This wasn’t what Qin Yunyun had meant at all!

She knew that Qin Shuying was deliberately finding loopholes.

Qin Yunyun flew into a rage of embarrassment: “You simply lack the ability to make the Princess value you. Otherwise, what wouldn’t you dare to say? Poetry, songs, music, chess, calligraphy, painting—you’re not skilled at any of them, only at counting money.”

Qin Shuying said nothing more—after all, Qin Yunyun had said everything there was to say.

“Yun girl!”

Qin Yongtao glared at Qin Yunyun. He hadn’t called Qin Shuying here to criticize her.

Qin Yunyun felt stifled but didn’t dare say anything more. She lowered her head, a mocking smile playing at the corners of her lips. She was very clear about why her father and second brother had called her here, and she knew what role she was supposed to play.

However, when facing Qin Shuying’s composed and steady words that carried hidden barbs, she found it truly difficult to maintain her composure. Especially now, she just couldn’t stand Qin Shuying’s expression. The more calm and collected Qin Shuying appeared, with her faint smile, the more Qin Yunyun couldn’t control her disgust and embarrassment, the more she couldn’t control her temper.

Qin Yunyun knew this wasn’t good, but she simply couldn’t control herself.

Qin Yunyun heard Qin Yongtao say gently to Qin Shuying: “Seventh girl, don’t take Yun girl’s words to heart.”

Qin Shuying displayed a perfect smile, appearing as if she greatly respected this uncle, and would agree to whatever he said: “We’re all family, Uncle. I won’t hold it against her.”

Qin Yongtao was very satisfied. If only Yun girl had Qin Shuying’s intelligence—how wonderful that would be. Unfortunately, she wasn’t his biological daughter after all, so many things had to be done with considerable restraint.

Even speaking required numerous considerations.

Qin Yongtao said: “Your ability to gain the Princess’s favor is something that noble ladies throughout the capital couldn’t even dream of, and it’s also fortunate for our residence. The only slight flaw in this perfect jade is that you have, after all, broken off an engagement. Frequently visiting the Princess residence will inevitably attract envious and jealous eyes. If further complications arise, it would be bad for your reputation, making it even more difficult to arrange future marriages.”

Qin Shuying remained silent.

“I already know about Guard Liang rescuing you in the palace. What Concubine Kang said at that time—you should now see that those were merely joking words, not to be taken seriously. As for Guard Liang, though he saved you, he also damaged your reputation and is not a good match for you. Seventh girl, do you understand what your uncle is saying?”

“Shuying understands.”

She understood all too well.

However, she was somewhat puzzled. Everyone in the world knew that Liang Zhe didn’t get along with Madam Liang. So Liang Zhe wouldn’t be on Consort De’s side. If Qin Shuying married Liang Zhe, it would be equivalent to adding support for Concubine Lian.

Why wouldn’t Qin Yongtao consider having Qin Shuying marry Liang Zhe? Liang Zhe was at least a fifth-rank official and could make connections with the Emperor.

Could it be that the person he had in mind for her was even higher in position and power than Liang Zhe?

Such a person, aside from princes, could only be men old enough to be her father or even grandfather.

Qin Yongtao nodded with satisfaction: “Uncle knew you were intelligent and understanding of the bigger picture. Your father and mother died early, and the only one you can rely on is the old madam. However, the old madam is now advanced in years, her physical strength and energy insufficient, needing quiet rest and unable to bear too much disturbance. Therefore, though she loves you all, she has even exempted daily greetings, which shows her health and energy have declined considerably. You are a filial child and surely wouldn’t want her to worry and fret too much over you, would you?”

Qin Shuying appeared very moved: “Yes, Uncle. Grandmother has toiled too much for me. I hope I can properly show filial piety and not make her work so hard.”

“That’s good. Since that’s the case, regarding your marriage, Uncle must make plans for you, then have the old madam oversee them. This way, she can worry less while still settling her concerns. You know, she loved your father most, and you are your father’s only child. Among the grandchildren, the old madam worries about you most.”

Qin Shuying nodded: “Then I must trouble Uncle to take care of this.”

Qin Yongtao smiled: “Silly child, we’re all family—what trouble is there to speak of? After all, you’re now of age and have your own opinions. It’s good for you to know about these matters.”

“Thank you, Uncle.”

“Now that you can be on good terms with Princess Imperial, the stakes for your marriage have increased by a level, and I feel much more at ease. When you visit the Princess residence, you should also learn to plan for yourself.”

Seeing that he had talked for so long without getting to the main point, while he wasn’t in a hurry, she was already impatient. She tilted her head and asked: “Uncle, how should I plan?”

Qin Yongtao was caught off guard by her question and felt somewhat awkward, coughing lightly.

Qin Kaiyu then said: “When the paternal clan does well, a girl can marry well. If Father and I could advance another level, you would have more choices for marriage. When you visit the Princess residence, Princess Imperial is His Majesty’s legitimate sister and his only sibling. If you could put in a few good words for Father and me before Princess Imperial, it would be more effective than excellent performance evaluations from the Personnel Ministry. Princess Imperial often enters the palace and can visit the imperial study at will. If she mentioned Father before His Majesty, His Majesty would surely value Father highly. Father has seniority and outstanding achievements—with such favorable circumstances, success would be natural. This way, there would be more room to plan your marriage, and we could show the Liu family that after they broke off the engagement, you have an even better match, thoroughly humiliating Madam Liu.”

Qin Shuying seemed to half-understand. After thinking it over, she finally nodded: “I understand.”

Qin Yongtao was overjoyed but reproached Qin Kaiyu: “Yu’er, aren’t you putting pressure on your seventh sister? She’s on good terms with Princess Imperial. If Princess Imperial knew she had ulterior motives, wouldn’t that ruin your seventh sister’s impression in the Princess’s mind? Seventh girl, you should still think more about yourself—don’t listen to your second brother.”

Qin Shuying shook her head: “Uncle, Second Brother is also right. The Liu family looks down on our Qin residence simply because they’ve attached themselves to Concubine Kang and the Seventh Prince. They slapped our face, so we must slap back. We must let them know that the Qin family’s face isn’t something they can slap at will.”

Qin Yongtao and Qin Kaiyu exchanged glances, seeing excitement in each other’s eyes.

However, they completely failed to notice that what Qin Shuying said was about slapping the Liu family’s face—she hadn’t said anything about putting in good words for the two of them before Princess Imperial.

Coming out of Qin Yongtao’s study and seeing the blazing sun, Qin Shuying frowned.

Qin Yunyun walked up from behind her: “Seventh sister, wasn’t I right before? Father will make good marriage plans for you.”

“I’ve already thanked Uncle.”

“It’s good that you can see your situation clearly. Don’t try to harbor inappropriate thoughts.”

“Thank you for the reminder, Sixth Sister.”

Though every sentence Qin Shuying spoke was reasonable and appropriate, when Qin Yunyun heard them, she felt that Qin Shuying was mocking her. She laughed coldly: “Seventh sister, you are indeed a filial granddaughter. Grandmother cannot bear disturbances—you should know what to do.”

The entire first branch had repeatedly reminded her not to disturb the old madam. Qin Shuying understood the complications involved. Qin Yongtao’s only concern was the old madam. If many matters were kept from the old madam’s knowledge, only then could he fully flex his muscles.

“Sister is more filial than I am. I will learn from sister’s example.”

Qin Yunyun snorted and walked past her, going far away.