Nanny Liu’s strategy was quite clever. Qin Yongtao had been worried about the old madam’s health these past few days.

Although the old madam had recovered considerably, the fact that she had coughed up fresh blood made Qin Yongtao believe that her foundation had surely been damaged.

Qin Yongtao was terrified that the old madam would fall seriously ill and never recover, or worse, pass away.

If she died, he would have to observe three years of filial mourning. Who told him to have a son-in-law like Lu Changxuan? Emperor Delong remembered that well.

After the incident at Dongyin Temple, his dream of becoming Minister of the Court of Judicial Review had been dashed, leaving him furious and frustrated for quite some time.

Now, having finally established a connection with the General of the Western Campaign’s residence and gained an in-law like Liang Yunshan, even though Liang Zhe wasn’t favored by Liang Yunshan, Liang Yunshan wouldn’t completely disregard his dignity either.

If Liang Yunshan mentioned him briefly before Emperor Delong, his chances of advancing another level would be very promising.

Therefore, the old madam must not have any problems!

He had come to understand that although his daughter held the rank of consort, she wasn’t particularly favored by Emperor Delong. Especially now that Emperor Delong was getting older and had become more detached about certain matters, he very rarely visited Lianpin’s palace.

Consequently, his daughter had virtually no influence with Emperor Delong.

As for the Sixth Prince, although he was very intelligent and knew how to read situations, he had three older brothers ahead of him, plus an outstanding younger brother. It was impossible for Emperor Delong to focus all his attention on him.

Moreover, Emperor Delong had no intention whatsoever of deposing the Crown Prince. The Sixth Prince could only keep his tail between his legs—even the Fifth Prince had to keep his tail between his legs, so how could the Sixth Prince not do the same?

Qin Yongtao was quite sensible on this point. He would absolutely never make things difficult for the Sixth Prince for the sake of his own future, nor would he force the Sixth Prince to do anything troublesome for his grandfather.

Just as he would never deliberately do anything excessive for Lu Changxuan’s official career.

Because he knew that the Sixth Prince was his final fallback.

If he couldn’t reach the pinnacle of ministerial power, with the Sixth Prince there, he would still be imperial in-law.

If the Sixth Prince fell out of favor with Emperor Delong, not only would he be unable to reach the pinnacle of power, but he would also be mocked, ridiculed, and kicked while down by everyone in the capital.

It must be said that on this point, Qin Yongtao remained quite clear-headed and very restrained.

Of course, if the Sixth Prince could emerge victorious in the succession struggle…

Every time he thought of this, Qin Yongtao would smile silently in his study.

He knew the old madam was angry with him, so these past few days he had been racking his brains to please her. Xu Shi’s Buddhist scriptures were like a pillow to a sleepy person—he agreed to Nanny Liu’s proposal.

Actually, Nanny Liu was overthinking it.

Qin Yongtao felt somewhat powerless and helpless regarding his children’s marriages.

After all, they were born to him and Xu Shi, so he had to discuss things with Xu Shi to some extent. But he couldn’t very well bring it up himself. Fortunately, Nanny Liu had provided him with a perfect opportunity.

Furthermore, after Xu Shi had been confined, she hadn’t done anything out of line. With so much time having passed, Qin Yongtao’s heart had softened somewhat.

Qin Yongtao wasn’t someone who was particularly greedy when it came to feminine pleasures. Even without sharing a bed with Xu Shi, he didn’t frequently visit his concubines’ quarters, so Xu Shi still held a place in his heart.

No matter what, they had given birth to five children together.

Qin Yongtao came to Yanfei Pavilion. Xu Shi was overjoyed and welcomed him inside. “Master, please look at the Buddhist scriptures I’ve been copying. Are they well done? When I heard about the old madam’s situation, I was extremely worried, but since I cannot leave this place, after much thought, this seemed to be the only way I could help you.”

