“Have my two sisters from Jinzhou and Ninth Sister arrived?” The clear, proud voice had barely fallen when Madam Hu immediately smiled and said, “Yes, yes! They’ve been here for quite a while, waiting for you!”
As she spoke, the figures from outside drew closer. Soon, those inside saw four servants in purple robes surrounding a magnificently dressed young woman wearing a scarlet dress and a crimson cloak embroidered with peony patterns.
Upon her entrance, Qin Wan felt her eyes brighten. Qin Chaoyu was tall and slender, her features taking after Qin Shu by half, except for a pair of phoenix eyes identical to Madam Hu’s. Yet she differed from Madam Hu – where Madam Hu loved to smile, her eyes appearing exceptionally warm at first glance, Qin Chaoyu’s phoenix eyes tilted upward at the corners, combining allure with a sharp nobility.
Today she wore formal attire, her scarlet dress and crimson cloak perfectly highlighting her noble grace. Perhaps because of this, though only seventeen, she already carried herself with an especially lofty air. Her ink-black hair, like a waterfall, was arranged in a high crescent-moon bun adorned with layered hairpins and ornaments. With plum blossom makeup dotting between her brows, she appeared even more noble and dignified. Her lips curved upward, red as winter plums with rouge, and from head to toe, every detail was exquisite and proper, every aspect displaying aristocratic splendor.
Though the main hall was already brightly lit, when Qin Chaoyu entered, Qin Wan felt the entire room brighten further. As she secretly admired the captivating beauty of the capital’s foremost talented lady, Qin Chaoyu’s gaze fell upon her.
Her maids respectfully remained outside while she stood alone at the entrance, chin lifted. She first looked at Qin Wan for two beats, then swept her gaze over the dumbstruck Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang, before returning to Qin Wan.
Her tone carried slight confusion as she asked, “Is this… Ninth Sister?”
Qin Wan had already risen, and hearing this, she nodded slightly and curtsied, “Eighth Sister.”
Qin Chaoyu’s lips curved slightly, her eyes taking on a hint of amusement. “After several years, Ninth Sister has changed tremendously.”
After speaking, Qin Chaoyu finally paid her respects to Qin Shu and Madam Hu, then looked at Qin Yan, “Brother has returned…”
Qin Yan nodded. Madam Hu came forward to take her hand, “Why are you back so late?”
Hearing her mother’s concerned tone, Qin Chaoyu’s lips lifted as she said, “His Highness the Crown Prince visited the Empress tonight.”
She only said this one sentence, but Madam Hu’s face lit up with joy, and she quickly turned to glance at Qin Shu. Qin Shu wore a faint smile but said nothing. Madam Hu hurriedly pulled Qin Chaoyu forward, saying, “You’ve met your Ninth Sister, but there are two more sisters here.”
“This is your Fifth Sister, and this is your Sixth Sister.”
Madam Hu brought Qin Chaoyu before Qin Shuang and Qin Xiang. Qin Chaoyu smiled and half-curtsied, “Greetings to my two sisters.”
Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang hurriedly returned the greeting. Somehow, they felt immensely pressured in Qin Chaoyu’s presence. Combined with her brilliant smile and magnificent attire, they found themselves uncertain of how to carry themselves, overcome with timidity.
“We’ve long heard that Eighth Sister is the capital’s foremost talented lady. Seeing you now, it’s clear the rumors don’t do you justice.”
Qin Shuang panicked and became flustered, but Qin Xiang maintained her composure and offered this compliment to Qin Chaoyu. Hearing this, Qin Chaoyu’s smile didn’t deepen; she merely said, “Those are just empty words, Sister must not take them to heart.”
Speaking thus, she looked again at Qin Wan. She narrowed her eyes to observe Qin Wan for a moment, noting how Qin Wan stood quietly with hands folded before her, showing none of the nervousness displayed by Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang. Qin Chaoyu’s smile deepened further, “Ninth Sister left the mansion years ago, and has finally returned.” After a slight pause, Qin Chaoyu added, “It seems Ninth Sister has fared well these years.”
Qin Wan’s lips curved slightly, “Thanks to Sister’s blessing.”
Though Qin Wan wore plain-colored clothing without makeup or any excess ornaments, even so, standing before Qin Chaoyu she showed not the slightest hint of inferiority. Qin Chaoyu unconsciously gripped her sleeve, “It’s good that you’ve returned now. We sisters can be together again, along with our two other sisters.”
