Within a few days, word spread from Xuantang that the Old Madam was longing to see her grandchildren, signaling that everyone could now come to pay their respects.

  Qin Yunyun dressed meticulously and joyfully headed to greet the Old Madam. Nanny Zhao's words had clearly stayed with her.

  Just outside the courtyard, she encountered Qin Shuying. At the sight of her, Qin Yunyun's grip on her handkerchief tightened, twisting it into a crumpled mess.

  Qin Shuying took the initiative to greet her, “Sixth Sister.”

  Qin Yunyun’s face nearly contorted in anger, but recalling Nanny Zhao's advice, she forced a smile. “You look beautiful today, Sister.”

  And wasn’t it true?

  With a healthy glow on her face and a refined yet understated outfit, Qin Shuying looked like a lotus freshly emerged from water. Her jet-bck, deep-set eyes shone with a captivating brightness that drew attention effortlessly. How had Qin Yunyun never noticed Qin Shuying’s serene and ethereal elegance before?

  Qin Shuying replied calmly, “You’re too kind, Sister. How could I compare to your unmatched beauty and the reputation you hold in the capital? The Old Madam must already be up—let’s go in.”

  Inside, they found the Old Madam already awake. The two sisters paid their respects, and the Old Madam, her usual amiable self, smiled and asked Nanny Gu to bring out some snacks. “Have a bite to fill your stomachs; breakfast will still take a little while.”

  As they chatted with the Old Madam, they shared lighthearted and joyful stories, appearing harmonious as sisters.

  Before long, most of the others arrived, paid their respects, and took their pces for breakfast.

  Madam Zou attended to the Old Madam while the young dies sat at separate tables. Soon, only the occasional clinking of cutlery and the soft sound of Qin Shuying’s light coughing could be heard, which was far better than before.

  Breakfast was quickly finished, and the room filled once more with cheerful conversation. Morning sunlight began to filter through the ttice windows.

  After attending to the Old Madam’s meal, Madam Zou left to manage other affairs. The girls stayed behind to keep the Old Madam company. Qin Lulu was charming, Qin Yunyun lively, Qin Shuying steady, and Qin Fangfang straightforward, filling the hall with ughter and warmth.

  The house maintained this peaceful and harmonious atmosphere until Madam Xu’s confinement ended.

  Although the Old Madam’s health was not the best, she often excused the girls from their morning greetings.

  On the days without such obligations, Qin Shuying remained busy. Ziteng and Luye worked tirelessly, Nanny while Fu and Mi Luo came and went with unceasing tasks.

  Meanwhile, Madam Xu, though no longer confined, seethed with anger and resentment over the bustling activity at Yin Garden. Yet, now that she was no longer in charge of the household, she dared not incite her people to create trouble for the garden, for fear of angering the Old Madam.

  Beneath the surface calm, the sound of crashing ptes and cups often echoed from Yanfei Pavilion.

  At Yin Garden

  Young maidservants watched with envy as Ziteng moved her belongings into the quarters for first-css maids. Rumor had it that during Luye’s illness, Ziteng had been particurly attentive and demonstrated an impressive ability to read and write. It had taken only a short time for her to rise from a third-css to a first-css maid.

  The younger maids sighed inwardly, menting their missed opportunities. If only they had been the ones to care for Luye that day! But, upon reflection, they realized it would have made no difference—they couldn’t read, write, or even calcute accounts like Ziteng.

  Inside the study, Ziteng stood respectfully at one corner of the desk. Contrary to the others’ expectations, her expression remained impassive, devoid of any joy. In the shadowy light of the mp, her entire demeanor seemed particurly cold and aloof.

  Qin Shuying, without lifting her head, focused intently on her calligraphy, though her mind was awash with turbulent thoughts.

  Nanny Fu had confided that Ziteng had already lost her purity. She was only fourteen years old—

  Looking at Ziteng's lifeless expression, Qin Shuying felt an unbearable ache in her heart. What had Ziteng endured to end up like this? Though Ziteng was the daughter of a merchant, her uncle was wealthy and doted on her. Ziteng received an education befitting an official’s daughter—her talents in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting were no less than Qin Shuying’s. If her uncle had not met his demise, Ziteng would undoubtedly have had a happy future. If not for Madam Xu ruining her uncle, none of this would have happened.

