The moment Qin Shuying stepped through the gates of the Lu residence, she felt as if she saw a little boy with a budding sense of maturity—his innocent face lighting up with a brilliant smile as he ran toward her, sweetly calling, “Mother!”

  Her body swayed slightly, and whatever Ziteng, Madam Xu, and Qin Yunyun were saying faded into nothingness.

  Under that tree, Feng’er had once run wild with joy.Under that eave, Feng’er had once sat eating peaches.On that open ground, Feng’er had once ridden a stick like a horse, galloping around...

  Feng’er’s small figure, his sweet smile...

  After Qin Yaoyao’s death, she was buried in the Lu family’s ancestral tombs—a privilege Madam Xu and her husband had fought for.

  But as for Feng’er... No one knew where his body was id to rest. Being beled a “bastard,” he had likely been discarded in some pauper’s graveyard...

  Qin Shuying’s hand tightened unconsciously around Ziteng’s, gripping so hard that Ziteng winced without realizing it.

  Ziteng was in no better state than her mistress. Her face froze in a forced smile, her eyes cold as ice, and her hands numb with cold despite the spring warmth.

  Lu Changxuan and the steward led the guests to Cixin Hall, where Old Madam Lu resided. Naturally, Nanny Yuan, a trusted servant of Old Madam Lu, came out to greet them warmly.

  “Dear in-ws!”

  Nanny Yuan greeted them affectionately, but Qin Shuying deliberately slowed her pace, falling several steps behind Qin Yunyun.

  Nanny Yuan beamed, “Madam Xu, young dies, the Old Madam is eagerly awaiting you all. Please follow me!”

  As she gnced at Qin Shuying and Ziteng’s attire, Nanny Yuan couldn’t help but take several extra looks, her eyes brimming with greed and longing.

  A fleeting look of mockery crossed Qin Shuying’s face.

  Nanny Yuan, in her thirties, was a distant retive of the Lu family. Years ago, when she had nowhere to turn, it was Qin Yaoyao who took her in and gave her food. Later, by currying favor with Old Madam Lu, Nanny Yuan rose to the position of head servant.

  Once destitute, her family starved to the point of losing a child. But after Qin Yaoyao’s business ventures began to succeed, the Lu family prospered, and Nanny Yuan brought her surviving children under their roof. Now, just six years ter, the once-haggard Nanny Yuan had a plump, rosy face, adorned with gold and silver jewelry—a picture of comfort and prosperity.

  As Qin Shuying saw the woman’s narrow eyes glinting with avarice, the sharp pain in her heart found its outlet. Nanny Yuan had a hand in Feng’er’s death as well...

  Her emotions calmed as she gave Ziteng’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “Ziteng, we’ve arrived.”

  Ziteng straightened as if waking from a dream.

  “Yes, Miss,” she replied softly, lowering her head.

  “Compose yourself,” Qin Shuying said mildly.

  Ziteng nodded, restoring the polite expression expected of a maid.

  Inside the hall, several guests had already arrived—mostly the wives of Lu Changxuan’s colleagues and retives of the Lu family.

  Madam Xu, being the highest-ranking among them, was seated at the pce of honor, with Qin Yunyun and Qin Shuying standing on either side of her.

  With a single gnce, Qin Shuying took in the room and its occupants.

  Ah, all familiar faces.

  The fair, slightly plump woman was Madam Zhao, the wife of Lu Changxuan’s superior. She had brought along a 13- or 14-year-old illegitimate daughter who appeared exceedingly deferential.

  The woman in bright-colored clothing was Madam Zhong, the wife of one of Lu Changxuan’s colleagues. Her daughter, nearly 15 years old, maintained a cheerful smile throughout.

  The woman observing Qin Yunyun and Qin Shuying closely was Lu Changxuan’s aunt, accompanied by a 13- or 14-year-old girl.

  The other women present were of lesser status, mostly smiling politely as they watched Old Madam Lu, Madam Xu, and Madam Zhao converse, occasionally interjecting with a word of agreement.

