Qin Shuying had spent the past few months observing and pondering. She also continued studying the foreign nguage notes left by Qin Yongzhou, deciphering the strange symbols and fragmented phrases. The deeper she delved, the more she realized that her father’s death was far from straightforward.

  __

  When paying respects to the Old Madam, Qin Shuying, as usual, sat beside her and massaged her legs.

  After months of persistent massages, the Old Madam’s leg pain had improved significantly. What used to be unbearable was now barely noticeable for most of the day. Naturally, this made the Old Madam cherish Qin Shuying even more.

  As soon as Qin Shuying entered, the Old Madam’s expression brightened. “Seventh girl, I’ve heard you’ve been working on your needlework until te at night these past few days. Leave these tasks to the maids. Your eyes are more important.”

  Qin Shuying replied with a smile, “Old Madam, Mistress Long will be back soon. I’m just sharpening my skills before her return—better te than never, right?”

  The Old Madam chuckled. “You cheeky girl, even daring to poke fun at Mistress Long.”

  Qin Yunyun chimed in, “Old Madam, Seventh Sister hasn’t even taken lessons from Mistress Long, but judging by her current skills, Mistress Long would surely be quite satisfied.”

  This Mistress Long was their instructor in the female arts, renowned for her skills. She had left to accompany a funeral procession down south the previous year and had been gone for more than half a year. Her return was expected soon.

  Qin Shuying was surprised by Qin Yunyun’s unexpected praise and grew wary. She replied cautiously, “Sixth Sister must be joking. How could my skills compare to yours?”

  Madam Xu smoothly joined the conversation. “Seventh girl, you’re good at everything—clever and capable—but you’re far too modest.”

  Qin Shuying’s heart tightened. Sure enough, she soon heard Madam Xu address the Old Madam.

  “Mother, during the New Year, when the noble dies paid their respects to the pace, Consort Lian summoned me. Seventh girl is not only good at business but also skilled in needlework. I thought such an outstanding young dy should be introduced to the pace dies. So, I mentioned her to Consort Lian, and she praised Seventh girl highly. She even instructed me to bring Seventh girl to the pace for her birthday celebration. The day is fast approaching—just three days away—so I wanted to mention it here.”

  March 15 marked Consort Lian’s 30th birthday. The Empress would undoubtedly allow Madam Xu to lead a group of women into the pace.

  Being brought to the pace was unlikely to bode well for her. However, declining was not an option either. Besides, she hadn’t seen Qin Lianlian, her once high-and-mighty elder sister—now a cousin—for years.

  This birthday gathering would also bring the Sixth Prince back to the capital. She was curious to meet him as well.

  The thought of a "mouse knocking over a jade vase" pyed vividly in her mind, and a faint smile appeared on her lips.

  The Old Madam, delighted at the prospect, immediately agreed. Being summoned by a noble in the pace was a rare honor for young women. Such a connection would also provide Qin Shuying with a stronger foundation when she eventually married into the Liu family.

  Qin Shuying expressed her "gratitude" profusely. “Thank you, Madam Xu! I’ll be cautious in everything and make sure not to embarrass Consort Lian.”

  Madam Xu maintained her benevolent expression, nodding with a smile. “It’s such a great opportunity. What a pity Feifei cannot go.”

  Qin Feifei had recently given birth to a son and naturally couldn’t join the pace visit.

  The Lu family was sure to hold a grand banquet for the baby’s full month celebration.

  __

  Three days ter.

  Qin Shuying had dressed and arrived at Yanfei Pavilion before dawn.

  The Qin residence was about half an hour away from the pace, so they had to start preparing early.

  After only a short wait, Qin Yunyun arrived. Her attire was, as expected, exquisite, elegant, and perfectly appropriate, radiating the refined air of a well-bred dy from a schorly family.

