The Grand Madam that Qin Shuying mentioned was the “true Old Madam Liang” known throughout the capital – the one who had been killed by the “false Old Madam Liang.”

Liang Qiong had already learned from Luo Meixiang that this whole business about the “true Old Madam Liang” and “false Old Madam Liang” was all Qin Shuying’s doing. Luo Yanyan was her own biological grandmother!

Before Liang Qiong could object, Qin Shuying continued: “When the noble ladies of the capital learn that Old Madam is chanting sutras for the Grand Madam’s salvation, second brother’s future marriage prospects will improve considerably, and second sister will have much more face when she goes out. Speaking of which, if Old Madam had done this earlier, our residence would have been much more peaceful. Second sister, don’t you think so?”

Liang Qiong’s eyes widened – this was naked blackmail from Qin Shuying!

She was blaming them for causing so much trouble during this period, resulting in their current predicament.

Liang Qiong was furious, but thinking of Qin Shuying’s later comment about “second sister will have much more face when she goes out,” she immediately backed down.

Yes, if mother could gain a reputation for sincere devotion to Buddhism, it would indeed benefit both herself and second brother. Mother could no longer stir up any trouble anyway – wasn’t this the best possible outcome?

This way would be good for everyone, wouldn’t it?

Liang Qiong’s hesitation was caught by Qin Shuying’s eyes. Qin Shuying stood up: “Since second sister was personally granted the title of princess by His Majesty, this is an enormous honor, which she received because of her intelligence and wisdom. Second sister is clever and will surely consider the bigger picture. Since second sister has returned, she’ll certainly want to see Old Madam. Old Madam doesn’t like seeing me, so I won’t accompany you. Ziteng, Baiyun, you two accompany second sister to see Old Madam.”

Lu Ye helped Qin Shuying move behind the screen, and only then did Liang Qiong hesitantly stand up, then walk determinedly toward Luo Meixiang’s courtyard.

“Lu Ye, tell Concubine Yue later that Old Madam must be carefully attended to. If I discover any negligence in Concubine Yue’s care, I’ll hold her accountable.”

“Yes.”

Concubine Yue was about to give birth, and Qin Shuying usually couldn’t be bothered to see her – they all avoided each other.

From now on, let Concubine Yue and Luo Meixiang torment each other.

After this incident, Liang Yuan would certainly lie low. Being a legitimate son after all, no matter how arrogant Concubine Yue became, she would still have some scruples. And Concubine Yue already had one son and one daughter – regardless of whether this child was a boy or girl, Liang Yunshan would dote on them.

With the two sides evenly matched and having thoughts of competing, she could relax much more.

Soon, Ziteng came to report that Liang Qiong had persuaded Luo Meixiang, and Luo Meixiang had agreed to go to the Buddhist hall to chant sutras.

Qin Shuying smiled slightly. Everyone would save themselves some trouble – you’re good, I’m good, everyone’s good. Wasn’t this the best outcome?

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, it was early August.

During this period, neither Liang Zhe nor Nanny Fu allowed Qin Shuying to go out, carefully protecting her as if she were made of porcelain, afraid she might bump into something.

Qin Shuying had no choice but to walk around the residence daily. Fortunately, the Liang residence was large enough for her to wander about.

During this time, Liang Zhen often visited, Lin Zilan came to see her, and both Qin Lulu and Cousin Zhao came to visit and chat with her to relieve her boredom.

Liang Zhe, fearing she might worry, told her nothing about court affairs and forbade Ziteng and the others from telling her either. Qin Shuying was naturally observant – seeing everyone’s normal expressions, she knew there were no major events concerning their family, so she was happy to play the part of a porcelain doll.

She had been worried about Princess Yongjia’s situation. After more than two months, she received a letter from Princess Yongjia saying she found the capital too boring and had gone south to travel. Princess Yongjia also made an appointment with her to accompany the princess on travels after she gave birth.

The handwriting in this letter was Princess Yongjia’s, but whether things were really as the letter described, Qin Shuying couldn’t be certain. Therefore, this matter remained on her mind.

Only after she passed the first three months of pregnancy did Nanny Fu lift her restrictions and allow her to go out occasionally. Qin Shuying’s first destination was Princess Chang’s residence.

The gatekeepers all recognized Qin Shuying and said the princess had gone south half a month ago. When Qin Shuying asked to see Ziyuan, the gatekeepers said Ziyuan had gone along as well.

Qin Shuying then went to look for that woman called Mei Niang.

The result was another empty trip.

Qin Shuying felt vaguely worried, but Princess Yongjia’s southern journey was known throughout the court – surely there was nothing sinister behind it?

The reasoning was sound, but Qin Shuying still felt somewhat uneasy.

In the midst of pregnancy’s joy and this vague unease, Liang Zhe told her that Zhou Qin had been injured in a riding accident and would probably have to stay bedridden for two months before he could walk again.

Qin Shuying thought this was what Liang Zhe meant by “playing big” and didn’t pay much attention.

On August 15th, during the family’s moon festival celebration, they suddenly heard chaotic footsteps and horse hooves throughout the streets.

Liang Zhe had been accompanying Qin Shuying in moon-gazing, but now his expression became serious as he whispered in her ear: “Something has happened at the palace.”

Qin Shuying’s heart tightened: “What happened?”

“Probably…” Liang Zhe pointed toward the sky, “He’s gone.”

Qin Shuying was stunned. After a long while, she said: “When I last saw His Majesty, he seemed in excellent spirits. How could…”

“His Majesty was injured during his personal campaign and never fully recovered. These years, he struggled to hold on, and with the imperial physicians’ careful treatment, he managed to endure until today.”

Qin Shuying said: “Then, the one who will ascend tomorrow…”

Liang Zhe said quietly: “His Majesty worked painstakingly for over thirty years – he can finally rest in peace.”

Qin Shuying understood and breathed a sigh of relief: “Ziyu will certainly be busy in the coming days. When word comes from the palace, I’ll also need to make arrangements.”

Liang Zhe touched her belly, which wasn’t yet very prominent: “Everything should prioritize the child. Those matters can all be handled by Ziteng and the others.”

“Mm, I understand. The palace will probably send someone soon – be careful in all things.”

Indeed, shortly after, someone came from the palace, both to announce the death and to summon Liang Zhe to the palace.

Liang Zhe left all his capable subordinates behind and went to the palace alone with the eunuch.

This night was exceptionally long.

Qin Shuying was forcibly made to stay in bed by Nanny Fu and the others. Although she couldn’t sleep, she kept forcing herself to try.

When the first ray of dawn’s sunlight bathed the earth, Qin Shuying awakened.

Nanny Fu had insisted on keeping watch in the room that night, and Qin Shuying had no choice but to let her. Therefore, as soon as Qin Shuying woke up, Nanny Fu came to the bedside: “Madam, you’re finally awake.”

Nanny Fu smiled as she raised the bed curtains and quickly called for people to come serve Qin Shuying.

“Ziyu hasn’t returned yet?”

Although she knew Liang Zhe wouldn’t be back at this time, Qin Shuying still asked.

“How could he return so quickly? Don’t worry, madam. The master is blessed by heaven and will be fine.”

Qin Shuying still felt somewhat uneasy.

After eating some food without appetite, Qin Shuying put down her chopsticks and walked with Ziteng to aid digestion while instructing Zhishu and the others about things that needed to be purchased.

The entire residence was draped in white mourning cloth, an atmosphere of grief.

Near noon, Liang Yanjun hurried in. As soon as Qin Shuying saw him, she immediately walked over.

“Madam, the new emperor has ascended the throne and proclaimed it to the world!”