  When the dies noticed the two young women behind Madam Xu, their eyes immediately lit up—especially at the sight of the younger dy trailing behind. Her shimmering gown, which seemed to change colors with the light, and her jade jewelry set of extraordinary craftsmanship captivated their attention.

  Lu Changju’s expression shifted countless times. She had dressed in her finest today and had been quietly proud of her appearance. But as soon as Qin Shuying entered, Lu Changju felt utterly overshadowed.

  Even the maid accompanying Qin Shuying wore more expensive adornments than her, the eldest daughter of the Lu family!

  Qin Shuying bowed gracefully and quietly stood behind Madam Xu, seemingly oblivious to the envious stares. She listened calmly as the women conversed.

  Their topic? Lu Changxuan’s elder brother, Lu Changsong.

  Old Madam Lu remarked, “Changsong’s examination really took a toll on him. He was utterly exhausted and needed three full days of rest to recover.”

  Madam Zhao chimed in, “Lord Lu is young and talented. Old Madam, you can rest assured—your second son is certain to excel.”

  Pleased to hear this, Old Madam Lu, whose son’s bright future was a source of pride, responded without a hint of modesty, “Thank you for your kind words, Madam Zhao.”

  The metropolitan examination had concluded four days prior, and among the candidates were Liu Junqing and Xu Zhiyang. Naturally, Madam Xu took the opportunity to boast about her own family’s connections.

  “My nephew sat for the exam this year as well. I’m anxious to see how he’ll perform. My youngest brother’s son is both intelligent and capable—just like your second son, a promising young man of his generation.”

  “They’ll both pass, surely!” Old Madam Lu decred enthusiastically. “When the results come out, we’ll celebrate together!”

  The cheerful and auspicious tone of her words had everyone ughing. Meanwhile, maids and stewards moved deftly, serving tea and refreshments, while the assembled dies and young misses chatted animatedly. The atmosphere was lively and festive, a scene of pure joy.

  Old Madam Lu’s eldest sister-in-w, Lady Lu, smiled obsequiously. “Sister-in-w, you are truly blessed! With such accomplished sons and nephews, our Lu family owes much to the good fortune you’ve brought us.”

  Qin Shuying lowered her gaze silently, observing the scene. Lady Lu, a widow reliant on the Lu family for support, had once ridiculed Old Madam Lu mercilessly during her difficult times. Old Madam Lu had never forgotten the slight.

  After regaining her footing, Old Madam Lu harbored no goodwill toward her younger sister-in-w, who had since returned to her maiden home as a widow. She often spoke harshly to Lady Lu and never hesitated to scold her. Now entirely dependent on the scraps Old Madam Lu allowed her, Lady Lu dared not protest and instead vished her with sycophantic praise.

  This time, her words happened to please Old Madam Lu, who, in her good mood, refrained from rebuking her. However, she didn’t acknowledge her comments either.

  Lady Lu remained unfazed, her smile unwavering. Her daughter, Miss Mei, standing nearby, briefly dispyed a mixture of embarrassment and shame before directing a polite smile toward Lu Changju.

  Lu Changju, however, barely acknowledged Miss Mei’s attempts at fttery, maintaining an air of aloofness befitting her status as the family’s eldest daughter.

  Lady Lu’s crude remarks didn’t elicit a response from Madam Zhao or Madam Zhong, both of whom prided themselves on their decorum. Madam Xu, too, chose not to engage directly. However, the mention of good fortune prompted her to seize the chance to highlight her daughter’s contributions.

  “Speaking of blessings, Fei’er is certainly one as well. She’s already extended the Lu family’s lineage so quickly. Old Madam, shouldn’t we have someone bring the little master over? I was so eager to see him that I woke up before dawn to get ready.”

  Qin Feifei, as the one who had given birth to a son for the family, was undeniably a Lu family hero. Madam Xu wouldn’t miss the opportunity to advocate for her daughter’s position and honor.