Liu Junqing replied politely: “Thank you, Seventh Miss Luo, but I’m not going to the Hanlin Academy. I take my leave.”

With that, he walked away without looking back. Though the weather was hot, his upright posture made people inexplicably think of a gentleman like bamboo—tall, straight, and elegant.

His demeanor left Luo Jinniang stunned, then she hurriedly had the coachman turn around to follow. The carriage traveled alongside Liu Junqing as Luo Jinniang asked: “Young Master Liu, when will your household come to the Luo family to propose marriage?”

For a young lady to bring up such matters was truly embarrassing. However, having waited so long—nearly twenty days—without seeing any movement from the Liu family, she was desperately anxious.

Luo Jinniang’s birth mother had long since passed away. Now the first branch of the Luo family was managed by her stepmother, who had always been superficially cordial but inwardly antagonistic toward her and would never concern herself with such matters.

Luo Jinniang was extremely anxious. She had heard that Yun Jingshu’s mother had already mentioned this matter to Madam Liu at a gathering, and Madam Liu had promised Madam Yun that she would handle all the arrangements soon.

Therefore, Luo Jinniang simply couldn’t wait any longer.

Liu Junqing was quite puzzled: “This is my mother’s affair. What does it have to do with me?”

Luo Jinniang’s heart plummeted into an icy cave. What did he mean by this? How could it have nothing to do with him? She was to become his concubine!

“Young Master Liu, could you, could you urge your esteemed parents?”

How shameless!

Liu Junqing’s expression was extremely cold: “Seventh Miss Luo, a woman’s virtue lies in her speech and conduct. Please be more careful with your words!”

Luo Jinniang was speechless. How could he treat her this way?

She reminded him: “That day, that day you jumped down to save me…”

Liu Junqing felt indescribable irritation, but his expression remained only faintly cool, showing no impatience. He had always been someone who controlled his emotions extremely well.

This demeanor, in Luo Jinniang’s eyes, made him appear even more gracefully composed, like an immortal.

“Miss Luo, the Liu family is a prestigious clan that values propriety above all. My mother will certainly handle matters according to proper etiquette.”

With that, he pressed his lips together tightly. No matter what else Luo Jinniang said, he remained silent.

Luo Jinniang spoke a few more sentences, seeing his calm expression, his straight nose bridge and refined profile, which made her heart flutter uncontrollably. Among all the young ladies in the capital who admired him, being able to have him was already a great honor.

Luo Jinniang continued talking to herself, but Liu Junqing remained unmoved and paid no attention.

Finally, Luo Jinniang had to bid Liu Junqing farewell, as there was a narrow alley ahead that the carriage couldn’t enter.

Liu Junqing replied indifferently: “Farewell.”

This single “farewell” made Luo Jinniang’s already fluttering heart pound even more. He was such an otherworldly figure, yet she had forced him to say so many improper words—she had truly gone too far.

Liu Junqing, however, was filled with nothing but irritation.

He couldn’t help but think of Qin Shuying, who was like a plum blossom—standing independently against the wind, with a distant, subtle fragrance.

But…

Liu Junqing stopped walking and became lost in thought.

Luo Jinniang returned to the Luo manor feeling bashful, joyful, and worried all at once. Just as she reached the second gate, her personal maid approached and said: “Miss, Second Miss Liang has asked to meet you at Qinyue Tower. There are still two quarters of an hour—if you go now, you’ll arrive just in time.”

Luo Jinniang had just gotten off one carriage only to board another, hurrying toward Qinyue Tower. Arriving at the appointed private room, she found Liang Qiong sitting alone by an exquisite small table drinking tea, with her maid standing beside her.

“Cousin, you’ve called for me so urgently—is there something important?”

“Of course there’s something. Have you heard about the summer retreat to Qinghe Palace?”

Luo Jinniang was startled: “I’ve heard about it.”

Liang Qiong said: “This year I’m taking you with me.”

Luo Jinniang’s eyes brightened: “Really? Cousin?”

Liang Qiong smiled gently: “Yes. However, once you’re there, you must listen to me.”

“Of course, cousin!”

Liang Qiong then leaned close to her ear and whispered a few words.