Qin Chaoyu turned to look at Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang, who hurriedly showed agreeing smiles.
With this comparison, Qin Chaoyu couldn’t help but look at Qin Wan again.
Their eyes met, and Qin Wan’s gaze showed pure clarity, neither servile nor arrogant, almost causing Qin Chaoyu’s smile to falter.
“Mother, have you just finished dining?”
Qin Chaoyu suddenly turned to Madam Hu, who nodded, “Yes, did you eat at the palace?”
“I did, Mother need not worry.” Then Qin Chaoyu smiled and said, “Ninth Sister and our two sisters must be tired. Perhaps they should retire to rest?”
Madam Hu immediately nodded, “That was the plan. We were sitting here waiting for you, but now that you’re back, we should indeed let them rest.” Turning around, she said, “Xiang’er, Shuang’er, Wan’er, come, let Elder Aunt show you to your courtyards.”
Qin Shu stood up, “Good, go rest early. The journey has indeed taken quite a toll.”
Qin Xiang and the others quickly agreed and followed Madam Hu out.
After Madam Hu left with them, the room grew quiet. Qin Chaoyu’s smile faded slightly as she turned to look at Qin Shu, “Father, His Highness the Crown Prince seemed troubled today, as if he had been reprimanded by His Majesty.”
Qin Shu’s expression grew serious as he nodded, “I know about it. It’s regarding the corruption in salt transportation.” Looking at Qin Yan, he continued, “Fortunately, there was that incident in Yuzhou, otherwise Liu Renli would have brought disaster upon us and the Crown Prince.”
Qin Yan quickly lowered his head. Qin Shu then looked at Qin Chaoyu with a slight smile, “Enough, Yu’er, you need not concern yourself with this matter. You’ve spent all day at the palace, go rest.” Then, as if remembering something, he added, “The mansion has gained three more sisters. You haven’t seen Wan’er for years, and the other two are entering the capital for the first time. You should look after them.”
Among three people, Qin Shu only mentioned Qin Wan by name. Qin Chaoyu pressed her lips together and nodded.
Qin Shu’s smile deepened, “Go on, your mother will visit you later.”
Qin Chaoyu nodded, curtsied, and turned to leave the hall. The four maids waiting outside hurriedly followed, surrounding her as she headed toward her own Chaoyi Court.
In the hall, Qin Shu glanced at Qin Yan, “Follow me—”
With that, Qin Shu strode out first, heading directly to the study east of Renshou Hall.
At the study, Wu Yang and Zhou Huai were already waiting. With the room brightly lit, Qin Shu entered and sat behind the desk before saying, “Tell me, what exactly happened with Pang Fuliang and Liu Renli?”
Qin Shu’s smile had vanished, his voice now deep and serious, very different from the man who had just shared a harmonious meal with everyone. Qin Yan didn’t dare be careless and straightened his back, “The general course of events is as I wrote to Father. At first, I thought he was just implicated in a corruption case and agreed to help, thinking to curry favor. But then someone died in Pang Fuliang’s household, so I abandoned that idea. Fortunately, Ninth Sister warned me at that time.”
“Wan’er?” Qin Shu’s eyes narrowed slowly.
Qin Yan nodded, “Yes. Father, though Ninth Sister appears delicate and frail, her intelligence likely surpasses Yu’er’s.”
Qin Shu remained silent for a moment before saying, “I already know what you told me before. You’ve spent almost two months with the three sisters on this journey – what are your impressions?”
Qin Yan replied, “Fifth Sister is well-educated but ambitious and daring, as you know from the Cloud Mist Mountain incident. Sixth Sister is simple, though sometimes impulsive and quick to speak. As for Ninth Sister…”
“Ninth Sister’s medical skills are exceptional, and her temperament is far more composed than others her age. She remains completely calm in any situation. Moreover, her mind is incredibly subtle and perceptive, with insight into people and events far beyond the ordinary. In the previous case in Yuanzhou, I saw her reasoning and analysis were quite sound. This was even more evident in Yuzhou. After the incident, she not only helped with the autopsies but also investigated several murder cases alongside His Highness the Wise Prince’s heir. When the case was finally solved, Ninth Sister’s contributions were invaluable.”
