave Han Li a meaningful glance, suddenly placed the letter on the table, and lightly clapped his hands twice.
At the sound of "clap" "clap," an elderly man with white hair, dressed in a blue-grey robe, immediately entered from outside the hall.
Without another word, Qin Yan pointed at the letter. The old man respectfully stepped forward, took the letter, then held it up to the sunlight slanting into the hall to examine it carefully. Finally, holding it with both hands, he placed it back on the table.
"No problems?"
After uttering these few words, the old man bowed and retreated. His entrance and exit were utterly silent, like the presence of a ghost.
Relieved, Qin Yan cast a sidelong glance at Han Li and, seeing the young man looking utterly bewildered, couldn't help but smile.
Then, without further explanation, he skillfully opened the letter, drew out the sheet of paper, and began to read it intently.
Beside him, the Third Madam gave Han Li a kind smile, then picked up the teacup in front of her, intending to take a delicate sip.
But just as she lifted it, Qin Yan, who was sitting and reading the letter, abruptly shot to his feet, his face filled with an expression of utter astonishment and disbelief.