Regardless of what outsiders might think, Qin Yining clearly understood that by teaching her in the manner of instructing a son before everyone, her father had not only given her tremendous face but also provided her with backing. He was reminding everyone that no matter how many concubines he had, Qin Huaiyuan only had one daughter.

None of those present were fools, so they naturally understood the deeper meaning behind Qin Huaiyuan’s actions. Their expressions when looking at Qin Yining became different.

Even the old dowager felt some regret in her heart about her earlier impulsive act of striking out with her bronze pipe in shame and anger.

Fortunately, Qin Yining had dodged. If she had actually been hit and ended up with a bloody head and ruined appearance, how could she possibly explain this to Qin Huaiyuan?

As a mother, the old dowager deeply understood her son’s difficulties. No matter how excellent Qin Huaiyuan was, he currently had no male heir to carry on the lineage. Meanwhile, Qin Yining bore such a strong resemblance to Qin Huaiyuan and was exceptionally intelligent. Her conduct was bold and decisive, unlike a typical boudoir maiden, but rather possessing the straightforward nature of a young man. It was no wonder Qin Huaiyuan favored her and wanted to raise her as a son.

The old dowager secretly thought that in the future, even if she needed to discipline Qin Yining, she would have to do so without Qin Huaiyuan’s knowledge.

“Hui Jie’er.” Qin Huaiyuan’s voice rang out again.

Qin Huining, who had been keeping her head lowered nearby, suddenly looked up toward Qin Huaiyuan. When their eyes met, her heart skipped a beat. Flustered, she lowered her gaze and curtsied: “Father.”

Qin Huaiyuan glanced at Qin Huining with displeasure at her rose-red jacket and the pearls, emeralds, and gold ornaments in her hair. Then he looked at Qin Yining, who had changed into a moon-white jacket and wore not a single piece of jewelry, and felt somewhat more comforted.

“Hui Jie’er is certainly dressed elegantly today.”

Qin Huining nervously swallowed and knew that Qin Huaiyuan was reproaching her. She hastily explained: “Father, your daughter doesn’t usually dress this way. It’s just that today Concubine Cao entered our household, so naturally your daughter wanted to dress properly for the family’s joyous occasion, so as not to appear negligent.”

Qin Huaiyuan finally turned his gaze to Cao Yuqing.

Since her arrival, this was the first time he had properly looked at her.

Cao Yuqing smiled gently, the joy and devotion in her eyes seeming to materialize and wrap around him.

However, Qin Huaiyuan looked away and said: “Concubine Cao comes from a distinguished family and is most learned and reasonable. How could she possibly care what you wear? Hui Jie’er, the men of Duke Dingguo’s family have barely grown cold in their graves, and you have called Duke Dingguo grandfather for over ten years. As a maiden in her boudoir, you may lack other abilities, but surely you can manage to dress modestly?”

Qin Huining’s face flushed red from the scolding, as if blood might drip from it. With a thud, she knelt down while clutching her skirt: “Father, please calm your anger. Your daughter was momentarily confused. Please forgive your daughter’s transgression.”

Qin Huaiyuan said: “Starting tomorrow, you will confine yourself to Xueli Courtyard for reflection. You are not to emerge until you have copied the Classic of Filial Piety one hundred times in full. Think carefully about what you have done.”

Though Qin Huaiyuan was merely delivering instruction, saying such words in front of so many people truly made Qin Huining feel as if her face had been slapped swollen.

But in this household, her father was the clan patriarch and had the old dowager completely under control. Even if she had ten times the courage, she wouldn’t dare defy him.

Qin Huining could only lower her head in grievance and say: “Yes, thank you for father’s teachings.”

“You would do well to conduct yourself properly.”

Qin Huaiyuan smiled as he bowed to the old dowager: “Mother, your son is still waiting to look at books with Yi Jie’er, so I’ll take her with me first.”

The old dowager could only nod in agreement.

Qin Huaiyuan put on his cloak and walked toward the door, saying indifferently: “Yi Jie’er, keep up.”

Qin Yining respectfully bowed farewell to the old dowager, Second Madam, Third Madam, and all her sisters before quickly following him out.

Upon reaching the covered walkway, Qin Huaiyuan looked at Sun Shi kneeling on the ground sobbing and Nanny Jin and Cai Ju shivering from cold. He sighed and said: “Madam’s health is frail. She still hasn’t fully recovered from her last illness, and you still haven’t helped your mistress up? Prepare a carriage to send her back to Xingning Garden to rest.”