Nanny Liu nodded approvingly in secret. The madam had also been pushed to her limits by Qin Shuying, otherwise what situation couldn’t she handle?

Now, speaking this way, the master would feel guilty, making it easier to bring up what came next.

Sure enough, Qin Yongtao said, “Jinling, you’ve done very well in this matter.”

Xu Shi personally poured tea for Qin Yongtao, saying, “Master, I’m different now. There’s only coarse tea here, which cannot compare to what you usually drink. I know you don’t drink coarse tea, so I pondered a method for brewing tea. This is what I made by picking jasmine from the courtyard and brewing it with coarse tea. It has both the pure fragrance of clear tea and the taste of good tea. Please try it and see how it tastes.”

Looking at the jade-green tea in the cup, Qin Yongtao praised, “The color is clear—it must be good tea.”

With that, he drank it all in one gulp and couldn’t help but be startled. “The taste is quite good!”

Then he set down the teacup. “Jinling, you’ve really had to work hard to think of such a method.”

Nanny Liu quietly withdrew and stood guard at the door, not allowing anyone to approach.

Qin Yongtao and Xu Shi talked about many things. Xu Shi spoke in gentle, soft tones, showing care and consideration. Qin Yongtao’s expression was pleasant.

Finally, Xu Shi brought up their children. “Master, do you know who thought of this tea method?”

Qin Yongtao asked casually, “Who was it?”

“Little Yunyun! She’s confined in Fangfei Garden, and with nothing to do, she came up with this method. She said this served two purposes—it would let me practice my skills and also let me drink tea that suited my taste. Master, don’t you think our youngest daughter is clever?”

Qin Yongtao smiled without revealing his thoughts, realizing why Xu Shi had called him over. However, he had intended to discuss this with her anyway. It was actually better that she brought it up first—the person who initiated would inevitably be at a disadvantage.

Seeing that Qin Yongtao showed no unusual expression, Xu Shi continued, “Master, little Yunyun has been well-behaved and clever since childhood. You used to say that among our Qin family daughters, she was no less outstanding than Her Consort. Time flies so quickly—in the blink of an eye, she’s reached marriageable age. But while she’s no less accomplished than Her Consort, she doesn’t have Her Consort’s good fortune. Forget about comparing her to Seventh Miss—I’m afraid in the future she won’t even measure up to Fifth Miss. Master, are you saying that all our years of nurturing her have been for nothing?”

Qin Yongtao looked at Xu Shi with a grave expression as she spoke.

He recalled Dong Shi’s words: “Father, your daughter-in-law lacks talent, but I’ve selected these few households for Second Brother and Sixth Sister. Please make the decision… Father, your daughter-in-law knows that Mother has always worried about Second Brother and Sixth Sister’s marriages. Father, if Mother asks, how should your daughter-in-law respond?”

He also remembered the old madam’s words: “Quickly arrange Sixth Miss’s marriage and have the ceremony completed within the year. There’s no need for a high-ranking household—it would be best if the other family has fewer members and simpler relationships. If she marries into a high-ranking household, given her temperament, if she causes trouble, that would truly harm others and herself!”

He also recalled Qin Shuying’s clear, serene gaze, like a cold pool—so deep and chilly.

Qin Yongtao lowered his eyelids, looking at the jade-green tea in his cup.

The tea was truly excellent, but he no longer wanted to drink it.

Qin Yunyun must marry into the Li family—no further complications could arise.

Xu Shi continued talking incessantly, “Master, a daughter like Yunyun has been ruined because of me. If not for me, Yunyun could certainly marry into a high-ranking household, which would also greatly benefit your career…”

Benefit?

No, Qin Shuying had provided enough!

Qin Yongtao stood up. “Madam, the tea is very good. I just remembered there’s something I haven’t finished handling. Once I’m done with it, I’ll come back to drink more tea.”

Xu Shi couldn’t believe it. Hadn’t everything been going well just moments ago? How had he suddenly decided to leave?