Qin Shuying steadied her thoughts and took a few steps back, retreating behind the rose bushes. She then deliberately chose a longer path that also led to Yanfei Pavilion, strolling slowly and pausing occasionally to admire the snow-covered scenery. She only entered just before the meal was about to start.

  The Old Madam had cimed she wasn’t feeling well and chose to rest, skipping the luncheon. Madam Xu, hosting the household affairs, decred that since it was a family gathering, the meal would be held at Yanfei Pavilion.

  Qin Shuying intentionally arrived te.

  As soon as she stepped inside, she saw Qin Feifei savoring a preserved plum with delight. “Nanny Liu’s preserved plums are always the best!”

  Nanny Liu beamed with joy. “You’re too kind, Third Miss! As long as you enjoy them, I’ll make as many as you like. They say sour cravings mean a boy—I’m sure Third Miss will give birth to a chubby, healthy son!”

  A chubby, healthy son...

  Qin Shuying felt a wave of dizziness, and her eyes brimmed with tears. Feng’er! Her Feng’er!

  Clenching her teeth, she walked in, calmly paying her respects first to Madam Xu and then to Madam Zou, before taking a seat beside Qin Lulu.

  With the Old Madam absent, Madam Xu naturally held the position of authority.

  A screen separated the male and female seating areas. Once Qin Yongtao gave the word, both sides began eating.

  Madam Xu had a concubine by her side serving her—a woman named Li, the birth mother of Eighth Miss Qin Fangfang. Concubine Li, originally the daughter of a schor, was literate and refined. Despite nearing thirty, she was still a beauty and took excellent care of herself, which earned her Qin Yongtao’s favor. However, knowing her pce, Concubine Li was careful not to offend the legitimate wife, who had both sons and a daughter in the imperial court. Instead, she taught Qin Fangfang to be deferential and ingratiating toward Madam Xu.

  Qin Shuying ate in silence, her thoughts drifting to Nanny Zhou. The food tasted like ash in her mouth, and she could feel the occasional sharp gaze Qin Feifei cast her way.

  On the male side, the sound of wine cups clinking and toasts filled the air. On the female side, the women discussed the dishes. Madam Zou, as usual, spoke little, while Qin Lulu chatted cheerfully. She turned to Qin Shuying and said, “These braised lion’s head meatballs are so soft and fvorful. They’re my favorite. Seventh Sister, you should try one!”

  Suppressing the sorrow welling up inside, Qin Shuying smiled and replied, “Thank you, Fifth Sister.” She picked up a meatball, took a bite, and said, “You’re right, it’s delicious!”

  Qin Lulu smiled with satisfaction, her simple joy making Qin Shuying feel a bittersweet pang of envy.

  Suddenly, Qin Feifei spoke up. “Mother, Seventh Sister is thirteen now, isn’t she?”

  Qin Shuying, still focused on her food, knew Qin Feifei wouldn’t let her off today.

  Having changed from her former self, Qin Shuying no longer felt the need to engage. Let Qin Feifei ask what she would—she had no intention of answering.

  Madam Xu, understanding her daughter’s intent, suppressed her annoyance when Qin Shuying didn’t respond and replied instead, “Yes, she is. In another two years, she’ll come of age. Time flies.”

  “Mother, I’ve heard that Seventh Sister already has a marriage arrangement. What a blessing it must be for the family to marry such a celestial beauty! Whoever marries her will surely treat her like a goddess.”

  The implication was clear: beauty without virtue only suggested frivolity and licentiousness.

  Madam Xu chuckled. “Indeed. You’re aware of the family—it’s a proper literary household with many officials in court. Master Liu now holds a fourth-rank position and is also the family patriarch. It’s truly a stroke of luck for your Seventh Sister. Liu Junqing, the sole legitimate son of Liu Gongshan, is polite, ambitious, and an excellent young man.”

  Her words carried a sour undertone.

  In Great Zhou, schors were highly esteemed, and the Liu family was a prestigious literary lineage with many capable members. Although Huzhou was not in the capital, it was only a day or two’s journey away and was a wealthy, prosperous region. The Liu family was the leading household there—a match beyond compare.

  Qin Shuying continued eating her meatball with deliberate calm, as if unaware of the veiled barbs directed at her. Were it anyone else, an unmarried girl being discussed like this would have fled the scene in shame. How could she still eat with such composure?

  Madam Zou, practical as always and mindful of her daughter’s presence, interjected, “Sister-in-w, the bamboo shoot chicken soup today is exceptionally fresh and sweet. How is it made?”

  Madam Xu dismissed the question with disdain, saying, "I’m not a cook. Why ask me? Nanny Liu, send the recipe to the Second Madam ter. Second Sister-in-w really has such refined tastes!"

  Although Madam Zou was displeased, she didn’t dare to react, while Qin Lulu was visibly upset. Qin Shuying reached under the table to gently press Qin Lulu’s hand. Startled, Qin Lulu restrained herself, merely tightening her lips.

  Qin Feifei smiled leisurely and said, "Seventh Sister, such a good match—what a blessing you must have earned!"

  Madam Xu echoed with a smile, "Exactly!"

  Finally, Qin Shuying raised her gaze, picked up her handkerchief, and wiped her mouth casually. She asked, "Third Sister, how far along are you in your pregnancy?"

  Qin Feifei proudly touched her belly and replied, "A little over two months."

  Qin Shuying smiled faintly. "Two months? Isn’t it closer to three?"

  Her deep eyes gave nothing away. "So, you were pregnant even before Second Sister passed away, weren’t you?"

  Qin Feifei frowned. Passed away? Why did Qin Shuying speak so unpleasantly? But Qin Shuying wasn’t finished. She continued, "Third Sister, the child in your belly is truly blessed. If Second Sister’s son, Young Master Feng, hadn’t passed away, your child wouldn’t be considered the legitimate eldest son. The family wealth of the Lu household would have gone to Young Master Feng, not your child. But now that Young Master Feng is gone, hasn’t that cleared the way for your child? Third Sister, wouldn’t you say this is good fortune?"

  Her rapid-fire delivery and precise articution left no room for interruption. Everyone at the table stared at Qin Shuying in shock.

  Qin Shuying, unfazed, merely smiled faintly and took a sip of the bamboo shoot chicken soup. "So delicious," she remarked.

  Madam Zou was stunned, frowning slightly. How could a young girl say such things? Though she sympathized with Qin Shuying’s plight and was aware of Madam Xu’s scheming, she didn’t condone Qin Shuying’s approach.

  Qin Feifei’s face was flushed with anger, but she quickly masked it, her eyes darting cleverly as she covered her mouth and ughed lightly. "Seventh Sister, let’s not talk about the child in my belly. Let’s discuss your own situation. Mother mentioned the Liu family earlier. Well, I happen to know a bit about them too. Liu Junqing—your future husband—currently has two concubines, one named Hongxiu and the other Tianxiang. Both are said to be stunningly beautiful, talented in writing and painting. When you marry into the Liu family, you won’t need to worry about anyone taking care of Liu Junqing. Truly, what a relief!"

  Moments ago, she had feigned ignorance of the Liu family. Now, she even knew the names of Liu Junqing’s concubines.