The arrangement was finalized: Qin Fangfang would become a concubine to Sun Qingping.

  Ordinarily, even though Qin Fangfang was the younger half-sister of Consort Lian, her father, Qin Yongtao, held a modest official position. Sun Qingping, on the other hand, was the legitimate eldest son of the Zhuangmu Marquisate, destined to inherit the title. In normal circumstances, Qin Fangfang would have only been a mere concubine.

  However, due to pressure from Duke Chu's household, coupled with Sun Qingping’s infatuation with Qin Fangfang, she was given the elevated status of a "noble concubine."

  Though the Zhuangmu Marquisate had an impressive title, it was essentially hollow. They held no significant positions in court, nor did they have financial stability. The household struggled with deficits year after year.

  It was precisely due to their strained circumstances that Sun Qingping's legitimate sister had married the illegitimate son of Duke Chu's household. As for Sun Qingping himself, he was notorious for his debauchery—cockfighting, gambling, and womanizing were his forte. However, he was also known for his cowardice: he gambled only small sums and avoided provoking anyone with real power.

  Within half a month, Madam Xu noticed that Qin Fangfang seemed to be pregnant. She was vomiting constantly but dared not call a doctor, so she discreetly summoned a midwife. The midwife confirmed that there was a high probability of pregnancy.

  Upon learning she was with child, Qin Fangfang flew into hysterics, crying and threatening to end her life. Eventually, Madam Xu managed to suppress her outbursts. Whatever Madam Xu said to her, it worked—Qin Fangfang ceased her antics and quietly began preparing for her marriage.

  The sudden calm from the main household gave Qin Shuying a sense of relief. She knew Madam Xu wouldn’t stop scheming, but for now, Qin Shuying had little time to spar with her.

  Since Qin Fangfang was becoming a concubine, the wedding date was set quickly, and the preparations moved forward without dey.

  With the chosen date approaching, the sisters from the various branches came to deliver their bridal gifts.

  When a maid announced Qin Shuying’s arrival, Qin Fangfang dug her nails into her palms, her face stiff with anxiety.

  She was both shocked and fearful, her heart pounding in trepidation. Since the incident at Duke Chu’s residence, she had been under house arrest by Madam Xu. Moreover, with the Old Madam retreating to recite scriptures and abstaining from court affairs, it had been over twenty days since she’d st seen anyone.

  Every time she recalled how Qin Shuying had pushed her through the door that day, Qin Fangfang could scarcely believe it. Where had Qin Shuying found the audacity? Yet, she never stopped to consider that the original pn had been for the maid to lure Qin Shuying into that room. If she had followed through, how would Qin Shuying have reacted?

  When Qin Shuying entered, she nonchantly surveyed the room before smiling and speaking.

  “Eighth Sister, I’ve heard the Zhuangmu Marquisate is rather strapped for funds, and their servants only receive two sets of clothing per year. Once you marry, I’m afraid you won’t enjoy the same comfort as you do at home. This set of jewelry I’ve brought is made of pure gold. It’s valuable, though admittedly a bit gaudy. It’s been gathering dust in the storeroom anyway, so it’s better suited for you. Should you ever need money in the future, you could always melt it down into gold. I hope my little token of goodwill will bring you some relief, and I trust you’ll accept it with a smile.”

  Nanny Zuo, Qin Fangfang’s attendant, stood behind her, pressing down firmly on Qin Fangfang’s hand. Despite her rising anger, Qin Fangfang couldn’t muster a retort.

  Everything Qin Shuying said was true.

  “Thank you for your generosity, Seventh Miss,” Nanny Zuo replied curtly. “Our young dy will remember your kindness.”

  Nanny Zuo, fearing that Qin Shuying might say something even more cutting, silently prayed for her to leave quickly.

