As Princess Fu’an and Liu Junqing’s wedding arrangements proceeded in an orderly fashion, Madam Liu was beaming with joy every day, wearing an extra hairpin whenever she went out visiting.

Upon learning that Qin Shuying had been granted an imperial marriage to Liang Zhe, Madam Liu was utterly astonished.

Although Princess Fu’an’s marriage was also arranged by the Emperor, there had been no imperial edict—only an oral decree. How did Qin Shuying manage to gain such favor that the Emperor would arrange her marriage and even issue an imperial edict?

By comparison, didn’t this make her own family seem less favored by the Emperor than Qin Shuying?

This was intolerable!

Speaking of which, although the two families had broken off the engagement, they hadn’t completely fallen out. In others’ eyes, the Liu family was loyal and righteous, while the Qin family was sensible and tactful.

Several noble ladies had given Madam Liu advice: since they couldn’t become in-laws through their children, taking Qin Shuying as an adopted daughter would also work and would earn them a good reputation.

With this thought, Madam Liu became somewhat tempted.

If she took her as an adopted daughter, she would gain a good reputation while still being able to torment her—she, Hu Zaoxing, simply couldn’t stand seeing Qin Shuying doing well!

Speaking of the reason, it went back a long way. Even before Qin Shuying was born, she had already begun to hate her, for who told her to be the daughter of that wench Long Shi? What was wrong with herself that Qin Yongzhou wouldn’t want her and insisted on marrying Long Shi instead!

Qin Shuying was Long Shi’s daughter. When Hu Zaoxing saw her, it was like seeing Long Shi—she just found her disagreeable!

Liu Sujiang entered cheerfully, but seeing her mother’s twisted expression, she was startled: “Mother, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?”

Madam Liu covered up: “I felt a bit unwell, but I’m much better now.”

Liu Sujiang didn’t bother to ask where she felt unwell. After taking a sip of tea, she said happily: “Mother, having a princess as a sister-in-law is truly wonderful. Now, wherever I go, people flatter me. Mother, I’m so happy! Thinking back to those days when we first returned to the capital, no one paid attention to me and I was looked down upon. Now, I can finally hold my head high!”

Madam Liu also smiled, giving her a reproachful glance: “Alright, alright, this was exactly the purpose of our planning.”

Liu Sujiang walked back and forth happily, describing with animated expressions her gatherings with the noble ladies, extremely delighted.

As she spoke, her brow furrowed: “It’s just that now everyone is talking about Qin Shuying. It’s so infuriating—wherever I go, there’s her shadow! So annoying! She really has some skill, to actually receive an imperial marriage!”

Liu Sujiang’s eyes flashed with jealousy and hatred.

At this point, Madam Liu brought up her idea to Liu Sujiang.

Upon hearing this, Liu Sujiang jumped up high: “Mother, I don’t want to! I never want to see her again! That day she made me embarrass myself terribly in front of the Princess. I hate her to death!”

“Then do you want revenge or not?”

“Yes, of course I do.”

“If you can’t even see her face, how can you get revenge?”

Liu Sujiang was stunned. Yes, indeed. Now, Qin Shuying simply didn’t attend ordinary banquets, so it was truly difficult for Liu Sujiang to see her.

“If she becomes your sister, wouldn’t you be able to see each other often? Moreover, with her loss of chastity first, my being magnanimous enough to acknowledge her—who wouldn’t think our Liu family loyal and righteous? If she’s unfilial to me, what would people outside say about her? Do you understand now?”

Liu Sujiang’s eyes darted back and forth as she finally figured out the advantages and disadvantages, clapping her hands: “Mother, you’re still the wisest!”

Madam Liu smiled smugly: “Then I’ll write to your father. The sooner this matter is settled, the better.”

Liu Sujiang said with a grin: “Then we’ll wait for father’s reply.”

“Mother, what matter has you both so happy?”

Liu Junqing walked in, looking dispirited like a frost-bitten eggplant. He sat down and asked casually.

“Brother, mother wants to take Qin Shuying as an adopted daughter.”

“Pfft…” Liu Junqing spat out the tea he had just drunk. “What? What did you say?”

His listless eyes immediately brightened.

Liu Sujiang repeated it, then saw Liu Junqing’s face flush red. Liu Sujiang had grown up and could understand the meaning on Liu Junqing’s face. With barely concealed sourness, she asked: “Brother, you’re very happy, aren’t you?”

Liu Junqing uncomfortably turned his face away, forcing himself to remain calm as he poured another cup of tea. “Sister, is what you just said true?”

Madam Liu felt displeased, but she didn’t need to scold Liu Junqing over this matter. Making their mother-son relationship awkward would be more loss than gain. “Jun’er, are you willing?”

Liu Junqing drank his tea and stood up: “Mother can make the decision on this matter. There’s no need to ask me.”

With that, he walked out with surprising speed.

“It’s so hot outside, the sun is like a great fire disc. Brother just came in and now he’s going out again, sigh…”

Liu Sujiang seemed to mutter unconsciously, yet also deliberately.

Madam Liu looked thoughtful, and as she pondered, she let out a cold laugh.

Jun’er was still thinking about that wench Qin Shuying!

The more this was the case, the more Madam Liu wished she could bring Qin Shuying to her side right now and torment her thoroughly. That wench Long Shi had given birth to an equally wicked daughter who only knew how to seduce men!

At the same time, Madam Liu felt some regret. She should have visited the Qin manor more often earlier, letting Qin Shuying appear before her more frequently so she could have tormented her earlier. She should have also brought Liu Sujiang to the capital sooner, often inviting Qin Shuying to the Liu house, and together they would have tormented her until she lost a layer of skin!

Now, it still wasn’t too late!

Liu Junqing was indeed very happy, as if he could hear again Qin Shuying’s calm voice calling him “Elder Brother Liu.”

These past days, he had been like a walking corpse, even using busy official duties as an excuse to rarely return home. Especially yesterday, when he actually heard that Qin Shuying had been granted marriage to Liang Zhe—heaven knows how painful his heart felt at that moment.

Even if he couldn’t marry her, it would be good to see her occasionally! If she became mother’s adopted daughter, he could see her openly and legitimately, and hear her call him “Elder Brother Liu” again!

Liu Junqing’s lips involuntarily curved upward as he walked out the door with light steps.

After leaving, however, he realized he had originally come home to fetch something. Now that he was already outside, going back to get it seemed inappropriate. Never mind, the item wasn’t that important anyway—it didn’t matter if he didn’t take it.

But with such blazing sun and nowhere decent to walk, where should he go?

After thinking, he headed to a nearby teahouse.

He had only walked a few steps when he saw a horse carriage approaching. The curtain was lifted, and Luo Jinniang stood in the carriage, waving her handkerchief and calling: “Young Master Liu, Young Master Liu, please wait!”

Liu Junqing’s heart immediately sank halfway. Why was Luo Jinniang here? From her appearance, she had been specifically waiting here like a hunter by a tree stump, wanting to intercept him.

Liu Junqing felt somewhat displeased and bowed: “Miss Luo, may I ask what instruction you have?”

Seeing his incomparably handsome face, Luo Jinniang’s face had already turned red. Hearing his mellow voice made her heart melt three parts. She said shyly: “Young Master Liu, are you going to the Hanlin Academy? I happen to have some business to attend to in that direction. Why don’t I give you a ride?”