Speaking thus, Qin Yan seemed to recall the scenes of death at Baicao Garden and Qinghui Garden. “Father can imagine – when people suddenly died, not just women but even I found it extremely unsettling. Yet Ninth Sister showed no fear, and even performed autopsies and helped search for clues. That composure and serenity in the face of crisis is something Yu’er cannot match.”
Qin Shu listened with a grave expression, “What of her ambitions?”
At this question, Qin Yan lowered his eyes and thought, yet found himself unable to answer. After a moment, he shook his head, “Her ambitions… I truly cannot tell. Both the Wise Prince’s heir and the Respectful Prince’s heir appeared in Yuzhou, and we even visited the Prosperous Prince’s mansion, but I never noticed her paying any particular attention to these important figures. On the contrary, it was the Wise Prince’s heir who showed her special care.”
Qin Shu’s expression tightened, “The Wise Prince’s heir—”
“Yes, I played one game of chess with His Highness, and we briefly discussed the Crown Prince. Though his attitude wasn’t cold, it wasn’t particularly warm either.” Qin Yan pondered for a moment. “I don’t know the reason—”
“What else could it be but that he has his father’s temperament?” Qin Shu’s voice was heavy. “The Wise Prince has stayed out of factional struggles his whole life, which is why he’s held the Northwestern Army in his grip for decades. He went to the Northwestern Army from childhood, naturally developing the same disposition. This Wise Prince’s heir, raised under his father’s influence, is likely even more formidable. If you think you can sway him with just a few words, you’re thinking too simply.”
Qin Yan’s eyes darkened, “Then does he not intend to help the Crown Prince?”
“Hard to say.” Qin Shu shook his head. “His Majesty wants him to remain at court now, and once he stays, he’ll have to face these matters. The Grand Princess took Wan’er as her goddaughter—is that why he showed some care for Wan’er?”
Qin Yan nodded, “That seems to be the case. His Highness Chi stayed in Jinzhou for quite some time, naturally reconnecting well with the Grand Princess. Moreover, when the Qin family incident occurred, it was His Highness the Crown Prince who led the investigation, and Ninth Sister helped then.”
Qin Shu narrowed his eyes, cold light gleaming in their depths, “Your Third Uncle’s case shocked both court and common folk. If I hadn’t submitted three memorials requesting punishment and hadn’t had the Crown Prince’s protection, we might have been implicated too.” Qin Shu took a deep breath. “It’s better that he’s dead, though it’s brought suffering to his wife and children.”
“Yes, when I went to Jinzhou, the Qin residence was in shambles.”
Qin Shu fixed his gaze on Qin Yan, “Seeing your Third Uncle’s fate, have you taken warning?”
Qin Yan quickly nodded, “Yes, I will certainly take it as a lesson.”
Only then did Qin Shu nod with satisfaction, “The current situation grows increasingly unclear. We must both tread carefully and cannot make a single misstep. The Crown Prince could protect us once, but not two or three times. Moreover, the Accomplished Prince’s recent forceful handling of corruption in the east has greatly pleased His Majesty, who has rewarded him several times, while the Crown Prince has already been warned about this matter.” He sighed and continued, “Fortunately, we didn’t become more entangled with Liu Renli. The Crown Prince is about to crack down hard on the southern situation.”
Qin Yan felt a lingering fear, and mentioning the Accomplished Prince reminded him of encountering Feng Zhang at the city gate that evening. “No wonder Feng Zhang was even more arrogant than usual when I met him entering the city today.”
“Arrogant?” Qin Shu gave a meaningful half-smile. “Let him be arrogant. It’s best if he becomes so arrogant he forgets who he is. The Accomplished Prince is in favor, and Noble Consort Su has been quite favored lately. The entire Loyal Duke’s mansion has their heads in the clouds. He’s the heir, naturally he has reason to be arrogant. When you meet him in the future, just go along with it.”
Qin Yan nodded, “I understand, I’ll defer to him.”
Qin Shu nodded, and Qin Yan hurriedly asked, “Oh yes, Father, when I returned today, I saw guards at the city gate checking everyone entering and leaving. What has happened in the city?”
At this question, Qin Yan sighed, “After you left, there were several murders in the city.”
Just as Qin Yan thought of the murders he’d encountered on his journey and was about to ask, Qin Shu continued, “All the victims were women, and all were violated before death. His Majesty already knows and has strictly ordered His Highness the Crown Prince to oversee the investigation. The Crown Prince is handling the southern corruption these days, so this matter has temporarily been left to the Linan Prefecture Magistrate to investigate. We don’t know what they’ve discovered, but the city is under strict control.”
