Although Liang Zhe had already dealt with all those who had caused the death of Qin Yongzhou’s father, because of Ziteng’s matter, Qin Shuying still hadn’t given up her attention to the Fifth Prince.

As for Liang Zhe, since his aspirations lay with the Crown Prince, and with the questions raised by the Mu family affair, the Fifth Prince would definitely continue to be someone Liang Zhe would watch closely.

This Hairpin Flower Banquet was very smooth for Qin Shuying—she had eaten, drunk, admired beautiful scenery, and read good books.

But for some people, it was full of turbulence. Lu Ruyang was one such person, who indeed made mistakes and offended people.

Three days after the Hairpin Flower Banquet, Qin Shuying was once again summoned by Empress Wen.

This time, it was completely within Qin Shuying’s expectations.

With extremely complicated feelings, she arrived at Fenglai Palace. As usual, Qin Shuying was granted a stool and sat in the empty palace hall, chatting with Empress Wen about this and that.

Finally, Empress Wen asked: “Madam Liang, you attended the Hairpin Flower Banquet the other day, didn’t you? Tell me about any interesting incidents for this palace to hear.”

Qin Shuying recounted the noteworthy events, though she didn’t mention Princess Yongjia.

Empress Wen had asked about the Hairpin Flower Banquet, not about Princess Yongjia.

Time flew by, and Empress Wen remained silent behind the screen, not knowing whether she was listening or not, or perhaps just absent-mindedly listening.

After finishing her account, the palace hall fell silent. Nanny Yao poured water for Qin Shuying, and she drank quite a bit.

She had been talking for nearly an hour and was parched.

This time, Empress Wen didn’t say much and soon had Nanny Yao escort her out of the palace.

The next day was Liang Zhe’s rest day, so he came home early the evening before.

Qin Shuying had both Liang Zhen and Qu Linglong called to join them for dinner. The table was filled with delicious dishes, and they ate very happily.

Halfway through the meal, Liang Zhe said: “Elder Sister, I received word that brother-in-law is preparing to come to the capital.”

Liang Zhen’s hand didn’t even pause: “He’s wanted to come to the capital for a long time. I’m afraid he’s already chosen a residence in the capital.”

Qu Linglong showed some longing and asked Liang Zhe: “Uncle, is Father really coming to the capital? Will Grandmother come too? When will they arrive?”

Liang Zhe patted her head: “Uncle doesn’t know either. This is just something Uncle learned privately, but your father hasn’t written yet. Your father will probably just circle around the capital for a while, since he still has official duties.”

Qu Linglong showed some disappointment and said quietly: “It’s been almost half a year since I’ve seen Grandmother.”

Only then did Liang Zhen show some emotion, pressing her lips together, though she said nothing.

Qin Shuying observed all this.

Liang Zhen had no feelings for Qu Yi, but she did have feelings for Old Madam Qu. If not for Old Madam Qu’s protection, Liang Zhen’s days in Xianren County would have been even worse.

For Liang Zhen, whether or not to return to Xianren County was indeed a contradiction.

Liang Zhen was intelligent and open-minded, but on this matter, she couldn’t make a decision.

Qin Shuying knew that Liang Zhen still had an unresolvable knot in her heart.

She had originally been one of the capital’s most distinguished young ladies, but was schemed by Old Madam Liang and Luo Meixiang into becoming a lowly creature who rushed to climb into bed. No matter how open-minded Liang Zhen was, she needed to vent this anger and reclaim her reputation.

Old Madam Liang had already been brought down by them, and Luo Meixiang had been arranged to be under Concubine Yue’s control, letting Concubine Yue torment her.

But how could something like reputation be recovered?

Even if Luo Meixiang personally came forward to say that she had schemed against Liang Zhen back then, it couldn’t change people’s attitudes toward Liang Zhen. After all, too much time had passed, and people’s habitual perceptions weren’t so easily changed.

Instead, people would only discuss Liang Zhen again, making her once more the subject of others’ idle gossip.

When Qin Shuying took Qu Linglong out to social functions, some madams appeared friendly to Qu Linglong out of consideration for Qin Shuying’s status, but this wasn’t enough.

Precisely because of this, Qin Shuying and Liang Zhen had no intention of letting Luo Meixiang off. She had committed these sins, so she should suffer the consequences.

Liang Zhe wouldn’t let Liang Yuan and Liang Jie off either. If not for Qin Shuying having a gun, she would likely have become a second Liang Zhen. After Liang Yuan’s bone fracture, he had recuperated for a long time and had only just recovered, walking with a slight limp.

After Old Madam Liang’s death, Luo Meixiang had fallen seriously ill. She had barely recovered when she fainted several times from crying over Liang Yuan’s matter, and had been bedridden ever since. Now, she had fallen ill again from anger over Liang Qiong’s affairs.

But what of it? Liang Zhen’s reputation could never be recovered.

“Elder Sister, if you want to…”

Liang Zhen quickly cut off Liang Zhe’s words: “Ziyu, I don’t want to!”

Liang Zhe helplessly stopped speaking, patted Qu Linglong’s head, and said: “Linglong, Uncle has a rest day tomorrow. Uncle will take you to visit the City God Temple. You must sleep well tonight.”

Qu Linglong’s eyes sparkled with joy: “Uncle and Aunt are so good to me!”

Liang Zhen also smiled.

That night.

Liang Zhe once again slept in the bed, and Qin Shuying knew what he wanted to do, feeling very uncomfortable.

She had already passed her hairpin ceremony two months ago. The previous considerations they had agreed upon no longer existed. They were proper husband and wife, and some things… could not be avoided no matter what.

Remembering her grandmother’s deathbed instructions, Qin Shuying paced back and forth in the washroom, her heart pounding chaotically, her mind a confused mess, completely at a loss.

After dawdling for a long time, she finally emerged from the washroom.

At the bedside, Liang Zhe was leaning against the headboard reading.

“Shuying, why did you take so long? We promised to take Linglong to the City God Temple tomorrow morning, so let’s sleep early.”

Qin Shuying mumbled a response and looked at Liang Zhe with difficulty—he was blocking the bedside, so how could she get into bed?

Liang Zhe seemed not to notice her hesitation. He placed his book on the bedside table, lay down, and beckoned to her: “Come sleep quickly. I’ve been busy all day and am so tired I can barely keep my eyes open.”

Qin Shuying felt greatly relieved. If he was so tired he could barely keep his eyes open, he probably wouldn’t do anything, right?

Yes, it must be so.

Qin Shuying vaguely hummed in agreement, took off her outer garments, then thought something was wrong and quickly moved to the lamp to blow it out.

Then she got into bed wearing her undergarments.

Mmph…

What was happening? Someone was holding her!

Qin Shuying was bewildered.

After Liang Zhe pulled Qin Shuying into his arms, he laid her down on the inside of the bed.

Then Qin Shuying heard Liang Zhe breathing heavily like an ox: “Shu… ying…”

Qin Shuying’s face immediately burned like fire. And she had thought he was being honest!

Liang Zhe, without any method, gave Qin Shuying a good deal of handling before taking off his own clothes, then removing Qin Shuying’s garments, and then began to act wildly and recklessly.

Qin Shuying was both shy and embarrassed. Though she knew some of his methods were wrong, she didn’t dare tell him, much less guide him.

Until Liang Zhe suddenly became enlightened, achieved his wish, drove straight in, and accomplished the good deed.

“Ah…”

Liang Zhe let out a long sigh of relief. He had been holding back this breath for so long, and he could finally release it.

But soon, he truly did release it…

Then, truly exhausted, Liang Zhe fell asleep.

…Fell asleep.