Qu Linglong was the same age as herself. Although her clothing and dress were simple, her words and behavior were generous and dignified, with a naturally noble bearing. At first glance, one could tell she wasn’t a girl from her own circle.

Aning had a strange jealousy and envy toward Qu Linglong.

First there was the matter of Princess Qin’an, then the affair with the Liang Yuan brothers, followed by Liang Zhe’s promotion. One incident after another came in succession, leaving Old Madam Liang and Luo Meixiang with almost no time to remember the siblings. For twenty days now, they hadn’t even seen their faces, which allowed the siblings to peacefully get through their initial adjustment period.

Aning was still young after all. Having not seen Concubine Yue for a month, she had already forgotten the repeated warnings and instructions Concubine Yue had given before entering the manor.

Moreover, the days she lived in the manor were so much better compared to the border town, and with no one managing her, her temperament inevitably developed some arrogance.

When Aning saw Qu Linglong, who was the same age as herself, radiant and glowing, and even able to receive gifts from Old Madam Liang, she became unhappy and opened her mouth to ask.

However, no one answered her words.

Aning felt very wronged. She was the Third Miss of the manor, with such a noble status. After this girl arrived, not only were the original morning greeting rules picked up again, but no one paid attention to her anymore.

How outrageous!

Aning ran to Qu Linglong’s side, “Who are you? Why won’t you speak?”

Qu Linglong stopped walking and looked at Aning with some curiosity.

Children are always more likely to notice other children. Actually, Qu Linglong had also been curious about this child of the same age, but since no one introduced them, she hadn’t asked.

“My mother is the eldest young lady of the Earl’s manor.”

Aning tilted her head and looked at Liang Zhen, frowning as she thought, then pointed at Liang Zhen and said, “This is your mother?”

“Indeed.”

Aning suddenly said, “Oh, I know now. She’s that eldest sister who had an affair with someone and was eventually married off to the countryside? And you are…”

Aning wasn’t ignorant of what should and shouldn’t be said.

Having said this much, she stopped, showing some panic and unease on her face, and hurriedly apologized to Liang Zhen: “I’m sorry, eldest sister. Aning was rude. Please forgive me, eldest sister.”

Qin Shuying sneered inwardly.

Even such a young child was already so shrewd. Concubine Yue had indeed taught her well.

However, upon hearing such words, Qu Linglong showed no embarrassment or anger, only smiled.

Liang Zhen looked at Aning’s innocent face, smiled slightly, said nothing, took Qu Linglong’s hand, and continued walking slowly forward.

After walking a few steps, Luo Meixiang and the others ahead stopped, but Liang Zhen didn’t pause at all and continued walking forward.

Just as they passed Luo Meixiang by a few steps, they heard Luo Meixiang say to Aning: “Sister Ning, since you know, you must pay more attention to your behavior and conduct. You must not do anything that would damage the reputation of the Mar… Earl’s manor. At that time, no one would look up to you, and you could only go to the lowest-class families. Do you understand?”

Aning was wary of this legitimate mother because Concubine Yue had repeatedly warned her. Now, seeing her speak so kindly to her, she nodded with half understanding, “Yes, mother.”

These words…

Qin Shuying stopped walking, turned around, smiled, and said, “Madam, second sister, you’re dressed so formally today. Are you going to the Xuanyang Marquis Manor?”

Luo Meixiang raised her eyebrows and glared at her, “So what if we are?”

“I’m just wondering how the Marquis’s wife will arrange your seating when you arrive.”

Luo Meixiang’s face instantly turned alternately green and white, quite a spectacle.

This was her first time going out as a guest since the Marquis Manor was stripped of its title. Previously, she had always been a Marquis’s wife, but now she had actually become an Earl’s wife. It was indeed quite embarrassing.

Although Liang Yunshan was no longer a marquis, he was still the General of the Western Expedition, still a First Rank General. Even though the Pingxi Marquis Manor had been demoted to an Earl’s manor, Luo Meixiang shouldn’t be just a Fourth Rank lady; continuing as a First Rank lady wouldn’t be unreasonable.

