Chapter 135: Who Is Panicking?

"Quick, invite Father in!" Qin Wanru reacted swiftly. After a moment of stunned silence, she stood up in a hurry. No one noticed the flash of sinister coldness in her eyes. He had come so quickly—it seemed the news was true after all!

The last shred of uncertainty in her heart dissipated like mist, replaced by a biting chill that surged from her limbs to her chest. It was both cold and deeply sorrowful.

Qingyue hurried out to answer the summons.

Shui Ruolan also moved to stand, but Qin Wanru pressed a hand lightly on her arm, gesturing for her to remain seated. "Mother, please, stay as you are."

As she spoke, a young maid lifted the curtain, and Qin Huaiyong strode in. Seeing Shui Ruolan still there with Qin Wanru, he paused briefly before walking toward her.

Shui Ruolan rose and bowed slightly, but Qin Huaiyong reached out to stop her.

"Ruolan, why are you here with Wanru?" Qin Huaiyong asked.

"There was a bit of a commotion earlier; the eldest Miss Qi and Yuru were arguing again," Shui Ruolan said as she sat back down, letting out a sigh.

"I will handle that matter. Didn't you say you were feeling unwell yesterday? Go back and rest. As for what just happened, I will ask Wanru about it," Qin Huaiyong said with concern.

Shui Ruolan looked at Qin Wanru, who gave a silent nod. "Then I shall go rest; I am indeed very tired," Shui Ruolan said as she stood up. Qionghua, standing nearby, quickly reached out to support her. Only now that the tension had faded did she realize how sore and weak her entire body felt.

"Farewell, Mother," Qin Wanru said, bowing to her. Shui Ruolan reached out as if to support her, hesitating for a moment before saying nothing. Instead, she gave Qin Wanru’s arm a soothing pat and left with Qionghua.

"Wanru, sit down and tell me," Qin Huaiyong said, having taken the main seat, gesturing to a nearby chair.

"Yes, Father," Qin Wanru replied softly. She sat obediently in the chair, clutching her handkerchief and keeping her head lowered.

After Yujie served fresh tea, she stood respectfully behind Qin Wanru, looking perfectly composed.

"Wanru, how did your eldest sister end up brawling with Miss Qi?" Qin Huaiyong asked, frowning and skipping the pleasantries.

"I am not entirely sure of the specifics, but it was quite intense. Mother wanted to get to the bottom of it, but then the eldest Miss Qi ran off, and my sister..." Qin Wanru stopped there. Although her head was bowed, one could see the pallor of her complexion.

"Yuru is becoming increasingly unreasonable. Miss Qi is only staying in our residence for a short time; what would it hurt to yield a little? To have it escalate into this! You have been wronged, Wanru," Qin Huaiyong said, clearly agitated.

"It is not so much a grievance, but... but I do have a question..." Encouraged by Qin Huaiyong's gentle tone, Qin Wanru looked up at him slightly.

"Speak your mind, Wanru. Father will surely uphold justice for you. Compared to your unruly sister, you are so sensible. Rest assured, I will have her copy the *Classic of Filial Piety for Women* and the *Admonitions for Women* later. A young lady of good standing, arguing with others and even hurling insults at her own sister!" Qin Huaiyong declared angrily.

It was clear he was truly furious; he struck the table so hard that the teacup jumped, spilling its contents.

Qin Wanru glanced at Yujie, who immediately stepped forward with a cloth to wipe up the spilled tea, taking the cup away to have it refilled.

"Father... am I... am I truly not your biological daughter?" Qin Wanru asked, twisting her handkerchief and lowering her head again, looking utterly devastated.

"How could you possibly not be my own flesh and blood? I told you, your sister has become completely devoid of decorum. She and that Miss Qi are always bickering, and now she vents her anger on her own sister," Qin Huaiyong fumed, his face turning an ashen grey.

Seeing the blue veins bulging on his forehead, it was clear his rage was genuine.

Witnessing this, Qin Wanru almost believed it.

"Father, why would my sister say such a thing?" Qin Wanru lifted her eyes, half-doubting, though her expression was lighter than before, as if she were willing to listen to his explanation.

"She has been up to no good lately. I scolded her a few times and specifically praised you. Perhaps because she realized I value you more than her, she became jealous," Qin Huaiyong explained with a cold face. He felt more and more that he had spoiled his eldest daughter; such things were not meant to be said!

He wondered what Lady Di had been whispering to Qin Yuru to make her say such things. He had previously thought of Lady Di as a lady of noble upbringing, but now he realized she was not a good match after all.

"Will my sister continue to tell everyone that I am not your daughter?" Qin Wanru asked, looking up at him with clear, watery eyes, brimming with both innocence and a daughter’s yearning.