Qin Yan frowned but didn’t ask further. Qin Shu headed the Ministry of Personnel and had no connection to the Ministry of Justice or the Court of Judicial Review. Compared to the murder cases, the corruption case had created massive waves, and the resulting personnel changes were what the Qin household needed to focus on most now.
Thinking of this, Qin Yan shifted the topic to the salt transportation corruption case.
Meanwhile, after Madam Hu escorted Qin Wan and her sisters back to their courtyards and instructed the servants to take good care of them, she headed to Qin Chaoyu’s Chaoyi Court. Inside, Qin Chaoyu had already washed up, removed her heavy makeup and jewelry, and changed into a water-red inner robe with a light cloak over it, waiting for Madam Hu. As soon as Madam Hu entered, she asked, “What did the Empress say today?”
Qin Chaoyu first rose to invite Madam Hu to sit on the couch, then sighed, “Mother is too anxious. What could she say? There were others present today, so naturally the Empress couldn’t speak plainly.”
Madam Hu frowned and sighed, “New Year’s is approaching, yet the Empress still won’t show her hand.”
Qin Chaoyu placed a cup of tea in Madam Hu’s palm, “Don’t be anxious, Mother. The Empress has more than just us as options, so her hesitation is understandable. But rest assured, daughter is confident we are the best choice.”
Madam Hu set down the teacup and took Qin Chaoyu’s hand instead, “Of course, of course, my daughter is certainly the brightest pearl in the capital.” She paused, then said, “Did you see how your Ninth Sister looks now?”
Qin Chaoyu’s gentle expression froze, her lips curved but her eyes showed no smile. Her crimson lips moved, her tone both mocking and envious, “A beauty beyond compare, capable of toppling both kingdom and city?”
Madam Hu showed both helpless bitterness and hatred, “Really now, I saw her growing more beautiful back then, but I never expected that after three years in Jinzhou, not only has her beauty increased, but she’s developed such bearing.”
Looking outside, she lowered her voice, “You’ve read the letters from Jinzhou, and every year our people who deliver New Year’s gifts have reported that she wasn’t living well there, so how did she… And they say she was taken as the An Yang Marquis’s goddaughter because of her medical skills, but why didn’t we see any sign of this when she was in our household?”
Madam Hu grew increasingly agitated, “If I’d known, I should have kept her close by to see how she changed. Though she suffered the loss of her parents then, can a person change completely for no reason? Look at her features, look at her figure—though her clothes aren’t particularly fine and the colors are rather plain, she wears them like an immortal. Most puzzling is her bearing. Your two sisters come from the countryside, it’s normal for them to be timid, but you know how she was back then—afraid to leave her room, reluctant to see people. How did three years in Jinzhou turn her into a true noble lady?”
“Enough, Mother.” Qin Chaoyu cut her off with a slightly hard tone after Madam Hu finished. Hearing this, Madam Hu realized she’d said too much and gave a bitter smile, but Qin Chaoyu continued, “What’s wrong with you, Mother? No matter how excellent Qin Wan may be, does that make your daughter worthless?”
Madam Hu quickly grabbed Qin Chaoyu’s hand, “Silly child, how could that be what I meant?”
Qin Chaoyu pressed her lips together, withdrew her hand, and placed it on top of Madam Hu’s, patting it twice before saying, “Mother, don’t worry. Qin Wan’s beautiful face is her good fortune, but in this capital, mere beauty cannot accomplish anything. I know far better than her how to survive in the capital after all these years of learning. Are you afraid she’ll take what should be mine?”
Madam Hu hesitated, “But… but she’s taken the An Yang Marquis as her godfather, she calls the Grand Princess grandmother, she knows medicine… Even your Third Brother praised her highly, and I saw your father’s approving look just now…”
“Mother.” Qin Chaoyu gripped Madam Hu’s hand. “Speaking this way, how do you plan to treat her?”
Caught off guard by this question, Madam Hu stammered, “I… what else can I do? She’s come to the mansion, and for the sake of both appearances and substance, I can’t mistreat her. I just feel… that girl who used to be so common and couldn’t show her face in public has suddenly changed so dramatically, I can’t help feeling unsettled…”
Madam Hu sighed again, both helpless and resentful.