  Qin Shuying’s clear, water-like eyes rested on Nanny Zuo’s face as she smiled faintly and said, “When the mistress speaks, servants should not interrupt. Nanny Zuo, you’ve served the First Madam for years, yet you still don’t understand the rules. Such a pity for all the effort she’s invested in you. But since today is Eighth Sister’s happy occasion, I won’t hold it against you.”

  Nanny Zuo was livid, her anger bubbling beneath the surface, but she had no choice but to hold her tongue and keep a tight grip on Qin Fangfang.

  Qin Shuying stood up, her demeanor calm. Qin Yunyun, who had been observing her cousin closely, felt a sense of unease. The once-timid and compliant Qin Shuying had transformed into someone she could no longer understand, someone who now made her feel faintly armed.

  Qin Shuying turned to Qin Yunyun and smiled. “Sixth Sister, what do you think? Isn’t Eighth Sister’s marriage arrangement wonderful?”

  Qin Yunyun froze for a moment, disbelief fshing across her face. Wonderful? Even a fool could see it was a disgrace. And yet, Qin Shuying had the audacity to say it aloud! Her voice rising with anger, Qin Yunyun snapped, “Seventh Sister, what do you mean by that?”

  Qin Shuying’s smile grew even sweeter, her voice carrying clearly for all to hear. “Why, isn’t it obvious? Eighth Sister owes this fortunate match entirely to you, Sixth Sister. If only you had shown me more compassion back then and joined me on that fateful trip, perhaps the lucky Sun family son would now be your husband instead of your brother-in-w! Don’t you think so, Sixth Sister? Truly, you’ve outdone yourself, pying matchmaker for Eighth Sister and Sun Qingping. You might just be the first matchmaker in the history of our Qin family!”

  The bluntness of her words was shocking. Qin Fangfang and Qin Yunyun were rendered speechless, utterly unprepared for such audacity. They could never have imagined that anyone, let alone Qin Shuying, would speak so boldly.

  Qin Fangfang stared bnkly, while Qin Yunyun sat frozen, her mouth slightly agape. Qin Shuying, holding her teacup with a delicate smile, watched them serenely. These sisters, always prattling on about virtue and propriety, their words polished and magnanimous, yet ced with poison. And now, faced with the straightforward nguage of the streets, they’re utterly at a loss.

  Her smile deepened. Words like “matchmaker,” “brother-in-w,” “sister-in-w”—they’ve likely never even crossed their ears before. Among the daughters of noble families, every word is measured, every insult veiled in yers of civility. How quaint.

  Qin Shuying, having spent years navigating the bustling nes and marketpces, was no stranger to candid speech. Interacting with the common folk had taught her the value of forthrightness, even if it was once something she felt ashamed of in front of Lu Changxuan. But looking back now, those honest exchanges seemed far preferable to the deceitful civility of aristocratic society.

  It wasn’t long before Qin Yunyun recovered, her face red with anger. “Seventh Sister, you—you—you…”

  For someone usually quick-witted, she was at a loss for words.

  Qin Fangfang, meanwhile, stared at Qin Yunyun, her expression unreadable, as if lost in thought.

  “Eighth Sister,” Qin Shuying continued, her tone light and teasing, “you really should thank Sixth Sister. The most important event of your life was made possible by her. Don’t you agree?”

  She offered a charming smile, then turned and left before either of them could respond.

  When Qin Yunyun finally came to her senses, she noticed Qin Fangfang’s eyes fixed on her, sending a chill down her spine. “Sister, don’t let Seventh Sister’s words get to you. She’s just trying to stir up trouble!”

  Qin Fangfang replied, “I know, Sixth Sister. She was just trying to upset me.”

  But deep down, Qin Fangfang couldn’t let go of her resentment. If Qin Yunyun hadn’t schemed against her, she wouldn’t have fallen into that trap. If Qin Yunyun had gone instead, as Qin Shuying had suggested, perhaps Sun Qingping would have married her instead. The bitterness in her heart grew, but she dared not let it show.