Three days ter, Madam Liu arrived as expected, accompanied by Liu Junqing.

  The news quickly spread through the inner residence of the Qin family.

  The Old Madam sent someone to summon Qin Shuying to Xuantang Hall while she was reading.

  Nanny Fu walked in, brimming with excitement and affection, saying, “My dear young miss, you start reading at dawn every day. Even the top schors don’t study as diligently as you!”

  Qin Shuying smiled faintly. She knew she cked other skills and could only rely on continuous learning. While skills like music, chess, calligraphy, and painting were less practical for her, she focused on books that would be useful. Previously, she studied medical texts and history books, then moved on to miscelneous writings left by Qin Yongzhou, as well as the ws of the Zhou dynasty and genealogies of noble families. She even ventured into books about foreign peoples. Fortunately, Qin Shuying had an excellent memory and was deeply committed to her studies, so her efforts yielded great results. She also shared her learning with Ziteng, and the two often quizzed each other.

  After tidying her appearance, Qin Shuying, accompanied by an excited Nanny Fu and the composed Ziteng, headed to Xuantang Hall.

  The Old Madam was smiling warmly as she chatted with Madam Liu. Madam Xu and Madam Zou were seated to the sides, while Qin Lulu, Qin Yunyun, and Qin Fangfang sat quietly in their pces.

  “Old Madam!” Qin Shuying performed a respectful greeting. Madam Liu’s gaze shifted to her.

  Nanny Fu took the opportunity to observe Madam Liu. She appeared to be in her thirties, dressed and accessorized in a manner befitting her status. While her features were ordinary, her well-maintained appearance gave her an elegant and refined demeanor.

  During her previous visit, Madam Liu had spoken very little, making it hard for Nanny Fu to assess her character. This time, determined to gather more insight, she subtly shifted to a position that offered a better view of Madam Liu.

  When Qin Shuying entered, Madam Liu showed no particur reaction, maintaining the same faint smile she had when Qin Yunyun and her sisters had arrived earlier.

  “Seventh girl, this is Madam Liu. Madam Liu, this is Yongzhou’s only daughter. Shuying, come and greet Madam Liu.”

  Qin Shuying stepped forward gracefully, observing Madam Liu with a composed smile as she performed her greeting. “Madam.”

  Madam Liu maintained her composure and said, “Good child.” She then took a brocade box handed to her by a servant and said, “This is a small gift.”

  Qin Shuying accepted it with poise and thanked her, “Thank you, Madam.”

  Her demeanor was calm and collected, showing neither surprise nor excitement.

  Madam Liu’s emotions grew more complicated, but she revealed nothing, instead turning to the Old Madam with a smile. “Old Madam, I must say, Shuying bears quite a resembnce to Master Qin.”

  The Old Madam nodded. “Madam is correct. Among all my grandchildren, the seventh girl most resembles her father, Yongzhou. As for Junqing, I’ve seen him before. He takes after you, Madam—he’s a fine young man.”

  Mentioning her only son brought a genuine smile to Madam Liu’s face, and the conversation naturally flowed. “To tell the truth, Old Madam, Junqing is a dutiful child and quite studious. He often studies te into the night, and no matter how much I urge him to rest, he insists that youth is the time for learning and that idleness breeds regret.”

  Madam Xu chimed in, “Indeed. Even in the capital, I’ve heard of Young Master Liu’s reputation for diligence. My son, Kaiyu, greatly admires his schorly achievements and often says he’d like to meet him personally for guidance. Unfortunately, Young Master Liu arrived in the capital while Kaiyu is still away.”

  Qin Kaile, stationed at his post, naturally couldn’t return, while Qin Kaiyu had been traveling with his mentor for studies and hadn’t come home even for the New Year.

  Madam Liu’s smile grew even more genuine. Her son was her pride, and his schorly reputation preceded him. While the Liu family was well-known in Huzhou, they didn’t hold the same prominence in the capital.

  For the Qin family’s matriarch and the mother of Consort Lian to have heard of Junqing’s name, and for Lianbin’s younger brother, Qin Kaiyu, to admire Junqing’s intellect, filled Madam Liu with pride.

