Lu Changxuan’s words didn’t ease the Old Madam’s mood. Thinking about her quiet and obedient illegitimate granddaughter, a wave of sadness and grief welled up in her heart.

  "Enough, go now. I’m tired. Don’t call me for lunch, and don’t bother coming back before you leave!”

  With a complicated expression, Lu Changxuan exited the room. The Old Madam closed her eyes and let out a heavy sigh. Nanny Gu cautiously served her tea while Qin Shuying stepped out silently and began massaging the Old Madam’s legs.

  The Old Madam’s voice was both weary and stern. “Did you hear what I just said to the third grandson-in-w?”

  “Yes, Shuying heard everything,” Qin Shuying replied calmly. Even if the Old Madam felt that Lu Changxuan and Qin Feifei had wronged Qin Yaoyao, what did it matter? Qin Yaoyao was gone. There was nothing more to be said. “Third brother-in-w is a model among the younger generation—a man who can manage his household, govern the nation, and bring peace to the world. Naturally, he harbors great ambitions.”

  The Old Madam fell silent for a moment before saying, “Let’s hope so. The second girl was too pure and kind…”

  She paused but chose not to continue the subject, falling into silence once more.

  Sensing the Old Madam’s reluctance to dwell on the matter, Qin Shuying tactfully shifted the conversation to scriptures.

  Seeing that the Old Madam’s mood was improving, she said, “Grandmother, Father once told me that it was your fairness and wisdom that allowed the Qin family to grow from a small household to what it is today after Grandfather passed away early. Father admired you more than anyone—not the invincible generals of the battlefield, not the eloquent strategists, nor the powerful governors. He said it was you who carried the weight of two people’s responsibilities during the years of famine, ensuring the survival of everyone in the Qin household. Without your perseverance, there would be no talk of silk robes and prosperity today.

  "He also said it was because of your insistence on hiring Tutor Han for him and Uncle that they were able to excel in their studies and achieve success. Grandmother, Father always credited his achievements as a young schor to your guidance. It was you who advised him to volunteer for the southern post, avoiding the schemes of the capital and leaving a lifeline for the Qin family. If only Father were still with us…”

  Nine years ago, when Qin Lianlian became a consort, the Qin family reached new heights. Qin Yongtao and Madam Xu basked in their newfound status, but the Old Madam remained cautious. She understood the precarious position of their family. With the empress deeply loved by the emperor, and the second prince born to the influential Noble Consort De, the sixth prince, Qin Lianlian’s son, would never inherit the throne.

  Thus, the Old Madam’s wisdom led her to advise her youngest son, Qin Yongzhou, to relocate to Jiangnan. Without hesitation, he obeyed. Hearing Qin Shuying recall these events now revealed her keen understanding of the dangers involved, remarkable for someone so young.

  Qin Shuying sighed deeply. “Grandmother, if Father’s spirit watches over us, I’m sure he would hope for your happiness and peace in your ter years and for the Qin family to prosper for generations. Since Father is no longer here to serve you, I will take his pce. I want to listen to your guidance and learn from your wisdom.”

  The Old Madam gnced at Qin Shuying. Her brows and demeanor were so reminiscent of Qin Yongzhou, stirring the Old Madam’s emotions. If anything were to happen to her, Madam Xu wouldn’t spare this granddaughter. While clever, Qin Shuying’s sharpness needed tempering. She needed more than just her grandmother’s protection—she needed the ability to protect herself.

  “If you have this resolve, then visit me often. Nanny Gu, bring out the token for her. Shuying, this token will allow you free access to the estate. You’ll need to oversee your shops personally, so visit them when you have time and learn about managing business. In families like ours, women don’t usually involve themselves in public matters, but we also can’t allow ourselves to be swindled.

  "If I hadn’t understood economics back then, the entire Qin family would have starved, and we wouldn’t have what we do now. As long as you’re careful and nothing goes wrong, prioritizing the Qin family above all, then everything is permissible.”

  Qin Shuying exhaled deeply. She understood that the Old Madam’s protection wouldn’t st forever. If her grandmother passed, she would be entirely at Madam Xu’s mercy, powerless against her whims. Even with all her careful preparations, Madam Xu’s words alone could undo everything.

  Thus, she had to seize every opportunity—connections, resources, and autonomy. She needed the leverage to fight back if Madam Xu turned on her in the future. For now, the Old Madam was her only source of support.

  Thankfully, she had gained something valuable today.

  It seemed that all her efforts over this period had not been in vain. Her words today had also struck a chord with the Old Madam. After all, the Old Madam herself had built the Qin family’s current prosperity through her own abilities. She was not like the average matriarch who casually underestimated a woman’s capabilities.

  Qin Shuying knelt respectfully and kowtowed, expressing her gratitude: “Grandmother, Shuying thanks you for your kindness!”

  The two of them spoke for a while longer before the Old Madam grew tired. Only then did Qin Shuying leave.

  Walking out of the Xuantang Hall, she strolled toward Yin Courtyard, deep in thought and unaware of her surroundings until Ziteng tugged at her sleeve and whispered, “Miss, the Third Miss is ahead.”

  Qin Shuying abruptly looked up. Not far away, under a pine tree, stood Qin Feifei in a pale red dress, one hand resting on her waist and the other on Lu Changxuan’s arm. The two were chatting and ughing as they strolled toward her.

  The man, elegant and poised; the woman, alluring and graceful—truly a picture-perfect couple. Qin Shuying paused briefly, then approached them with a smile. “Third Sister, Third Brother-in-Law!” As soon as the words left her mouth, she felt an unexpected thrill—a kind of exhiration that surged like a dark tide, almost making her tremble.

  Qin Feifei, with her bright and lively phoenix eyes, fwless skin, and enchanting figure, was undeniably beautiful. Even while pregnant, she retained a slender, graceful silhouette. It was no wonder Lu Changxuan had always been infatuated with her.

  Qin Feifei smiled warmly, stepping forward with affection. “Seventh Sister, it’s been a few days, and you’ve grown taller! You’re becoming more radiant, outshining all of us sisters!”

  Qin Shuying clenched her fingers into her palm, lowering her gaze as if bashful, and replied with mock indignation, “Third Sister, you’re teasing me!”

  Qin Feifei chuckled softly. “How could I? You’re the most outstanding among us sisters—not only breathtakingly beautiful but also clever and sharp. At Grandmother’s birthday banquet, you stole the show. All the noble families in the capital have been talking about you! So many young men are eager to catch a glimpse of your beauty. If you didn’t already have a marriage arrangement, I’m afraid the Qin family’s gates would be trampled down!”

  A young dy of the inner chambers, being the talk of the entire capital and mentioned by men—what kind of reputation could that possibly bring? Who would dare marry such a woman? If this were the original Qin Shuying, she would have likely been so ashamed of her perceived ck of virtue that she’d wish to disappear from the earth.