When paying respects to the old madam, Qin Shuying sat in her usual position below the old madam, giving her a massage.

After several months of persistent massage, the old madam’s legs had improved considerably. Previously unbearably painful, now she felt no pain for most of each day, so naturally the old madam cherished Qin Shuying even more.

Seeing Qin Shuying enter, the old madam’s expression became much more pleasant: “Seventh Girl, I heard you’ve been doing needlework until deep into the night these past few days. Let the others do such things – spare yourself, your eyes are important.”

Qin Shuying said: “Old Ancestor, Master Long will return in some time. Am I not sharpening my spear before battle, making it gleam even if not swift?”

The old madam laughed: “You little monkey, you dare to tease Master Long.”

Qin Yunyun said: “Old Ancestor, Seventh Sister has never taken Master Long’s classes. Based on Seventh Sister’s current skills, Master Long will surely be quite satisfied.”

This Master Long was their female tutor who had real ability. Last year when father passed away, she escorted the coffin south and had been gone for most of the year, but would return soon.

Qin Yunyun was actually praising her? Qin Shuying became alert and said: “Sixth Sister jests – how can younger sister’s skills compare to elder sister’s?”

Xu Shi picked up the conversation: “Seventh Girl, you’re good in everything – clever and quick-witted – you’re just too modest.”

Qin Shuying’s heart tightened further. Sure enough, she heard Xu Shi say to the old madam: “Mother, during New Year when the court ladies had audience with the palace consorts, Noble Consort Lianpin summoned me. Seventh Girl can now do business and embroiders beautifully. Your daughter-in-law thought that such an excellent girl should naturally be known to the palace consorts. So I mentioned her briefly to Noble Consort Lianpin, who praised Seventh Girl repeatedly, saying that on her birthday, she must have your daughter-in-law bring Seventh Girl to the palace for her to see. Counting the days, there are still three days – it’s perfect to mention it here.”

March fifteenth was Noble Consort Lianpin’s thirtieth birthday. The Empress would surely allow Xu Shi to bring the female family members into the palace.

Being brought into the palace definitely meant no good would come of it.

However, if she declined, it certainly wouldn’t work. Besides, she hadn’t seen Qin Lianlian for many years and very much wanted to meet this high and mighty legitimate elder sister – oh no, now cousin.

For this birthday celebration, the Sixth Prince would definitely return to the capital. She also very much wanted to meet this Sixth Prince.

A mouse breaking a jade vase – just imagining this scene felt full of “poetic charm.” The corners of her lips curved up slightly.

The old madam naturally agreed happily. Being summoned by palace nobility was something countless young women couldn’t obtain. With this connection, Qin Shuying would have more confidence after marrying into the Liu family.

Qin Shuying “gratefully” thanked her repeatedly: “Thank you, Madam! Shuying will be careful in everything and definitely not bring shame to Noble Consort Lianpin.”

Xu Shi’s expression was loving as she smiled and nodded, then said: “Such a good opportunity – it’s just a pity Feifei can’t go.”

Qin Feifei had given birth to a son over ten days ago, so naturally couldn’t go to the palace.

The Lu mansion would surely hold a grand banquet when the child reached full month.

Three days later.

When Qin Shuying finished dressing and arrived at Yanfei Pavilion, dawn hadn’t yet broken.

The Qin mansion was half an hour’s journey from the imperial palace, so naturally they needed to prepare early.

After waiting only briefly, Qin Yunyun also arrived. Her attire was naturally exquisite, elegant, and appropriate, everywhere displaying the scholarly refinement of a learned family.

Looking at Qin Shuying, Qin Yunyun saw that from her hair ornaments and earrings to her necklace, everything was lustrous pearls in complete color sets and exquisite styles. A flash of jealousy passed through her eyes.

Xu Shi was now arranging a marriage for her too. Previously she had intended to discuss with Duke Chu’s mansion, but after that incident at Duke Chu’s mansion, Xu Shi knew this matter wouldn’t succeed. However, she wasn’t too disappointed – after all, compared to Duke Chu’s mansion, the Qin mansion’s status was still somewhat lacking. She had originally held only three parts hope.

Although they had Noble Consort Lianpin and the Sixth Prince, Xu Shi still had some self-awareness about her family’s position in the capital. No matter what, the Qin mansion was isolated and weak, without even a branch family. Qin Yongtao was currently just a third-rank official, and third-rank officials were everywhere in the capital. Moreover, there were countless imperial relatives and aristocratic families.

Duke Chu’s mansion was a super first-rank hereditary noble family.

Noble families equal to Duke Chu’s mansion now numbered only two: the Grand General of the West’s mansion and Marquis Huai’en’s mansion. Both had accumulated merit through their ancestors, and their descendants were capable, making their families prosperous and thriving – completely incomparable to families like the Qin mansion.

Besides these, the Emperor had uncles, elder brothers, aunts, brothers, sisters… just these imperial relatives alone were numerous, more than could be counted on both hands.

Moreover, the current Son of Heaven currently had seven surviving princes and five princesses. Princes established their own mansions at age ten, so there were now five prince mansions…

Those who ranked included some great families, like the Liu family. Among those currently serving as officials in the Liu family, there were one second-rank and one third-rank official, but the family head was still Liu Gongshan. The Huzhou Liu family had great reputation.

Qin Shuying was merely an orphaned girl, yet could obtain marriage to the heir of the Liu family head!

Moreover, that Liu Junqing was not only brilliantly talented but also so handsome! Among all the men Qin Yunyun had seen, except for the Sixth Prince, he was the best-looking.

However, after today, would the Liu family still be willing to marry Qin Shuying?

The jealousy in Qin Yunyun’s eyes changed to deep mockery.

Xu Shi had matters on her mind, so didn’t pay much “attention” to Qin Shuying. She merely checked the girls’ clothing and jewelry once, then arranged for people to board the carriage toward the imperial palace.

Qin Yunyun had previously gone to the palace with Xu Shi. This was Qin Shuying’s first time, so naturally she appeared quite nervous and uneasy.

Xu Shi led the two girls in one carriage, while Nanny Liu, Jin Huan, Caiying, and Ziteng rode in another.

Throughout the journey, Qin Shuying maintained nervousness and curiosity but didn’t speak much. Qin Yunyun had no need to deal with her at this time, so ignored her.

Fearing Qin Shuying might notice something, Xu Shi would comfort her: “The palace is just a bit larger than home – no need to fear. Noble Consort Lianpin is also your cousin, so naturally she’ll look after you. You’re Noble Consort Lianpin’s own cousin – everyone must regard you highly.”

Qin Shuying nodded in agreement while inwardly sneering continuously. Regard her highly? This was encouraging her to offend nobility!

Arriving at the palace gate, they waited some more time before abandoning the carriage to walk. Xu Shi led the two into the rear palace. The maids and servants naturally couldn’t enter and had to wait outside the palace.

Leading the way was a eunuch called Eunuch Xi from Noble Consort Lianpin’s entourage, in his early twenties with a face full of smiles: “Madam, Her Highness has been talking about you for days!”

Xu Shi was obviously familiar with this Eunuch Xi: “Eunuch Xi, Her Highness is fortunate to have Eunuch’s service. Eunuch has worked hard.”

Eunuch Xi smiled broadly: “These are all this servant’s duties – unworthy of Madam’s words.”