010 You should be a good person with your tail between your legs

"If you want something good, bring out the money," Qin Xixi remarked.

Mrs. Xie stared at Qin Xixi's slender fingers, her face flushing red. Money? Where could she find any money? Even if she had some, it was a mere pittance. She couldn't casually use it to make up for this. Otherwise, she'd be left with nothing for future needs.

"What money?" Mrs. Xie's eyes dodged around as she stammered, "Don't you know our family's situation? I don't have any money!"

Qin Xixi chuckled, "Ah, now you're sober, Second Aunt. You understand the situation at the Qin household. I thought you were naturally optimistic, knowing the situation yet living as if nothing's changed, enjoying the luxurious days of being surrounded by servants, indulging in delicacies and luxuries like before!"

Her words were like a slap to the faces of those present, scalding and awakening.

Indeed, the current Qin family was not the prestigious family of a third-rank official anymore. They were now ordinary commoners who had lost everything. They couldn't afford the luxurious lifestyle of the past, discussing which jewelry store had new designs or which clothier had new fabrics. All those seemingly extravagant things were now out of reach.

As they glanced at the dishes on the table again, a chill ran down their spines. They might not even afford these meat dishes anymore because their men had been exiled, and these helpless women and children, who among them could earn money?

Panic and confusion overwhelmed them once again, suffocating them.

Mrs. Xie felt somewhat embarrassed under the pressure.

But soon, she frowned. After all, she was an elder. This girl was indeed ignorant of respect.

Just as she was about to speak, Qin Xixi turned to Qin Mingyue and asked, "Have you recognized the situation, little sister? It's not wrong to consider yourself a noble lady, but one must also adapt to the circumstances, don't you think?"

Failing to recognize the situation would be a grave mistake. Qin Mingyue's sunken eyes and timid expression suggested a troubled married life. Such a girl, with an uncertain temperament and easily fluctuating emotions, would likely have an unhappy marriage and an unstable home.

Qin Mingyue stiffened, gritting her teeth, her voice slightly trembled, "Even if I'm not a noble lady, neither is Elder Sister."

They were all Qin family members, just one character away from each other. They were impoverished, and she was no exception, just a commoner, and moreover, a daughter registered under her stepmother's name. How could she be considered noble?

Thinking like this, Qin Mingyue straightened her back.

"Oh, I'm a bit different from you. I've always considered myself an orphan!" Qin Xixi remarked casually.

Qin Mingyue: "!"

Mrs. Wang and Aunt Wan: "..."

They were still standing there alive!

But Mrs. Xie caught the opportunity and said, "Elder Sister, look, this girl really needs proper upbringing. Isn't this cursing you and your husband?"

Qin Xixi snorted.

Having raised her since a young age in the old mansion, now she dared to talk about upbringing? She'd like to see who dared to bring up such matters with her!

Mrs. Wang said, "Second Sister, Xixi does make some sense. Our Qin family is no longer what it used to be. We must tighten our belts and live frugally, unlike before. If you really want to add some dishes, you can use some private money to let Li Sheng cook for you."

"Your elder sister is right!"

A weak voice sounded from the doorway.

Everyone looked over and saw Old Lady Qin being supported by Aunt Ding as she walked in, prompting them all to bow respectfully.

"Grandmother."

"Madam."

"Mother." Mrs. Wang approached and helped her sit down, showing concern. "Why have you come here?"

Old Lady Qin sat in the main seat, looked around with an imposing air, and spoke sternly, "If I didn't come, would you all have forgotten that our Qin family has been ransacked by the emperor? We should behave like the Qin family should, with our tails between our legs."