A few days later.

A guest arrived at the mansion—Chang Daocheng, the prefect of Guangnan Prefecture, holding the fourth rank. In the distant south where the emperor’s authority was remote, he could be considered powerful and influential, dominating his region. He had come to the capital on official business and visited because of his past connection with Qin Yongtao.

According to protocol, among the women of the inner quarters, only Dong Shi could go meet him face to face; the others need not see him. Moreover, Dong Shi would certainly inform the female relatives of the inner quarters beforehand to be mindful of their words and conduct, not to commit any breach of etiquette.

Last night, Qin Yunyun had come to Yilan Garden and persuaded Qin Shuying to go shopping together today. Unable to refuse her, Qin Shuying had followed Qin Yunyun out after breakfast, along with Qin Fangfang who was also dragged along.

Qin Lulu, having had her engagement settled with the wedding date set for early next spring, had been confined these days to embroider her wedding clothes, with Zou Shi not permitting her to wander about.

The weather was sweltering, so the three only bought some rouge, face powder, and snacks before returning.

Just as they alighted from the carriage at the main gate and had walked several steps, the three saw Qin Yongtao and Qin Kaiyu standing before the main gate, talking with a man in his forties.

The man was of medium height with a slightly plump build. He looked quite proper—eyebrows were eyebrows, eyes were eyes, nose was nose.

For Qin Yongtao to personally escort him out, this must be Chang Daocheng from Guangnan Prefecture.

Earlier in the carriage, Qin Yunyun had mentioned they were nearly home, and with such hot weather, there was no need to wear those troublesome veils. Therefore, when the three alighted, none wore veils.

As Qin Yongtao and Chang Daocheng conversed, they immediately noticed three young ladies walking over with light steps. Upon discovering the presence of an outside man, all three showed some alarm and unease on their faces.

However, having already been seen, retreating would appear discourteous and petty. Qin Yongtao simply called out: “Come over and meet Lord Chang. Lord Chang, these are this official’s two unworthy daughters, and this is this official’s niece.”

When he spoke the last sentence, Qin Yongtao pointed at Qin Shuying.

Chang Daocheng’s smiling, narrowed eyes swept over the three, lingering a moment longer when looking at Qin Shuying.

Qin Shuying kept her eyelids lowered throughout, so Chang Daocheng only saw a delicate and gentle face, unable to clearly see her eyes. However, even with this brief glance, he was certain that Qin Shuying must be a beauty.

Graceful figure, slender height, gentle and dignified, exquisitely beautiful.

The three then bowed to Chang Daocheng.

Ziteng, following behind, was so angry her mouth twisted: Did the master have any shame left? When any master encountered such a scene, wouldn’t he vaguely let the unmarried young ladies bow and pass by? Chang Daocheng wasn’t even Third Master’s close friend or old acquaintance—what was the point of specifically pointing out Seventh Miss to introduce her? He might as well have said outright: Lord Chang, this is the second wife I’ve selected for you!

Furious in her heart, she quickened her steps forward a few paces, then stumbled deliberately, falling toward Qin Yunyun. Qin Yunyun, not expecting her to use such an underhanded trick, stumbled and had nowhere to dodge, forced to fall toward Chang Daocheng.

The incident happened in an instant. Chang Daocheng, preoccupied with thoughts of Qin Shuying, hadn’t anticipated this move and was about to fall victim to Ziteng’s scheme.

In that split second, Qin Kaiyu reached out and caught Qin Yunyun, and Chang Daocheng then reacted, quickly stepping back several paces.

Ziteng, having failed in her attempt, was both angry and resentful.

“Ziteng, how do you walk? Don’t you see there’s an honored guest here? Where did your manners go? Quickly apologize to Sixth Sister.”

Qin Shuying scolded Ziteng while apologetically addressing Qin Yunyun with a flattering expression: “Sixth Sister, are you alright? Let me see if you’re hurt anywhere.”

As she spoke, she crouched down, feeling Qin Yunyun’s legs and then her arms. Those who knew would say she showed deep sisterly affection. Those who didn’t might think she was some servant, so anxious about her mistress.

Qin Yunyun pulled her arm away with distaste, enduring the neither light nor heavy pain, and forced a smile: “Seventh Sister, it’s nothing. Just be more careful next time.”

Qin Shuying smiled innocently: “I knew Sixth Sister cares for me most.” She then glared fiercely at Ziteng: “What are you standing there for? Quickly thank Sixth Sister!”

Ziteng hastily apologized and expressed gratitude, while Qin Yunyun magnanimously said it was nothing.

Chang Daocheng stood with hands behind his back, coldly observing the scene before him, the corners of his mouth curving in an enigmatic smile.

Seeing his strange expression, Qin Yongtao said: “Lord Chang, I hope you find this amusing.”

With the ceremony complete, the young ladies had to leave. Qin Shuying eagerly followed behind Qin Yunyun, fawningly speaking pleasant words all the way, quickly disappearing inside the gate.

Chang Daocheng bid farewell to Qin Yongtao.

When Qin Yongtao returned, he felt vaguely uneasy.

He had told Chang Daocheng that Qin Shuying was learned and reasonable, generous and dignified, with an orchid heart and wise nature, extremely intelligent. Moreover, she could win Princess Yongjia’s favor—without Qin Yongtao saying much, Chang Daocheng wouldn’t doubt his words.

But just now, Chang Daocheng had seen that Qin Shuying actually had a servile nature, fawning and flattering Qin Yunyun in a way that made it impossible to feel favorable toward her. Chang Daocheng’s second wife would need to return and manage the household, interact with noble ladies, and become his capable assistant. Could a young lady like Qin Shuying shoulder such responsibilities?

Even Qin Yongtao, seeing Qin Shuying’s behavior just now, felt it wouldn’t work—flustered and panicked, showing petty mannerisms. How much more so for someone like Chang Daocheng who had met countless people?

He was somewhat annoyed. Qin Shuying was usually so composed—why did she appear so petty today? Could she have done it deliberately? But how would she know that Chang Daocheng had come to select her, and that they would deliberately meet at the gate?

Qin Yongtao’s head ached from thinking, but he dared not ask.

He dared not ask Chang Daocheng, nor dared ask Qin Shuying.

With the former, he had no standing to ask—when someone he had recommended couldn’t catch another’s eye, asking would only make his face burn with embarrassment. With the latter, he couldn’t ask well—after all, hadn’t he always taught her to prioritize family and kinship? Her care for her cousin showed she valued sisterly affection, didn’t it?

He worried for an entire day, until the next day when Chang Daocheng sent someone with a message: “A word is a bond.”

After seeing the messenger off, Qin Yongtao immediately burst into hearty laughter in his study.

Qin Shuying didn’t know what Chang Daocheng was thinking, nor what the messenger had said. However, she did learn from someone she had paid handsomely to bribe that the master had laughed heartily after the messenger left, his expression extremely pleased.

Qin Shuying knew that Chang Daocheng had taken a fancy to her.

This was a cunning and dangerous character who must have seen through her methods.

Upon learning this, Ziteng immediately dropped to her knees and began crying: “It’s all my fault, all my fault for being counterproductive!”

Qin Shuying shook her head and helped her up: “Don’t cry. It’s not your fault. Chang Daocheng isn’t so easily fooled. Even without your performance, uncle would have made this succeed. Do you think he dares act this way? Isn’t he afraid of Great Ancestor’s anger? He’s already thought of his backup plan and has plenty of ways to force me!”