After listening, Luo Jinniang frowned: “This…”

Liang Qiong’s expression immediately fell: “What, you’re unwilling to help me?”

Luo Jinniang quickly said ingratiatingly: “How could that be, how could that be. It’s just that every time I’ve targeted her, I never came out ahead, so I don’t have much confidence. And my brother…”

Liang Qiong cut off her words: “What does this have to do with your brother? Now that he’s married, he’s forgotten his sister. His words are just his wife’s words. Do you think your sister-in-law treats you well?”

Luo Jinniang felt guilty at her words and pushed aside her brother’s admonitions. When her sister-in-law first entered the household, she had treated her quite well and been very affectionate, but later she became increasingly unwilling to speak with her.

“Cousin, don’t worry. I can definitely handle this well.”

Only then did Liang Qiong smile: “That’s right.”

The two chatted and laughed, and Liang Qiong even gave her an exquisite hairpin, which Luo Jinniang hurriedly put away. Although she was the legitimate daughter of the first branch of the Luo manor, her stepmother disliked her, so she truly had few fine possessions.

“Jinniang, look—my mother’s small storage room burned down, yet I can still spare such a fine hairpin for you. Only I treat you most sincerely and best. Don’t you think so?”

Luo Jinniang immediately smiled: “Of course, cousin has always treated me the best!”

Liang Qiong smiled with pursed lips. This was the Second Miss Liang whom everyone in the capital praised as beautiful as a celestial being, generous and courteous, respectful and gentle.

Emperor Delong had previously had the habit of going to Qinghe Palace to escape the summer heat. Sometimes he would go for several consecutive years, sometimes only once every few years. Since his personal campaign several years ago, he hadn’t been there for six years.

Therefore, when the high officials and nobles of the capital received the imperial decree, many were overjoyed to the point of madness.

Qin Shuying was also informed that she would accompany the imperial entourage to Qinghe Palace.

The entire Yilan Garden was beside itself with joy.

In the entire Qin family, only Qin Yongtao was permitted to follow along.

Ziteng bustled about like a diligent little bee, sometimes selecting jewelry for Qin Shuying, sometimes choosing clothing, feeling that this wasn’t good enough and that wasn’t either—nothing seemed worthy of Qin Shuying’s clear and beautiful demeanor.

Lu Ye was extremely happy, buying many delicious snacks and pastries to share, all expensive fine items that made the maids and servants from other courtyards in the Qin manor click their tongues in amazement.

This ugly maid Lu Ye not only had plenty of silver, but Seventh Miss even often took her along when going out, not at all afraid that her facial scars would be embarrassing.

If they had followed Seventh Miss from the beginning and done their duties well, they too would have such treatment—how wonderful that would be!

Hopefully it wasn’t too late to start working toward this now!

The Old Madam came down from the mountain today and summoned Qin Shuying, asking about that day’s events in detail. She felt both sorrow and joy.

The Old Madam had also left people in the manor who told her the whole story. The Old Madam was heartbroken and summoned Qin Yongtao, Qin Kaiyu, and Dong Shi.

“Quickly arrange Sixth Girl’s marriage and have the matter settled within the year. There’s no need for a high-ranking household—it would be best if the other party has fewer family members and simpler relationships. If she marries into a prominent family, given her temperament, if she causes trouble, that would truly harm both herself and others! Also, Kaiyu, Dong Shi, his marriage will trouble you as well!”

Dong Shi felt her face burning upon hearing this. Qin Yongtao and Qin Kaiyu were also very uncomfortable. Especially Qin Kaiyu, who felt his face flush with shame after being looked at meaningfully by the Old Madam several times.

Qin Yongtao knew that this time the Old Madam had become disappointed in him, not even letting him handle Qin Kaiyu’s marriage arrangements. Of course, complete non-involvement was impossible, but the Old Madam clearly didn’t trust him. At most, she would let Dong Shi make the initial selection and then have him take a look.

The Old Madam gave Qin Shuying thousands of reminders and warnings that on the journey to Qinghe Palace, she must be cautious and careful in all matters.

The Old Madam even called Qin Shuying aside privately and told her many things that would be very difficult for Qin Shuying to learn even by paying for information outside.