Qin Yunyun had originally admired Liu Junqing and had earlier entertained thoughts of sabotaging this marriage so she could marry him in Qin Shuying’s place.

The current situation was exactly as Qin Shuying had described—not only did she have no opportunity to enter the Liu family now, but even if she broke all conventions to obtain such a chance, she would only be a noble concubine.

Though Liu Junqing currently held only a ninth-rank position, he frequently appeared before the Emperor. Moreover, being the top scholar, his future prospects were naturally unlimited!

Having her thoughts exposed by Qin Shuying, Qin Yunyun flew into an embarrassed rage: “Don’t think you can provoke me with this! You’ve already dissolved the engagement—you can never marry into the Liu family again!”

Qin Shuying glanced at her: “Then I wish Sister success in achieving her desires soon.”

Qin Yunyun’s face involuntarily showed traces of longing and contemplation.

Cai Luan coughed from the side.

Reminded by Cai Luan, Qin Yunyun steadied her composure. Qin Shuying was unnaturally cunning, always finding ways to make her angry and lose emotional control. She couldn’t fall into her trap again.

Qin Shuying’s guess was indeed correct—Second Brother did have thoughts of marrying her to widowed men. Though he didn’t say it explicitly, she wasn’t a fool.

However, even if both were marrying widowers, there would certainly be differences between whom she and Qin Shuying would marry. If the man was in his twenties or thirties, had no legitimate sons, and held high office, Qin Yunyun wouldn’t resist.

Elder Sister was right—without power, men had no status, and without status, women had no position.

She, Qin Yunyun, refused to be like Qin Lulu, marrying some poor scholar without achievements, struggling until forty without necessarily advancing, considering sixth rank the pinnacle.

Father was such a capable figure, and with Elder Sister’s influence, yet he was only third rank. Elder Brother was equally intelligent, nearly thirty years old with palace protection, yet only fifth rank, with promotion to proper fifth rank nowhere in sight.

From Second Brother’s hints, among those he currently favored was a high official who wasn’t too old—just thirty.

Second Brother also said that nowadays, aristocratic families had declined, most being impressive in name but useless in reality. Families like the Earl of Zhuangmu’s residence were numerous. The Earl of Chengen’s mansion was already considered decent among the nobility, but Earl Chengen’s position was merely fourth rank.

Civil officials held real power—this lesson taught Qin Yunyun to see the situation clearly.

But becoming Liu Junqing’s noble concubine…

Qin Shuying thanked Qin Yunyun, who said: “Seventh Sister, you needn’t rush to thank me.”

Though Qin Shuying knew her thoughts, she no longer had interest in verbal sparring. She smiled and began discussing the hot weather. After a few exchanges, when Qin Yunyun could no longer provoke Qin Shuying’s anger, she found it utterly boring. Having achieved her purpose anyway, she rose to take her leave.

Before leaving, Qin Yunyun said: “Great-grandmother most hopes for harmony among us sisters. Seventh Sister is filial and surely won’t disappoint Great-grandmother.”

Qin Shuying smiled: “Naturally.”

After Qin Yunyun left, Lu Ye said indignantly: “Miss, Sixth Miss deliberately said those words to disgust and anger you. We must not fall into her trap.”

Qin Shuying gazed at the swaying curtains, her eyes dark and deep.

Nanny Fu asked worriedly: “Miss, what exactly are your plans?”

The alliance with Liang Zhe was known only to Ziteng. Qin Shuying didn’t want to tell Lu Ye and Nanny Fu for now.

Though she had been married in her previous life, she didn’t know why, but when facing Liang Zhe’s impossibly handsome face, she occasionally found her mind wandering.

She couldn’t speak of this before Nanny Fu and Lu Ye because—she was shy. How could such an emotion appear in her?

“Miss?”

Nanny Fu grew more worried. Why was Miss distracted?

Qin Shuying came back to herself, her face somewhat flushed. What was she thinking!

Liang Zhe had saved her at Princess Yongjia’s mansion. People always liked to simply speculate about human hearts, believing people would trust their saviors more and rarely betray them. That’s why Liang Zhe chose her as an ally.

Moreover, Liang Zhe had no capable people in the capital. Having personally witnessed how she was schemed against at Guangbin Tower, he could easily understand her situation. Choosing her as an ally, she had even less reason to betray him.

Besides that, could it be that he chose her because he had different feelings for her? How ridiculous.

Liang Zhe wasn’t the hot-tempered person he appeared to be in the palace. From this morning’s events, not only were his hands stained with blood, but his mind was meticulous and ruthless. Even without her joining, he could handle everything—it would just take longer.

How could someone like him possibly take a fancy to her? After experiencing such painful betrayal in her previous life, with all her relatives dead, how could she still believe in something like love?

She was truly regressing with age. Qin Shuying coughed lightly and waved the letter in her hand—it was from Lin Zilan, comforting her friend who had been rejected.

“How is Lu Changxuan doing?”

Nanny Fu was caught off guard by her change of topic. After a moment’s pause, she said: “Lu Changxuan has now with Ju’er already…” Suddenly, Nanny Fu stopped speaking. Such words were truly inappropriate to say to a young lady in her boudoir.

“Does Third Sister know?”

Nanny Fu shook her head: “Third Miss doesn’t know yet. This servant was about to ask Miss whether she should be informed.”

“She is the mistress of the household. When her husband has someone on the side, if she doesn’t display a virtuous attitude, how can she be worthy of being a legitimate daughter of the Qin mansion?”

Nanny Fu understood her meaning and continued: “Lu Changxuan is now addicted, requiring two sticks of black incense daily. He hides it well—his colleagues probably don’t know yet.”

“Mm. This matter requires no effort from us.”

Such things could never be hidden. Once addicted, it was impossible to quit. Sooner or later, he would be exposed. Calculating the time, he had been using for two or three months already. Let him enjoy it a while longer.

Qin Shuying said indifferently: “Have the Che family continue sending money, and tell Second Master Che to do his job well.”

Nanny Fu agreed. Ziteng’s eyes flickered as she quietly clenched her hands: Father, Mother, Elder Brother, cousin and I will avenge you. Letting Lu Changxuan die isn’t enough—we must make him live worse than a dog! Watch from the underworld and wait.

Hong Juan lifted the curtain and entered: “Miss, a little maid just told me that Cai Luan and Second Young Master met privately in the back courtyard, and they looked quite strange.”

Cai Luan was Sixth Miss’s personal maid who could see Second Young Master regularly. Why would they need to meet secretly in a remote place?

Everyone looked at each other. Nanny Fu frowned: “That Cai Luan fears the world isn’t chaotic enough. Sixth Miss came out at her instigation. I didn’t expect she’d also have the ability to seduce Second Young Master.”

Qin Shuying: “Nanny, have someone keep a close watch on Cai Luan.”

Nanny Fu said: “Yes, Miss.”

As she spoke, her expression showed some hesitation, as if she had something to say but didn’t dare.

Qin Shuying smiled: “Nanny, though the mansion’s attitude toward me has changed, the money hasn’t. Also, my marriage has Great-grandmother making decisions. Even Uncle must consult Great-grandmother first. Nanny needn’t worry.”

Only then did Nanny Fu breathe a sigh of relief and smile.

Old Madam loved Miss dearly. Even if Miss’s marriage couldn’t compare to the Liu family, it certainly wouldn’t be too poor. Besides, marriage was a lifelong matter—it was better to live comfortably. What did it matter if the family status was slightly lower?