Sun Shi was delighted, speaking beautifully – not only praising her natal nephew, but also her husband.

The Old Madam most cherished her eldest son. How could she not be pleased to hear such praise? She immediately said with pride: “Setting other matters aside, Meng Ge’er’s scholarship and knowledge of court affairs are indeed beyond reproach.”

“Isn’t that the result of the Old Madam’s excellent guidance?” Third Madam chimed in agreeably.

The Old Madam beamed with joy, smiling proudly once more.

Everyone seemed to have awakened to the moment, taking turns lavishing praise on Qin Huaiyuan and Duke Dingguo’s heir grandson. Even Sun Shi, hearing these people pour out compliments as if they cost nothing, felt immensely proud.

The Old Madam, all smiles, called Ji Xiang over: “Prepare the finest tea. This is an honored guest – we mustn’t neglect him.”

“Yes.” Ji Xiang went to prepare with a bright smile.

Since an outside gentleman would soon enter the inner quarters, Qin Yining first stood up and said: “Old Madam, since there’s an external guest coming, shouldn’t we sisters take our leave for now?” As she spoke, she looked inquiringly at the sisters behind her.

Third Miss, Seventh Miss, and Eighth Miss all nodded.

Sixth Miss and Qin Huining seemed rather reluctant, with Qin Huining so anxious her ears turned red.

Having studied with Nanny Zhan these days, Qin Yining had become more observant of people. She immediately noticed something off about these two and couldn’t help feeling puzzled.

The Old Madam thought for a moment, then whispered a few words with her three daughters-in-law before saying: “No need. Your cousin isn’t an outsider either. It’s rare for such a talented person to visit – you should stay and meet him.”

Qin Yining smiled and agreed, though she was quite perplexed. Just how remarkable was this cousin from Duke Dingguo’s mansion to earn such favor from the Old Madam?

“Lu Juan, send someone to the outer courtyard to see if Yu Ge’er, Han Ge’er, Xian Ge’er, and the other young masters are there. Tell them Duke Dingguo’s heir grandson has arrived and ask them to come meet him together.”

She was even calling her own grandsons to come together.

Nanny Qin smiled and agreed, withdrawing. Before leaving, she didn’t forget to steal a glance at First Madam’s reaction. The Old Madam’s such enthusiasm certainly gave First Madam tremendous face.

Qin Yining continued smiling and standing beside the Old Madam, showing no doubt on her face, though her heart grew even more puzzled.

Again sweeping her gaze inconspicuously over everyone in the room, she saw Qin Huining with lowered head playing with her sash. Not just her ears, but even her neck had turned completely red.

Qin Yining couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow in surprise. What was wrong with Qin Huining?

Since the Old Madam wouldn’t let them leave, but considering the separation between men and women, they couldn’t just stand there. So Third Madam took charge, having all the young ladies go to the inner room while ordering maids to place a carved red wood screen depicting carp playing among lotuses between the inner room and outer chamber.

Looking from outside to inside, one could only vaguely see through the screen’s openwork carving and floor-to-ceiling covers that there were people in the inner room, but couldn’t see clearly.

However, the young ladies in the inner room, if they chose the right angle, could see outside clearly.

Though curious, Qin Yining wasn’t eager to see who the visitor was. She chose a position neither too near nor too far and sat down, quietly chatting with Third Miss, Seventh Miss, and Eighth Miss.

Qin Huining, however, immediately upon entering the inner room, chose the position closest to the outer chamber. With just a turn of her head, she could see everyone outside through the carved gaps.

Sixth Miss sat beside Qin Huining, chatting with her in low voices while frequently glancing toward Qin Yining and repeatedly making snickering sounds.

Seeing Sixth Miss and Qin Huining behaving this way, Qin Yining naturally knew they must be gossiping about her. But she had never cared about others’ words – it wasn’t like she’d lose any flesh over it. So she naturally lowered her long lashes indifferently, playing with the tea bowl on the low table.

While Qin Yining didn’t mind, someone couldn’t help themselves.

“Fourth Sister, look at their behavior.” Eighth Miss was somewhat angry, glaring fiercely at Qin Huining.

Qin Huining looked back at Eighth Miss mildly, as if not angry at all, smiling even more cheerfully.

The more she acted this way, the more Eighth Miss’s anger was provoked. She stood up abruptly, about to speak, when Qin Yining caught her hand.

“Eighth Sister, do you remember everything Nanny Zhan said yesterday?” Qin Yining’s voice carried a smile, though her grip was firm.

Seeing Qin Yining’s quick reflexes, Third Miss finally relaxed, taking Eighth Miss’s arm from the other side to have her sit beside her, quietly persuading: “Eighth Sister, please calm down. This is the Old Madam’s inner room, and guests will be coming shortly. If you really cause trouble, you’ll only hurt yourself. Being scolded by the Old Madam would be one thing, but losing face in front of guests – what if bad rumors spread?”

Eighth Miss had a straightforward temperament and was impulsive, but she wasn’t stupid. Carefully recalling Qin Huining’s every action, she felt her anger surge even more, gritting her teeth: “She’s deliberately provoking me!”

“Since you know this, why should Eighth Sister care?” Qin Yining used a silver fork to pick up a piece of fruit and handed it to Eighth Miss.

Eighth Miss accepted it but didn’t eat due to her anger.

Third Miss continued persuading: “One brush can’t write two different Qin characters – we’re all family after all. Eventually we’ll all go our separate ways, but when real troubles arise, it’s still family who help each other.”