As the Marquis’s wife, though there were many noble and powerful families in the capital, within the Qin clan she ranked first. Not just her—her son and daughter should also rank first. She remembered very clearly what Qin Wan was like back then. Though her beauty was beginning to show, she had no grace or dignity to speak of. She had thought that even after all these years, though Qin Wan might have improved, she would still be nothing but a pretty face, useless for anything else. She never imagined Qin Wan would utterly dazzle her today.
Though she wouldn’t say Qin Wan made Qin Chaoyu worthless, she had to admit that in both appearance and bearing, Qin Wan indeed surpassed Qin Chaoyu. Qin Chaoyu had always been the mansion’s only precious pearl, but now suddenly another had appeared, clearly drawing away half the attention. This left her feeling quite unsettled, worried that Qin Wan might take anything away from Qin Chaoyu.
“Mother, you know you can’t do anything to her, and you know Father approves of her.” Qin Chaoyu’s tone was calmer than Madam Hu expected. “Back then, I threw tantrums because I didn’t want her to stay. Looking back now, that was rather childish.”
Madam Hu looked at Qin Chaoyu with slight surprise. Qin Chaoyu’s lips curved slightly as she said, “Mother, the capital has countless nobles, and noble families have many daughters. Just look at the Loyal Duke’s family—their status is above ours, their daughter’s looks aren’t inferior, and their methods are even more sophisticated. When we encounter such people, what can we do? Feel jealous? Feel resentful? Harbor hatred?”
Madam Hu’s lips moved several times, and just as she thought Qin Chaoyu was being indifferent, she heard her daughter continue in a cold voice, “If we become nervous and flustered because of this, or harbor petty jealousy and scheme against her, wouldn’t that be beneath us? Besides, if I can’t even tolerate a Qin Wan who’s just arrived in the capital, how can I compete with those seductive hussies out there?”
“Yu’er, then you mean—”
Qin Chaoyu patted Madam Hu’s hand again, “Don’t worry. Just treat her well, and the other two as well. I understand Father’s intentions. You know what I want, and even if I achieve that position, we’ll still need support. Consider it for the sake of the Qin clan—we absolutely cannot show any dislike.”
Lifting her chin, Qin Chaoyu continued, “If they recognize your kindness and know to repay it, that’s good. But if anyone doesn’t know their place…” Her eyes darkened, and without her alluring makeup, she appeared even more fierce, “Then naturally I won’t tolerate them. Even if Father disapproves, I have my methods.”
Seeing Qin Chaoyu’s fierce determination, Madam Hu relaxed, “Good child, you understand what I’m worried about. It’s best that you know your mind. I don’t want to be the villain, but we absolutely cannot allow anyone to take what’s yours. Ah, my Yu’er has grown up. Seeing you like this puts my mind at ease.”
Hearing Madam Hu’s words, Qin Chaoyu’s expression softened, “Mother, don’t worry, I understand.”
Madam Hu nodded, and just as she was about to tell Qin Chaoyu to rest, she suddenly thought of something else, “But Yu’er, have you considered… you may tolerate her, and she may not try to take anything, but what if… that person…”
“It won’t happen.” Qin Chaoyu denied quickly, her expression growing cold, “Mother, you’re overthinking.”
Thinking about it, Madam Hu nodded, “You’re right, she’s not like you.”
Standing up, Madam Hu said, “Well, it’s late. You should rest early.”
Qin Chaoyu nodded and rose to escort Madam Hu out. After seeing Madam Hu leave Chaoyi Court, Qin Chaoyu slowly returned to her inner chamber. Her senior maid Mo Yi stepped forward, “Young Miss, you’ve spent all day at the palace and must be exhausted. Please rest.”
Qin Chaoyu shook her head, “Wait, I haven’t practiced my calligraphy today.”
Mo Yi looked at Qin Chaoyu with concern, “Missing one day won’t matter—”
Qin Chaoyu shook her head again and headed toward her small study, “Even one day’s practice cannot be wasted. In just that one day, others might seize the chance to surpass you—”
Hearing this, Mo Yi sighed and hurried to grind the ink.
At the same time, in Songfeng Court to the northwest of Chaoyi Court, Qin Wan had changed into comfortable loose robes and was seated. She hadn’t brought much from Jinzhou, and while Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang were still getting settled, she had already finished washing up.
