However, the final competition for the top three still remained.

Luo Jinniang and the other six stood before the crowd.

The host presented the arrows to the guests, and after three questions and three answers, as the music began, Qin Lulu aimed at the mouth of the pot and threw with all her might. The colorful arrow entered the pot. Eight times in succession like this, and all of Qin Lulu’s arrows went in.

Low murmurs arose from the scene, with people occasionally glancing at Qin Lulu, then at Qin Shuying.

Qin Shuying naturally knew they were discussing her. Not only did she know, but there was also a gaze that followed her from time to time.

It was Liu Junqing’s gaze.

He perhaps thought he concealed it well, but Qin Shuying had noticed.

However, she didn’t look at him.

Before long, the rankings came out: Qin Lulu took first place, Luo Jinniang second, and Mu Tianxiang third.

As soon as the rankings were announced, Luo Jinniang glared at Qin Lulu and said, “Your father is merely a concubine-born son, yet you dare to be so arrogant!”

Her voice was loud, and naturally everyone nearby heard it. Qin Lulu was not one to endure such things quietly.

She sneered, “Seventh Miss Luo, if your skills are inferior, can you only speak of others’ birth status? My father being concubine-born is true, but even my grandmother never despised my father and instead cultivated him wholeheartedly. I wonder what qualifies Seventh Miss Luo to insult a court official like this? Is it because Grand Secretary Luo’s power covers the sky?”

Qin Shuying couldn’t help but smile inwardly – Fifth Sister’s tongue had become increasingly sharp.

Upon hearing this, Luo Jinniang became flustered. Though she was somewhat pampered, she wasn’t someone who didn’t know boundaries. She knew that under imperial authority, what was most taboo was power that covered the sky, leading to the Emperor’s suspicion.

“You, what nonsense are you spouting!” Luo Jinniang panicked. “I was just quarreling with you, why are you bringing up the court?”

“I truly don’t know about this. Seventh Miss Luo just clearly said that my father, being merely a concubine-born son, dared to be so arrogant. Isn’t my father a court official? How can it not be related to the court?”

“You…” Luo Jinniang was both angry and anxious, unable to speak for a moment.

Mu Tianxiang held an attitude of watching the show, smiling as she observed. She had already heard from her mother about Princess Fu’an’s matter, so she naturally knew that this Luo Jinniang had misunderstood the relationship between her family and Seventh Miss Qin.

However, she certainly wouldn’t step forward to clarify, only letting Luo Jinniang bully Qin Shuying and her sisters.

“Fifth Miss Qin, my cousin was only joking with you. Please don’t be angry anymore.” It was Liang Qiong again, stepping forward with a beaming smile, hastily speaking apologetically.

Qin Lulu smiled ambiguously, “Is that really so?”

Liang Qiong said, “Naturally it is. You are first place, what’s yours won’t be any less.”

Qin Lulu still smiled ambiguously, finally just smiled and said no more.

Everyone praised Liang Qiong for being magnanimous and proper.

Qin Shuying stood behind Qin Lulu, and while others were talking, whispered, “You need to be careful of both Luo Jinniang and Mu Tianxiang.”

Qin Lulu could see it and nodded.

Just because of herself, Luo Jinniang was retaliating against Qin Lulu. Qin Shuying’s eyes grew slightly cold.

With the rankings out, the prizes were also distributed with Princess Yongjia taking the lead. After the two princesses withdrew, the young ladies and young men each found their own places to play.

Some walked in groups of twos and threes to tour the garden, while others chose to remain in the flower hall, either composing poetry or painting and splashing ink.

Qin Shuying didn’t want to cause more trouble, so she sat with Qin Lulu and others in a corner, chatting leisurely and enjoying the scenery. With the cool breeze blowing gently, it was quite pleasant.

Suddenly, she saw Liu Junqing in white robes approaching gracefully with a smile.

Qin Shuying’s eyes immediately turned cold – even sitting quietly, she couldn’t have peace!

