However, Nanny Gu understood Old Madam’s meaning, and her heart was filled with mixed emotions. Old Madam was advanced in years, yet Xu Shi and Qin Feifei showed no consideration for this, repeatedly provoking Old Madam to anger.

Qin Shuying gave Old Madam massages without fail regardless of weather, and she often spoke of Qin Yongzhou’s affairs. Only then did Old Madam’s sleep gradually improve, and naturally she became fond of Seventh Miss.

Xu Shi simply couldn’t bear to see Old Madam treat Seventh Miss well, and was this impatient about it.

Nanny Gu felt both heartbroken and pained. She was an old servant who had accompanied Old Madam for decades, and she could still vividly recall how Old Madam had emerged from being surrounded by wolves.

Back then, when Old Madam’s maternal family had fallen into decline, Nanny Gu had been bought to serve at her side when Old Madam was seven years old. At seven, Old Madam had already known how to care for her gravely ill wet nurse until the nurse passed away. Those past days mixed with blood and tears, Nanny Gu had never forgotten.

Who would have thought that Old Madam, having weathered so many storms, would suffer such wrongs from her daughter-in-law and legitimate granddaughter in her twilight years.

Nanny Gu couldn’t bear to watch any longer. Her voice rang out clearly, emotions evident in her tone: “Third Miss, Seventh Miss is the legitimate daughter of your legitimate uncle.”

Qin Feifei was stunned. When Nanny Gu spoke, it represented grandmother speaking. The reproach in her tone was obvious – what was going on?

Qin Feifei moved her lips, about to say something, when Xu Shi made eye signals from the side. Qin Feifei suppressed her bewilderment and said, “Nanny Gu is right. Seventh Sister, this sister is with child and has been overthinking, speaking somewhat harshly. Please don’t take it to heart.”

Qin Shuying calmly observed all of this. “We’re all sisters, so naturally younger sister won’t take it to heart. Elder sister should focus on nurturing her health.”

Old Madam was advanced in years, and both anger and worry were bad for her health. Qin Shuying tried her best not to compete with Xu Shi and the others in front of Old Madam, to avoid upsetting the elderly lady.

Everyone chatted and laughed for a while more. Old Madam’s expression improved considerably before they finally dispersed.

Qin Feifei was puzzled. Seeing that Qin Shuying had left, she quietly asked Xu Shi, “Mother, why didn’t you let me speak of this matter in front of great-grandmother?”

Xu Shi was also quite frustrated. “Great-grandmother is advanced in years and can’t withstand anger. If something were to happen to her, your father…” Xu Shi held up three fingers and waved them.

Qin Feifei understood instantly, her eyes lighting up with delight. “Father’s matter… there’s progress?”

Xu Shi couldn’t help but show a smug expression, though she didn’t nod. “Just wait and see.”

Qin Feifei couldn’t help but giggle, her earlier depression completely swept away.

She fully understood Xu Shi’s meaning. Qin Yongtao was very likely to advance another step, but if Old Madam were to pass away, Qin Yongtao would have to observe mourning for three years. After three years, what would be left for Qin Yongtao?

“Feifei, Seventh Girl is your sister, and it’s proper for you as the elder sister to guide and teach her more. The Qin family still has so many unmarried young ladies – we can’t let her drag them down.”

Qin Feifei smiled. “Mother, I understand everything. Between sisters, we should take care of each other. Back then, Second Sister also benefited greatly from my care, don’t you think?”

Xu Shi nodded, her smile carrying both smugness and disdain. “Nanny Liu, follow Third Miss. Third Miss carries the Lu family’s legitimate eldest grandson in her belly – not the slightest mishap can be allowed.”

Nanny Liu naturally agreed readily.

Qin Feifei smiled. “Mother, don’t worry.”

Having said this, Qin Feifei headed to Yilan Garden with complete confidence.

She had already experienced Qin Shuying’s sharp tongue. Old Madam’s place was no longer useful. So she could only take action personally.

Qin Shuying walked very quickly, and Hong Juan could barely keep up with her pace.

