After the midday meal and a brief rest, it was time for the afternoon riddle games.
Qin Shuying had been observing coldly from the sidelines throughout. Although Liu Junqing had also participated in the competition, she sat far away, separated by layers upon layers of people.
Right up until they returned home, no further incidents occurred.
She did notice that Mu Tianxiang, Luo Jinniang, and Yun Jingshu frequently cast meaningful glances her way, but she paid them no mind.
Especially Yun Jingshu, who came over several times wanting to speak with her. However, Qin Shuying only smiled without speaking. No matter what Yun Jingshu said, she only responded politely and appropriately.
When Yun Jingshu invited her to visit the Yun residence, Qin Shuying replied, “I must stay by Grandmother’s side to fulfill my filial duties. Please forgive me for being unable to come.”
Yun Jingshu then suggested visiting the Qin residence personally, but Qin Shuying declined: “When I return, I must attend to Grandmother. Please forgive me for being unable to accompany Miss Yun, as any breach of etiquette would reflect poorly on our Qin family.”
Qin Shuying remained completely unmoved, causing Yun Jingshu such anxiety that blisters formed on her lips.
Princess Fu’an, since the afternoon before yesterday, though her life was not in danger, had her facial appearance ruined. Yet she dared not speak of it, nor could she openly hold Qin Shuying accountable. Not only did she not dare speak of it, she had to find ways to cover it up.
At this critical juncture when His Majesty was selecting consorts, no incidents could be allowed to occur. His Majesty was not someone easily deceived. If this matter reached his attention, Lianpin would certainly use it to make a great fuss, and upon investigation, the truth would be revealed.
At that time, Kangpin would be destined to have no hope of becoming one of the four consorts.
Wouldn’t that just benefit Lianpin for nothing!
However, having suffered such a great loss, how could Kangpin possibly swallow this grievance?
Therefore, Yun Jingshu became a weapon, and wherever Kangpin pointed, she had to strike.
Since the incident occurred at Princess Yongjia’s residence, Kangpin naturally had someone relay a message to Princess Yongjia, demanding an explanation. But was Princess Yongjia someone who could be easily reasoned with?
Although Princess Yongjia had also made things difficult for Qin Shuying, after several disputes and conversations, the two had actually developed a mutual understanding and respect—something Kangpin absolutely could not have anticipated.
Upon returning to the residence, servants were already waiting and watching at the second gate. Qin Shuying recognized them as Dong Shi’s people, and from their expressions, there was likely urgent business.
After parting from Dong Shi and the others, she returned to Yilan Garden. After cleansing herself, Hong Juan attended to Qin Shuying’s washing and grooming. Nanny Fu came up and said, “Miss, someone revealed to Concubine Li that Eighth Miss would be sent to the family temple. How could Concubine Li accept this? When the Master returned from court, she intercepted him, crying like a fountain of tears, asking why Eighth Miss should go to the family temple while Sixth Miss need not? Later, the Master went to Concubine Li’s quarters, and everyone was driven out, so no one heard what was said.”
So upon the return of Dong Shi, the household manager, there were already matters requiring attention.
She herself had barely learned that Qin Fangfang would be confined to the family temple—who exactly had told Concubine Li about this? Moreover, the Qin residence didn’t even have a family temple.
While Qin Shuying was still pondering, Nanny Fu sighed, “Having money makes things easier. Now we can grasp every development in the residence. Previously, we were completely in the dark about everything.”
Everyone laughed, and Qin Shuying also smiled, asking, “Nanny, who do you think told Concubine Li about this?”
“This servant estimates it was either Concubine Miao or Second Miss. Second Miss was confined to quarters immediately upon her return and couldn’t partake in any of the excitement at Princess Imperial’s residence. Not only that, but First Miss also received gifts from noble personages. Concubine Miao was formerly favored by the Master, and previously all such gifts went to her. Now the situation is like heaven and earth compared to before—it’s no wonder she can’t bear it. However, how did she learn that the Master intended to confine Eighth Miss to the family temple? We ourselves didn’t know about this—how did she find out? Rongfu Courtyard has rather chaotic living arrangements with many people coming and going. Second Miss is confined, but Concubine Miao has seen many maids and servants these past days, so this servant has no way of knowing who informed her.”
Ziteng suddenly said, “Such matters shouldn’t be something ordinary maids and servants could know about.”
Qin Shuying looked at her approvingly, then looked at Nanny Fu. Nanny Fu was stunned for a moment, then clasped her hands together, saying, “Then it could only be Nanny Chen from the First Madam’s side.”
“First Miss might also know,” Ziteng said coolly.
Nanny Fu looked at Ziteng, and Ziteng looked back at her calmly.
Hong Juan and Lu Ye listened from the side, somewhat understanding yet not quite, but neither asked questions.
Qin Shuying gently stroked the comb in her hand, and only after a long while said, “This matter isn’t so simple. Why would Eighth Sister marry into the Sun family? Because she failed in her attempt to harm me. Why did she want to harm me? Because she coveted Liu Junqing. Why would a concubine’s daughter dare to covet Liu Junqing? The First Madam must have promised her some benefit. Moreover, at that time she followed beside Sixth Sister, and whatever Sixth Sister said to go east, she wouldn’t go west. For all those years, Concubine Li and her daughter followed beside the First Madam, serving as her enforcers, simply hoping to secure a good marriage for Eighth Sister in the future. But what was the result? The First Madam’s promise wasn’t fulfilled, and now Eighth Sister must spend her life with only temple lamps for company. In the past, this wasn’t apparent, but now the taste has turned bitter. Since Eighth Sister must face such a fate, why should Sixth Sister escape unscathed? Even if sent to the family temple, Sixth Sister must be dragged down as well. Of course, Concubine Li might not know about the Eastern Hidden Temple incident—the residence only said Sixth Sister was confined for improper conduct. Therefore, what Concubine Li can present as evidence is the matter of Sixth Sister instigating and scheming against me at Duke Chu’s residence. However, this matter isn’t sufficient to make Uncle confine Sixth Sister to a family temple, but it could very likely urge Sister-in-law to quickly arrange a marriage for Sixth Sister—though this marriage might not be a good one.”
A hastily arranged engagement would naturally not be favorable.
Nanny Fu observed Hong Juan’s thoughtful expression as she combed Qin Shuying’s hair with distracted strokes, and also fell into contemplation.
She was most clear about what Miss had done regarding Lu Changxuan. Now, as Lu Changxuan walked step by step toward the trap Miss had set, the future would very likely develop according to Miss’s design.
Miss had keen insight, meticulous thinking, and struck with ruthless precision—one could say she was coldly merciless. However, Nanny Fu preferred to see Miss this way. Only such a Miss wouldn’t be bullied by others. Rather than being a weak, kind person who ultimately met a tragic end, Nanny Fu would rather she be coldly merciless and able to protect herself.
Previously, she had seen a kind woman who was ultimately devoured without leaving even scraps behind.
However, that Miss could now learn to use others’ strength against them was even better. Watching from the sidelines was always more pleasant than taking action personally. But this person was First Miss, which left Nanny Fu somewhat unable to process it for the moment.
First Miss, though she now appeared to be no simple person, didn’t seem to have reached such a formidable level.
Happy weekend!