"Pinyao…"

Thinking of Wei Pinyao who was still immersed in her melancholy, Qin Yi turned to look at her doubtfully.

Wei Pinyao a.s.sured her with a smile. "Sister, hurry up. Do not let the princess and Dai"er wait for you for too long. One more thing… she is Princess Royal after all. You"d better… stay calm and be mindful of your expressions."

"I know," Qin Yi replied with a bitter smile. She would not dare to show her dislike openly. How bold would she be? She only had a fear of the princess.

Looking at Wei Pinyao who seemed better made her feel relieved, Qin Yi slowly turned around and walked outside.

***

Just when she left the courtyard, the first thing that came into Qin Yi"s vision was Nalan Dai"er who laughing heartily in Feng Ruqing"s arms.

She could finally breathe a sigh of relief as her palpitating heart steadied.

Perhaps it was like what her husband had claimed, the princess had really turned a new leaf. However, she could not care less about it. Whenever she thought of the princess"s past doings, there was a burden she could not let go in her heart.

"Your Royal Highness."

Qin Yi walked to Feng Ruqing"s side. Just as she was about to greet her with a bow, Feng Ruqing had already put down Dai"er and tugged Qin Yi"s arm to stop her.

"Aunt, you"re my elder, how could I let you bow to me? His Majesty would blame me if he saw this." 

Qin Yi replied with a faint smile, "Princess is a monarch while I am a subordinate. There should be some courtesy and civility."

Feng Ruqing sighed.

It seemed not easy to make this aunt accept her again.

"Aunt, I still remember during my fifth birthday, you had purposely stolen Old Master Qin"s precious weapon and given it to me as my birthday gift. And you were scolded badly by him due to this incident. Not only that… there was one time when I fell down and injured myself when I had climbed the wall with Cousin, you hit him so hard that he could not come down from his bed for two days. It was only for one reason, you blamed him because he did not lie down in time to cus.h.i.+on me from falling."

"In my opinion, there"s no difference between Aunt and Mother. I must be blamed for my past ignorant and immature att.i.tude for hurting my beloved aunt"s feelings."

The maiden"s eyes showed full sincerity and seemed genuine.

Qin Yi glanced at Feng Ruqing with indifference. Her expression remained apathetic. "It"s true that I have stolen my father"s weapon, but… you nearly injured Dai"er using the weapon. If I knew this would happen, I would not have stolen my father"s weapon for you."

Feng Ruqing"s facial expression went stiff instantly.

She quickly searched it in her memory. It indeed… had happened like how she described it… 

If her uncle did not rush over in time, she could have injured Dai"er. The precious and priceless sword which Old Master Qin had spent a fortune on was finally destroyed by the furious uncle…

The whole incident happened due to a groundless rumor started by Feng Rushuang. Old Feng Ruqing had always sided with her, so she naturally acted on behalf of her interest.

Actually, Feng Ruqing could not figure out the reason behind Feng Rushuang"s animosity toward Dai"er. She was only a child.

"This…" Feng Ruqing could only laugh awkwardly. "Aunt…"

"Princess, it is getting late. Let"s go back now."

Qin Yi did not intend to continue the conversation.

Feng Ruqing had done many wrongdoings… to the point where she simply could not forgive her.

"Wait! "Feng Ruqing quickly took a few steps forward to stop Qin Yi from leaving. She walked into the courtyard and smiled gently. "I have two objectives today. Firstly, I am here to escort you home. Secondly, I wish to visit the young mistress of the Qin family. I have even prepared some food for her."

Qin Yi had already noticed the meal box in Feng Ruqing"s hand since the very beginning. However, she did not give much thought about it. Now, she started freaking out after Feng Ruqing pointed it out.