  “Ziteng, who gave you this name?” Qin Shuying put down her brush and asked casually.

  Ziteng paused briefly before stepping out of the shadows to tidy the desk. “It was my father who gave it to me,” she replied.

  Had the name remained unchanged despite being sold and resold? When Mother Luo brought her here, she was still called Ziteng. To keep her name, she must have suffered greatly.

  “Hongjuan, Luye, and Ziteng... quite the coincidence. Very well, the name stays. From now on, you will serve in the study,” Qin Shuying decred.

  Ziteng hesitated for a moment before bowing deeply. “Thank you, Miss!” However, there was none of the usual delight expected from such a promotion.

  Qin Shuying sighed inwardly. Who knew how long Ziteng had harbored such a demeanor? Perhaps it was precisely this that led to her previous masters' disdain. If Qin Shuying hadn’t bought her, who knew how much longer Ziteng could have survived?

  “Ziteng, you’ve likely heard that I don’t get along with the main household, haven’t you?” Qin Shuying asked.

  “Yes, Miss.”

  “Then you should understand—it’s either me or them. The third household has only me, while the main household is full of people. If I fail, there’s no doubt you’ll meet your end too. Are you afraid?”

  Qin Shuying stared into Ziteng’s eyes, catching a flicker of unrestrained hatred.

  Suddenly, Ziteng dropped to her knees. “Miss, Ziteng is not afraid! Ziteng... Ziteng also has a grudge against the main household!”

  Qin Shuying exhaled with relief. What she feared most was that Ziteng had lost the will to live.

  Tears welled in Ziteng’s eyes, though she refused to let them fall. “Miss, my parents and aunt all died at the hands of the main household! I beg you to let Ziteng stay by your side!”

  She spoke vaguely, avoiding mentioning her retionship with Aunt Zhou. Clearly, Ziteng still harbored some reservations about her. But that was expected. After enduring so much, Ziteng was no longer the innocent girl she once was, just as Qin Shuying was no longer the wife striving to embody the ideal virtues.

  Still curious, Qin Shuying asked, “How are you so certain?”

  “I... I saw it with my own eyes!” Ziteng replied.

  Qin Shuying fell silent. For a nine-year-old to witness such horrors firsthand—how devastating it must have been. It was no wonder Ziteng had grown so cold. Her hatred deepened, though she kept her tone even. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll betray you?”

  Ziteng met Qin Shuying’s gaze directly. “Miss, your hatred burns brighter than mine!”

  Ziteng had always been clever. Qin Shuying nodded, her tone calm. “Then you must understand why I purchased you.”

  “We share the same enemy.”

  “Precisely. Our goals align. And remember, no one else will help you besides me. So, do not betray me, and do not give up.”

  For the first time, Ziteng showed a hint of emotion. “Miss, I don’t care why you’ve chosen to help me. But I know that you are kind at heart. You bought my life, and if not for you, I’d already be beaten to death!”

  Qin Shuying had chosen to reveal the truth to Ziteng to prevent her from resenting even her, as someone from the Qin household. To outsiders, Qin Yongtao and Qin Yongzhou were brothers by blood; Qin Yongtao was technically the closest person to the current Qin Shuying. With such a long and grueling path of vengeance ahead, Qin Shuying couldn’t afford any unstable factors in her inner circle. Unexpected disasters would only gratify her enemies.

  Moreover, through her perusal of her uncle’s notes and records, Qin Shuying was increasingly certain that Qin Yongzhou’s death was no accident.

  Since she now inhabited her cousin’s body, she felt it was her duty to uncover the truth.

  Qin Shuying sighed lightly, softening her tone. “Ziteng, we must succeed; failure is not an option. However, as you can see, the main household far outweighs the third household in strength. So from now on, follow Nanny Fu’s guidance. Learn the proper rules, and learn to conceal your emotions. Understand?”

  “I will obey, Miss.”

  “And once you leave this room, you know what to do?”

  Ziteng wiped her tears and took a deep breath. Her tone softened, and a faint smile appeared on her face. “Miss, I’ll take my leave now.”