"Wanru, rest assured, Father will discipline her," Qin Huaiyong promised, his heart settling.

"But, the upcoming banquets... if my sister says such things everywhere... what shall I do?" Qin Wanru stammered, twisting her handkerchief into a ball, clearly deeply uneasy.

The banquet she referred to was the one at the Marquis of Fengyang’s estate. Lady Di had already decided not to go, but Qin Huaiyong felt that was improper. He had originally intended for Shui Ruolan to take both daughters, but seeing Qin Wanru’s timid, anxious state, he felt it best if Qin Yuru stayed behind to avoid further trouble.

However, if Qin Yuru did not go, there would be no one in the inner residence to bridge the gap with the Earl of Yongkang’s mansion. Without Lady Di and Qin Yuru, it would be difficult to have the Countess of Yongkang bring Shui Ruolan and Qin Wanru along, especially since the Earl’s mansion was Lady Di’s maternal home.

"Wanru, don't worry. I will discipline your sister shortly and ensure she keeps her words in check. It is your first time attending such a banquet; we must ensure people see that the young ladies of the Qin household are sisters in harmony," Qin Huaiyong said soothingly.

Qin Wanru blinked, her heart stirring. She realized the banquet she was talking about and the one Qin Huaiyong had in mind were different. She would take this opportunity to bring up the Grand Princess Ruian!

"Is Father referring to the banquet at the Marquis of Fengyang’s estate?" Qin Wanru asked, blinking as if puzzled. "I heard from Grandmother that the Lady of the house felt it best if none of us went!"

"How could we not go? The Countess of Yongkang is your sister’s close kin; we cannot simply decline. Since Lady Di is not going, let your mother take you and Yuru. I will have your sister tell her aunt," Qin Huaiyong said, trying to reassure her. "Your sister won't say such things again."

"Father, when I went to Huaguang Temple the other day, I met the Grand Princess Ruian. She said she liked me and that she would send an invitation!" Qin Wanru bit her lip and said softly.

"The Grand Princess Ruian?" Qin Huaiyong was stunned, then overjoyed. "Are you certain it was the Grand Princess Ruian?"

"It is true. Mother saw it too, and she said she would invite Mother and me," Qin Wanru said with a smile, her delicate face beaming with joy. "The Grand Princess saw us together that day and said that Mother and I had an affinity with her!"

"She only invited you and your mother?" Qin Huaiyong's expression darkened, his smile fading.

"Yes, Father. Do you think we should go?" Qin Wanru asked, sounding hesitant, perfectly capturing the indecision of a young girl. Having just arrived in the capital, it was natural for her to feel somewhat overwhelmed.

"Only you and your mother..." Qin Huaiyong looked at Qin Wanru, his last shred of doubt vanishing. He frowned, deeply considering the implications.

It was a good thing for Qin Wanru and Shui Ruolan to gain the favor of the Grand Princess, but if they went while Lady Di did not, would the Earl of Yongkang’s mansion take offense?

"Does Father want us to decline?" Qin Wanru asked, her face full of confusion. "Then I shall tell Nanny Yu not to accept the invitation from the Grand Princess's estate!"

"No, you must accept it. Since the Grand Princess favors you, you must go!" Qin Huaiyong said quickly, stopping her. Who would dare decline an invitation from the Grand Princess?

"Then why did Father hesitate? Do you not want Mother and me to go?" Qin Wanru asked innocently.

"That's not entirely it. Perhaps you could take your sister along?" Qin Huaiyong suggested tentatively.

"I fear that if I bring another person, the Grand Princess might be displeased," Qin Wanru said, looking anxious, her gaze shifting as if she were unsure if she were right.

She would not take Qin Yuru—at least, she would not let Shui Ruolan take her, nor would she let Qin Yuru follow the Qin family's official invitation. Qin Huaiyong might not have agreed otherwise, but after she emphasized the importance of the Grand Princess, he would surely weigh her words carefully.

And what Qin Yuru said today was the perfect opportunity—a chance to force Lady Di to compromise!

Furthermore, once Shui Ruolan told Qin Huaiyong about her pregnancy, his favor would weigh even heavier in their direction.

"Then just the two of you shall go!" After some thought, Qin Huaiyong decided this was the only way. It did not seem like an impossible task. He had feared Lady Di’s interference, but after the scene she had caused today—her wild words leading Yuru to repeat them—she would not dare to make a scene now.

"Thank you, Father!" Seeing that Qin Huaiyong had no further objections, Qin Wanru stood and bowed gracefully, her face bright with a smile that showed no trace of lingering resentment. Qin Huaiyong felt relieved, even more convinced that his decision was correct.

"Second Miss! Second Miss! An invitation has arrived from the Grand Princess Ruian’s estate!" Nanny Yu’s voice came from outside the curtain.