  Suppressing her inner delight, Madam Liu politely replied, “Madam, you’re too kind. Your second young master achieved the rank of schor at a young age and is now broadening his horizons through travel. His experiences are sure to be extraordinary, and Junqing dares not compare himself.”

  The scene before her was exactly what the Old Madam hoped for. Since Madam Liu was Qin Shuying’s future mother-in-w, maintaining a good retionship with the Qin family was naturally ideal.

  Qin Shuying kept a soft smile, while Qin Yunyun and Qin Fangfang also smiled subtly, listening politely as the two madams engaged in casual conversation.

  As they talked, Xiangqin entered and announced, “Old Madam, Young Master Liu has come from the front courtyard. He is outside, offering his greetings to the Old Madam, First Madam, and Second Madam.”

  Qin Shuying lifted her head slightly, quickly gncing at Madam Liu. Madam Liu’s smile momentarily paused, her gaze brushing across Qin Shuying’s face just as swiftly.

  Qin Shuying lowered her head, her cheeks tinged with shyness. When she rose, she nearly stumbled over the stool.

  Only then did Madam Liu’s lingering suspicions ease somewhat. After all, she was still a girl who hadn’t reached adulthood. The sharpness she dispyed st time was likely taught by those around her, and her calm demeanor earlier must have been feigned.

  Following the decorum, Qin Shuying and her three sisters retreated behind the screen.

  Only then did Liu Junqing enter the room to pay his respects.

  He was a remarkably handsome and upright young man!

  Madam Xu’s hand instinctively tightened around her handkerchief.

  Involuntarily, she compared her own son to Liu Junqing and found her son cking. Even Lu Changxuan fell short of Liu Junqing’s straight posture and refined features. Liu Junqing clearly engaged in regur physical training, appearing not only tall and upright but also agile.

  He was truly a rare sight, an extraordinary young man! Madam Xu couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy in her heart.

  The Liu family had a strong schorly tradition, with many serving as officials in the court, making it a distinguished family. Although Liu Gongshan’s official position wasn’t high, he wielded considerable authority and was the head of the family. Liu Junqing, with his striking appearance and academic excellence, stood out among his peers, his future boundless.

  For Qin Shuying to marry into such a family was truly a stroke of good fortune!

  Liu Junqing greeted the elders with grace and decorum, his demeanor composed and his gaze steady. The Old Madam couldn’t stop smiling, overjoyed with his manners. She even changed her mind about the prepared gift, instead instructing Nanny Gu to bring out a painting by a master artist to present to Liu Junqing.

  Liu Junqing accepted the gift graciously and expressed his thanks.

  The Old Madam, delighted, decided to disregard the strict propriety of old customs, given that Great Zhou’s social conventions were less rigid than in previous dynasties. Additionally, Liu Junqing and Qin Shuying had interacted as children. She instructed Nanny Gu, “Since Young Master Liu has traveled a long way, and the Liu family had close ties with Yongzhou, and the seventh girl has seen Young Master Liu in her youth, let’s dispense with the unnecessary formalities. Bring out the seventh girl.”

  When Nanny Gu went to fetch Qin Shuying, she accidentally nudged the screen, causing it to shift slightly. From behind, Qin Fangfang and Qin Yunyun caught sight of Liu Junqing, momentarily stunned.

  Living secluded lives, they had never encountered a man with such charisma as Liu Junqing.

  For a moment, countless thoughts raced through their minds.

  Even Qin Lulu was momentarily dazed.

  Despite hearing their gasps, Liu Junqing remained unmoved, standing upright with his gaze fixed ahead, completely composed.

  The Old Madam silently praised him. Such steadiness was rare even among her own grandsons.

  “Greetings to the Liu family’s elder brother.” Qin Shuying gracefully stepped forward, her voice steady as she greeted him.

  “Greetings to the Qin family’s seventh sister.” Liu Junqing finally lifted his gaze, meeting Qin Shuying’s eyes.

  Before him stood a young dy with a warm smile, elegant features, a slender figure, simple makeup, and a gentle demeanor—his betrothed.

  Liu Junqing’s eyes lingered on Qin Shuying for a brief moment before shifting away.