In just a few days, it was time for Qin Feifei’s son’s full-month celebration.

  The Lu family held a banquet to entertain guests, and naturally, Madam Xu pnned to bring people to attend the festivities. At the Old Madam’s behest, Madam Xu was instructed to bring Qin Shuying along, suggesting she should meet more people. Having been recently admonished by Qin Yongtao, Madam Xu dared not refuse and begrudgingly included Qin Shuying.

  The day was bright and clear, with spring flowers in full bloom—a truly auspicious occasion.

  Qin Shuying sat in her carriage, separate from Madam Xu and Qin Yunyun.

  It had been over ten days since her visit to the pace, and during this time, no news had reached her ears. Presumably, any updates were shared with Madam Xu and Qin Yongtao, leaving her intentionally in the dark.

  The Sixth Prince had visited the Qin residence once, but Qin Shuying simply stood behind the Old Madam with her head bowed, remaining silent. In the Old Madam’s presence, the Sixth Prince said nothing of significance.

  This was all within Qin Shuying’s expectations. Consort De was not yet prepared to sever ties with Consort Lian entirely. That day in the pace had likely been a warning to Consort Lian rather than a full-blown confrontation. Still, it was enough to keep Consort Lian in check for some time.

  Having lived through two lifetimes and witnessed the fickleness of human retionships, Qin Shuying firmly believed that the bond between Consort De and Consort Lian was far from unbreakable. In the imperial family, self-interest and survival instincts weighed even more heavily.

  The infighting among pace consorts often involved pnting spies in each other’s quarters. Consort Lian had few trusted confidantes, even within Shuangyun Pace. She had to constantly guard against scheming pace maids and eunuchs reporting her actions to rival consorts. With Handan gone, Consort Lian surely had her hands full dealing with the aftermath.

  Meanwhile, after the return of Mistress Long, the young dies resumed their lessons. Qin Yunyun kept a notably low profile in css, diligently focusing on her studies and treating Qin Shuying with polite respect.

  Madam Xu remained her usual self, her words filled with apparent concern.

  Qin Shuying didn’t believe for a moment that Madam Xu had truly become afraid of her. More likely, Qin Yongtao had warned her to restrain herself for the time being. As for Qin Yongtao himself…

  Qin Shuying smirked inwardly. He cared too much about his reputation and status to act recklessly. Not only did he have to tolerate her presence, but he also had to appear supportive.

  Each time she encountered him, she maintained a respectful demeanor. Moreover, she had even proactively proposed allocating a monthly share of 500 taels from the profits of her red sugar enterprise to the public accounts, specifically as a donation to the capital’s Charity Hall—a gesture of filial duty on behalf of her te father.

  The Charity Hall, established under the Empress’s patronage over two decades ago, regurly received donations of money and goods from noblewomen. The funds were used to aid widows, orphans, and the destitute, and in times of war, to support the military. The Emperor held the institution in high regard.

  A monthly contribution of 500 taels amounted to a considerable annual sum, significantly bolstering the Qin family’s reputation and serving Qin Yongtao’s interests as well.

  Delighted, Qin Yongtao began to regard her with newfound approval and scrutiny.

  Qin Shuying ughed coldly to herself. She was like a commodity, appraised for the benefits she could bring. The more valuable she appeared, the more severely Madam Xu would be restrained.

  Had Qin Yongtao been the vengeful type, her survival would have been far less assured.

  Yesterday, the accounting records for red sugar arrived. Over three months, the venture had already yielded a net profit of 20,000 taels. Her cims to Princess Fuping had been anything but exaggerated.

  Mi Luo had mobilized a rge workforce for mass production and established a brand—“Haoji Red Sugar.” The product had not only dominated the bck sugar market in the capital but had also expanded nationwide.

  Mi Luo had worked tirelessly, opening red sugar shops in affluent cities to handle both retail and wholesale.

  A few days ago, Lan Chou had reyed a message: some jealous merchants had mixed poison into Haoji Red Sugar and sold the tainted product, intending to tarnish the brand’s reputation.

  But forewarned by Qin Shuying, Mi Luo remained fearless. The counterfeit product was exposed by comparing its unique texture to the genuine article, proving the fraud. The false accusations fell apart.

  With its reputation fortified, Haoji Red Sugar sales soared further. Mi Luo had been so busy for the past month that she hadn’t had time to visit the Qin residence, relying on Lan Chou to rey messages between her and Qin Shuying.

  As for the Lu family’s bck sugar business, it had long since shuttered.

  Having lost half of their economic foundation, Qin Shuying wondered how extravagant today’s banquet would be. She adjusted her moon-shadow gauze robe and smiled faintly.

  Ziteng remarked, “Miss, your outfit today will surely dazzle everyone. Just now, when you boarded the carriage, the Sixth Miss’s eyes practically shot fire.”

  “You’ve learned to tease now?” Qin Shuying ughed. “The one dazzling them isn’t me, but you, my dear maid.”

  Ziteng smiled for once, her normally solemn demeanor softening as she gnced at her yellow jade hairpin, earrings, and bracelet. “Miss, you’re teasing me too much.”

  A maid adorned with such finery was indeed a sight to behold. The set of jewelry, gifted by Qin Shuying, had made Ziteng the envy of many within the Qin household.

  Qin Shuying, meanwhile, wore a matching set of green jade jewelry. While hers was slightly more ornate, with a hairpin crafted into the shape of a jade bird, its exquisite craftsmanship and shimmering hues made it a priceless treasure.

  This Mingyue Jade set, carved from a single fwless piece of jade, was of exceptional value. Though Madam Xu had long coveted it, she had never dared use it, knowing it was too conspicuous.

  Madam Xu had originally pnned to quietly pass the Mingyue Jade jewelry set to Qin Yunyun in a few years, thinking no one would notice. By the time the Old Madam found out, it would be too te.

  But who could have anticipated…

  Qin Shuying’s eyes narrowed slightly, her chin lifting imperceptibly. The faint smile on her face vanished, and she suddenly exuded the sharp presence of an unsheathed sword, making it impossible for anyone to meet her gaze directly.

  Ziteng, seemingly oblivious to her mistress’s shift in demeanor, reined in her own smile. Her face grew increasingly dark, as though she wanted to swallow the vibrant spring scenery whole.

  Both women were lost in their own thoughts, falling into silence.

  In just over an hour, they arrived at the Lu family estate.

  Having only recently completed her confinement, Qin Feifei naturally wasn’t at the door to greet guests.

  Instead, Lu Changxuan stood at the entrance.

  “Mother-in-w! Sisters-in-w!”

  Lu Changxuan, tall and elegant, greeted them with a polished smile, bowing respectfully to Madam Xu.

  Qin Shuying’s eyes narrowed slightly as she gazed at the grand and imposing gates of the Lu family estate—gates she had once helped design herself. They had once been the embodiment of all her hopes and aspirations.

  Resting her hand on Ziteng’s arm for support, Qin Shuying ascended the steps slowly.

  Feng’er!

  This pce still carried Feng’er’s essence, his presence lingering in every corner.

  Despite telling herself countless times not to think about Feng’er—to stay composed and avoid losing control—her heart clenched as memories surfaced.