However, the imperial edict was written clearly – she was a Fourth Rank lady.

This was simply inexplicable.

But Luo Meixiang wasn’t stupid either. Precisely because it was inexplicable, she understood even more clearly that this was Emperor Delong punishing them.

She had later submitted a calling card to Delin Palace, but Noble Consort De refused to see her.

It was an obvious matter that Luo Meixiang couldn’t ignore.

So when going to other people’s homes, the hosts would indeed find it quite difficult to arrange seating.

If they arranged seating according to Fourth Rank, after all, Liang Yunshan was still a First Rank General. Treating Liang Yunshan’s wife as an honored guest was also a kind of favor and couldn’t be considered wrong. But if they really arranged seating according to First Rank, the imperial edict clearly stated that she, Luo Meixiang, was only a Fourth Rank lady.

After Qin Shuying finished speaking, she smiled and continued walking with Liang Zhen, holding Qu Linglong’s hand.

Luo Meixiang was so angry her stomach hurt. Liang Qiong ran “thud thud thud” to the front of Qin Shuying, blocking the three of them, “Qin Shuying, what are you so proud of?! Truly ugly people cause more trouble!”

Qin Shuying glanced at her lightly and continued walking forward.

“Qin Shuying, stop right there!”

Qin Shuying paid no attention. Liang Zhen also pretended not to hear. The two quickly walked far away.

Liang Qiong was furious but helpless.

Looking at Qin Shuying’s retreating figure, Liang Qiong’s eyes were full of vicious hatred, “Mother, mother, I want her to wish she were dead!”

“How difficult could that be?”

Old Madam Liang’s voice sounded from behind.

Liang Qiong turned around to see Old Madam Liang walking over calmly and unhurriedly.

The three Liang siblings called out in unison: “Grandmother!”

Old Madam Liang looked at Aning. Aning’s wet nurse, having heard things she shouldn’t have heard, was already trembling with fear. She hurriedly pushed Aning gently and said, “Old Madam, Third Miss still has embroidery work to finish. This old servant takes her leave.”

Afterward, without waiting for Old Madam Liang and Luo Meixiang to speak, Aning’s wet nurse quickly took Aning and disappeared like smoke.

However, Old Madam Liang said nothing, only looked deeply at Luo Meixiang, smiled slightly, and went back.

Luo Meixiang stood in the wind with the three children, looking at each other in bewilderment.

On this side.

Having walked far away, Qin Shuying heard Liang Zhen say, “Shuying, it’s really hard on you, having to face such clowns.”

“Eldest sister, I’m the type of person who respects those who respect me, and treats others as they treat me.”

Liang Zhen’s expression showed a trace of being moved, “Shuying, you haven’t even had your coming-of-age ceremony yet, but you live more clearly than I do.”

Qin Shuying remained silent.

She had exchanged her own life, Feng’er’s life, and the lives of Uncle Zhou, his wife, and her cousin for this clarity. Such a price was too great, too bitter.

“Eldest sister, if one must endure heart-wrenching pain to gain a bit of clarity, the price is too great. This applies to us, and it applies to them as well. Eldest sister, Old Madam’s methods are sophisticated and not to be underestimated.”

Understanding flashed in Liang Zhen’s eyes as she nodded, “Shuying, I understand. I’ve finally waited until today when I can overturn my mother’s case and fight for my own dignity. No matter how difficult and dangerous this path may be, I will never retreat. Shuying, you’ll have to suffer alongside us siblings from now on.”

“Eldest sister, I’ve been prepared since the day I married into this family. Eldest sister, since you chose to return to the capital and brought Linglong back with you, it means you must emerge victorious.”

Liang Zhen looked at Qin Shuying and slowly revealed a smile.

In the past, she had been careless. Now, she wouldn’t be anymore.