Qin Shuying walked with her head down, not saying a word. As soon as she returned to Yilan Garden, she went into the study. Hong Juan didn’t follow her in – inside the study was Ziteng.

“Ziteng, I want you to do something. Are you afraid?”

Ziteng was organizing books and shook her head upon hearing this. “I’m not afraid. Please give your orders, Miss.”

Qin Shuying’s eyes were like lightning, staring fixedly at her. “Good! If you’re not afraid, then I’m not afraid either! Come, let me tell you…”

Half a quarter-hour later, Qin Feifei arrived.

“Seventh Sister, I’ve come to see you.” After taking her seat, Qin Feifei supported her waist, smiling brightly.

Qin Shuying also sat down, her smile quite faint. “Third Sister, since you’re with child, younger sister doesn’t know what you can or cannot drink. Please forgive me.”

Qin Feifei looked at the plain water in the cup before her, her smile still brilliant. “It doesn’t matter. We’re family sisters – anything will do.”

Qin Shuying nodded as if agreeing with her words, her eyes sparkling brightly, but she didn’t say much.

In the room, faint incense swirled in the air, carrying a fresh scent that made one feel clear-minded and refreshed. Now that Yilan Garden was well-funded and Xu Shi didn’t stint on daily necessities, the charcoal burning in the braziers was all silver frost charcoal.

The room was very warm, and the fragrance naturally dispersed quickly, making one feel pleasant.

Qin Feifei absolutely refused to mention the shop matter again, instead chatting about this and that with her – nothing more than clothes, jewelry, and such. Qin Shuying remained composed. Whatever Qin Feifei brought up, she smiled without saying much, neither allowing awkward silences.

After talking for a while, Qin Feifei mentioned, “I’ve visited Yilan Garden many times. I heard that after Seventh Sister returned, you rearranged everything again, making it quite elegant. This sister would like to see your music room – would that be acceptable?”

Qin Shuying said, “Naturally it’s acceptable, but sister has refined tastes – I fear it won’t meet your approval. Ziteng, take Third Miss over there and serve her well. Third Sister, younger sister caught a chill the day before yesterday and upset her stomach, so I must excuse myself to the washroom first.”

Qin Feifei was stunned. Young ladies from great households prized virtue and propriety – no one would abandon a guest at this moment to relieve themselves, as it was both impolite and showed lack of breeding. This was the first time she’d been refused with such an excuse. For a moment she forgot how to respond, and Qin Shuying had already turned toward the washroom.

Ziteng stepped forward. “Third Miss, the music room is this way. Please, this way!”

Qin Feifei inadvertently glanced at Ziteng’s face and was suddenly terrified, her heart pounding violently. This maid – her expression was gloomy, her eyes ice-cold, and even more terrifying, she pulled at the corners of her mouth in a sinister, horrifying smile that was truly frightening.

Qin Feifei involuntarily let out an “Ah!” of alarm. Nanny Liu reached out to support her, very surprised, because from her angle she hadn’t seen Ziteng’s expression just now. When she instinctively looked at Ziteng, Ziteng had already turned her face away.

“Third Miss! What’s wrong?”

Qin Feifei touched her chest. Just then, Ziteng inadvertently smiled, her smile brilliant as if bathed in sunlight. But somehow, Qin Feifei suddenly felt this smile was strangely familiar. A wave of terror struck her heart, her back went cold, she felt dizzy, and involuntarily covered her belly.

“Third Miss, what’s wrong?”

Nanny Liu was startled.

“Third Miss?” Ziteng also inquired with confusion, restraining her smile, leaving only an eerie expression on her face.

Qin Feifei’s purpose for coming today was impure, so she was already somewhat guilty and fearful. Being stared at by Ziteng like this, inexplicably, she felt very panicked, though she couldn’t say why.

This pregnancy was not Qin Feifei’s first. In her first marriage, she had also been pregnant once, but due to emotional instability at the time, she hadn’t been able to keep the child. Therefore, she valued this pregnancy greatly.