Qin Yining was utterly shocked.

What was she? Nothing more than a young woman. Where did she get the honor to be targeted by “kidnappers” who would abduct her parents and family members just to make her participate in the imperial selection?

Absurd, simply absurd!

Seeing Qin Yining’s extremely unpleasant expression, Second Master and Third Master also became dejected.

Second Master said, “Yining, your second aunt accompanied your grandmother here, and after returning, she told me everything about this place. Your third uncle and I just saw how the steward here treated you so dismissively. It’s clear that Prince Zhongshun probably harbors resentment toward you – he must be holding a grudge over the death of his father.”

This was exactly what Qin Yining and Pang Xiao had conspired to show, so Qin Yining only nodded silently. Her dejected appearance with lowered head made people feel pity for her.

Second Master sighed, “Second Uncle knows that since you returned home, you haven’t had peaceful days and have always been wronged for the greater good. This time is no different. Your grandmother is worried about your father and fears that our family will lose everything and won’t be able to survive in the capital, so she submitted your name without asking you first. Second Uncle also knows this wrongs you.

“But, as a woman, you’ll have to marry someone in this lifetime, won’t you?

“Previously, Second Uncle thought that if Prince Zhongshun could forget the past and treat you wholeheartedly, it wouldn’t be bad for you to follow him. But now, with Prince Zhongshun’s attitude toward you, staying in the prince’s mansion probably won’t bring you good days.

“Then whether entering the palace or staying in the prince’s mansion, there’s no real difference. With your intelligence, entering the palace might offer better prospects.”

Second Master, having been an official for many years, spoke methodically and reasonably, making it impossible for Qin Yining to refute.

She really wanted to ask, “Even if entering the palace or the prince’s mansion are similar, shouldn’t you ask for my opinion?”

She also wanted to say, “Is it that entering the palace and having better prospects to help the family is your real intention?”

But these points were already obvious – there was no need to ask because that’s exactly what they meant.

As a member of the Qin family, when the clan faced difficulties, she had to step forward.

Qin Yining agreed with this approach. She also knew that when she enjoyed the protection the family brought during glorious times, she had no reason to refuse contributing to the family during difficult times.

But there was always another voice in Qin Yining’s heart asking with grievance: Why me? Why is it always me?

Qin Yining kept her head down without speaking, making Second Master and Third Master feel very awkward.

After all, as uncles forcing their niece to serve a man, it was easier said than heard.

Unlike the Old Madam who was used to making scenes and causing trouble, Second Master and Third Master also fell into awkward silence.

However, after her brief indignation, Qin Yining thought of the key issue.

“Second Uncle, Third Uncle, why do you think the kidnappers specifically demanded that I enter the palace?”

Second Master and Third Master looked at each other and both shook their heads.

“Although our family was prominent in Great Yan, Great Yan dynasty no longer exists. Coming to Great Zhou dynasty means starting over. You’re just a young woman, yet they specifically named you for the selection. There must be unspeakable reasons behind this, otherwise why would they target you?”

Qin Yining said, “Could it be because Prince Zhongshun once showed interest in me back in Great Yan… so someone with ulterior motives thought that Prince Zhongshun must value me greatly, especially since I was brought back to the prince’s mansion as soon as I arrived in the capital…”

Second Master, having been an official for years, though not as brilliantly talented as Qin Huaiyuan with his world-renowned reputation, was still a perceptive person. Third Master, with his superior business skills, was also not foolish. When Qin Yining spoke halfway, both understood.

Third Master couldn’t help but lower his voice and say urgently, “Yining, do you suspect someone wants to sow discord between the Zhou dynasty emperor and the Prince?”

Qin Yining nodded heavily and said in a low voice, “Or rather, someone wants to accelerate the deterioration of relations between the Emperor and the Prince.” She smiled self-mockingly, “They really think highly of me, firmly believing that once I enter the palace, I’ll certainly cause more discord between the Prince and the Emperor?”

“I didn’t expect Great Zhou’s court to be this chaotic too,” Third Master couldn’t help but sigh.

Second Master said, “Where there are people, there are conflicts. Isn’t it the same everywhere? I just didn’t expect the contradictions in Great Zhou’s court to be so intense. Someone wants to use our Yining as a pawn to sow discord.”

Speaking to this point, Second Master’s expression suddenly became stern. “Yining, you cannot enter the palace.”

“Second Brother? If we don’t let Yining enter the palace, what about Big Brother and sister-in-law? And our family’s belongings…”

“Lost belongings can be earned again, and we needn’t worry about Big Brother and sister-in-law’s safety.” Second Master waved his hand, interrupting Third Master’s words, and looked at Qin Yining:

“Since we can determine that someone wants to use you to sow discord between the Emperor and the Prince, our family cannot wade into these muddy waters.”

If Qin Yining entered the palace and could become a favored consort, the Qin family would be set up as a banner, forming a triangular power struggle with the Emperor, Pang Xiao, and those Northern Ji old ministers.

The Qin family had just arrived – how could they have the confidence to wade into such muddy waters?

Although Qin Yining knew Second Master said this only for family interests and not out of concern for her, she still felt relieved.

If Second Uncle and Third Uncle supported her, it would be easier to refuse the imperial selection.

“Second Uncle, I suspect this was done by Northern Ji loyalists.”

Second Master pondered for a moment after hearing this, then slowly nodded. “Indeed, they are the most likely suspects.”

“If it really was them, we don’t need to worry about Father and Mother’s safety. That faction of Northern Ji loyalists still needs to survive, after all. They can’t completely offend the Emperor. As they say, give a slap then offer a sweet date – we Great Yan people were specifically requested by the Emperor, and my father is a representative figure among Yan dynasty ministers. If they killed my father, it would be hard for them to explain to the Emperor.”

These people acted with great discretion and wouldn’t fight desperately to offend Li Qitian. They also knew where Li Qitian’s bottom line was. That’s why they would do many frustrating yet unavoidable things within Li Qitian’s boundaries.

After careful consideration, both Second Master and Third Master couldn’t help but nod.

“Yining is right. Then this matter is settled – we need to find a way to avoid participating in the selection. It’s just that the name has already been submitted… Sigh, your grandmother really acted too hastily.” Second Master couldn’t help but complain.

Qin Yining felt helpless inside. The Old Madam’s concern for her eldest son was one thing, but more importantly, she probably cared about those belongings, right?

This was understandable too. After all, the Qin family was a large clan with heritage. If they became penniless, at least during the Old Madam’s lifetime in the short term, it would be very difficult to see the Qin family return to their former days of fine clothes, precious food, and pampered servants.

“Second Uncle needn’t think too much. Grandmother also did this for the family.” Qin Yining thought for a moment and said, “I actually have a way to resolve this matter now.”

“What do you plan to do?” Third Master asked curiously.

A gleam of cunning flashed in Qin Yining’s eyes. “File an imperial petition. Do you dare?”