Lu Changxuan’s words wouldn’t make Old Madam feel any better. Thinking of that obedient, taciturn concubine-born granddaughter, Old Madam felt a wave of sorrow and sadness.
“Enough, go. I’m tired too. Don’t call me for lunch, and there’s no need to come again when you leave!”
Lu Changxuan left with complex emotions, while Old Madam closed her eyes and sighed heavily. Nanny Gu carefully served tea, and Qin Shuying came out, silently massaging Old Madam’s legs without a word.
Old Madam’s voice was both weary and serious: “You heard everything I said to Third Son-in-law just now?”
“Yes, Shuying heard it all.” Qin Shuying answered. So what if Old Madam thought Lu Changxuan and Qin Feifei had wronged Qin Yaoyao? The person was already dead—what more was there to say? “Third Brother-in-law is a model among the younger generation. With governing family, ordering state, and pacifying the realm, he naturally has great ambitions in his chest.”
Old Madam was silent for a long while, then said: “Let’s hope so! Second girl was too pure and kind…”
She paused but didn’t continue this topic, falling into silence.
Since Old Madam didn’t want to bring up the previous topic again, Qin Shuying shifted the conversation to discussing scriptures.
Seeing Old Madam’s mood improve somewhat, she continued: “Great-grandmother, Father once told granddaughter that Grandfather passed away early, and it was precisely because of Grandmother’s fairness and wisdom that the Qin residence could grow from a small household to what it is today. Father said the person he most admired in his life wasn’t invincible generals on battlefields, wasn’t strategists who could debate against many, nor high officials who could guide the nation, but Great-grandmother! If not for Great-grandmother doing the work of two people alone, gritting her teeth through those famine years, everyone in the Qin residence would have starved to death. Where would there be talk of fine clothes, good food, and wealth? If not for Great-grandmother insisting against opposition to hire Master Han for Uncle and Father, they wouldn’t have written brilliant essays and achieved their scholarly honors. Father said Great-grandmother’s wisdom, insight, decisiveness, and sharpness deeply influenced him, which created that talented young man Qin Yongzhou. It was precisely because of Great-grandmother’s guidance that Father volunteered to go south, staying away from the capital’s disputes to leave the Qin family a way out. Great-grandmother, how wonderful it would be if Father were still alive!”
Imperial Consort Lian was enfeoffed nine years ago. The current Emperor didn’t have many consorts, so Qin Yongtao and Xu Shi, in their pride, inevitably became arrogant.
Old Madam’s thoughts were different. Empress Wen had a deep relationship with the current Emperor. Qin Lianlian could at most reach the rank of consort. Even if the Emperor should pass away in the future, Empress Wen had the Crown Prince, and there was also the Second Prince born to Noble Consort De, who had a powerful family background. No matter what, the throne wouldn’t fall to the Sixth Prince.
Therefore, what the Qin residence needed to do was be careful and cautious, not to cause trouble for Qin Lianlian in the palace. Otherwise, it would be like roasting all hundred people of the Qin residence over fierce flames.
After deep consideration, she had her youngest son go to Jiangnan. Qin Yongzhou followed his mother’s advice without question. At such a young age, Qin Shuying actually remembered Qin Yongzhou’s words and could see the dangers within—truly remarkable.
Qin Shuying seemed filled with emotion: “Great-grandmother, if Father knew in the afterlife, he would also hope Great-grandmother could have harmonious and comfortable later years, hope our Qin residence could have long-lasting fortune. Since Father cannot serve at Great-grandmother’s knee or contribute strength to the family again, Shuying now fulfills filial duties in Father’s place and wishes to hear more of Great-grandmother’s teachings.”
Old Madam looked at Qin Shuying. Those features were simply a replica of Qin Yongzhou’s, stirring waves in her heart. If she had an accident, how could Xu Shi spare Seventh girl? This child was clever, but her sharpness was too exposed—she still needed good tempering. Relying solely on her own protection wasn’t enough; she needed the ability to protect herself.
“Since you have this intention, come to me more often. Nanny Gu, bring out that pair of tokens for Seventh girl. Shuying, these are tokens for free entry and exit from the residence. Your shops need proper management. When you have time, go see them more and learn business operations. Families like ours don’t need you to show your face publicly, but you can’t be fooled by black-hearted people either. Back then, if I hadn’t understood economics, everyone in the Qin residence would have starved to death—where would today be? As long as you act carefully, avoid accidents, and put the Qin family first in everything, all is permissible.”
Qin Shuying breathed a sigh of relief. She knew Old Madam’s protective sky was small. If Old Madam passed away, she would be even more like meat on Xu Shi’s chopping board—Xu Shi could do whatever she wanted with her. No matter how much preparation she had, it couldn’t withstand a single word from Xu Shi.
So what she needed to do now was strive for more—more connections and space. Even when the day came that Xu Shi made empty accusations, she would have a chance to refute rather than being trapped in the deep residence, waiting for death.
And now, only Old Madam could give her opportunities. Fortunately, she had secured them today.
It seemed her performance during this period hadn’t been in vain.
And her words today had also moved Old Madam. Old Madam herself had once created the Qin residence’s current prosperity with her own strength. She wouldn’t casually look down on a woman’s capabilities like ordinary inner residence old madams.
Respectfully kneeling and kowtowing, Qin Shuying thanked Old Madam: “Great-grandmother, Shuying thanks Great-grandmother!”
The grandmother and granddaughter talked for a while longer. When Old Madam grew tired, Qin Shuying came out.
Walking out of Xuan Hall and strolling toward Yilan Garden, she was thinking about matters and didn’t notice her surroundings until Ziteng pulled at her sleeve and whispered: “Miss, Third Miss is ahead.”
Qin Shuying suddenly looked up. Not far away under the pine trees, Qin Feifei in pale red dress had one hand supporting her waist and the other resting on Lu Changxuan’s arm. The two were chatting and laughing as they strolled over.
The man stood tall and jade-like, the woman was charming and moving—truly a golden boy and jade girl!
Qin Shuying paused briefly in place, then approached with a smile: “Third Sister, Third Brother-in-law!” Once the words left her mouth, they were surprisingly pleasant—that kind of pleasure before darkness arrives, almost making her tremble.
Qin Feifei had a pair of brilliant phoenix eyes, skin like blown silk, and an alluring figure. Even pregnant, she remained slender and graceful—indeed a great beauty. No wonder Lu Changxuan had always been unable to forget her.
Qin Feifei’s smile was charming as she approached warmly: “Seventh Sister, not seeing you for several days, you’ve grown taller again and become even more lovely, putting all us sisters to shame!”
Qin Shuying’s fingertips pressed into her palms as she lowered her head, feigning shyness: “Third Sister, you’re teasing me!”
Qin Feifei smiled: “How could I? Seventh Sister is the most outstanding among us sisters—not only beautiful as a national treasure but also clever and intelligent. At Grandmother’s birthday banquet, you made quite a splash. All the distinguished people in the capital are talking about you! How many young men want to catch a glimpse of you! If not for your existing engagement, the Qin residence’s gates would have been trampled down!”
For a young lady from the inner chambers to be discussed by the entire capital and mentioned by men—what kind of decent person could she be? Who would dare marry her? If it were the original Qin Shuying, she would probably have been so ashamed of her improper conduct that she’d have no place to hide.