Qin Shuying sneered inwardly, but outwardly, she maintained a shy and timid demeanor. “Third Sister, I’m so inexperienced, and instead of teaching me, you tease me like this. What if it amuses Second Brother-in-Law—oh no, Third Brother-in-Law? By the way, were you two coming from the direction of Wu Garden to pay respects to Second Sister? It would make sense. After all, if it weren’t for Second Sister, how could you, Third Sister, become the main wife? It’s only proper for you to remember her. To be grateful and not forget your roots—Third Sister truly is a role model for all women. Don’t you think so, Second Brother-in-Law?”

  Qin Feifei’s expression turned unpleasant, while Lu Changxuan maintained his ever-courteous and refined smile. Polished and poised, he neither angered nor retaliated, only responding with a faint smile and saying nothing. After eight years of knowing him, Qin Shuying had seen this elegant and gentlemanly mask countless times. Lu Changxuan was someone who rarely revealed his emotions, a man of deep cunning, ruthless decisiveness, and precision timing.

  “Second Brother-in-Law—oh no, Third Brother-in-Law—since you remain silent, does that mean you agree? Truly a paragon among men, cherishing Second Sister with deep affection while also caring for Third Sister. Seeing Third Sister caring so well for Second Brother-in-Law must make Second Sister so happy. She might even visit Third Sister’s unborn child in a dream tonight!”

  They had merely come from that direction and hadn’t actually gone to Wu Garden. But given how close the route was, could it be that Lu Changxuan still harbored lingering feelings for Qin Yaoyao and deliberately walked that way?

  At the mention of "deep affection," Qin Feifei was already displeased. By the time she heard the part about dreams, her expression soured further, and she snapped, “What are you talking about? Visiting in a dream?”

  Qin Shuying grinned brightly. “Third Sister, don’t you know? It’s a Southern tradition. If someone dies with unresolved grievances or dies peacefully, they may visit the person they miss the most in a dream. Surely, the person Second Sister misses the most is you. And now that you’re with child, the baby in your womb will absorb the dream. As a result, the baby will resemble the person who appeared in the dream. Don’t you think this little niece or nephew will look like Second Sister? Whether boy or girl, they’re bound to be very beautiful! How wonderful—Second Brother-in-Law must miss Second Sister a great deal. This way, he can think of her whenever he looks at the child.”

  Qin Feifei had never imagined that her once timid and indecisive cousin could speak so quickly and fluently today. It was nothing like a well-bred dy’s demeanor; instead, it resembled that of a sharp-tongued street vendor skilled in verbal sparring. By the time Qin Shuying finished her barrage, Qin Feifei was left utterly stunned and without any chance to respond.

  When Qin Shuying was done, Qin Feifei was so disgusted she could hardly breathe—her unborn child would look like Qin Yaoyao?! And Lu Changxuan would be reminded of Qin Yaoyao whenever he saw the child?!

  Lu Changxuan narrowed his eyes slightly. This cousin was nothing like the meek girl Qin Feifei had described. Her attempts at sowing discord might have been clumsy, but they were undeniably effective at pnting seeds of doubt.

  Qin Shuying continued with a smile. “I only saw Second Sister a few times when I was very young and can barely recall her appearance now. When Third Sister’s child is born, I’ll finally have a chance to see what she used to look like. How delightful! Third Sister, you must properly pay your respects to Second Sister. I’m sure she’ll be very pleased! And I’m certain Second Brother-in-Law will be, too!”

  With that, she stepped back, still smiling, and turned to leave. In this lifetime, she had no advantages left except her sharp tongue.

  Back in the bustling streets of her previous life, she had shouted to sell cloth, fish, and embroidery, haggling and arguing over every copper coin until her throat was dry. Where was there room for decorum or grace?

  Today, she had deliberately muddled the titles of "Second Brother-in-Law" and "Third Brother-in-Law." Qin Feifei, who prided herself on being graceful and composed, was, in reality, petty and narrow-minded. Let her savor the experience.

  Qin Feifei choked on her anger, feeling both disgusted and stifled, as she watched Qin Shuying walk away with ease.

  Lu Changxuan remarked, “Feifei, don’t let Seventh Sister’s words bother you.”

  Qin Feifei swallowed her frustration with difficulty and finally managed to calm herself. She forced a smile, regaining her poised demeanor in front of Lu Changxuan. “Of course not. Seventh Sister is still childish and speaks without thinking, that’s all.”

  Since Qin Yaoyao’s death, Qin Feifei had been pgued by nightmares. Although Lu Changxuan still treated her as he always had, guilt weighed heavily on her heart, making these days far from joyful.

  Returning to Yin Garden, Qin Shuying locked herself in the study, forbidding anyone to enter. She picked up a medical book and began reading attentively. Gradually, her heart, brimming with hatred and sorrow, found a sembnce of calm.

  Today’s small victory was fleeting. Gaining the upper hand verbally had no real impact. Her own self-restraint was still too weak—just seeing them made her lose control. But how could she hold back? Feng’er’s death was still fresh, her heart was far from numb, and it bled with every memory. How could she possibly contain herself?

  Qin Shuying covered her face, struggling to suppress her grief and fury. Only when Lu Changxuan faced misfortune could she truly bring them down! But Lu Changxuan wasn’t an easy target. Her expertise y in commerce, and she had no foothold in court politics…

  As Qin Shuying walked through the garden, she overheard the maids whispering. They spoke of how fortunate Third Miss Qin Feifei was—what other widowed woman could marry such a perfect husband? It was unparalleled fortune. They even marveled at how Third Master was as handsome as a man who had walked straight out of a painting.

  Qin Shuying paused by a cluster of roses. Indeed, Third Miss was blessed, and Third Master was an outstanding man! Lowering her gaze, she noticed the roses beneath the bnket of snow. Though covered in frost, their branches remained lush. At this time of year, the roses should have long withered and turned yellow, yet their thorns still bristled.

  Wasn’t that just like herself?

  Her lips curled into a smile. The most devastating thing in the world isn’t never obtaining something—it’s gaining it, only to lose it. If Qin Feifei were to lose what she cherished most, how would she…

  Hongjuan, observing her mistress’s smile, felt a chill run down her spine. The young miss…

  Lowering her head quickly, Hongjuan dared not think further. At present, her fate was tied to Qin Shuying’s. If her mistress prospered, so would she; if her mistress demanded her life, she would have to comply. Qin Shuying’s past had been pitiful, but now that she had become strong and cunning, it was the only way forward for a maid like her.

  Meanwhile, Ziteng’s expression darkened. From Qin Shuying’s earlier mocking remarks, she had discerned the deep-seated hatred her mistress bore towards Qin Feifei—hatred even greater than that for Madam Xu.

  Qin Feifei had left the household eight years ago. Back then, Qin Shuying was just a five-year-old child. What deep-seated enmity could exist between them? While the reason eluded her, Ziteng didn’t care. As long as she and her mistress were on the same side, the "why" didn’t matter.