Old Madam Liang raised her eyes and gave Qin Shuying a faint glance. Qin Shuying saw deep disgust in that look.

Qin Shuying was truly astonished.

Even if Old Madam Liang wished Liang Zhe dead, anyone else would at least pretend to be a kind grandmother. Yet Old Madam Liang couldn’t even be bothered to pretend—how much must she detest Liang Zhe!

Qin Shuying smiled and looked toward Liang Qiong. “Madam, with Princess Fuqing present, I dare not overstep.”

What kind of words were these?

Seeing everyone looking at her, Qin Shuying smiled and explained: “His Majesty praised Princess Fuqing as learned and reasonable, worthy of being a model. Therefore, I dare not overstep.”

What Liang Qiong hated most was being called Princess Fuqing. Each time someone used that title, it reminded her that she would marry Huo Luo.

Huo Luo, Huo Luo—merely a minor prince from some remote place who held only a fourth-rank position when he came to the capital. To think she would be married down to such a person!

She was meant to be the Fifth Prince’s consort, destined to become Empress!

Every time Liang Qiong thought of this issue, she tossed and turned sleeplessly, having grown much thinner recently.

Yet she couldn’t say she disliked being called Princess Fuqing.

She couldn’t say she didn’t want to marry Huo Luo.

She couldn’t say she wanted to marry the Fifth Prince.

She couldn’t say she wanted to become Empress.

…

Qin Shuying had said that the Fifth Prince actually didn’t want to marry her. She didn’t believe it—she truly didn’t believe it.

Among the noble ladies in the capital, aside from actual princesses, who was more distinguished than she, Liang Qiong? She was born noble, possessed stunning beauty, overflowed with talent, and enjoyed widespread fame. What young master wouldn’t be pleased upon seeing her?

The Fifth Prince had always treated her well—how could he possibly not like her?

Impossible!

It was all Qin Shuying’s nonsense, spreading rumors and stirring trouble.

After the great earthquake, the Fifth Prince had voluntarily requested to go south to comfort the disaster areas and still hadn’t returned. When he came back to the capital, it would be time for His Majesty to select consorts for the princes.

Then they would meet, and she must ask the Fifth Prince directly. Perhaps there might still be a chance for things to change.

…

Liang Qiong’s noble, reserved smile could no longer hold. She sneered coldly: “What wouldn’t you dare? You could toy with me at Princess Yongjia’s manor—what wouldn’t you dare?”

Qin Shuying merely smiled without defending herself: “Princess Fuqing has always been filial to the old madam. If you would teach me, I would be grateful.”

Luo Meixiang laughed: “Eldest daughter-in-law, you’re so clever that even the Princess Imperial praises you. How could you not know how to be filial to the old madam? Don’t be so modest. What Qiong’er knows, you naturally know too—where would you need her to teach you?”

Qin Shuying realized this matter couldn’t be avoided, and besides, she had other plans. She addressed Old Madam Liang: “Since Princess Fuqing won’t teach me, I’ll make a poor attempt. Old Madam, your granddaughter-in-law is slow-witted. If I serve you improperly, please instruct me more.”

Old Madam Liang gave a faint “Hmm.”

Seeing things go as desired, Luo Meixiang glanced at Lady Meng, who had been smiling throughout, then at Third Maiden and Fourth Maiden: “With the eldest daughter-in-law here, we can finally take it easy. Sister-in-law, don’t you agree?”

Lady Meng smiled cheerfully: “Elder sister-in-law speaks correctly.”

Luo Meixiang looked at Lady Meng with disgust. She most despised Lady Meng’s slippery nature—whenever Lady Meng needed to express a position, she always said “Elder sister-in-law speaks correctly.”

Formerly it was because Old Madam Liang showed Lady Meng no good face, so Lady Meng acted this way to avoid Old Madam Liang’s attention and scolding.

Now it was because with Qin Shuying opposing her, Lady Meng preferred to offend no one and was delighted to watch Qin Shuying fight with her.

Just look at her petty appearance—even the daughter she raised was petty. Third Maiden was a silent gourd, and Fourth Maiden, though young, had already learned Lady Meng’s true methods.

Luo Meixiang thought for a moment and glanced at Third Maiden.

Third Maiden noticed Luo Meixiang’s gaze and looked back silently with a calm expression.

Luo Meixiang felt even more disgusted. She stood up: “Qiong’er, let’s all go back and not disturb your grandmother’s rest. Old Madam, with the eldest daughter-in-law serving you, we’ll take a break.”

Old Madam Liang said coolly: “Go then.”

With that, she stood up and walked outside.

Old Madam Liang’s head maid Mujin followed, while head maid Jinxiu said to Qin Shuying: “First Young Madam, the old madam needs to walk for digestion. This servant will lead you inside to prepare.”

Qin Shuying nodded and turned to follow.

Lu Ye, who had been standing to the side, also followed.

After just a few steps, a woman in water-red jacket blocked her path: “Miss Lu Ye, without the old madam’s permission, you cannot enter the back area.”

Lu Ye knew that water-red jackets were worn only by head maids in the Pingxi Marquis Manor. This woman appeared to be one of Old Madam Liang’s four head maids.

Qin Shuying turned back to give her a reassuring smile, so Lu Ye remained outside.

Qin Shuying and Jinxiu tidied up in the room for a while before Old Madam Liang returned.

“Old Madam.” Qin Shuying greeted her with a smile.

Old Madam Liang glanced at her: “Go in.”

Qin Shuying followed her inside. Old Madam Liang reclined on a noble consort chair.

Jinxiu gently covered Old Madam Liang with a thin blanket.

Qin Shuying crouched down, took the beauty hammer Jinxiu handed her, and began gently massaging Old Madam Liang.

“Old Madam, your granddaughter-in-law has a method to help with sleep. May I try it?”

Old Madam Liang made an “Mm” sound through her nose.

“My method is to speak with you. If you find it interesting, please listen. If you grow tired, you needn’t pay attention.”

Old Madam Liang still gave a faint “Mm.”

Qin Shuying sat on the small stool Jinxiu brought over, her voice gentle: “Old Madam, my grandmother often said that all the ladies in the capital envy your good fortune—having such a filial son who thinks of you no matter where he is. They all say you excel at raising children, something none of them can learn.”

Old Madam Liang closed her eyes, appearing very peaceful.

“I heard that six years ago, during the great border war when father was in grave danger, he still wrote you a family letter first, arranging everything for you. Old Madam, this matter has been used by all the ladies in the capital to teach their sons. They say you excel at raising children and that father is devoted in his filial piety. I’ve long known the story of Mencius’s mother moving three times, and they all compare you to her in teaching father—I think it’s most appropriate. Many mothers from prominent families, loving their sons, keep them close, fussing over their comfort and handling everything personally. But you’re different, Old Madam. You knew that spoiling a son would harm him. Though it pained your heart to see father so young, you endured that piercing anguish and allowed father to practice martial arts with grandfather at the training grounds from age three or four.”

Qin Shuying felt that Old Madam Liang’s legs had grown somewhat stiff.

Qin Shuying’s voice was gentle, like clouds drifting across the sky.

In Old Madam Liang’s mind, a blurry figure began to emerge.