Madam Xu and Qin Feifei’s schemes were clear to her. They had pnned to manipute Second Miss, ensuring that Qin Feifei would marry into the Lu family.

  And for such a family, they had been willing to take the life of Second Miss?

  Even without asking, Old Madam already knew what had transpired today.

  Undoubtedly, Madam Xu had plotted against Qin Shuying, only to find herself outmaneuvered once again.

  Her gaze rested on Qin Shuying, her expression complex.

  This child is too clever.

  But did she not realize that by doing this, she was also dragging the reputation of the Qin family through the mud?

  Madam Xu was seething.

  Qin Shuying didn’t utter a single word about how she had provoked Madam Lu, nor about how she had frightened Madam Zhao and the others into fleeing in a panic.

  Yet at this moment, she found that she could not expin any of this to Old Madam and Qin Yongtao.

  Could she say that Qin Shuying had even dragged Consort Lian into this mess?

  Just a few days ago, Sixth Prince’s veiled warning still echoed in her ears:

  “Grandmother, Seventh Miss staying in the Qin household for another year or two is nothing more than keeping a cat or a dog. There is no need to take offense at a mere pet. I have already spoken to my mother—henceforth, she too will regard Seventh Miss as nothing more than a cat or a dog.”

  His voice had been void of amusement, his gaze ice-cold.

  Madam Xu was not blind—she understood all too well.

  The Sixth Prince bmed her.

  Bmed her for acting in haste against Qin Shuying.

  Bmed her for dragging Consort Lian into this mess—and even implicating him.

  But should she really let this wretched girl go unpunished?

  No.

  Absolutely not.

  Just not today.

  Madam Xu pressed the corner of her eye with a handkerchief and forced a smile.

  "Seventh Girl, I have failed to take proper care of you, and for that, I am truly sorry. You have suffered an injustice today, but rest assured—from now on, that ill-mannered Old Madam Lu will never be allowed to set foot in our home again."

  Qin Shuying lowered her eyes, her expression demure.

  "I thank First Madam for speaking up on my behalf."

  Qin Yongtao interjected, "That jade hairpin, Seventh Girl… is it truly your mother’s keepsake?"

  Qin Shuying nodded without hesitation.

  "Yes, Uncle. That is indeed the case. The magistrate’s office and I both have a dowry registry to prove it."

  Qin Yongtao exchanged a look with Old Madam.

  The situation was turning troublesome.

  Qin Shuying spoke with such certainty—there was no doubt that the cim was true.

  If they demanded the hairpin be returned, they would be admitting to the rumors—that Madam Xu had stolen Qin Shuying’s belongings for her own daughter.

  This would be a severe blow to his own reputation.

  But if they did not return it, Qin Shuying clearly would not let the matter rest.

  Sure enough, Qin Shuying pressed further, "Uncle, that white jade hairpin with the longevity inscription was personally crafted by my grandmother's mother. It is an exquisite, invaluable piece passed down to my mother. My mother ter carved a simir pair as a tribute for our Old Madam, though they differ slightly from the original."

  Qin Yongtao fell into deep thought.

  It was well known that Madam Long’s maternal grandmother had been a renowned jade artisan, her craft passed down through generations. Though the skill had waned by Madam Long’s time, she still possessed many rare jade treasures, some of which were one-of-a-kind.

  And today, Qin Shuying wore an entire set from that collection.

  Old Madam finally spoke, her tone unforgiving.

  "Madam Xu, what do you have to say for yourself?"

  Madam Xu met Old Madam’s piercing gaze, her heart pounding. She fumbled for words, evading the question.

  “Then… then let the Lu family return the hairpin.”

  "So you admit that you gave it to Third Miss, and she gifted it to Madam Lu?"

  "...I…"

  Madam Xu had not expected Old Madam to expose her so mercilessly in front of everyone.

  She was stunned.

  There was no need to press further—the truth was pin as day.

  Old Madam shut her eyes in bitter disappointment.

  At her birthday banquet, she had learned how Madam Xu had mistreated Qin Shuying over the years, and in her anger, she had stripped her of power and pced her under house arrest, hoping she would reflect on her actions.

  Yet it had only been a short time before she caused another scandal, orchestrating the exorcism incident at the monastery, clearly targeting Qin Shuying. Fortunately, Qin Shuying had been clever enough to escape unharmed.

  But Madam Xu had not given up.

  She tricked Qin Shuying into visiting the Duke of Chu’s manor, resulting in Qin Fangfang’s disgrace.

  And that wasn’t the end of it.

  She even maniputed events within the pace, causing Consort Lian to fall from grace.

  And today?

  It seemed she had gone too far once again.

  Did she take Old Madam for a fool?

  Old Madam recalled a conversation with Sixth Prince not long ago. When he had come to pay his respects, he had remarked:

  "Great-Grandmother, I remember when I used to visit, the Qin manor was always full of life. But these past few years… that liveliness seems to have disappeared. It must have been because you were managing the household back then. Your wisdom is unmatched—why not resume your rightful pce?"

  At the time, she had thought he was merely trying to ftter her.

  But now—she understood his true meaning.

  So she had sent Nanny Gu to investigate.

  What she uncovered was shocking.

  Ten days ago, Consort Lian had been reprimanded by Consort De.

  In the imperial harem, such incidents were not uncommon—especially in recent years.

  In any normal situation, if the Empress had reprimanded a consort, the entire court would be shaken.

  But this was Consort De.

  And everyone knew—Consort De was arrogant, backed by her powerful family, and never held anyone in esteem.

  It was not unusual for her to berate other concubines.

  But Old Madam thought differently.

  Especially since this had happened right after Madam Xu and Qin Shuying had entered the pace.

  She had chosen to remain silent, watching how events would unfold.

  But today?

  She could not remain silent any longer.

  She cast a meaningful gnce at Qin Shuying, who immediately understood.

  Turning to Ziteng, she instructed, “Leave us.”

  Ziteng bowed and hurried out, followed by Nanny Xu—only for Old Madam to stop her.

  Then, with visible fatigue, she spoke.

  “Madam Xu, tell me—how should you be dealt with?”

  Madam Xu looked up, startled.

  But when she saw the unwavering determination in Old Madam’s eyes, her chest tightened with fear.

  “I… I was wrong…”

  Qin Yongtao, sensing what was coming, attempted to intervene.

  “Mother—”

  Old Madam raised a hand, cutting him off.

  “A few days ago, the Sixth Prince asked me why I no longer managed the household.”

  Both Qin Yongtao and Madam Xu were stunned.

  “Do you not understand his meaning?”

  The room fell into dead silence—so quiet, one could hear a pin drop.

  After a long pause, Old Madam spoke coldly.

  “I am old, and I have no desire to manage such matters any longer. It is time for Le’er’s wife to return and take her rightful pce as mistress of this household.”

  She turned her gaze to Madam Xu.

  “As for you… from now on, you will spend the rest of your days in prayer.”