Fugui and Cai Yun had originally both been from Cixiao Courtyard. Though they weren’t as favored before the Old Dowager as Ji Xiang and Ruyi, they were still senior maids receiving first-class monthly allowances. They had originally thought that since Qin Huining handled matters tactfully and was quite liked by the Old Dowager, and was also the Grand Master’s adopted daughter, serving her would be an excellent position.

Who knew that once they came to her side, they would have to face their mistress’s bad temper every day, enduring much more frustration than when serving the Old Dowager.

It was unexpected that Miss Huining, who had previously seemed gentle and dignified, would actually be like this in private.

Therefore at this moment, seeing Fourth Miss kindly coming to deliver gifts, yet Miss Huining being so unreasonably troublesome, even Fugui felt she couldn’t bear to watch.

Gently placing the tea cup beside Qin Yining’s hand, Fugui smiled awkwardly and ingratiatingly.

Qin Yining smiled and shook her head, indicating she didn’t mind.

She never deliberately made things difficult for servants, because her previous status had been even lower than these maids – she deeply understood the hardships of being a servant.

“You may go. We don’t need service here for now.”

Fugui smiled gratefully and was just about to speak when she heard Qin Huining’s sinister voice: “What’s this? This is Xueli Courtyard, not your Shuoren Studio. When is it your turn to give orders to my people?”

Qin Yining raised an eyebrow as she looked at Qin Huining, smiling gracefully: “I think Miss Huining still hasn’t figured some things out. Isn’t Xueli Courtyard part of the Qin Manor? I am a Miss of the Qin family – which servant of the Qin family can I not command?”

“Don’t come here showing off your authority!” Qin Huining said through gritted teeth.

Qin Yining remained leisurely seated, picking up the white porcelain tea cup to take a sip before smiling: “There’s no such thing. Miss Huining is joking – I’m merely being reasonable.”

“Being reasonable? So all reason belongs to you now!” Qin Huining’s voice gradually became higher and sharper.

Qin Yining raised her index finger and made a silencing gesture at her rosy lips.

“Reason doesn’t depend on volume. If Nanny Zhan saw Miss Huining’s current behavior, she would surely make you stand as punishment.”

Qin Huining clenched her hands into fists, glaring fiercely at Qin Yining. After taking several deep breaths, she barely managed to suppress her roaring fury. Only then did she realize she had been standing while talking to Qin Yining, while Qin Yining sat calmly as if she were the servant.

Shame, anger, and resentment once again occupied her thoughts, with no way to vent. Qin Huining turned around and slapped Fugui across the face.

“You shameless wench! Is my Xueli Courtyard too small to contain you? When you rush to climb high branches, don’t you have eyes to see what kind of thing you’re climbing toward!”

Fugui inexplicably received a slap and knelt on the ground sobbing, covering her face in grievance.

Qin Yining slowly stood up and said: “If Miss Huining wants to discipline her servants, I shouldn’t interfere. But punishing an innocent maid is quite undignified. The Qin family has never produced such a cruel mistress. I advise you to restrain yourself and not set this bad precedent, lest you break the Old Dowager’s and Mother’s hearts.”

“What are you? It’s not your place to lecture me!”

Qin Yining was too lazy to argue with Qin Huining and simply said: “Mother asked me to bring you things. I had no choice but to come, otherwise do you think I enjoy looking at your face that pretends in front of others but shows its true form behind their backs? Eat the pastries slowly. Mother says the fox fur should be made into scarves and sleeping rabbits. If you have other uses for it, go discuss it with Mother yourself. I’m taking my leave.”

Qin Yining called for Song Lan and Bingtang to leave.

Qin Huining glared angrily and sneered coldly: “You wouldn’t be bringing me things you didn’t want! Don’t think I don’t know – my fur is also your leftovers!”

How utterly unreasonable!

Qin Yining’s steps toward the exit paused.

Seeing her stop, Qin Huining reflexively shrank back in fear. She couldn’t help it – Qin Yining had already beaten a psychological shadow into her.

But Qin Yining merely turned back with a smile, saying unhurriedly: “Think whatever you want. I originally disdained to deal with someone like you, but now I’ve changed my mind. Let me tell you plainly – I do want to bully you, and I want to bully you to death. What can you do about it?”

“You…” Qin Huining’s lips trembled with anger.

“If you have the ability, bully me back. I’m ready anytime. If you don’t have the ability, no matter how angry you get, you’ll have to hold it in for me!”

“Qin Yining! You go too far!” Qin Huining shrieked.

Qin Yining waggled her finger: “Don’t shout – you don’t want people to know how vulgar you are and disgrace the Qin family’s reputation.”

Looking at Qin Huining’s face flushed red with anger, Qin Yining left her with a gentle yet cheerful smile, then led Song Lan and Bingtang as they departed gracefully.

Just as they exited the main gate of Xueli Courtyard, they heard a venting shriek from inside the courtyard, followed immediately by slapping sounds and the cries of maids.

Qin Yining shook her head and sighed: “Let’s hurry back.”

Song Lan sighed: “I never thought Miss Huining would become like this. How did we not see she was this kind of person before?”

Bingtang clicked her tongue: “When greed knows no bounds, naturally one becomes like this.”

A gust of cold wind blew, carrying fine snow that burrowed into their necks.

Qin Yining quickly pulled her collar tight.

Rui Lan was stunned for a moment, then stamped her feet: “It’s really snowing! I really do have to make you a pair of shoes!”

Bingtang said proudly: “Master’s skills in reading faces and observing celestial signs are exceptional. Unfortunately, I studied with her for too short a time and only learned simple things like reading the weather.”

Who would have thought Immortal Liu had such abilities – truly, one cannot judge by appearances.

The three hurried back to Shuoren Studio. Just as they stepped onto the stairs and reached the corridor, raindrops mixed with snow turned into ice pellets that made the roof and eaves rattle with a rustling sound.

The three who had been running looked at each other and all burst into laughter.

Qin Yining returned to her room and began reading the account books sent by Zhaoyun Office, working busily until deep in the night before going to sleep.

The next day, news that the Great Zhou and Great Yan were at war again at Xihua City spread throughout the capital.

The common people, who had originally been immersed in the joyful atmosphere of the approaching New Year, suddenly found themselves plunged into panic about their country’s potential destruction.

Qin Huaiyuan was kept in the palace by the Emperor for several consecutive days to discuss countermeasures, even sleeping directly in the imperial study when it grew late.

With Qin Huaiyuan unable to return home, the atmosphere in the household became tense.

Sun Shi’s two elder brothers were both military generals guarding Xihua City. With the urgent battle situation at Xihua City, Sun Shi was also on pins and needles all day, not to mention the situation at Duke Dingguo’s manor.

Qin Yining advised Sun Shi: “Grandmother’s mood must be very poor. These past couple of days we should visit Duke Dingguo’s manor more often to keep grandmother company and help her relax. Mother must be careful not to stir up worries in front of grandmother.”

Sun Shi nodded and rubbed her face before saying: “I know, but I’m truly worried about your eldest uncle and second uncle. They say that scoundrel Pang Xiao is a military genius. I’m afraid your eldest uncle and second uncle won’t be able to hold out.”

“They won’t fail. Eldest uncle and second uncle are no pushovers either.” Qin Yining gave Nanny Jin a meaningful look.

Nanny Jin understood and brought over a cloak and sleeping rabbit to help Sun Shi dress.

Sun Shi thought for a moment and said: “Cai Ju, go call Miss Huining to come along. We’ll go to Duke Dingguo’s manor to visit.”