For a moment, many people were looking in this direction.

Liu Junqing’s status as the third-place scholar was already enough to draw attention, and he had shown remarkable literary talent these past few days, earning everyone’s recognition and approval. Being so outstanding in appearance, many people were already paying attention to him. When he stood up and walked over, it naturally drew special attention from many, and even those who hadn’t been watching him turned their heads upon hearing the whispered discussions.

Liu Junqing, with perfect courtesy, bowed and said, “Sister-in-law of the Qin family, all younger sisters!”

Though Dong Shi had long known of his reputation and had observed him among the young men earlier, seeing him approach in person, she couldn’t help but be amazed. She wondered where Seventh Sister had cultivated such fortune to marry such a gentleman.

Dong Shi rose to return the courtesy: “Young Master Liu need not be so formal.”

The others also rose to return the courtesy, “We greet Elder Brother Liu.”

Liu Junqing nodded with a smile, then said to Dong Shi, “Sister-in-law, upon your return to the capital, is Brother Kaile well in all things?”

Dong Shi replied, “All is well, thank you for Young Master Liu’s concern. I heard that Master Liu and Madam are both in Huzhou. After years of not seeing them, are they well?”

Liu Junqing answered, “Sister-in-law is too kind, my father and mother are in good health.”

After exchanging pleasantries, Liu Junqing said, “Sister-in-law, I have a few words I’d like to say privately with Seventh Sister. Would that be convenient?”

Dong Shi instinctively looked toward Qin Shuying, but saw that Qin Shuying’s head was slightly lowered. Since Liu Junqing had arrived, she had maintained a calm expression without a trace of shyness. Dong Shi felt both surprised and unable to fathom what Qin Shuying was thinking.

Not daring to make decisions for Qin Shuying, she said, “That would depend on Seventh Sister’s wishes.”

Qin Shuying raised her eyes and looked directly at Liu Junqing, as if she were merely looking at someone completely unrelated to her. With perfect courtesy, she said, “Elder Brother Liu, sister-in-law, Fifth Sister, and Sister Yue are not outsiders. Please speak directly.”

This was a polite refusal to speak with him privately. Liu Junqing’s gentle smile didn’t change in the slightest. After thinking for a moment, he said, “Very well, what I have to say is nothing that cannot be spoken before others. Seventh Sister, though I am without talent, I know that a gentleman values keeping his word. If someone else’s behavior has caused you to misunderstand, please believe that I am not someone who changes with the wind. ‘A person without loyalty and trustworthiness cannot stand in the world.’ Please trust me, Seventh Sister.”

Qin Shuying’s expression remained unmoved as she said coolly, “I understand.”

Liu Junqing’s implied meaning was heard by Dong Shi, Qin Lulu, and Qin Yue. It was impossible that Qin Shuying hadn’t understood, but her reaction was truly unexpected.

Qin Lulu was somewhat anxious and gently tugged at Qin Shuying’s hand, saying to Liu Junqing, “Elder Brother Liu, Seventh Sister means she understood. Seventh Sister is usually somewhat shy, don’t overthink it.”

Liu Junqing smiled, warm and clear, “I won’t.”

Qin Lulu said, “That’s good, that’s good. Elder Brother Liu, do you have anything else to say? It’s fine, just say it. We’re listening here, it won’t interfere with your speaking.”

Liu Junqing looked toward Qin Shuying, but saw her expression remained calm as she lowered her head again. He didn’t know what she was thinking, nor did he understand why he, who was composed and confident before other young ladies, found himself needing to think carefully before daring to speak when it came to her. What was the reason for this?

Qin Lulu feared Liu Junqing wouldn’t continue speaking, so she hinted, “That… ahem, when will you come to our residence to visit? Second Brother will be returning soon.”

Qin Kaiyu had been traveling for studies for two years, and it was about time for him to return home.

Liu Junqing cupped his hands and said, “When Kaiyu returns, I will certainly pay a visit!”