Trimming the lamp wick, Qin Wan took out Shen Yi’s letters from over ten years ago that Yan Chi had given her in Yuzhou.
“Young Miss, you’ve just returned today. Shouldn’t you rest early?”
Qin Wan shook her head. Her mind was unsettled; without reading something, she knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight.
Seeing Qin Wan didn’t want to sleep, Fuling sighed softly and asked, “Young Miss, are you missing Master and Madam?”
The question caused a sharp pain in Qin Wan’s heart. Her hand gripping the book tightened slightly, and after a moment, she nodded.
Fuling quickly said, “Don’t worry, Young Miss. Tomorrow we’ll tell the Elder Master and Elder Madam that we’ve returned. The first thing we should do is pay respects to Master and Madam. Then Young Miss can speak to them.”
Qin Wan nodded, but she was thinking that after that incident, her family’s remains had likely never been collected. Now that she wanted to pay respects to her parents, where should she go? At this thought, she unconsciously looked out the window toward the west, where the former Shen residence had been located in Changle District.
Seeing Qin Wan lost in thought looking out the window, Fuling tried to find topics to distract her.
“Young Miss, Eighth Young Miss has become quite beautiful…”
Qin Wan nodded vaguely, “Yes.”
As the capital’s foremost talented lady, how could Qin Chaoyu’s appearance be lacking? Moreover, both Lord and Lady Qin were above average in looks, and even Qin Xiang and Qin Shuang weren’t unattractive. Combined with the bearing cultivated from growing up in the marquis’s mansion and her elaborate dress and jewelry, even Qin Wan was struck by her beauty at first sight.
Though Qin Wan had been the daughter of the Director of the Court of Judicial Review, she had experienced many hardships with her father since childhood. Their family hadn’t been born into official nobility. Thus, her father had been upright and plain, her mother content with their lot, and though she later experienced some of the privileges of being a third-rank official’s daughter, she never developed any trace of arrogance or ostentation.
A person’s bearing and inherent character, besides nature and education, largely relate to their environment and experiences growing up. Having grown up in the marquis’s mansion, Qin Chaoyu was showered with endless affection. Everyone she knew was noble, and she enjoyed the finest food, clothing, shelter, and the most careful education. A Qin Chaoyu raised this way, like her attire today, was exquisite and flawless down to the smallest detail. Naturally, such a person would also know how to present their best face to the world, while keeping their true thoughts well hidden. Qin Wan understood this clearly but didn’t want to analyze this Eighth Sister for now.
Settling in safely today meant she had passed the first hurdle. From tonight on, she would only think about her father’s case, though she knew deeply that even having entered the marquis’s mansion, what she wanted remained far out of reach.
Seeing Qin Wan lost in thought, Fuling continued, “Though Eighth Young Miss is beautiful, she seems somewhat frightening to look at, and… Eighth Young Miss isn’t nearly as beautiful as you, Young Miss. Even in plain clothes without makeup, you’re far more beautiful than her. If you were to wear a red dress one day and apply rouge, you’d surely be the most beautiful woman in the world!”
Qin Wan was brought back to the present by Fuling’s words and said helplessly, “It’s different.”
Fuling blinked, “How is it different? If this servant were a man, I would choose you as my wife, Young Miss.”
Qin Wan looked at her, “Why?”
Fuling’s eyes darted around, “Because Young Miss doesn’t frighten people.”
“Oh?” Qin Wan raised an eyebrow, “You’re not afraid of me?”
At this, Fuling became somewhat guilty. Though Qin Wan usually appeared gentle and quiet at first glance, Fuling had witnessed her cold solemnity when examining corpses and her subtle coldness when provoked.
Compared to Qin Chaoyu’s bright sharpness, her mistress might be even more frightening.
The thought made Fuling shiver. She quickly shook her head and said, “This servant isn’t afraid of Young Miss, but if this servant did something wrong, then…” Then, suddenly wearing a meaningful expression, Fuling said, “Young Miss, this servant was just chatting with the maids outside and learned a big secret. Do you want to know what it is?”
Qin Wan played along and glanced at Fuling, “What is it?”
Fuling lowered her voice, “Today when Eighth Young Miss went to accompany the Empress, it was actually in preparation for selecting the Crown Prince’s bride. Our Eighth Young Miss wants to become the Crown Princess…”