Nanny Gu immediately understood the Old Madam’s intentions, and her heart was a mix of emotions. The Old Madam was already advanced in age, yet Madam Xu and Qin Feifei repeatedly provoked her into anger without a care for her well-being.

  Qin Shuying had been steadfastly massaging the Old Madam day after day, often sharing stories about Qin Yongzhou, which gradually improved the Old Madam's sleep. Naturally, this made her favor Qin Shuying even more. Madam Xu, unable to tolerate this, grew impatient and restless.

  Nanny Gu felt both bitter and heartbroken. She had accompanied the Old Madam for decades and vividly remembered how the Old Madam had fought her way through adversity.

  When the Old Madam’s maternal family fell into decline, Nanny Gu had been bought to serve her when she was only seven years old. Even at that young age, the Old Madam cared for her gravely ill wet nurse until her passing. Those days of suffering, soaked in blood and tears, were deeply etched in Nanny Gu’s memory.

  To think that after surviving all those trials, the Old Madam now had to endure torment from her own daughter-in-w and biological granddaughter in her ter years was unbearable.

  Nanny Gu couldn't remain silent. Her voice rang loud and firm, carrying the weight of her emotions: “Third Miss, the Seventh Miss is the legitimate daughter of your own paternal uncle.”

  Qin Feifei froze in pce. Nanny Gu’s words represented the Old Madam’s stance, and the tone of reproach was unmistakable. What was going on?

  Qin Feifei opened her mouth to respond, but Madam Xu quickly signaled with her eyes. Qin Feifei suppressed her frustration and said with a forced smile, “What Nanny Gu says is true. Seventh Sister, I’m expecting, so I’ve been overly sensitive and might have spoken harshly. Please don’t take it to heart.”

  Qin Shuying observed the interaction quietly, her expression unreadable. She replied gently, “We’re sisters; naturally, I wouldn’t take offense. Third Sister should focus on taking care of her health.”

  The Old Madam’s age made her susceptible to anger and worry, both detrimental to her health. Qin Shuying was careful not to escate conflicts with Madam Xu and her daughters in the Old Madam’s presence, aiming to keep her spirits steady.

  After some lighthearted conversation, the Old Madam’s mood visibly improved, and the group eventually dispersed.

  When Qin Feifei saw that Qin Shuying had left, she leaned in to whisper to Madam Xu, “Mother, why didn’t you let me bring up the matter in front of the Old Madam?”

  Madam Xu, equally frustrated, replied, “The Old Madam is old and can’t handle stress. If something were to happen to her, your father...” She raised three fingers and waved them.

  Qin Feifei’s eyes lit up with understanding, her expression turning to one of delight. “Father’s matters... there’s progress?”

  Madam Xu smirked with a sense of pride but didn’t confirm, merely saying, “Just wait.”

  Qin Feifei couldn’t help but giggle, her earlier frustration swept away.

  Madam Xu’s meaning was now crystal clear to her. If Qin Yongtao was on the verge of advancement but the Old Madam passed away, he would be forced to observe three years of mourning. And after three years, would there still be a chance for him?

  “Feifei, that Seventh Girl is your younger sister. As her elder, it’s your duty to guide her properly. The Qin family still has many girls waiting to be married off. Don’t let her drag everyone down.”

  Qin Feifei chuckled. “Mother, I understand. Sisters should look after each other. Back then, Second Sister was lucky to have my care, wasn’t she?”

  Madam Xu nodded, her smile tinged with pride and disdain. “Nanny Liu, stay close to the Third Miss. She’s carrying the Lu family’s eldest legitimate grandson—there’s no room for error.”

  Nanny Liu readily agreed, her assurances firm.

  Qin Feifei smiled. “Mother, you can rest assured.”

  With newfound confidence, Qin Feifei made her way to Yin Garden. She had already experienced Qin Shuying's sharp tongue and wit. Since the Old Madam was unlikely to side with her, she decided to handle things personally.

  Qin Shuying walked briskly, her maid Hongjuan struggling to keep up. Silent and focused, Qin Shuying headed straight to the study upon returning to Yin Garden. Hongjuan did not follow her in; Ziteng was already inside.

  “Ziteng, I need you to do something. Are you afraid?” Qin Shuying asked.

  Ziteng, who was organizing books, shook her head without hesitation. “Not at all, Miss. Please instruct me.”

  Qin Shuying’s gaze sharpened. “Good! If you’re not afraid, neither am I. Come closer, let me tell you…”

  After a brief conversation, Qin Feifei arrived.

  “Seventh Sister, I came to see you,” Qin Feifei said warmly, supporting her waist as she sat down with a smile.

  Qin Shuying sat opposite her, her smile faint but polite. “Third Sister, you’re with child. I’m unsure what beverages are suitable, so please forgive me if this pin water doesn’t suit your tastes.”

  Qin Feifei gnced at the pin water in front of her but kept her smile. “It’s fine. We’re family; I’m not particur.”

  Qin Shuying nodded slightly in acknowledgment, her eyes fshing briefly, but she remained silent.

  The room was filled with the faint fragrance of burning incense, its refreshing scent creating a soothing atmosphere. Now well-funded, Yin Garden had the luxury of using silver ash charcoal in the braziers, which burned clean and warm, further enhancing the pleasant environment.

  Qin Feifei tactfully avoided mentioning business matters, instead chatting idly about clothes and jewelry. Qin Shuying responded calmly, smiling faintly and keeping the conversation light without revealing much.

  After some time, Qin Feifei brought up another topic. “I’ve visited Yin Garden many times, but I hear Seventh Sister has redecorated since returning. I’ve heard it’s elegant and tasteful. May I see your music room?”

  “Of course, you may,” Qin Shuying replied. “But I fear it’s too pin for your refined taste. Ziteng, please take Third Sister there and attend to her well. Third Sister, I’ve been unwell tely and need to excuse myself to freshen up.”

  Qin Feifei froze. In a respectable household, leaving guests to attend to personal needs was considered impolite and uncultured. She had never encountered such a direct rejection before and momentarily didn’t know how to respond. Before she could think of a retort, Qin Shuying had already left for the washroom.

  Ziteng stepped forward with a respectful smile. “Third Miss, the music room is this way. Please follow me.”

  As Qin Feifei gnced at Ziteng, she suddenly felt a chill. The maid’s expression was unnervingly cold, her gaze icy. Most unsettling was her faint, sinister smile, which sent a shiver down Qin Feifei’s spine.

  Unable to contain herself, Qin Feifei let out a sharp scream. Her attendant, Nanny Liu, quickly caught her, bewildered by the reaction. From her angle, she hadn’t seen Ziteng’s expression. When she turned to look, Ziteng had already turned her face away.

  “Third Miss! What’s the matter?”

  Qin Feifei clutched her chest, trying to steady herself. Just then, Ziteng smiled again, this time radiating warmth like sunlight. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, Qin Feifei found the smile unnerving. A wave of dizziness hit her, and she instinctively pced her hand over her belly.

  “Third Miss, are you alright?” Nanny Liu asked, armed.

  “Third Miss?” Ziteng asked with apparent confusion, her smile fading into a cold, expressionless stare.

  Qin Feifei’s original intentions for visiting were not pure, and her uneasiness only grew under Ziteng’s gaze. Though she couldn’t pinpoint why, she felt increasingly unsettled.

  This wasn’t Qin Feifei’s first pregnancy. During her previous marriage, she had been with child but lost it due to emotional instability. As a result, she now treasured this pregnancy dearly.