Qin Shuying gnced at the Old Madam, then at Madam Xu. Her expression slowly changed, her posture becoming unsteady. “Madam, rumors are not to be trusted. You should believe in your niece!”

  “I naturally believe you, but the people outside don’t!”

  Qin Shuying clutched her handkerchief tightly and asked softly, “Since Madam believes in me, why not expin things for me?”

  Madam Xu feigned a sigh, her heart full of satisfaction. “You silly girl, you don’t know how treacherous people can be! Seventh Miss, now that you’ve caused such trouble—even if you have a bright future and the Liu family of Huzhou is willing to bear this disgrace because of your third uncle’s life-saving favor—what about Fifth Miss, Sixth Miss, and Eighth Miss? How will they face the ridicule of others when they go out? How will they find good marriages in the future? How will people view the Qin family’s reputation? Tell me, how can I possibly defend you?”

  She wore an expression of worried benevolence, but every word stoked discord.

  Particurly her mention of the Qin family’s reputation, something the Old Madam valued deeply. Sure enough, the Old Madam’s expression changed slightly, her gaze falling on Qin Shuying. Madam Xu caught this and felt even more triumphant.

  The young dies in the room had varied reactions. At the mention of marriage prospects, most shyly lowered their heads.

  Qin Yunyun, though lowering her head, smirked slightly, silently “blessing” Qin Shuying: It’s your turn to enjoy the spotlight now!

  Qin Fangfang, trembling with rage, wept. Not yet betrothed herself, she was the one most affected by the scandal. However, she dared not openly scold her sister in the Old Madam’s presence and could only cry bitterly, “Seventh Sister, how could you be so heartless? We’re sisters—how could you do this?”

  Qin Lulu, on the other hand, cast a doubtful gnce at both Madam Xu and Qin Shuying before shaking her head. “I don’t believe in rumors.”

  Qin Shuying tilted her head slightly and gave Qin Lulu a smile more bitter than tears, her gratitude clear without words.

  Madam Zou frowned but stayed silent. She had long since seen through Madam Xu’s character. Madam Xu had never taken her seriously, viewing her as insignificant due to her unambitious nature and background as the daughter of a minor official. However, Madam Zou excelled at minding her own business, which had allowed her to coexist with Madam Xu without too much strife over the years.

  Qin Fangfang, provoked by Qin Lulu’s words, raised her voice. “Fifth Sister, didn’t she already disgrace herself at the Old Madam’s birthday banquet? What won’t she dare to do?”

  Qin Lulu calmly replied, “Eighth Sister, that incident was the fault of Nanny Zhang. The Old Madam has already ordered her execution. Have you forgotten?”

  Qin Fangfang’s retort got stuck in her throat. Indeed, the Old Madam had forbidden anyone from mentioning the matter again. Everyone knew Nanny Zhang had taken the fall for Madam Xu, but no one could openly acknowledge it.

  A shiver ran down Qin Fangfang’s spine as she gnced nervously at the Old Madam, daring not to say another word.

  The room fell silent.

  Unable to hold back, Qin Yunyun lifted her head, ready to speak, but Madam Xu silenced her with a gre. Though resentful, Qin Yunyun said nothing further.

  As the silence lingered, Madam Xu redirected the focus to the Old Madam. “Old Madam, I’m at my wit’s end. I dare not step outside to socialize for fear of the ridicule and questions.”

  The Old Madam gave Madam Xu a long, meaningful look before speaking. “First Daughter-in-w, as the matriarch of the Qin family, you must prioritize the family’s reputation. If outsiders are tarnishing our name, it’s your responsibility to stop it!”

  Madam Xu’s heart burned with frustration. After all this effort, the Old Madam still hadn’t grasped the crux of the issue: it was Qin Shuying who had tarnished the family’s reputation! Why should she be the one to clean it up? Yet, the Old Madam’s words were irrefutable—this was indeed what a household matriarch should do.

  Feigning helplessness, Madam Xu sighed. “Old Madam, it’s not that I’m unwilling, but the rumors have spread too widely. Even if I had three heads and six arms, I couldn’t silence them all!”

  The Old Madam retorted sharply, “Then you’re simply a useless matriarch!”

  Madam Xu was stunned and furious. To be scolded so bluntly in front of everyone! “Old Madam...”

  “Madam, please calm your anger,” Qin Shuying finally interjected. Her calm, unwavering gaze met Madam Xu’s as she said, “I must insist Madam crify the truth to the public.”

  Facing Qin Shuying’s deep, unfathomable eyes, Madam Xu felt a wave of frustration and aversion. She couldn’t forget how Qin Shuying had leveraged the family’s reputation against her. Her hostility fred, and she snapped, “Seventh Miss, by the family rules, such disgraceful behavior warrants drowning! Don’t forget the fate of your Second Sister...”

  Bang!

  The Old Madam smmed her teacup on the table, making Madam Xu jump. Turning, she saw the Old Madam’s dark, piercing gre.

  Understanding the situation, Qin Shuying tactfully withdrew to a respectful distance.

  Nanny Gu looked to the Old Madam for approval before addressing Madam Xu. “Madam, when Seventh Miss visits the family shops, she always remains in private rooms, never meeting with the managers directly. Nanny Fu or Nanny Mi handles all interactions. This has been reported to the Old Madam.”

  Madam Xu froze, her expression shifting to disbelief, then realization. She had fallen into Qin Shuying’s trap again! Seeing the Old Madam’s furious, disappointed gaze, Madam Xu felt utterly defeated. How could she have been outmaneuvered by Qin Shuying yet again?

  Her anger turned toward the Old Madam, whom she now bmed for her humiliation. Why hadn’t the Old Madam corrected the situation earlier, instead allowing her to make a fool of herself?

  Meanwhile, Qin Shuying’s serene voice echoed in her ears, “Madam, do you not believe Nanny Gu’s words either? Madam, you choose to trust outsiders over your own niece and Nanny Gu. It truly pains me.”

  At this, Nanny Liu coughed lightly. Madam Xu, remembering Qin Yongtao’s warnings, forced a smile and turned to the Old Madam. “Old Madam, it’s my fault for being misled by outside rumors. Please forgive me. I was too concerned for the family’s reputation and acted rashly. Seventh Miss, I beg your pardon and hope you won’t hold a grudge against your aunt.”