Madam Xu reacted quickly, stepping forward to take Qin Shuying’s hand and saying with a smile, “You silly girl, today is such a joyous day—why say such things?”

  Qin Shuying looked at Madam Xu with a faint smile. “Madam, today is Grandmother’s special day. Isn’t paying my respects to her as a granddaughter exactly what I should be doing? After all, this is what you’ve always taught me, isn’t it?”

  Her words were fwless, perfectly aligning with Madam Xu’s usual “teachings.” However, Madam Xu couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something different about Qin Shuying’s gaze—subtly but distinctly different from just a few days ago. Yet, she couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was.

  Before Madam Xu could respond, Qin Shuying turned toward the Old Madam, her tone earnest and filled with emotion. “Grandmother, for the past three years, I’ve longed day and night to be close to you. But the maids and servants in the estate have all said that I’m a bringer of misfortune and would only bring camity to you. That’s why I stayed quietly in Spring Garden, devoting myself to cleansing the ill fortune from my body, and didn’t dare approach you. Just a few days ago, I completed my mourning period, and my health has improved significantly. Now, I no longer have to worry about bringing you bad luck or fear people’s gossip and judgment. Grandmother, from now on, I’ll cling to you every day. Please don’t despise this unworthy granddaughter!”

  Three days prior, Qin Shuying’s mourning period had ended, and the Old Madam had arranged for the formal rituals to lift her mourning.

  As the youngest of the grandchildren and the only child of the Old Madam’s beloved youngest son, Qin Yongzhou, the Old Madam’s heart softened despite her previous dissatisfaction with Qin Shuying.

  Seeing her granddaughter’s heartfelt filial piety, paired with her modest yet festive attire and sincere words, the Old Madam believed she had matured. She couldn’t help but feel gratified. “My dear child, you’ve grown up at st. Come, sit here beside me.”

  Qin Shuying sat on the Old Madam’s left side, holding her hand with a dispy of tender affection. On the right side was Qin Yunyun, a spot reserved for the most cherished family members.

  In her past life, Qin Yaoyao had understood that the Old Madam valued propriety and respect above all else. Madam Xu had taken advantage of this to create an image of Qin Shuying as unruly and disrespectful, driving a wedge between the Old Madam and her granddaughter. This time, Qin Shuying used the same strategy to win back the Old Madam’s affection and protection.

  This was precisely the scene Madam Xu had least wanted to see. Her eyes darted with thought before she forced a smile and asked, “Seventh Miss, is your health much improved?”

  Qin Shuying rose gracefully, curtseying with poise that reflected the demeanor of a proper young dy. “Thank you for your concern, Madam. My health has improved greatly.”

  The Old Madam, observing Qin Shuying’s composure, felt even more pleased. Her elegance, knowledge of etiquette, and the calm determination in her expression reminded the Old Madam of Qin Yongzhou’s charm.

  Madam Xu, inwardly shocked, quickly added, “Since you’re better, I can rest easy. A few days ago, when you were unwell, the maids in your courtyard also fell ill. Doctor Liu said it might take some time for everyone to recover. Grandmother, just look at Seventh Miss today—her complexion is glowing, and she looks entirely healed. I’d say it’s thanks to Yunyun’s nightly scripture copying and prayers for her sister’s recovery.”

  Her words, though cloaked in praise, were a thinly veiled attempt to draw attention to her own daughter’s efforts.

  Qin Shuying curtseyed to Qin Yunyun and said sweetly, “Thank you, Sixth Sister, for your care and devotion! Madam is absolutely right—my recovery is entirely thanks to your scripture copying and prayers. I must shamelessly ask for more of your help, Sixth Sister. If I ever feel unwell again, just knowing you’ll pray for me will surely make me better. I’ve even heard that your maid recovered from illness because of your prayers. Sixth Sister, you are truly a blessing to all of us. With you praying for us, not only I but the entire Qin household will be filled with good fortune!”

  Qin Yunyun’s heart sank in irritation. Was she now expected to pray for everyone in the household who fell ill? Stifling her annoyance, she forced a warm smile. “Sister, you’re being too formal. We’re family, and it’s just a matter of losing a little sleep to copy scriptures. There’s no need for such gratitude. Grandmother, look at how Seventh Sister treats me like an outsider!”

  Qin Shuying smiled lightly and replied, “Sixth Sister visits me so often that I already consider you my own elder sister. How could I ever treat you as an outsider? But with you being so kind to me, if I didn’t thank you properly, wouldn’t people say I was ungrateful? Sixth Sister, you wouldn’t want others to think poorly of me, would you?”

  Startled, Qin Yunyun quickly replied, “Of course not!”

  The Old Madam, seeing her granddaughters getting along so harmoniously, was delighted. Qin Shuying, in particur, seemed so well-mannered—completely unlike the solitary, stubborn, and willful child Madam Xu had described her as.

  Qin Shuying lowered her gaze with a faint smile. She knew full well that the Old Madam would never favor one granddaughter over another. Thus, in front of the Old Madam, pying the role of a sisterly bond was a performance she had to stomach, no matter how nauseating it felt.

  At any time, unless Madam Xu posed a direct threat to the Qin family’s interests, the Old Madam would never side with Qin Shuying. What Qin Shuying sought was not fairness but the Old Madam’s protection.

  As she spoke, Qin Yunyun couldn’t help but feel something was off. In the past, Qin Shuying had always been exceedingly warm and enthusiastic toward her. Today, while her words still seemed to ftter Qin Yunyun, her gaze felt distant and strange. Was it just her imagination? Qin Yunyun stole another gnce at Qin Shuying and confirmed it—her eyes cked any warmth. Instead, they were deep and unfathomable, impossible to read.

  Her demeanor and mannerisms seemed to have changed overnight. Every movement exuded an elegance and noble bearing, radiating the essence of a legitimate daughter with refined upbringing. The impression of grace and poise was unavoidable.

  Qin Shuying, naturally aware of Qin Yunyun’s scrutiny, remained composed and unflinching. She met Qin Yunyun’s gaze directly, her every movement exuding elegance and ease. In her past life, she had spent countless hours refining herself to be worthy of Lu Changxuan. Now, these qualities came effortlessly, as natural as breathing.

  Madam Zou joined in the conversation, chiming in with a smile, “Old Madam, the bond between the Sixth and Seventh Misses is truly admirable.”

  The Old Madam chuckled cheerfully. “A family should always be warm and close like this.”

  Madam Zou suppressed her unease and echoed the Old Madam’s sentiment, though she couldn’t shake the feeling that the Seventh Miss seemed like a completely different person today.

  Qin Lulu, ever known for her gentle and gracious demeanor, sat composedly with a faint smile, silently observing.

  Qin Fangfang, the vibrant and lively daughter of Qin Yongtao’s favorite concubine, Madam Li, had a striking appearance and a pyful personality. She was often seen performing filial duties for Madam Xu, and to outsiders, it seemed Madam Xu treated her like her own daughter. Qin Fangfang, who typically followed Qin Yunyun’s lead, chimed in, “Sixth Sister, you’re so kind to Seventh Sister that I’m feeling jealous!”