On the day the princess married down, Luo Jinniang and Yun Jingshu would simultaneously marry in as secondary wives and concubines.

The Liu family was organizing such a grand affair that Liu Gongshan arrived in the capital ten days before the wedding to arrange all matters.

Princess Fu’an’s affairs were handled by the Imperial Household Department, and Madam Liu had long since begun preparations. The Liu family also had several branch households in the capital, so when Liu Gongshan arrived, there was no sign of panic at all.

The day after Qin Shuying received the invitation, Liu Gongshan visited the Qin residence.

Liu Gongshan met with Qin Yongtao. According to protocol, there was no need for the women of the household to come out and meet Liu Gongshan.

But Liu Gongshan said to Qin Yongtao: “Years ago, Yongzhou and I made a sworn oath to become in-laws through our children. Unfortunately, my worthless son disappointed us and wasted all the heartfelt intentions Yongzhou and I had. I haven’t seen that child Shuying for four years. Brother Yongtao, let me see her, so that when I meet Yongzhou in the underworld, I’ll have something to tell him, otherwise…”

Liu Gongshan sighed repeatedly as he spoke, appearing infinitely sorrowful.

Qin Yongtao had originally been extremely pleased with the Liu family match. After the Red Romance House incident, he immediately realized that the Liu family probably didn’t favor Qin Shuying.

Subsequently, events proceeded exactly as he had guessed – Qin Shuying and Liu Junqing dissolved their engagement in front of Emperor Delong.

Afterward, wanting to maximize his niece’s usefulness, he had tried to arrange her marriage with Chang Daocheng. When that marriage failed, he instead offended Chang Daocheng.

But the situation wasn’t completely out of control – Qin Shuying had actually received an imperial decree from Emperor Delong, being granted marriage to Liang Zhe.

Although Liang Zhe wasn’t considered a good match in the eyes of many noble ladies in the capital, Qin Yongtao didn’t think so.

He had always paid attention to Liang Zhe, observing all his affairs.

Looking back, Liang Zhe was an even better match – even Sixth Prince valued him so highly.

He had completely forgotten that previously, Sixth Prince had also valued the Liu family match very highly.

As long as they weren’t common people, Sixth Prince would probably value anyone and maximize their usefulness.

However, the Liu family had caused him such great loss of face that Qin Yongtao still held a grudge. But now that the Liu family had married into Princess Fu’an’s household, the Liu family’s sphere of power and influence had expanded considerably.

Therefore, despite his resentment, Qin Yongtao wouldn’t offend the Liu family, much less seek justice for the Red Romance House incident on Qin Shuying’s behalf.

So Qin Shuying was summoned by Qin Yongtao to the study to meet Liu Gongshan.

Liu Gongshan was indeed as she remembered him – appearing kind and amiable, with tears actually welling up in his eyes from “excitement.”

Qin Shuying curtsied: “Greetings to Minister Liu.”

Liu Gongshan excitedly moved to grasp Qin Shuying’s hands, but she had been on guard against him and inconspicuously stepped back several paces, quickly saying to Qin Yongtao: “Minister Liu, such a joyous occasion as the Liu family’s imperial marriage – isn’t it improper for you to be crying and wailing like this? If His Majesty were to learn of it, who knows what crime he might charge you with?”

Liu Gongshan’s hand froze in mid-air, and his tears could no longer flow.

Qin Yongtao had no intention of speaking. He knew his niece was formidable – while he felt awkward about showing Liu Gongshan a cold face, Qin Shuying certainly could.

Look how perfectly those words hit their mark.

Liu Gongshan’s old face couldn’t maintain its composure, but he had long cultivated an indestructible facade. Wiping away his tears, he said: “Good child, you’re still so mischievous. Alright, alright, seeing you made your uncle too excited. Seeing you well puts your uncle’s mind at ease.”

As he spoke, he wiped away his tears and his smile immediately became brilliant.

Qin Shuying stood to one side, watching him coldly: “Minister Liu, since you’re at ease, may I leave now?”

Liu Gongshan had already learned from Madam Liu that Qin Shuying was difficult to deal with. After just this brief encounter, Madam Liu’s words were proven correct.

He didn’t believe Qin Shuying was truly as difficult as Madam Liu claimed – it was just childish petulance.

What kind of person was he? Could he not handle a little girl?

“Shuying, what’s this ‘Minister Liu’? That sounds so distant. You used to call me Uncle, so keep calling me that now.”

Qin Shuying remained silent.

Liu Gongshan wasn’t embarrassed either, saying: “Uncle and your father were sworn brothers who shared life and death, and we had an agreement for our children to marry. Now that your father is gone and the engagement is dissolved, Uncle’s heart is truly heavy…”

Qin Shuying said coldly: “So Minister Liu came to the Qin residence wanting me to comfort you? How would you like me to comfort you?”

Liu Gongshan was extremely annoyed. Thank goodness the engagement was broken off – what proper young lady would speak like this?

How utterly improper!

“Uncle doesn’t mean that…”

“Then what do you mean?”

Being interrupted twice in succession by Qin Shuying, Liu Gongshan’s anger flared. He looked at Qin Yongtao with difficulty, hoping he would discipline Qin Shuying’s improper behavior.

Who would have thought that Qin Yongtao was half-closing his eyes as if resting.

Liu Gongshan secretly spat in his heart – old fox, just wait until I deal with you later!

“Shuying, sit down and talk. I know you grew up with Junqing and have always admired him. Now that you can’t share a lifetime of happiness with him, you have resentment in your heart – this is natural. You can lose your temper with Uncle; Uncle understands…”

Qin Shuying suppressed her nausea and suddenly smiled: “Minister Liu, now I finally understand why you can only serve as a fourth-rank official in Huzhou and have never been able to advance to the capital.”

Liu Gongshan was caught off guard by Qin Shuying’s sudden turn, then became furious with shame, clenching his fists.

Wretched girl!

Only then did Qin Yongtao open his eyes, glancing at Liu Gongshan’s fist before leisurely picking up his teacup and taking a sip of tea.

So it wasn’t that his own skills were lacking – being driven nearly mad by Seventh Miss’s few words was because she had such exceptional talent for infuriating people!

Let’s see how she drives Liu Gongshan to his death, hahaha.

This old fool looked down on the Qin family – let him see that even a little girl from the Qin residence could make him smoke with rage!

Let him try to be cunning!

Liu Gongshan laughed awkwardly: “You child, how are you teasing your uncle now? Junqing has always liked dignified and gracious young ladies, and you like this…”

Qin Shuying cut off his words again, speaking rapidly: “Minister Liu, His Majesty is divinely wise and martially brilliant – no filth or deception can escape his eyes. What do you think, Minister Liu?”

Filth, deception…

These words immediately struck Liu Gongshan’s guilty conscience.

Qin Yongtao had once saved his life and treated him extremely well, but later he himself had…

Liu Gongshan felt no guilt but became furious with shame, half probing and half concealing: “Brother Yongtao, how has this child become so ill-mannered as she’s grown up, casually discussing His Majesty? What does she mean by this ‘filth’ and ‘deception’?”

Qin Shuying smiled: “Minister Liu, thank you for coming to see me out of consideration for my late father’s friendship. Court Gentleman Liu is about to have his wedding, and you must be very busy. I dare not delay your time further. Your niece has been rude – I’ll take my leave first.”

Having said this, she performed a proper curtsy, turned, and left.

There was no need for further probing – Liu Gongshan was definitely connected to Qin Yongzhou’s death.

She left behind Liu Gongshan with his face iron-blue and Qin Yongtao with a face full of smiles.