The Child of Solitude

This was the second time Qinyan and Zhao Jin shared a bed. Although it was clear that Qinyan was unwilling, she had no strength to resist.
The direct result of this second union was that Qinyan became pregnant. And on the very same day she learned she was pregnant, came the news that Zhao Jin was to be married.

One wife and two concubines—the wife was Zhao Tingting, while the concubines were daughters of two other great families, marriages of politics. In all this, there was no place for Qinyan.

To take three wives at once was in fact the will of many. For since ancient times the Sword-Casting Manor had always had thin descendants, keeping the tradition that each generation bore only one heir. In truth, this was not so bad—they did not, like other great clans, fight bloody battles over the slightest inheritance. Yet the drawback was obvious. For example, when Zhao Jin exchanged a prostitute for the treasured blade “Duming,” the Manor Lord had no way to punish him other than to send him to labor in the Furnace.

Qinyan hid her pregnancy well.
At first, when she realized she was with child, she panicked. As she watched her belly grow day by day, felt the special stirrings of life inside, her expression was complex.
One late night, after bathing, she rose from the tub and looked at her belly. Her hand clenched into a fist against her stomach. For a long time she was silent.

“You are my children.” At last she lowered her fist, gently caressing her belly. “You are my family, mine alone, and have nothing to do with anyone else.”

But pregnancy could not be hidden. The first to notice was her maid Xiao Hui, who said excitedly: “Wonderful, Miss! You are pregnant! Now those old men can no longer point fingers at you, and you can ask the young master to give you a proper place!”

Qinyan stopped her: “Do not seek trouble for yourself.”

Xiao Hui did not understand: “How can it be trouble? Pregnancy is the greatest of joys! The Manor Lord has always wished for the Zhao family to have heirs. You carry the young master’s first child! From now on, no one will dare trouble you!”

Qinyan smiled weakly. She understood Xiao Hui’s good heart, but there were many things the young girl could not understand.
“Promise me, do not tell anyone. Even if I beg you. I want this to be only my child, with nothing to do with the Zhao family.”

Though confused, Xiao Hui nodded firmly: “I will protect you, Miss.”

From that day on, the once gentle Xiao Hui seemed to change into another person—becoming bold, fierce. Though the household dared not openly cut Qinyan’s food, they often made things difficult in secret. Before, Qinyan did not mind. But now, with child, her appetite grew, her tastes grew particular—craving sour and spicy things. To satisfy her, Xiao Hui often rolled up her sleeves and quarreled in the kitchen, determined to snatch for Qinyan a bowl of the soup she loved.

Qinyan was grateful, and their bond grew, calling each other sisters.

In the seventh month of Qinyan’s pregnancy, a great event shook the manor. The old Manor Lord, while practicing martial arts, suffered qi deviation and died. After his death, Zhao Jin became the new Manor Lord.

A grand funeral was held for the old lord, attended by all the great families of Yichuan. Among them was Yu Hanjun of the Jadefall Pavilion.

Two years earlier, Yu Hanjun had exchanged a prostitute for the world-renowned blade “Duming.” From then, his reputation soared. Once obscure in the Jadefall Pavilion, with the blade his strength grew greatly, and even the old master looked upon him anew. In just two years, he became heir, and even married into another family famed for its medical arts.

It was said Yu Hanjun came with his wife to mourn, and conversed pleasantly with Zhao Jin. Two who had once been like fire and water could now discuss matters like grown men—it was no small thing.

They were both born into wealth, and no matter what mistakes they made, they would always have bright futures. The only one who, with one wrong step, fell into endless error—was herself.

Zhao Jin smoothly inherited the position of Manor Lord.
With the new taking over from the old, everything needed rebuilding. Zhao Jin was busier than ever, rarely seen. Not only Qinyan, but even his new wives and concubines could not see him. Especially his principal wife Zhao Tingting, whose temper grew fiery, often tormenting the concubines.

Zhao Jin could not be bothered with women’s affairs, and simply moved to the quarters of a maid named Sui’er, seeking peace.

But one late night, urgent knocking rang through the manor.
“Open the door! Open the door! Miss Qinyan is giving birth—!”

It was Xiao Hui.

That day, after carrying to term, Qinyan finally went into labor. At first she wished to deliver alone. But the child was breech, and after two hours, it still would not come. Blood flowed like a red river beneath her.

At last, Xiao Hui, ignoring Qinyan’s protests, dashed out, running desperately to Zhao Jin’s residence, pounding on the door.

After a while, the door opened, and a guard with an impatient face appeared. He kicked Xiao Hui in the stomach: “What are you shouting for!”

Xiao Hui took the kick but did not move away, only pleading bitterly: “Brother guard, please report to the Manor Lord! Miss Qinyan is giving birth, she carries the young master’s child!”

The guard ignored her, preparing to close the door. But Xiao Hui clung to the frame, still begging: “I beg you! Miss Qinyan is giving birth, she needs a doctor! Without one, both she and the child will die!”

Her shrill cries finally drew Zhao Jin. He came out wearing a cloak, asking: “What is it?”

Xiao Hui fell to her knees with a thud, clutching Zhao Jin’s leg: “Manor Lord! Miss Qinyan is in labor—she carries your child, and now she is in distress!”