Princess Fu’an, interrupted by Nanny Cao, once again recalled Concubine Kang’s words and forcibly suppressed the anger in her heart.

Qin Shuying seemed oblivious to Princess Fu’an’s fury, speaking leisurely: “Your Highness has also met Young Master Liu. Young Master Liu possesses unparalleled elegance and brilliant talent. That this subject’s daughter can marry him as his principal wife—I wouldn’t dare believe it even in dreams. Your Highness, don’t you think this subject’s daughter has wonderful fortune?”

How could anyone be so thick-skinned? Yet her face was full of yearning and joy, making Princess Fu’an’s eyes turn red with anger.

Qin Shuying continued chattering: “This subject’s daughter, of humble status, will actually have two legitimate daughters of third-rank officials serving me from now on. Besides feeling apprehensive, I’m also somewhat smugly pleased. Your Highness, this subject’s daughter has lost composure—please forgive me.”

Princess Fu’an could no longer endure it. She slammed the table: “Enough! Stop talking!”

Qin Shuying looked bewildered with a trace of confusion, not understanding why Princess Fu’an would be so enraged.

After a while, seeing Princess Fu’an sitting motionless, she said carefully: “Your Highness, could it be that this subject’s daughter spoke inappropriately and angered you? Your Highness, this subject’s daughter has too straightforward a nature, saying whatever comes to mind. Moreover, such joyful news always makes me unable to control my emotions. Your Highness is magnanimous—please don’t hold it against this subject’s daughter.”

Princess Fu’an glared at her viciously and said irritably: “Since you can’t speak properly, don’t speak anymore. Go brew medicine!”

Qin Shuying replied: “Yes, Your Highness.”

Nanny Cao, suppressing her annoyance, led Qin Shuying toward the rear hall.

This Qin Shuying was most skilled at provoking people, time and again. Her Highness had suffered so many losses at her hands!

Just wait—be patient a little longer!

In the rear hall, several palace maids were methodically brewing medicine. Qin Shuying didn’t need to actually do anything—she just had to watch from the side.

Nanny Cao gave a few instructions and entered the side hall, where Princess Fu’an was still angry.

“Your Highness, Qin Shuying did it deliberately. You must not fall into her trap.”

Princess Fu’an snorted: “Nanny, I know, which is why I sent her away. She has a sharp tongue—I know I can’t out-talk her. If I let her keep speaking, I’d inevitably be led by the nose.”

Nanny Cao nodded. After several incidents, the princess was finally not so impulsive and had learned to strategize—this was good. However, the princess was still affected by her words.

This Qin Shuying was truly formidable to the extreme!

Soon the medicine was ready—this was another dose Princess Fu’an needed to take. Qin Shuying carried the medicine in. Princess Fu’an’s expression had calmed, and she was writing at the window.

Writing could make Princess Fu’an much more peaceful.

Qin Shuying said respectfully: “Your Highness, the medicine is ready. It just needs to cool a little before drinking. This subject’s daughter will place it here.”

Princess Fu’an casually hummed acknowledgment and continued writing seriously.

Qin Shuying stood to one side, ready to attend to her commands at any time.

Princess Fu’an’s calligraphy was quite good. She was copying scripture, having already completed dozens of thick pages, with each character written very carefully, obviously having put in effort.

Finally finishing a page, she set down her brush, rubbed her wrist, walked to a nearby table, picked up the medicine, and drank it down.

After taking the medicine, she continued writing seriously, almost completely forgetting Qin Shuying’s existence.

Qin Shuying wasn’t anxious either, constantly attending at her side, occasionally glancing at books spread to one side, showing no signs of boredom or restlessness. Despite standing so long, she didn’t complain of hardship or fatigue.

Occasionally, when Princess Fu’an caught sight of her from the corner of her eye, she would discover Qin Shuying’s face always brimming with smiles, or she would beam with joy while lost in thought—it would be strange if she weren’t happy and distracted because of this marriage!

Princess Fu’an nearly snapped the brush in her hand.

