The rumors and gossip circulating in the city had not yet reached Qin Yining’s ears.

At this moment, she was accompanying Sun Shi in selecting jewelry at a jewelry shop.

“Mother, at my age, I don’t need such precious jewelry – wearing it would actually be too much for me to carry off.”

Qin Yining pushed the brocade box lined with bright red velvet toward Sun Shi. Inside the box were a complete set of sixty-four exquisite gold filigree pieces inlaid with rubies – from large hairpins and swaying ornaments to small earrings and rings. Each piece was delicate and refined, gleaming brilliantly in the sunlight, extraordinarily luxurious.

“It would be just right for Mother to use.” Qin Yining took a ruby hairpin with golden bead tassels and held it against Sun Shi’s hair bun, smiling: “It really looks wonderful. Mother has such fair skin that these rubies perfectly complement your complexion. Moreover, Mother’s status can certainly support such magnificent jewelry.”

“Where would I need to wear such things?” Sun Shi’s lips curved slightly upward at her daughter’s praise as she placed the tasseled hairpin back in the box.

“I’m thinking of taking this opportunity to select a fine set of jewelry for your future dowry. We lost almost all our valuable possessions on the journey here. I also never prepared any decent jewelry for you beforehand.

“Your father says he plans to hold your coming-of-age ceremony this year, and after that we’ll need to discuss marriage prospects. Selecting the dowry jewelry in advance would be wise.”

Qin Yining’s face flushed completely red at Sun Shi’s words, and inexplicably, the image of Pang Xiao wearing bright red python robes floated through her mind.

But hearing Sun Shi mention “discussing marriage prospects,” her heart felt somewhat panicked.

As a woman, marriage was naturally a matter that required following parental commands and matchmaker’s words.

Yet her relationship with Pang Xiao had already become so intimate, but she might not necessarily gain the Old Madam’s and Mother’s approval, especially since they knew nothing of the true situation.

If she ultimately couldn’t marry Pang Xiao, she would surely regret it for life.

However, upon further reflection, Qin Yining set aside her worries.

Because the relationship between her and Pang Xiao had Qin Huaiyuan’s approval. When arranging her marriage, regardless of what choices the Old Madam or Sun Shi made, they would ultimately need to consult Qin Huaiyuan first.

Qin Yining truly felt very grateful for her father’s open-mindedness at this moment.

Sun Shi, with a mother’s loving heart, used her personal savings to purchase the jewelry set. The silver for this set of jewelry would be enough for an ordinary wealthy family to marry off a daughter.

“When we return, hide this first. Don’t let the Old Madam or your other sisters see it. The family is living tightly right now – if they knew I spent so much silver, even though this is my personal money, they would still gossip.”

“Mother, I understand.” Qin Yining couldn’t help but smile.

Sun Shi pinched Qin Yining’s cheek: “Don’t laugh at me. I’m just worried about causing trouble. When you have your coming-of-age ceremony, we’ll select one piece from here to use. When you have your wedding, this jewelry set will be just perfect – both festive and elegant.”

Qin Yining was amused by Sun Shi’s rarely seen joyful expression.

“Mother is planning too far ahead. My affairs don’t even have the first stroke of the character written yet.”

“Is this something to worry about? My daughter is so beautiful, and with your father supporting you, how could we fear not finding a good match? It’s always been that when one family has a daughter, a hundred families come calling. We’re just newcomers who can’t make a big show due to past events. Silly girl, do you believe that if news of your marriage prospects got out, people would trample down our family’s threshold?”

“It’s not that exaggerated.” Qin Yining laughed again.

The mother and daughter chatted and laughed, causing Nanny Jin, Ji Yun, and Qian Yun who were following beside them to smile as well.

After purchasing jewelry, the group found a private room at a teahouse to sit and rest.

Sun Shi ordered a pot of Lapsang Souchong tea and several pastries, chatting leisurely with Qin Yining while drinking tea.

Qin Yining noticed that ever since Sun Shi learned Cao Yuqing was no longer Qin Huaiyuan’s concubine, Sun Shi had become radiant, as if she had suddenly become ten years younger, and was much more warm and composed in her interactions with others.

Sun Shi now also increasingly loved this daughter, not only because she resembled Qin Huaiyuan in his youth, but also because of her intelligence and steadiness. Though she was the mother, she could always find a sense of security from her daughter, as if she could think of solutions to any problem.

The mother-daughter relationship had grown much closer in recent days.

Just as the atmosphere was harmonious and pleasant, Qin Yining faintly heard someone in the main hall downstairs speaking loudly, and their words seemed to mention “Prince Zhongshun.”

Sun Shi was also quite curious and looked up at Qin Yining.

Qin Yining signaled to Ji Yun.

Ji Yun immediately went to open the latticed window facing the first floor hall. The noise from the hall reached their ears, and that man’s voice could now be heard clearly:

“…So you see, a fine man like Prince Zhongshun – just how many women’s hearts must he capture? Even a woman like Princess Imperial can’t forget him. I truly don’t know what woman in this world could resist such an excellent man.”

Such a joking remark caused everyone in the hall to laugh, and their laughter seemed particularly meaningful.

Qin Yining raised an eyebrow.

She wondered what had happened between Pang Zhixi and Li Helan this time.

Though she was curious after hearing this, she didn’t doubt Pang Xiao. They had weathered so many storms together – how could she not be clear about his true feelings for her?

However, when Bingtang, Ji Yun, and Qian Yun heard these words, they became uneasy.

Especially Sun Shi – upon hearing someone mention Pang Xiao, her face immediately darkened. She carefully glanced at Qin Yining, afraid her daughter might think sad thoughts, then stood up and said: “Yining, we’ve been shopping and are tired today. Let’s go home.”

“Alright.” Qin Yining smiled in agreement and accompanied Sun Shi to leave by carriage.

Before getting in the carriage, Qin Yining looked toward Jingzhe who was following alongside.

Jingzhe immediately came forward.

Qin Yining whispered a few words in Jingzhe’s ear, and Jingzhe immediately received the order and withdrew.

Qin Yining returned home and properly stored away the newly purchased jewelry.

Bingtang observed Qin Yining’s expression, and seeing she wasn’t angry, finally said quietly: “Miss, please don’t overthink it. His Highness isn’t that kind of person.”

“Yes.” With Bingtang taking the lead, Ji Yun and Qian Yun also began offering reassurances.

Only Qiu Lu, who hadn’t gone out today, was still completely confused about what had happened.

Just then, Jingzhe returned.

“Miss, this subordinate inquired outside. There are many versions of the rumors, but summarizing them, Princess Anyang chased after Prince Zhongshun, seemingly trying to show favor, and after being refused by His Highness, she cried and made a scene.”

Speaking thus, he took out an envelope from his chest and presented it with both hands: “Just as I was returning to the manor, I happened to encounter a servant from Shopkeeper Zhong bringing you a letter, so this subordinate brought the letter in for you.”

Qin Yining took the letter and, seeing no addressee written on it, curiously pulled out the paper.

The content of the letter was very simple – just four bold, forceful characters that seemed to penetrate the paper: “Absolutely no such thing.”

It was actually Pang Xiao, afraid she might overthink, who had specially sent a note!

Qin Yining immediately burst into laughter.