As soon as those words were spoken, an unexplainable sense of hostility filled the air.

Jin Qianqian gave a graceful bow in response.

Zhao Jing’er originally had a rather decent appearance and temperament—after all, she was the beloved daughter of the prefect, raised with the utmost care and privilege, a true noble lady.

However, when compared to Jin Qianqian, the difference became immediately apparent.

Jin Qianqian possessed a cold, refined elegance that Zhao Jing’er simply lacked.

But despite this, Zhao Jing’er never felt inferior to her.

On the contrary, her innate sense of superiority and the arrogance of a spoiled young lady made her look down on Jin Qianqian, who was, in her eyes, nothing more than a merchant’s daughter, always appearing in public and lacking proper restraint.

“I just happened to pass by and saw Young Master Shen here, so I came over to say hello. You’ve been away from Suzhou for some time, and we haven’t had the chance to discuss the porridge distribution.”

Jin Qianqian had originally come for the same reason—to talk to Shen Qing about the porridge distribution.

She hadn’t expected to run into Zhao Jing’er here.

In Suzhou, Zhao Jing’er held the highest status among the noble ladies.

If any family hosted a gathering, they would undoubtedly extend an invitation to her.

Given this, Jin Qianqian had known her for quite some time.

Shen Qing invited both of them inside and personally poured tea for them.

However, Zhao Jing’er had no interest in whatever Jin Qianqian wanted to say.

Instead, she directly opened the food box she had brought and took out two plates of exquisite pastries.

Shen Qing wasn’t particularly fond of overly sweet treats, but since Zhao Jing’er had already presented them, refusing would be impolite.

“Young Master Shen, please try some and tell me how they taste. If you like them, I’ll make more for you next time.”

Her words were already quite forward.

However, Shen Qing simply picked up one of the plates and handed it to Jin Qianqian, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

“Miss Jin, you should try some as well.”

Jin Qianqian’s eyes flickered with amusement as she glanced at Zhao Jing’er, whose expression instantly darkened.

Then, with a polite nod, she picked up a piece and took a delicate bite.

Seeing that Jin Qianqian had taken one, Shen Qing also grabbed a piece to taste.

Unlike Jin Qianqian’s elegant manner, Shen Qing ate straightforwardly, finishing an entire peach-shaped pastry in one bite.

Fortunately, the pastry wasn’t overly sweet. Instead, it carried a light osmanthus fragrance, melting smoothly in the mouth without being dry or cloying.

“Hmm, it’s quite good. Thank you for the pastries, Miss Zhao.” Shen Qing gave a fair evaluation after finishing one.

Zhao Jing’er immediately lowered her head shyly. “I’m glad you like it, Young Master Shen. Try this one as well—this one has red bean filling.”

Not wanting to offend, Shen Qing took another bite.

Before finishing, she even handed another piece to Jin Qianqian.

Zhao Jing’er’s smile visibly faded.

After finishing the pastries, the three of them sat in silence, exchanging glances without speaking.

Zhao Jing’er had originally wanted to spend some time alone with Shen Qing, but Jin Qianqian showed no intention of leaving.

Shen Qing, on the other hand, couldn’t just ask her to go.

Eventually, Zhao Jing’er could no longer bear the awkwardness and stood up to leave first.

Once she was gone, Jin Qianqian let out a sigh of relief.

Shen Qing, however, assumed that Jin Qianqian had stayed because of the porridge distribution and immediately brought up the matter.

“Are we running low on grain again? If you need more, just have someone pick it up from the shop.”

Jin Qianqian twisted the handkerchief in her hand, remaining silent for a long time as if struggling with how to speak.

“The grain supply is still sufficient, but there’s been an issue at home. My father has handed the porridge distribution over to my second sister. From now on, you’ll have to discuss the matter with her…”

As she spoke, she lowered her gaze, an air of melancholy surrounding her.

“Isn’t it a good thing that someone else is taking over? Why do you seem unhappy?”

Shen Qing found it perplexing.

Standing outside in the cold, distributing porridge every day, was not an easy task—especially now that autumn had arrived and the weather was turning harsh.

The cold wind alone was enough to sting one’s face.

Jin Qianqian was momentarily stunned. “Why would it be considered a thankless task?”

To her, distributing porridge was an act of charity, but it was also an excellent way to gain a good reputation.

While she didn’t particularly care about fame, she certainly wasn’t willing to let such an opportunity fall into the hands of her second sister.

The Jin family was different from other noble families.

They prioritized commerce, and whether male or female, any child with business acumen would receive full support.

Unlike many other families, the Jin family did not confine their daughters to the inner chambers.

To Jin Qianqian, no effort was ever wasted.

Shen Qing set down her teacup and spoke calmly.

“It doesn’t matter who is in charge of distributing the porridge. What matters is who provides the silver and the grain.

You’ve been distributing porridge for a while now, and in the end, all you’ve received is a few words of praise from the common folk. But the real reputation goes to Tianxia Grain Stores and the Jin family.

Even though my true intention is to help the refugees, the title of ‘Great Philanthropist Shen’ has still landed on me. And your family’s business will prosper because of this act of charity.

But personally, you gain very little from it. Distributing porridge isn’t a task that lasts only a day or two—it must continue until spring.

Now that the weather is growing colder, the work will only become more grueling. If someone else is willing to take over, shouldn’t you be relieved?”

Shen Qing didn’t fully understand the intricacies of women’s rivalries, but she could roughly guess that Jin Qianqian didn’t want her second sister—who was born of a concubine—to take credit for the good deeds.

In noble families, conflicts between the legitimate daughter and a concubine’s daughter were common.

After listening to Shen Qing’s explanation, Jin Qianqian suddenly felt enlightened.

That’s right—if she thought about it this way, the porridge distribution was indeed a thankless task.

The worry in her expression faded, and her mood lifted instantly. “You’re right, Young Master Shen. I was overthinking things. But my second sister isn’t an easy person to deal with. She’s extremely calculating, and I’m worried she might mess things up.”

After saying this, Jin Qianqian hesitated.

Would Shen Qing think she was being petty by speaking ill of her sister?

Just as she was about to explain, Shen Qing unexpectedly chuckled and reassured her.

“I plan to continue distributing porridge until spring, regardless of whether the Jin family contributes or not. You don’t have to worry.”

Her goal was to help the refugees survive the harsh winter while also earning a good reputation for herself, paving the way for a future title of county princess.

So whether or not the Jin family stayed involved, she would see it through to the end.