  When Qin Yunyun gnced at Qin Shuying, she noticed her adorned with lustrous pearls—from her hairpin and earrings to her neckce. The pearls were perfectly matched in color and design, showcasing impeccable craftsmanship. A flicker of jealousy fshed through Qin Yunyun’s eyes.

  Currently, Madam Xu was negotiating marriage prospects for Qin Yunyun. Although they had initially hoped to secure a connection with the Duke Chu Manor, the scandal at Duke Chu Manor had dashed those hopes. However, it wasn’t a huge disappointment, as Qin Manor’s standing was slightly beneath that of Duke Chu Manor. From the start, Madam Xu had only entertained the possibility with a faint glimmer of hope.

  Despite Consort Lian and the Sixth Prince being part of their extended family, Madam Xu was well aware of the Qin family’s limitations in the capital. They were retively weak, with no influential branches. Qin Yongtao, their patriarch, held a modest third-rank official post—hardly remarkable in a city teeming with third-rank officials. Moreover, the capital was overflowing with imperial retives, aristocrats, and high-ranking officials.

  Duke Chu Manor, an illustrious hereditary family of the highest rank, was leagues beyond the Qin family.

  Currently, only two families were comparable to Duke Chu Manor in prestige: the Western Conqueror General’s Manor and Huai'en Marquis Manor. Both families owed their enduring prosperity to the merits of their ancestors and the diligence of their descendants, pcing them far beyond the Qin family’s reach.

  In addition, the emperor had numerous uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters, and cousins—so many royal retives that they could hardly be counted. Not to mention the living princes, seven in total, and five princesses. Each prince was granted his own household at the age of ten, resulting in five active princely residences in the capital.

  The Liu family was also a notable aristocratic cn, boasting prominent members serving in second and third-rank official posts. At the helm of the Liu household was Liu Gongshan, who managed their affairs with considerable influence.

  That Qin Shuying—a mere orphan—had managed to secure an engagement with the Liu family heir was nothing short of astounding.

  And Liu Junqing himself was a man of remarkable literary talent and striking appearance. Of all the men Qin Yunyun had met, only the Sixth Prince surpassed him in looks.

  However, after today, would the Liu family still want to marry Qin Shuying?

  The jealousy in Qin Yunyun’s eyes shifted to a mocking sneer.

  Madam Xu, preoccupied with her own pns, barely paid attention to Qin Shuying. After a brief inspection of the girls’ attire and accessories, she arranged for them to board the carriages headed for the pace.

  Qin Yunyun had accompanied Madam Xu to the pace before, but this was Qin Shuying’s first visit. She naturally appeared apprehensive and nervous.

  Madam Xu and the two girls shared a carriage, while Nanny Liu, Jinhuan, Caiying, and Ziteng traveled in another.

  During the journey, Qin Shuying maintained an air of curiosity and unease but refrained from speaking much. Qin Yunyun, feeling no need to engage with her, ignored her entirely.

  Madam Xu, worried that Qin Shuying might detect something amiss, offered occasional reassurances. “The pace is merely rger than home—there’s no need to fear. Consort Lian is your elder cousin and will undoubtedly look after you. As her close retive, others are sure to hold you in higher regard.”

  Qin Shuying nodded obediently, her inner thoughts ced with cold amusement. Hold me in higher regard? You’re clearly urging me to offend someone of importance.

  At the pace gates, they waited briefly before leaving their carriages to proceed on foot. Madam Xu led the two girls toward the inner pace, leaving the maids and attendants behind to wait outside.

  A eunuch named Xi, who served Consort Lian, acted as their guide. He was a cheerful man in his early twenties, his face lit up with a constant smile. “Madam, the Consort has been eagerly talking about you for days!”

  Madam Xu, evidently familiar with Eunuch Xi, responded warmly. “Eunuch Xi, the Consort is fortunate to have someone as dedicated as you by her side. Thank you for your hard work.”

  Eunuch Xi’s smile widened, and he replied humbly, “It’s merely my duty, Madam. I don’t deserve such praise.”