The mistress who remarried has returned.

Liu Shun immediately shut up, but couldn't help muttering to himself that he had been busy with the general's affairs all night and day, and that the general had wronged him terribly and was really difficult to please.

When Qin Huai arrived at Yingtian Pavilion, the banquet had already begun. He went to greet the Emperor and his father. It was a very relaxed occasion, and the harmony between the emperor and his ministers meant that court affairs were not discussed. The two elders were admiring the lanterns, so he did not need to accompany them.

After Qin Huai's father told him to go and greet the old lady, he went to the banquet with the princes and young masters, and instructed him, "Don't drink today, lest you cause trouble."

"My son knows."

After leaving Qin Lanzhang and Zhou Guangcheng, Qin Huai came to the table where the old lady was. Qin Huai bowed to his grandmother and said, "Grandson greets Grandmother."

When Grandma Qin saw that it was her grandson, she was just feeling down because she hadn't seen him yet. Instantly, she smiled and took Qin Huai's hand, carefully touching it before saying, "Your hands are so cold. Who took care of you today? Why didn't they arrange for you to wear a pair of cotton gloves? You really deserve a beating. Was that little rascal Liu Shun being lazy?"

Liu Shun listened from the sidelines, thinking, "Well, I'm caught in the middle, everything's going wrong today." Both grandfather and grandson were at odds with him. "Grandpa, I didn't slack off. Grandpa just wouldn't wear his cotton gloves."

Madam Qin glanced at him sideways, "Not only are you lazy, but you also talk back."

Liu Shun: "..............."

Qin Huai said to his grandmother, "Wearing gloves is actually inconvenient. There are many guests at home today, and we need to be careful everywhere. If there is a thief, I will have to take off my gloves first before I can draw my sword and catch him. By then, it will be too late. My main concern is to protect you, Grandma."

Hearing Qin Huai's description, Grandma Qin imagined the scene and burst into laughter. Her laughter brought laughter from her daughters-in-law and granddaughters-in-law as well. The atmosphere was very harmonious.

Grandma Qin stroked Qin Huai's indigo cloak from head to toe. Seeing that her grandson was handsome and well-mannered, and that the color made his red lips and white teeth look even better, she nodded in satisfaction and asked, "Have you seen the Emperor and your father?"

Qin Huai held his breath, worried that his grandmother would see the embroidered scars on the cloak and ask why. He had deliberately discarded the cloak that day to test her, but in reality, he had neglected his grandmother's belongings. He simply said, "I've seen it. Father asked me to come and pay my respects before going to the young masters' place."

When Old Madam Qin heard Qin Huai mention that her grandson was now grown up and couldn't stay with the women at the banquet like he did when he was a child, she simply nodded and said to Consort Shu beside her, "My eldest grandson is the best at making me happy. It's just that his marriage is still undecided. Consort Shu, please help me make some selections."

Upon hearing this, Wen Shu smiled and said, "It's Zhou Yuan's bad luck. She was just about to come of age and could enjoy happiness with the Qin family, but her brother had an accident. My eldest daughter is only thirteen. It's your eldest son's matter that's been delayed. Others his age would have children running around everywhere. Fortunately, my family has some good people, and I've already given your daughter-in-law a portrait. But your son has high standards; I wonder if he'll be interested."

Old Mrs. Qin understood the implication perfectly, but she suppressed the matter and said, "As long as she has a good character, regardless of her family background, she's a good child. Now, all we're doing is arranging a concubine to continue the family line; she's hardly worthy of it."

Consort Shu smiled and said, "Madam, you are too modest."

Qin Huai remained silent, glancing at Zhou Yuan. If it weren't for the incident at the Eastern Palace, he would already be her consort.

Zhou Yuan sat next to Consort Shu, her head bowed and silent. She thought of her mother, her brother, and her sister-in-law, Consort Liang. Although Consort Shu held her hand the whole time, she knew it was for the Emperor's sake. When no one was watching, Consort Shu paid little attention to her. Her mother was dying, and she begged Consort Shu to let her go see her. Consort Shu didn't speak, or if she did, she would say that the Emperor would be unhappy if he knew she had gone to the Cold Palace.

Grandma Qin became serious. "My grandsons have all given me great-grandsons. In the past, I always valued my eldest grandson's marriage the most, but it has been delayed. It's a pity that he's lonely with no one by his side. It would be a disgrace to the family to let him continue the family line first."

Wen Shu nodded. "That's only natural. We were too harsh on the eldest son in the past. Even royal princes have three wives and four concubines. He feels more at ease managing state affairs when he has someone in his harem. Everyone in the capital who has any standing admires your grandson."

Madam Qin said to Qin Huai, "Your mother has made all the preparations. Once you've taken your things, go and enjoy yourself with the young masters. I'll be talking to Consort Shu here; you don't need to keep me company. Just remember to keep the wine warm when you drink it."

Qin Huai nodded. "Father instructed that we should not drink alcohol today. Grandma need not worry."

Only then was Madam Qin relieved. "It's best not to drink alcohol."

Qin Huai then went to his mother's side, bent down slightly and said, "Mother, your son has come to collect something."

Qin's mother remained silent and did not look at Qin Huai. Instead, she pushed a roster on the table to Qin Huai.

"Young master, take this booklet and take a look. If you find anything you like, just send someone to let us know," said Madam Xia, Qin's servant. She paused, then deliberately added slowly, "The old lady said to choose whatever catches your eye."

Consort Shu quietly sipped her tea.

Qin Huai glanced at his mother's solemn profile, took the booklet in his hand, and turned to leave, but then turned back and said to his mother, "Mother, are your shoulders feeling cold sitting in the wind? Shall I ask someone to fetch some warm clothes?"

Qin's mother remained silent, simply waving her hand to let them leave.

Madam Xia said, "Young master, don't worry, there are servants here to take care of you. Madam won't be cold. Please go ahead."

Seeing that his mother had no desire to speak to him—she never spoke to him on this day every year—Qin Huai lowered his eyes, as if he were seeing that four- or five-year-old boy crying and begging his mother to talk to him. Now that he was older, he wouldn't persistently beg his mother anymore; he would stop when she asked.

Qin Huai raised his eyes again, his gaze cold and indifferent. Holding the roster, he slowly withdrew and returned to the princes and young masters' table. He sat down in his seat and placed the roster in front of him.

The table was filled with young masters from the Qin and Zhou families, all of whom were prominent figures in the capital.

The second prince, Zhou Qiu, observed Qin Huai from a distance across the table. He had previously tried to win Qin Huai over, but Qin Huai refused his gifts, which embarrassed him. Now that the crown prince had fallen, Qin Huai still showed no favor to him, which made him want to submit. However, Qin Huai was too cautious in his actions, and he had no leverage over him, so he was not easy to control.

Qin Huai noticed the second prince's gaze and looked up at him.

Shen Shu whispered in Qin Huai's ear, "We absolutely mustn't let him catch us doing anything today, lest he force you to be his ally. If he gets you, he gets the world."