Her brother actually didn’t believe her?

Liu Sujiang became agitated and briefly described that day’s events, saying, “Brother, think about it—that fake palace maid was going to ruin her reputation, and he had martial arts skills! If it wasn’t Qin Shuying who poisoned him, who else could it have been?”

Although Liu Junqing still had many questions in his mind, such as how Qin Shuying could possibly poison a man with martial arts skills, he didn’t deny Liu Sujiang’s speculation. Qin Shuying was meticulous and extraordinarily bold—perhaps that fake palace maid really was poisoned by her.

Liu Sujiang sneered coldly, “I don’t know what abilities she really has—she killed someone and yet no one suspects her! It’s been several days now, and she’s still calmly going to the theater to listen to opera, even toying with Mother and me!”

Liu Sujiang hadn’t yet suspected Qin Shuying was behind the incident between Liu Junqing and Yun Jingshu.

After hearing Madam Liu and Liu Sujiang’s malicious words about Qin Shuying, for some reason, Liu Junqing didn’t want to share his suspicions with his mother and sister.

After a while, Liu Sujiang said, “Today was strange—why did Yun Jingshu come to join the commotion? Mother, what do you think we should do?”

Madam Liu rubbed her forehead and said, “Junqing, not letting you marry Qin Shuying also involves Yun Jingshu. If Qin Shuying becomes the legitimate wife, the Yun family would never allow Yun Jingshu to be a concubine. But if you marry a princess, Yun Jingshu could only be a concubine. Mother thinks you wouldn’t want Yun Jingshu as your legitimate wife, would you?”

Liu Junqing remained silent.

Madam Liu understood, “You see, as long as the princess enters our household, having Qin Shuying would be a simple matter. Without the princess to maintain order, Yun Jingshu would probably also compete for the position of legitimate wife. If the Yun family really schemes, we wouldn’t fare well either, and Yun Jingshu might not let Qin Shuying enter our doors. Then, even if you like Qin Shuying, there would be no chance.”

Liu Junqing remained silent. He knew Madam Liu’s analysis was all correct.

But for some reason, he felt somewhat resistant.

Qin Shuying was very intelligent, while Princess Fu’an was a waste of space. He couldn’t bear to make Qin Shuying a concubine.

Madam Liu continued, “Junqing, women are like clothing. As long as you like her, after you bring her in, you can just take extra care of her. You’re the head of the household—no one can defy you.”

This was indeed the case.

Liu Junqing finally breathed a sigh of relief. After sitting for a while, he said, “Mother, this matter requires good planning and won’t be easy. If you need my help, just tell me.”

Seeing the blush that appeared on her son’s face, Madam Liu felt somewhat troubled and angry, but still nodded solemnly, “Rest assured, this time we’ll make your wishes come true.”

Only then did Liu Junqing leave.

Liu Sujiang pouted, “Mother, Qin Shuying poured boiling water on my foot, and it still hurts!”

Madam Liu said, “You saw your brother’s reaction. Let’s discuss future matters later. For now, think carefully and come up with a plan.”

Liu Sujiang immediately beamed with joy, “I’ll listen to Mother in everything!”

Madam Liu tapped her forehead, “Sometimes ‘Mother,’ sometimes ‘Mama’—you’re confusing me!”

Liu Sujiang hugged Madam Liu’s arm, “Mama! I knew you would help me get revenge!”

Madam Liu patted her arm without speaking, but her heart felt heavy.

Her son marrying Princess Fu’an, her daughter marrying the Seventh Prince… she hoped everything would go as wished!

The next day.

The Liu family showed their sincerity regarding Qin Shuying’s incident at the Red Mansion by immediately sending someone to propose marriage, even hiring the famous official matchmaker, Matchmaker Wen.

Dong Shi met with Matchmaker Wen.

Matchmaker Wen first praised Qin Shuying extensively, then proposed that the Liu family would complete all the betrothal ceremonies within the month.

Following Qin Yongtao’s instructions, Dong Shi had someone generously reward Matchmaker Wen.

After Matchmaker Wen left, Dong Shi personally went to Yilan Garden to tell Qin Shuying. Qin Shuying only responded with a light “oh,” thanked her, and didn’t mention the Red Mansion or Yun Jingshu incidents.

Dong Shi wanted to console her about the Red Mansion incident, but somehow, seeing Qin Shuying’s calm and indifferent expression, she couldn’t utter a single consoling word.

After Dong Shi left Yilan Garden, Nanny Zu said, “Seventh Miss is truly different from other young ladies.”

This sentence contained too much meaning. Although Nanny Zu only said this one sentence, Dong Shi understood what she meant.

The Red Mansion had caused such a commotion that Dong Shi quickly learned the whole story.

She secretly thought that the claim about Madam Liu and Liu Sujiang mistaking identities was probably all arranged by Qin Shuying—she had simply seen through their intentions and delivered a merciless counterattack. As for Liu Junqing being caught in a compromising position with Yun Jingshu, Qin Shuying’s hand was undoubtedly involved there too.

If it were someone else with such a marriage prospect as Liu Junqing, they would definitely be overjoyed. Only this Seventh Miss in their household remained so calm in every word and action, as if it had nothing to do with her.

If there was any connection, it was that she silently put the Liu family in check.

She observed coldly, probably having long known about the Liu family’s dirty dealings. In her opinion, the Liu family was indeed disgusting, and she truly didn’t want this cousin to marry into such a household.

However, father-in-law Qin Yongtao’s intention was very clear—he was very pleased with this marriage.

Dong Shi was caught in the middle and felt very conflicted.

She wanted to remind Qin Shuying a few words, but after thinking it over, she chose silence.

She could only hope Liu Junqing was a sensible person.

Since the Liu family had made clear that Qin Shuying would be the legitimate wife, Yun Jingshu could only be a concubine. If Qin Shuying married over, she would at least be the legitimate wife and wouldn’t suffer too much.

As for what the Yun family thought, that wasn’t the Qin family’s concern.

Qin Shuying indeed didn’t disappoint her cousin-in-law’s expectations—she sat peacefully in her study reading.

The weather was already very hot. She wore simple, cool clothing and held a thick book in her hands. The book was part of a complete set, each volume at least two fingers thick, totaling four volumes. The dense text made one’s eyes dizzy.

Ziteng was also reading nearby, though not the same book as Qin Shuying.

Ziteng asked, “Miss, is this the book you sent me to buy the day before yesterday? A foreign language dictionary?”

“Yes.”

“This book was truly hard to buy. Fortunately, you’re familiar with that place, or I really wouldn’t have found it. Third Master left behind so many strange books and notes—only you have the perseverance and determination to study them and search for the truth.”

While flipping through the book, Qin Shuying rubbed her eyes, “My father was a remarkable figure. If I could have even thirty percent of his ability, I could be called a heroine among women.”

Ziteng caressed the book in her hands. Her long-standing gloomy expression now showed some playfulness in the sunlight, “You’re already a heroine among women! In this world, how many women could be smarter than you?”

Qin Shuying didn’t mind her flattery and sighed deeply, “It’s just a pity that my father, clever as he was, still fell victim to someone’s scheme!”