Three days later, Madam Liu indeed came to pay a visit.

Accompanying her was Liu Junqing.

This news instantly spread throughout the inner quarters of the Qin residence.

Old Madam sent someone to summon Qin Shuying to Xuan Hall. Qin Shuying was reading at the time.

Nanny Fu walked in excitedly, speaking with loving care: “My young miss, you start reading as soon as dawn breaks every day. Even a top scholar wouldn’t be as diligent as you.”

Qin Shuying smiled calmly. She had no particular talents now, so she could only keep learning. Music, chess, calligraphy, and painting were of no use to her—she only picked books that would be useful to herself. Previously she had studied medical texts and history books, then she read various miscellaneous books left by Qin Yongzhou, studied the laws of the Great Zhou, memorized the genealogies of the Great Zhou’s noble families, and even read books about foreign peoples that Qin Yongzhou had left behind. Fortunately, Qin Shuying naturally had an excellent memory, and she had applied herself diligently with focus, so her learning results were quite good. She read, and also had Ziteng read, with the two of them frequently testing each other.

After arranging her appearance, she went to Xuan Hall with the excited Nanny Fu and the expressionless Ziteng.

Old Madam was talking with Madam Liu with a beaming smile. Xu Shi and Zou Shi sat in the lower seats, while Qin Lulu, Qin Yunyun, and Qin Fangfang all sat properly to one side.

“Great-grandmother!” Qin Shuying properly performed a greeting salute, and Madam Liu looked over.

Nanny Fu took the opportunity to observe Madam Liu. She saw that she was in her thirties, with clothing and jewelry very befitting her status. Madam Liu had ordinary features, but she was well-maintained, making her appear very refined and dignified overall.

During the last visit, Madam Liu had hardly spoken throughout, so Nanny Fu couldn’t clearly discern Madam Liu’s character. This time, Nanny Fu was determined to get a good understanding, so she inconspicuously moved to the most convenient angle for observing Madam Liu.

Seeing Qin Shuying enter, Madam Liu showed no particular expression, maintaining the same faint smile she had when the three sisters Qin Yunyun had entered earlier.

“Seventh girl, this is Madam Liu. Madam Liu, this is Yongzhou’s only daughter. Shuying, come and meet Madam Liu.”

Qin Shuying walked forward slowly, looking directly at Madam Liu with composure, smiling as she bowed: “Madam!”

Madam Liu’s face remained impassive as she said: “Good child!” She then took a brocade box from the servant behind her, saying, “This is a small gift.”

Qin Shuying accepted it calmly, thanking her: “Thank you, Madam!”

Her bearing was dignified, her expression calm, showing no particular surprise or excitement.

The complex emotions in Madam Liu’s heart deepened another layer, but she revealed not the slightest bit of it. Instead, she laughed with Old Madam: “Old Madam, I see that this child Shuying bears some resemblance to Master Qin.”

Old Madam nodded: “Madam speaks truly. Among all my grandchildren, only Seventh girl resembles her father Yongzhou. I’ve also met that child Junqing—he resembles Madam, clearly a good child at first glance.”

At the mention of her only son, Madam Liu’s smile became much more genuine, and the conversation opened up. “To be honest with Old Madam, Junqing is a filial child and very ambitious. He always reads until late at night, and no matter how I try to persuade him, he always says that being young is precisely the good time for learning and seeking knowledge, and that wasting time makes one feel guilty.”

Xu Shi said: “Exactly. I’ve also heard of Young Master Liu’s reputation for diligence in the capital. At such a young age he’s already earned the title of Scholar. Kaiyu greatly admires Young Master Liu’s learning and always talks about wanting to meet him and seek his guidance personally. Unfortunately, when Young Master Liu entered the capital this time, Kaiyu still hasn’t returned.”

Qin Kaile was naturally unable to return from his posting, and Qin Kaiyu had gone traveling with his teacher last year and hadn’t returned even for New Year.

Madam Liu’s smile became even more genuine—her son was her pride. Who could blame Junqing for his scholarly reputation being known far and wide! Although the Liu family had great renown in Huzhou, naturally they couldn’t rank at the front when it came to the capital.