Having protected his daughter, he now came to protect his wife.

The old dowager heard this from inside the room and merely pursed her lips without interfering, sending Nanny Qin out to receive instructions.

Nanny Qin immediately responded “Yes” and promptly ordered someone to prepare a carriage.

Cao Yuqing also followed closely behind Qin Huaiyuan to the walkway. Seeing Sun Shi’s face, pale from crying, then looking at Qin Huaiyuan’s imposing figure standing with hands clasped behind his back, she bit her lower lip thoughtfully.

When Sun Shi looked up, she saw Cao Yuqing dressed brilliantly and beautifully, making her feel ashamed of her own appearance.

Unprecedented hatred blazed in Sun Shi’s eyes!

Their family had already thoroughly investigated everything. The Great Zhou envoys had demanded Sun Yu’s brain matter, and the emperor had had the opportunity to refuse, but it was the demon empress who had encouraged him to issue the imperial decree, forcing Sun Yu to die to prove his loyalty. Later, when Great Zhou widely circulated documents claiming they wanted the emperor’s life, it was also the demon empress who had given the emperor the idea to destroy the Sun family to appease Great Zhou’s anger, which led to the Sun family’s downfall.

The Cao family were the enemies who had caused the Sun family’s destruction.

Yet Qin Huaiyuan wanted to take a Cao family daughter as his honored concubine!

Now she knelt disheveled and aging in the ice and snow, weeping.

While Concubine Cao stood beside Qin Huaiyuan, dressed brilliantly and smiling.

With old grievances and new hatred combined, how could Sun Shi not resent this? She wished she could devour the flesh and blood of the Cao family!

Sensing Sun Shi’s emotional turmoil, Nanny Jin panicked and quickly covered Sun Shi’s mouth, calling to Cai Ju: “Quickly, help Madam into the carriage.”

Sun Shi’s tears flowed all over Nanny Jin’s hand. She struggled while whimpering, but finally lost strength and could only lean against Nanny Jin’s shoulder, crying.

Qin Huaiyuan watched Sun Shi’s retreating figure, helplessness and guilt flashing in his eyes. He stepped down from the platform: “Yi Jie’er, follow me.”

“Yes.” Qin Yining had already dressed properly and, holding a hand warmer, followed behind Qin Huaiyuan with Bingtang, Qiu Lu, and Song Lan.

Cao Yuqing couldn’t help but chase after them for a couple of steps, calling out delicately: “Master.”

Qin Huaiyuan paused in his steps but didn’t turn back: “Concubine Cao has had a tiring day. You should settle in early.”

He then instructed Nanny Qin: “Arrange capable people to serve Concubine Cao properly. There must not be the slightest negligence. Send the finest food, clothing, and necessities to her.”

Nanny Qin nodded in surprise. Qin Huaiyuan’s meaning was that he intended to provide well for Concubine Cao but had no intention of touching her?

That made sense.

Everyone under heaven knew how the Sun family had fallen.

Qin Huaiyuan and Duke Dingguo had never had a cross word between them as father-in-law and son-in-law. He had just finished scolding Qin Huining for refusing to wear mourning clothes and punishing her with confinement and copying the Classic of Filial Piety one hundred times. How could he immediately accept Concubine Cao now?

If he were to eagerly sleep with any woman brought into the household, that wouldn’t be the Qin Huaiyuan she had watched grow up since childhood.

Nanny Qin greatly admired Qin Huaiyuan’s character and felt that in certain aspects, Qin Yining bore a striking resemblance to Qin Huaiyuan, which made her smile knowingly.

Cao Yuqing watched Qin Huaiyuan walk away with infatuation, the anticipation in her eyes not diminishing as she gently sighed.

Nanny Qin, deeply understanding the old dowager’s intentions, respectfully and courteously invited Cao Yuqing to sit a while longer.

Qin Huining also rallied her spirits, thinking that since her confinement wouldn’t begin until tomorrow, she smiled and made conversation with Cao Yuqing.

Everyone surrounded Cao Yuqing like stars around the moon, escorting her back into the room amid lively chatter.

Meanwhile, Qin Yining followed Qin Huaiyuan to the outer courtyard study. Father and daughter sat on either side of the arhat daybed by the window. After the maids served hot tea, Qin Huaiyuan waved his hand to dismiss everyone.

Qin Yining bit her lip and said apologetically: “Father, today your daughter was too impulsive and offended the old dowager. Please forgive me, father.”