Lu Ruyang smiled as he introduced the ladies present to Qin Shuying. Most of them were wives of high-ranking officials, along with some young wives and unmarried young ladies.

These women’s gazes varied, but without exception, they all stared at Qin Shuying, their eyes never shifting away. Even those who did look away would inevitably turn their gaze back to Qin Shuying after a moment.

Qin Shuying pondered silently in her heart while appearing composed, following Lu Ruyang’s gaze to recognize all the people present whose status was higher than hers – there were only three to five such individuals.

When Grand Aunt Liang saw that Qin Shuying showed no sign of fear, carried herself with dignity and grace, yet maintained a frank gaze, she couldn’t help but inwardly praise her. If only her own granddaughter possessed such composure, she wouldn’t need to suffer humiliation at Qin Shuying’s hands.

However, ever since the incident at the flower-pinning banquet, it had become a life-or-death situation. If she hadn’t been delayed by other matters, she would never have allowed Qin Shuying to marry into the Liang family so smoothly.

Still, looking at it now, it wasn’t too late.

“Shuying, you are young after all. As soon as you entered the household, you took away Meixiang’s housekeeping authority. All the ladies in the capital are extremely curious about this. Since you’ve come today, in front of so many madams, why don’t you tell us how exactly you made Meixiang obediently hand over the power in her hands? You don’t know – everyone was asking about this matter just now, and I truly couldn’t explain it clearly.”

Qin Shuying’s eyes were like cold stars as she slowly swept her gaze over everyone present, then fixed her eyes on Grand Aunt Liang, whose gaze was full of mockery.

Grand Aunt Liang thought she didn’t want to speak, or couldn’t find appropriate words for the moment – which new daughter-in-law wasn’t like this? Being spoken to this way by an elder in front of so many people, shouldn’t she be dying of shame and anger?

She said, “Shuying, you needn’t be afraid. I understand Meixiang best – she’s a person with an extremely kind heart. Not only does she treat Ziyu and Sister Zhen well, but she also has no class prejudices. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have been able to enter the Liang family’s gates. Rest assured, whatever you say, I’m here for you.”

Qin Shuying wore a deep red dress that was bright and eye-catching, making her appear extraordinarily noble and imposing.

She leisurely blew on the teacup handed to her by a maid. The pink-glazed surface with trailing vine patterns complemented the emerald green tea water, creating an indescribably beautiful sight. She seemed to be merely admiring the tea, but showed no intention of speaking for a long time, as if she hadn’t heard Grand Aunt Liang’s words at all.

Grand Aunt Liang’s expression darkened, but she smiled as she said to the ladies, “Look at all of you – this clever girl has such a temperament. No wonder Meixiang couldn’t get the better of her. Tell me, have you ever seen such a sharp-tongued daughter-in-law?”

Some people couldn’t help but whisper to each other, their eyes still fixed on Qin Shuying. Qin Shuying’s behavior indeed made them very curious.

After finishing a cup of tea and dabbing the corners of her lips with a handkerchief, Qin Shuying finally spoke: “Grand Aunt, you just said that they were all extremely curious and asked you how the household management of the Liang family came into my hands?”

Grand Aunt Liang pointed at Qin Shuying and laughed to the crowd, “Look at this clever girl – she wasn’t even listening to me just now? She truly deserves a beating! When an elder speaks, she treated it as wind passing by her ears!”

Lu Ruyang couldn’t stand Qin Shuying’s completely indifferent attitude, and hearing Grand Aunt Liang speak this way, she couldn’t help but feel pleased.

Qin Shuying’s gaze swept over the ladies present again. “Then, who exactly was curious and asked questions just now? Please ask clearly, so I can respond to each one.”

Of course, no one would step forward to ask. This was a family matter – how could one ask about it in front of so many people? That would be too impolite.

Grand Aunt Liang maintained that same affectionate attitude, but her face grew stern. “Shuying, child, how can you be so aggressive? It’s too impolite. Quickly apologize to the ladies.”

Qin Shuying smiled sweetly. “Grand Aunt, you also think it’s impolite? That’s exactly right. Madam understands propriety best and knows that household management should naturally be in my hands. In all the noble and powerful families throughout the capital, this is how it’s done. I believe the ladies present today certainly understand this principle and wouldn’t find anything curious about it. If anyone did find it curious, they would certainly be someone who doesn’t understand propriety to act this way. I’m certain that none of the ladies here today would be so impolite as to ask such questions. Therefore, I cannot let everyone take the blame for those who don’t understand propriety, which is why I asked this question. I’ll say it again – who exactly asked about the affairs of the Pingxi Earl’s mansion just now? Since they want to ask, let them ask clearly in front of me, so the people of the capital can see how the word ‘propriety’ is written.”

Grand Aunt Liang had no idea about Qin Shuying’s sharp tongue and quick wit. This was her first face-to-face confrontation with her, and for a moment, she was left speechless by her words.

Of course, no one had actively asked about it – it was all brought up by her own deliberate mention, and only then did people ask a few follow-up questions.

Lu Ruyang felt indignant in her heart. She had long told her grandmother and mother that Qin Shuying was sharp-tongued and quick-witted, showing no regard for occasion, but they all thought she was exaggerating.

Now they should know she hadn’t been overstating things.

Qin Shuying had never known her place or understood proper occasions. Her words were presumptuous and completely unrestrained.

Lu Ruyang couldn’t help herself. “What kind of attitude is this? How dare you speak to grandmother this way? Did you come to offer birthday congratulations? I think you just came to put on airs!”

Qin Shuying’s red lips were like fire as she looked at Lu Ruyang, shook her head, and sighed. “Ruyang, you should call me aunt. Although we’re similar in age, we cannot abandon propriety. Furthermore, even when you go to the Fifth Prince’s mansion, you’re only a madam, just a Lady of the Court. No matter what, you cannot shout at me like this. Ladies, don’t you agree?”

Everyone pretended to be mute.

The Lu family indeed held great power, but the Pingxi Earl’s mansion had even greater prestige. Especially since Liang Zhe was now Emperor Delong’s trusted confidant – these managing wives had more or less heard their husbands mention this once or twice, so they didn’t dare offend Qin Shuying.

Just then, Madam Lu entered and heard these very words.

She wasn’t someone without cunning, but when these words reached her ears, all her blood rushed to her brain. Her vision went black – her daughter had been spoken to this way by Qin Shuying in front of so many people, and her reputation was completely ruined!

Even in her own home, Qin Shuying was still this arrogant and presumptuous. Today, no matter what, she had to crush Qin Shuying underfoot!

Madam Lu forced out a smile. “Madam Liang, I don’t understand what you’re saying. Coming to someone else’s home as a guest, yet pointing fingers and lecturing others – is this how your Qin mansion teaches people to be guests?”

By the end of her speech, Madam Lu could no longer maintain that facial expression. Her entire face appeared distorted, and her voice had become high-pitched and shrill.

Qin Shuying looked at her and smiled lightly. “Madam Lu, it seems you don’t welcome me coming to offer birthday congratulations to Grand Aunt at all! Since that’s the case, I’ll leave. Grand Aunt, the birthday gift has been delivered, and Ziyu’s and my heartfelt wishes have been conveyed. I hope you take care of your health and don’t blame your nephew’s wife. Madam Lu has even more imposing presence than Her Majesty the Empress in the palace – I cannot bear such treatment.”