Eighth Miss had always respected Third Miss and would listen to her words. Though still indignant, she said quietly: “Who wants to help each other with them? Such despicable people – Fourth Sister’s return doesn’t affect them at all, yet she’s always making snide remarks. So tiresome.”

“Please don’t be angry, Eighth Sister. I know you’re looking out for me.” Qin Yining grasped Eighth Miss’s hand and shook it, signaling her not to get angry again.

Looking at Qin Yining’s seemingly speaking eyes, Eighth Miss felt her earlier irritation calm somewhat.

Qin Huining rolled her eyes, surprised that Qin Yining was actually kind-hearted and knew how to comfort others.

Sixth Miss snorted coldly and continued whispering with Qin Huining.

Just then, a series of mixed footsteps came from outside, followed by maids’ respectful greetings as a group of men entered one after another.

Hearing the voices, Qin Huining pressed herself against the floor screen, holding her breath as she looked outside. Even Sixth Miss craned her neck to find a suitable viewing position.

Seventh Miss and Eighth Miss were also curious, quietly standing and walking to the screen to peek outside. Only Third Miss and Qin Yining remained seated in their original positions, quietly discussing needlework.

In the outer chamber, the first to enter was Qin Huaiyuan wearing a casual silver-gray robe with a smile on his face. Accompanying him was a young man in a sapphire blue robe with auspicious cloud patterns.

The young man was tall with an elongated face, fair complexion, eyes like black dots, thick eyebrows, and a high nose – very spirited looking.

Behind him were First Master Qin Yu, Second Master Qin Han, Fifth Master Qin Xian, and even the younger Ninth Master Qin Xuan and six-year-old Tenth Master Qin Rong. The “treasure-crowned” generation of Qin family boys had never assembled so completely since Qin Yining’s return to the mansion.

“I trust Old Madam Qin has been well? This humble one, Sun Yu, pays respects to the Old Madam.” Sun Yu bowed gracefully with scholarly and composed bearing.

“Rise quickly, rise quickly.” The Old Madam leaned forward to help him up with both hands. “It’s been many days since we’ve met. Has the heir grandson made further progress in his studies?”

Sun Yu smiled, his demeanor gentle as jade: “Old Madam Qin mustn’t jest. On this visit, I must trouble uncle to give me much guidance in my studies.”

“Sit quickly, bring the finest tea.” The Old Madam ordered chairs to be brought.

Sun Yu then turned to bow to First Madam, Second Madam, and Third Madam.

First Madam smiled warmly: “Did you come directly from home? How is the Old Madam’s health?”

“In response to aunt’s question, grandmother’s health has improved.” Sun Yu smiled: “Aunt needn’t worry. Today when I came, grandmother specifically instructed me about one matter – to make a special request of Old Madam Qin.”

The Old Madam smiled: “Your grandmother is too polite. We’re all family – why such formality? Whatever it is, just speak freely. As for you, it’s rare you visit. You should come more often in the future, and help guide these cousins of yours to strive for improvement, hoping they’ll all advance in their studies like you.”

“Old Madam Qin praises me too highly – Yuanming is ashamed.” Sun Yu bowed again to the Old Madam, taking an invitation from his sleeve and presenting it. “My grandfather and grandmother, knowing that uncle has found his long-lost precious daughter, specifically sent me to request a favor from Old Madam Qin. They hope aunt can bring my cousin to visit Duke Dingguo’s mansion. As external grandparents, they also wish to see their granddaughter.”

At these words, everyone was somewhat surprised.

This was merely asking Sun Shi to bring Qin Yining back to her maiden home for a visit – sending an old matron to speak with Sun Shi would have sufficed. Who would have thought Duke Dingguo’s mansion would be so ceremonious, even having Sun Yu, this great scholar, come specifically to deliver the invitation!

Second Madam smiled elegantly: “This clearly shows how much Duke Dingguo’s wife cherishes her granddaughter.”

“Indeed, Yi Jie’er is clever and endearing, gentle and well-mannered. Not only would her external grandmother cherish her, but doesn’t our Old Madam also love her like her own heart and flesh?” Third Madam also smiled.

Thinking of this morning’s events, the Old Madam also found this child Qin Yining utterly adorable, so she spoke lovingly and jokingly:

“Ah, I love her so much that I’m reluctant to let her leave my side. But since your grandmother misses her granddaughter so much that she’s sent such a talented person as Yuanming to be her advocate, how could I not grant permission?”

Speaking to this point, she looked toward Sun Shi: “Eldest daughter-in-law, tomorrow you should take the girl back for a visit, and also bring along those items I prepared earlier for your mother.”

What items had been prepared earlier? Rather, it was Duke Dingguo’s mansion that had sent things here!

Sun Shi snorted coldly in her heart, thinking the Old Madam was too good at putting on airs, but her face showed obedient smiles: “Yes, daughter-in-law respectfully follows your instructions.”

Sun Yu smiled and bowed to the Old Madam.

Being an outside gentleman, it wasn’t appropriate to linger long in the inner quarters. Sun Yu only sat briefly before following Qin Huaiyuan and the Qin family boys to the outer courtyard.

The moment he left, Qin Huining in the inner room climbed onto the arhat couch and pushed open a window crack to look outside.

Cold wind rushed into the room, and all the young ladies looked toward the window.

No matter how slow Qin Yining might be, she could see some clues from Qin Huining’s such improper behavior.

From the outer chamber, the Old Madam said: “Why is it suddenly so cold? Where is wind coming from?”

This frightened Qin Huining into quickly closing the window.