Rui Lan had never felt so acutely that her life and death were completely in her master’s hands. Recalling yesterday’s contempt toward Qin Yining, she regretted it so much her intestines nearly turned green.

But things had come to this point—whether she lived or died depended entirely on her master’s single word.

Rui Lan’s palms sweated nervously. She raised her eyes and met Qin Yining’s calm gaze directly. She hastily lowered her brows, displaying her submissiveness to the maximum extent.

Qin Yining blinked and smiled gently, stepping aside. This meant she didn’t intend to pursue the matter.

Rui Lan’s anxious heart finally settled. Deeply grateful for Qin Yining’s magnanimity, she kowtowed to the Old Madam, bowed to all the masters, and withdrew with Qiu Lu.

The Second Madam and Third Madam, who had witnessed everything, couldn’t help but smile, gaining several points of approval for Qin Yining’s handling of affairs.

If Qin Yining had punished Rui Lan at this moment, it would likely have given those who wanted to serve her some second thoughts. After all, having someone who had just rendered service immediately punished would not sit well with people’s hearts.

Looking at today’s events again, although each incident was unpleasant, seeing the Old Madam’s current demeanor, her mood was surprisingly good. The Second Madam and Third Madam understood clearly—the Old Madam could remain so calm because of Qin Yining’s few words just now.

Without making any obvious moves, she had perfectly scratched the Old Madam’s itch. Whether she was deeply scheming, exceptionally intelligent, or naturally gifted, this young lady was definitely no ordinary character.

They had previously considered Qin Yining a “wild girl,” but now it seemed they had been shallow in their judgment.

Though this girl appeared gentle and delicate, she truly possessed courage, wisdom, and knew when to advance and retreat. Such intelligence, propriety, and natural grace were far better than women with bellies full of learning but no practical skills.

For women of their distinguished background, their greatest use in the future would be marriage alliances.

If one only had scholarly knowledge but didn’t know when to advance or retreat in conduct, establishing oneself in the in-laws’ family would ultimately be difficult.

Moreover, “A woman’s lack of talent is virtue itself.” Most families in this dynasty wouldn’t require women to be particularly learned—being able to read account books when managing household affairs would suffice.

From what they could see currently, Qin Yining had already initially met these requirements.

Not only was she not inferior to other women, she was actually superior to them all. She not only had an intelligent mind, illustrious family background, and powerful maternal relatives, but also possessed stunning beauty that ordinary women could only dream of.

Just considering that last point alone would be enough to make her future husband utterly enchanted.

For such a girl to gain the Old Madam’s favor—wasn’t that just a matter of time?

After this analysis, both the Second Madam and Third Madam couldn’t help but view Qin Yining with new respect, and their attitudes toward her had to change somewhat.

The Second Madam caringly asked if the clothes Qin Yining wore were warm enough.

The Third Madam smiled and said: “I just received a set of fine jade ornaments. Sister Yi has just returned to the manor, and Third Aunt doesn’t have any good welcoming gifts, so I’ll have someone send them to you later.”

Qin Yining stood and bowed, smiling: “Thank you, Third Aunt.”

“Oh my, good child, we’re all family—why be so polite? You’ve just returned home, so let’s interact more often. Come play at Third Aunt’s place whenever you’re free, and you can come to us with anything.” The Third Madam took the Second Madam’s hand: “Isn’t that right, Second Sister-in-law?”

The Second Madam nodded very amicably: “Your Third Aunt speaks truly.”

The Seventh Miss timely showed Qin Yining a friendly smile, indicating she would follow her legitimate mother’s words and warmly welcome her.

For a moment, the atmosphere in the room was unprecedentedly harmonious.

Qin Yining obediently accompanied the elders. She was very quiet and didn’t speak much, but precisely because of this composure and her resemblance to her father, people unconsciously held her in higher regard.

Qin Huining coldly observed everything, the jealousy and hatred in her heart flooding like a bursting dam.

Witnessing with her own eyes how the attention and affection that had once belonged to her had now become someone else’s, her face injured to this extent, yet the perpetrator not only received no proper punishment but was actually viewed with new respect.

When had she, Qin Huining, fallen to becoming someone else’s stepping stone to climb upward!

But the arrival of all this was precisely what she couldn’t resist or escape from. She could only obediently accept it, and she had to accept it with a smile…

Qin Huining felt wronged, angry, jealous, and resentful toward these people who didn’t take her seriously. However, all of this she could only hide in her heart, unable to show the slightest bit, lest she lose everything she currently possessed.

She lowered her head, and under the churning emotions, she involuntarily gritted her teeth and trembled, yet had to forcibly endure it.

Just at this moment, the head maid Ji Xiang entered and bowed: “Reporting to the Old Madam, the First Madam has returned. Nanny Bao from Duke Dingguo’s household has accompanied her and is currently outside requesting an audience.”

The Old Madam’s mood, which had finally improved, became terrible again upon hearing the words “First Madam.”

Her eldest daughter-in-law was arrogant, domineering, and couldn’t produce sons. She found her disagreeable in every way, yet Qin Huaiyuan still needed to rely on Duke Dingguo’s manor for court affairs.

The Old Madam knew that support from marriage relatives was crucial for Qin Huaiyuan. Moreover, she could see that although Sun Shi was arrogant and domineering, she didn’t have much malicious intent. As a mother-in-law, she would often turn a blind eye to many matters.