That Xu Shi, the current matriarch of the Qin family and mother of Imperial Concubine Lian, had actually heard of Junqing’s name, and that Qin Kaiyu, Imperial Concubine Lian’s own younger brother, actually admired Junqing’s learning—Madam Liu couldn’t help but feel proud.

Having finally suppressed the excitement in her heart, Madam Liu said politely: “What words are these, Madam? Your residence’s Second Young Master also earned the title of Scholar at a young age, and now he’s traveling and studying abroad. His knowledge is naturally extraordinary—Junqing wouldn’t dare be arrogant.”

Old Madam was naturally pleased to see this scene before her. Madam Liu was Qin Shuying’s future mother-in-law, so being able to maintain good relations with the Qin family was naturally the best outcome.

Qin Shuying kept smiling throughout, while Qin Yunyun and Qin Fangfang also smiled without showing their teeth, listening to the two madams chat at just the right level.

Just as they were talking, Xiangqin came in to report: “Old Madam, Young Master Liu has come from the front courtyard and is waiting outside, paying respects to Old Madam, First Madam, and Second Madam.”

Qin Shuying raised her head and quickly glanced at Madam Liu. Madam Liu’s smile faltered, and her gaze also quickly swept over Qin Shuying’s face.

Qin Shuying lowered her head, her powder-white face showing shyness, and when she stood up she nearly tripped over the stool.

Only then did the doubts in Madam Liu’s heart ease slightly. After all, she was still a young girl who hadn’t reached the hairpin ceremony. Her previous astuteness was probably taught by those around her, and her earlier composure was likely all an act.

The four Qin sisters naturally went behind the screen.

Only then did Liu Junqing enter to pay his respects.

What a handsome and upright young gentleman!

Xu Shi’s hand gripping her handkerchief involuntarily tightened.

She unconsciously compared her own son to Liu Junqing, and found him far inferior. Even Lu Changxuan fell short of Liu Junqing’s upright bearing and handsome features, yet he was clearly someone who exercised regularly—not only upright but also vigorous.

He was truly a rarely seen handsome man!

Xu Shi’s heart inevitably turned sour.

The Liu family had good scholarly traditions, with many officials at court—they were a great clan. Although Liu Gongshan’s official rank wasn’t high, he held real power and was also the family head. This Liu Junqing had distinguished looks, and his learning was among the best of his peers—his future prospects were limitless.

That Qin Shuying should marry into such a family was truly great fortune!

Liu Junqing paid respects to the elders with great bearing and demeanor, keeping his eyes straight ahead, polite and courteous. Old Madam was so pleased she couldn’t stop smiling, feeling wonderful. She decided not to give the meeting gift she had originally prepared, but instead changed her mind on the spot and had Nanny Gu fetch a master’s painting to give to Liu Junqing.

Liu Junqing graciously accepted the gift and expressed his thanks.

Old Madam was so delighted for the moment, and considering that the Great Zhou’s separation between men and women wasn’t as strict as previous dynasties, and that Qin Shuying and Liu Junqing had known each other in childhood, she told Nanny Gu: “Young Master Liu has come from far away, Master Liu and Yongzhou were good friends, and Seventh girl did meet Young Master Liu in childhood. Let’s not follow those troublesome old protocols—have Seventh girl come out.”

When Nanny Gu called Qin Shuying out, she accidentally bumped the screen, causing it to shift. Qin Fangfang and Qin Yunyun behind the screen both saw Liu Junqing and were stunned for a moment.

Living in the inner quarters, among all the men they had seen, who possessed Liu Junqing’s bearing?

Instantly, various thoughts flashed through both their minds.

Qin Lulu also stared somewhat dazedly.

Despite hearing their gasps of surprise, Liu Junqing didn’t even twitch an eyebrow, continuing to stand properly in place, eyes downcast, not moving an inch.

Old Madam silently applauded—with such composure, few of her own grandsons could compare.

“Greetings to Elder Brother Liu!” Qin Shuying walked out gracefully, performed a bow, her tone very calm.

“Greetings to Seventh Sister Qin!” Only then did Liu Junqing raise his head to look directly at Qin Shuying.

The young lady before him had an amiable smile, picturesque features, a graceful figure, light makeup, and a gentle temperament. This was his betrothed.

Liu Junqing’s gaze lingered on Qin Shuying for a moment before moving away.