Thinking it over, she realized that things couldn't go on like this. It was already noon, and she had to go back for lunch, so she shook her head and her figure gradually disappeared into the street.

As she hurried home, she saw Peony standing anxiously at the entrance of the small workshop. Her eyes lit up the moment she saw her, and she quickly ran over, panting.

"Mother...you're finally back! Just now...Miss Liu...cough cough!"

Speaking too quickly, coupled with a dry mouth and hot weather, caused Peony to cough uncontrollably.

Seeing this, Qin Qing quickly helped her up, and the three of them went back into the house together. She also took out water from her spatial storage.

After all, the mineral water bottle can't be discovered by others!

Peony felt a little better after drinking the water and looked up at Qin Qing.

"Miss Liu sent someone to ask for a cake in two days and asked my mother to deliver it in two days. The deposit has already been paid."

As she spoke, she took out fifty taels of silver, looking troubled. She knew her mother had been busy searching for someone recently, but Miss Liu's maid, Xiaolian, hurriedly dropped the silver and turned to leave, leaving her no chance to refuse.

Qin Qing nodded upon hearing this. She had promised Liu Piaorou that she would make her a cake if she needed it. She had already refused to stay at the Grand Tutor's residence, and it wouldn't be good to go back on her word, especially since Liu had taken her family on a journey that lasted half a month.

So she simply put down a bucket of water and a bag of rice, gave Peony some silver, and gave her some instructions.

"I understand. I will go to the Grand Tutor's residence tomorrow. If the cake is made at home and sent over, it may be deformed and affect its appearance. I will come back after the cake is made. I'm afraid I will have to trouble you for the next few days."

Peony quickly shook her head to reassure her.

Little Muxing tugged at her clothes. Although she didn't understand, it seemed that her grandmother was about to leave again. She opened her big eyes and looked aggrieved.

"Is Grandma leaving again? Can Yueyue take her with her? Yueyue doesn't want to be separated from Grandma."

Qin Qing lowered her head and tenderly rubbed Xiao Muyue's head.

"Silly children, just wait here for your grandma. Grandma will definitely be back in three days! Then I'll make you braised pork."

Seeing that she disagreed, Xiao Muyue could only pout reluctantly. Not wanting to make things difficult for her grandmother, she could only coax her way of giving instructions.

"Then you have to come back soon..."

Qin Qing simply nodded gently, unaware that he had broken his promise once again.

Two days later, in the kitchen of the Grand Tutor's residence...

A woman dressed in coarse linen clothes was kneading dough diligently in a small house. Perhaps because the house was too stuffy, a little sweat seeped from her forehead. Her hair was all tied back, except for a few strands of black hair that fell across her forehead. Her cheeks were rosy, and even without makeup, she still exuded a certain charm. With her fair skin, although she was not as tender as a young girl, she was still very attractive.

After a long while, the door to the small house finally opened, and a woman emerged carrying a large wooden box. A gentle breeze stirred the wisps of hair that adorned her forehead, making her look incredibly beautiful…

"Xiao Lian!"

With a loud shout, the tense atmosphere vanished instantly. Xiao Lian, who was urging the food to be cooked in the kitchen, turned around in surprise upon hearing this!

"Hey! They're here!"

Qin Qing watched the girl running towards her and breathed a sigh of relief! After handing over the cake, she carefully explained the operating procedures…

The young maidservant carefully took the cake, casually saying "I know," but her eyes were full of longing and caution...

This was a birthday gift her young mistress had prepared for the matriarch, so of course she would be careful.

Seeing this, Qin Qing smiled and was about to change his clothes and leave when a young girl walked towards him from a distance. She was very pretty and charming, but her expression was very anxious.

"Auntie, are you done?"

After saying that, he saw the box in Xiaolian's hand, and a look of joy immediately appeared on his face.

"Is it done? Thank you, Auntie! I don't know what I would have done without you."

The old lady was her grandmother, and she and the Empress Dowager of Qi had been best friends since childhood, with a very special relationship. In previous years, the Sixth Princess had stolen the limelight at her birthday celebrations. She did not want to compete for the emperor's favor, but she had reached the age where she wanted to find a husband on her own. Now that her father was increasingly fond of Liu Qing, she was worried that one day her father would also support her marrying Liu Qing.

But she doesn't like Liu Qing anymore!

If that's the case, she might as well find an opportunity to take control of her life's most important decision!

Thinking about it, she suddenly stared straight at Qin Qing, her eyes filled with surprise and confusion.

"Auntie, I just noticed that you're quite pretty, so why do you always wear a gray-brown linen dress?"

Women love beauty; who would want to look ugly?

Qin Qing was taken aback, not expecting her to bring this up suddenly. She glanced down at her own linen clothes, then looked at Liu Piaorou in her pink outfit, and shook her head with a smile.

"Miss, you're joking. I'm an old woman of grandmother's generation, it's not appropriate for me to wear those clothes. Besides, I have to do housework and cook every day, and those clothes would get dirty easily."

Upon hearing this, Liu Piaorou became stubborn and retorted defiantly.

"Look at what you're saying. Nobody is born to do chores and cook. Your grandmother is also in good shape. My grandmother is seventy years old this year, but she still looks so dignified and elegant. Clothes make the man, right? By the way, one of the ready-made clothes I bought last time is a little too big. It looks like it would fit your grandmother perfectly!"

While speaking, she observed Qin Qing's figure, noting that she appeared to be more voluptuous than the others, and not much different! Before Qin Qing could politely decline, she simply said directly.

"Xiao Lian, go to my room and bring me that purple Xiangyun silk dress!"

Purple is generally considered an age-defying color, but the dress was so stylish and comfortable that she couldn't resist buying it. However, no girl her age in the capital would wear that, so she decided to give it to Aunt Qin. After saying that, she took the cake directly from Xiao Lian's hand.

Before Qin Qing could finish speaking, Xiao Lian dashed off into the inner courtyard like the wind, leaving her no chance to stop her! She could only stare blankly at Xiao Lian's retreating figure, thinking helplessly to herself: Well! Her wages will probably have to be reduced!

Oh well! I'll just consider it buying clothes!

Liu Piaorou carried the cake, her mind filled with the smile of praise she would receive later. She was sure her grandmother would love it.

"Auntie, I'll be going now. After you've changed your clothes, you and Xiaolian can go to the front yard together. Grandmother might want to see you!"

Qin Qing could only nod. What difference did it make whether she saw him or not? She would leave after receiving the money, so it didn't matter, as long as she got the money!

Before long, Xiaolian finally ran over. Qin Qing looked up at the sky. The sun had already set and it was almost dark. She would change her clothes and go to the front yard. She should be able to go back and put her little darling to sleep in time.

Inside the small house, Qin Qing looked at the light purple dress and white lining in her hands and couldn't help but feel a little nervous, her gaze blank! Since she came to ancient times, she really hadn't taken care of herself much, only occasionally taking care of her skin, after all, everyone loves beauty.