But this time, Sun Shi had suddenly returned to her natal family, and it was after quarreling with Qin Huaiyuan that she had left without a word. Such behavior from a wife was truly impossible not to blame.

She was the mother-in-law. If she always retreated because of her daughter-in-law’s powerful natal family, not to mention others looking down on her, even the remaining two daughters-in-law and all the clan wives would say this family head was a soft persimmon.

How could she establish authority in the future? Wouldn’t everyone be able to follow her example?

The Old Madam’s face darkened as she waved her hand: “You all may go.” She had the appearance of someone about to have it out with Sun Shi.

The Second Madam and Third Madam also didn’t want to wade into these muddy waters, so they each took their daughters and withdrew.

Qin Yining also intended to leave. But the Old Madam thought it over and said: “Lu Juan, take Sister Yi and Sister Hui to the inner room to apply medicine first.”

“Yes.” Nanny Qin nodded with understanding.

It seemed the Old Madam intended for the young ladies to also meet Nanny Bao from Duke Dingguo’s household.

This Nanny Bao was Duke Dingguo’s wife’s dowry servant and was deeply trusted. Duke Dingguo’s wife had specially arranged for her to come, probably with some intention to explain or apologize. Moreover, telling Nanny Bao certain things was equivalent to telling Duke Dingguo’s wife. Since yesterday’s incident involved two young misses, speaking clearly in front of Nanny Bao would be good to avoid things becoming more complicated due to suspicions.

Nanny Qin led Qin Yining and Qin Huining to the inner room.

This place was separated from the side room where the Old Madam sat by only a floor-to-ceiling screen. The curio shelves displayed various exquisite ornaments, and in the corner stood a pot of green chrysanthemums blooming perfectly. The seat cushions were the same light green color as the flowers, making the entire room’s color scheme fresh and bright.

Qin Yining and Qin Huining sat on the arhat bed with light green brocade cushions, separated by a small table. Nanny Qin brought medicinal ointment to help them apply it.

In the side room, the head maid Ji Xiang, along with Nanny Jin, Cai Ju, and Cai Lan from Sun Shi’s side, had already escorted Sun Shi through the door.

The Old Madam sat properly in the main seat, no different from usual.

Sun Shi’s face showed embarrassment as she bowed: “Old Madam, your daughter-in-law has returned.”

The Old Madam’s expression was bland. Though she didn’t rage and scold, she made her anger quite clear.

Sun Shi felt extremely awkward, thinking: This old thing is actually making me lose face in front of my natal family!

But no matter how much she disliked it, she didn’t dare defy her mother-in-law. Moreover, her birth mother’s words still rang in her ears, and she didn’t dare disobey. She could only steel herself and say: “Please don’t be angry, Old Madam. Yesterday, upon learning that my mother was unwell, I was too anxious and left for Duke Dingguo’s manor in haste without reporting to you first. Please forgive me for the sake of your daughter-in-law’s filial devotion.”

After Sun Shi finished speaking, her face was already burning.

She had always been noble—when had she ever bowed her head to anyone like this?

Even knowing she spoke falsely, seeing her humble attitude, the Old Madam couldn’t do much to her. Yesterday’s incident wasn’t suitable for wide publicity. Qin Huaiyuan had already instructed that it should be resolved quickly, making big issues small and small issues disappear. If she kept harping on it and made a big fuss, the Old Madam feared it would delay her beloved son’s affairs.

Moreover, Sun Shi rarely acted like this. They would still have to get along as mother and daughter-in-law in the future, and it was in front of Nanny Bao—this dignity should still be given to Sun Shi.

The Old Madam then said: “Forget it, get up quickly. How is your mother’s health now?”

“Much better already.” Sun Shi secretly breathed a sigh of relief, smiling as she refilled the Old Madam’s tea bowl.

Nanny Bao then performed a deep bow to the Old Madam.

The Old Madam’s smile became very warm. Still sitting cross-legged on the arhat bed, she leaned forward with one hand to offer symbolic support: “Get up quickly. It’s been many days since I’ve seen Nanny Bao. Please sit down. Ji Xiang, serve tea.”

Nanny Bao repeatedly said she didn’t dare, sitting sideways on the edge of a nearby brocade stool. She politely accepted the white porcelain covered bowl that Ji Xiang brought over, smiling as she inquired about the Old Madam’s health.

The Old Madam and Nanny Bao exchanged very amicable pleasantries for a while, finally bringing the conversation to the newly returned Fourth Miss.

“Old Madam, our madam was overjoyed to learn that the Prime Minister had found his long-lost pearl from the sea. This time she instructed this slave to accompany our young madam to the manor for three reasons: first, regarding our young madam’s matter, please be understanding; second, this slave has brought some fine medicinal materials and several bolts of silk that His Majesty just bestowed, representing our madam’s goodwill. Most importantly, our madam wants this slave to meet the young miss and arrange a date to invite her to visit Duke Dingguo’s manor.”

Listening to Nanny Bao’s words, the Old Madam felt incredibly pleased. Besides apologizing, they had also brought gifts—she had no reason to prevent the child’s maternal relatives from seeing her.

“Your madam is too kind. We’re all blood relatives—why such formality? Please have Nanny Bao convey my thanks to Duke Dingguo’s wife when you return. As it happens, that girl is in the inner room right now.” The Old Madam instructed Ji Xiang to summon them.

Nanny Bao quickly stood up, smiling as she looked toward the inner room, her eyes full of curiosity and caution.