Moving Into the Palace of Qin
Quentin Qian's proposal was exactly what Alexander Hayes had been hoping for.
Aside from the area around Chang'an City, which is controlled by the House of Zhao, there is even more land in the southeast that Alexander Hayes has yet to formally govern.
With the Qian Clan being the most prominent family in the southeast, their willingness to pledge allegiance, and the patriarch himself coming to show goodwill, will make the transition of authority much smoother.
At the very least, there won't be a repeat of last time when they had to fight the Zhao Clan Guards.
Alexander Hayes came to govern Qin, not to kill half its population before he even started.
Now that Quentin Qian is willing to offer his support, Alexander Hayes is more than happy to accept.
As the patriarch of the largest family in the southeast, Alexander Hayes immediately bestowed the honorary title of 'Lord Qian' upon Quentin Qian.
Though the title is purely honorary and carries no real power, it represents the Qin government's recognition of the Qian Clan—and their intent to win them over.
"Then Lord Qian shall first settle into the Palace of Qin. I have many matters to discuss with you. Once you are settled, I will summon you when time permits," Alexander Hayes said.
Quentin Qian immediately replied, "I obey, Your Majesty."
Quentin Qian thus openly took up residence in the Palace of Qin, naturally bringing his three granddaughters with him.
The three young ladies of the Qian family moved into the Palace of Qin, all secretly delighted.
Chloe Qian and Vivian Qian, the twin sisters, had rooms right next to each other. Unable to contain her excitement, Chloe dropped her luggage and rushed to the next room to find her sister. "Vivian, do you think we'll get a chance to become consorts to His Majesty King Alexander?"
Vivian Qian's face flushed slightly, but she was used to being cool and reserved, unlike Chloe, who was more starry-eyed. "Chloe, we're young ladies—how can you say such things? Aren't you embarrassed?"
"Oh, Vivian, you're always so serious!" Chloe Qian said, unconcerned. "Grandfather told us before we left that we were being sent to the Palace of Qin to serve His Majesty. Just look at him—so young and handsome, the dream of so many women! But alas, today in the grand hall, our eldest sister stole the spotlight. Grandfather is so biased—he kept this opportunity from us and gave all the glory to Mia!"
Vivian quietly continued unpacking, as usual not saying much. Chloe kept chattering: "Vivian, I heard that Queen Lily of Qin was born a poor farmer’s daughter. But we’re from the prestigious Qian family in the southeast, and now Grandfather’s been made a lord. We’re noble by birth—so much higher than the Queen! The Queen may have borne a son, but he’s disabled, and she herself is so sick she can’t even wake up. Tsk, tsk, I think it’s fate—Heaven is giving us a chance to enter the palace and win His Majesty’s favor. With our looks and talents, it’s only a matter of time before we kick the Queen off her throne!”
Chloe Qian chattered on smugly, clearly looking down on the Queen, while Vivian Qian just listened in silence. At last, she said, "Enough, Chloe, give it a rest. By the way, where’s Mia? She should be done unpacking by now, right?"
Only then did Chloe realize she hadn’t seen Mia Qian at all!
"Hey, where did Mia go?"
At that very moment, outside the Queen's Private Chambers, Mia Qian held an exquisite box in her hands and bowed gracefully to the blooming peonies before her. "I, Mia Qian, have heard that Queen Lily of Qin is unwell. I am deeply concerned and have come to present a treasured thousand-year-old ginseng from my family, wishing Her Majesty a swift recovery."