When lunch time arrived, Concubine Kang returned and ordered the meal served. The food was abundant and exquisite. Qin Shuying ate seriously and heartily, repeatedly praising the imperial kitchen’s superb craftsmanship.

Concubine Kang observed and remembered everything.

After lunch, Concubine Kang had someone arrange a place for Qin Shuying to rest, and Qin Shuying obediently went to rest.

Those secretly observing reported to Concubine Kang that Qin Shuying had indeed fallen asleep and continued to appear very joyful.

Understanding flashed through Concubine Kang’s beautiful eyes.

This Seventh Miss Qin, though clever, still had a young girl’s nature. About to marry into the Liu family with two high officials’ daughters as accompaniment, she ultimately couldn’t hide her joy.

Concubine Kang had also heard about the Red Mansion incident. At the time, Qin Shuying hadn’t said much, displaying the demeanor of a proper young lady, earning much praise.

Her methods were ruthless. Though Luo Jinniang and Yun Jingshu had family backing, they probably couldn’t gain any advantage before her.

Upon waking, Qin Shuying first attended Princess Fu’an taking medicine, then accompanied her writing in the study. Naturally, Concubine Kang didn’t see her.

After more than an hour, Princess Fu’an gave word that a palace maid would guide her to Shuangyun Hall.

“This slave is called Qing Yuan. Seventh Miss Qin, please follow this slave.”

This palace maid named Qing Yuan smiled warmly, gentle and amiable.

“Thank you for your trouble, Sister.” Seeing she appeared about sixteen or seventeen, Qin Shuying called her sister.

Leaving Huanyun Hall and reaching a deserted area, Qin Shuying produced a golden fruit: “Sister Qing Yuan, troubling you like this makes me very uneasy.”

It was crafted from pure gold in the shape of an apple, small and exquisite with superb craftsmanship—clearly quite valuable.

Qing Yuan looked at the fruit but didn’t take it: “Seventh Miss Qin, this is this slave’s duty. You’re being too kind.”

Qin Shuying shook her head: “Speaking frankly, I’m not from the palace. Having Sister run around for me isn’t your duty. How could I feel comfortable? Sister, my only reliance now is some gold and silver. When Sister helps me, I have no way to repay you. Please don’t think me shallow.”

Speaking earnestly and gently, Qing Yuan thought it over and accepted it, saying: “The palace has many rules. This slave is also breaking rules. Seventh Miss Qin…”

Qin Shuying smiled: “Sister and I are compatible, just chatting a few extra words. Sister doesn’t know—I have several more of these fruits, all prepared to share with everyone for good luck.”

Qing Yuan still didn’t quite dare accept it. She’d received gifts before, but never anything so valuable. This golden fruit was so precious it was almost scary to hold.

But this golden fruit was truly tempting.

Exchanged, it would probably be worth five hundred taels of silver!

As a palace maid, her monthly stipend was only five taels.

While Qing Yuan was still weighing this, Qin Shuying added: “Sister can share in my good fortune. Don’t laugh at me, but in a few days when I marry, besides vast wealth I’ll have nothing else.”

Qin Shuying’s joy was impossible to conceal, her wealthy carelessness making others envious.

Qing Yuan’s last trace of hesitation vanished as she smiled: “Then this slave congratulates Seventh Miss Qin!”

Qin Shuying appeared both shy and delighted: “Sister mustn’t tease me!”

Qing Yuan lowered her eyes, concealing the complex emotions within, and led the freshly groomed Qin Shuying out through the side door of Huanyun Hall’s side hall.

The weather was very hot, the afternoon sunlight dazzling and intense. Walking in the sunlight, Qin Shuying’s joyful smile never disappeared. Her yearning gaze and slightly nervous speech made Qing Yuan strongly feel this young lady’s happiness about her upcoming marriage.

She wore a light purple dress with elegant, fresh makeup. Though not devastatingly beautiful, her upright bearing and gentle smile gave her an extraordinary aura.

Qing Yuan sighed heavily in her heart, a sound Qin Shuying caught.