After several days like this, Old Madam gradually improved.

Qin Shuying continued taking turns with Zou Shi and Qin Lulu to serve her.

Dong Shi occasionally came to serve as well, but with many affairs in the residence, there were times when she couldn’t get away.

After Qin Feifei returned, she didn’t receive any difficulties because she said she had gone to her natal home for food. Having brought back food, the Lu family members devoured it ravenously – they hadn’t eaten such rich, oily dishes in a long time.

Old Madam Lu finally came to her senses. Though the Lu family had fallen, Qin Feifei could still return to her natal home to ask for money and things.

So Old Madam Lu waved her hand grandly – Qin Feifei no longer needed to tend the fire and cook. Nanny Yuan and her children would do it, and they would also handle washing clothes and cleaning.

After three days, Old Madam Lu urged Qin Feifei to go to the Qin residence again, stuffing the child into Qin Feifei’s arms: “Your in-law grandfather values face most. You dress shabbily, cry pitifully, make the child cry too – he won’t be able to bear losing face and will surely let you in. Remember, this time ask for two hundred taels of silver. Your in-law grandfather holds such a high office, your cousin runs such a big business – even scraps falling through their fingers would be enough for us to use for a year or two. Look at Changxuan – get some money back to hire a physician for him. He’s your husband after all! Go quickly, go quickly!”

Though Lu Changxuan had regained consciousness, he remained listless, looking at Old Madam Lu and Qin Feifei with vacant eyes.

For some reason, whenever he saw Qin Feifei’s back, he always felt the person seemed like Qin Yaoyao. At those moments, he would be filled with joy.

But once the person turned around and he discovered it wasn’t Qin Yaoyao but Qin Feifei, he would be thoroughly disappointed.

Qin Feifei was extremely reluctant to return to the Qin residence, but the lingering aroma of meat from that day still seemed to be in her nose. She had never thought meat was particularly delicious before, but now… she found herself unconsciously walking toward the Qin residence.

Arriving at the residence, she went straight to the front gate, but this time the gatekeepers absolutely refused to let her enter.

“Third Young Madam, please just go back. The master has given orders not to let you in anymore.”

Qin Feifei didn’t believe it at all: “You’re lying! Father would never do such a thing.”

“Third Young Madam, you angered Old Madam that day, and we had to call Physician Chen to examine her. Do you think the master would let you in?”

Qin Feifei was stunned, then said: “Then I need to go in even more – I need to see Grandmother.”

The gatekeeper sneered: “Third Young Madam, did you not hear what I said clearly? You cannot enter!”

Then the gatekeeper slammed the gate shut.

Qin Feifei stood dazed for a moment, then remembering Old Madam Lu’s words, she indeed began crying at the gate, even pinching the child once. Mother and son cried quite a scene.

Qin Yongtao was at court and not home. When Dong Shi heard about the incident at the gate, she was so angry she wanted to slap Qin Feifei twice.

Did she have even a bit of sense?

Wasn’t she clear about what she had done?

They had already spared her life – where did she get the audacity to come cause trouble again?

Dong Shi had someone report to the authorities, saying someone was impersonating Third Young Madam at the Qin residence gate attempting extortion.

The patrol officers quickly came and pushed and shoved Qin Feifei away.

Among these people, some recognized Qin Feifei, but everyone understood the situation and simply followed the Qin residence’s report, taking Qin Feifei away.

When Lu Changxuan had shown improper conduct before the emperor, Emperor Delong’s punishment became known throughout the capital – everyone knew the whole story. Even the Qin residence’s people dared not anger the dragon’s wrath, so they were naturally happy to watch the joke.

No matter how Qin Feifei swore and cursed, the patrol officers wouldn’t listen to her explanations.

“I really am Third Young Madam of the Qin residence…”

Even when Qin Feifei’s voice became hoarse from talking, no one listened seriously. They only said: “Go away, go away! Where did this vagrant come from? The Qin residence people say you’re an imposter – get lost! If you don’t leave, watch out for the rod!”

Qin Feifei returned to Gaode Lane in despair. When Old Madam Lu saw her return empty-handed, she gave her a thorough scolding.

Back home, Lu Changxuan wouldn’t even glance at her.

Yilan Garden

Ziteng watched Qin Shuying writing carefully and asked in puzzlement: “Miss, why spare the lives of those two dogs Lu Changxuan and Qin Feifei? Their hands are stained with blood – they should be cut to pieces!”

Qin Shuying put down her brush and looked at her gradually maturing face and eyes that were no longer always gloomy: “Silly sister, how quick death would be – a clean end to everything! Have you forgotten what I said? Their crimes cannot be offset even by death. So they must live – to atone.”

Ziteng thought for a moment and broke into a smile: “I’ll listen to Miss in everything. Now evil people have evil people to torment them – they’re getting what they wished for and should enjoy it properly.”

Qin Shuying smiled and rubbed her wrist: “This foreign language is really troublesome to write.”

Ziteng leaned over for a glance then looked away, speaking of what concerned her: “Miss, it’s now August, and the wedding date is getting closer. Old Madam has sharp eyes and sees things clearly. It’s just that Miss, you’ll only be fourteen when you marry – you’re still rather young, and some things you might not be able to bear…”

At this point, Ziteng’s face paled slightly, but she bravely continued: “Miss, after you marry, this servant will persuade Nanny Fu to speak with Master Liang about how you cannot yet consummate the marriage and must wait a year.”

Qin Shuying knew what she was worried about. In her previous life, she had married Lu Changxuan at fifteen – what didn’t she know? Even if she hadn’t known then, she knew now.

“Don’t worry, I understand.”

Ziteng blushed and changed to another topic: “Madam Zhao has already arranged all the betrothal matters with the Grand Madam. This servant has seen the things she sent – truly magnificent with fine materials! The Zhao family has been declining these years, so this must all be what Master Liang saved himself. Liang Yanjun says that Old Madam Liang and Luo Meixiang are so angry they ask Master Liang to come talk every day. Master Liang won’t go, saying his manners and etiquette aren’t learned well enough and he doesn’t dare meet his elders. They’re furious but don’t dare prevent the Zhao family from handling affairs – this was ordered by imperial edict after all.”

“The imperial edict didn’t specify when to hold the wedding, only that the Liang and Qin families should arrange it together. So Luo Meixiang has plenty of excuses to delay. For instance, I’m still too young, there are no auspicious dates, the timing of entering the household would clash with Old Madam Liang’s horoscope, and so on. Just wait and see.”

Ziteng snorted: “No need to fear. This servant previously thought Luo Meixiang was quite clever, but now it seems she’s just ordinary. And Liang Qiong is also impulsive and quick to anger.”

“You – how can you see clearly what someone is like after just one or two encounters? Remember not to underestimate the enemy. Besides, there’s still Old Madam Liang. The Grand Young Master can avoid dealing with her, but I’m the granddaughter-in-law – how can I make excuses not to serve her? There’s no way to justify it.”

Worry appeared in Ziteng’s eyes. Qin Shuying patted her hand: “What’s to fear? I tell you these things so you know we cannot underestimate the enemy, but that doesn’t mean we’re afraid either.”