Bai Fu truly felt these were minor matters, simply a matter of publicizing the good deeds his young master had done over the years.
The Ci You Yuan, thirty li outside the capital, had been in a state of disrepair. It was the young master of the Tan Men who funded its renovation, hired caretakers, and found skilled individuals to teach the children trades for a living. Even an old scholar was employed, ensuring those with talent for learning would not be held back. In recent years, the streets and alleys of the capital had rarely seen young beggars; this was all thanks to their young master.
Furthermore, every winter, the Qian family provided alms, food and clothing. For several years now, no one had frozen to death in the winter.
On the surface, it was attributed to the court's management, but in reality, the Qian family provided the funds and effort. With the young master in charge of the Qian family, these merits naturally belonged to him.
After two or three days, not only were the streets and alleys abuzz with talk of Qian Yuanbao, but even the servants in the Marquis's mansion were chattering about him.
"What a great philanthropist."
When Qi Zhenzhen heard Fei Xu and Lian Bei sighing, she was somewhat bewildered. "Who are you talking about?"
"The young master of the Qian family!" Lian Bei replied with a giggle. "The young master Qian who visited our mansion."
Since the Li family had not yet arrived, Li Nuan's marriage was not being publicized widely, with only the masters of the mansion aware of the details. The servants were still in the dark.
"Him?" Qi Zhenzhen pouted. If she didn't know Qian Yuanbao, she would naturally have praised him upon hearing these rumors. But now, with such sudden rumors, she wouldn't believe there was no ulterior motive.
Li Nuan, sitting on the couch, had a blush on her cheeks, her handkerchief twisted into a crumpled mess.
"What are you thinking about, Sister Nuan?" Qi Zhenzhen approached with a playful smile.
"I was just listening to Fei Xu and Lian Bei talk. Not many people persist in doing good these days. Young Master Qian has persisted for years, which shows his noble character. He is a good man," Li Nuan said softly.
"Miss, not only is his character good, but his appearance is also excellent. We've all seen him. For a man to be so handsome, like someone stepped out of a painting, what was that word?" Lian Bei tilted her head, appearing to ponder. "I remember, I heard Miss say it – like an immortal descended to earth. Young Master Qian is just such a person."
Li Nuan nodded in agreement.
Observing Li Nuan's demeanor, it was clear she was smitten. Previously, regarding the arrangement with the Qian family, Li Nuan had appeared to let the Old Madam and her parents decide. But now? She likely had developed feelings for Qian Yuanbao and had even spontaneously beautified his image. At this moment, Qian Yuanbao must hold a significant place in her heart.
Qi Zhenzhen suddenly understood. Qian Yuanbao orchestrating such an event at this juncture was likely for Li Nuan's sake.
He was probably afraid that his past unsavory reputation would reach Li Nuan's ears and cause her distress, so he staged this event. This way, even if there were further slanders against Qian Yuanbao, Li Nuan, having a pre-existing impression of him as a good person, would be less affected by them.
She knew it. Someone like Qian Yuanbao always acted with purpose.
Considering he was doing this to accommodate Li Nuan's feelings, Qi Zhenzhen's opinion of him improved slightly, as it indicated he cared somewhat for Li Nuan.
Half a month later, Li Nuan's father and concubine arrived.
The Old Madam was delighted and specifically hosted a family banquet in her courtyard to welcome them. Madam Lu and her two daughters-in-law, Madam Bai and Madam Wang, were also invited. Li Zheng and Li Yu were brought by Qi Tianming. Of course, Qi Yi, as the only male heir of the Marquis's mansion, also had to be present.
Then there were the sisters of the Marquis's mansion and the Li sisters.
This was the first time the Old Madam had seen her elder brother's second son. Seeing the similar features, she was naturally overjoyed and asked many questions.
Li Su, true to his name, was a serious person. He spoke earnestly, answering the Old Madam's questions meticulously, as if the Old Madam were a tutor at an academy and he were a student being tested.
"He is truly just like my elder brother!" The Old Madam was very pleased.
Madam Lu and Madam Bai on the side had displeased expressions. Praising a son born of a concubine in front of them, what did that make them? Li Su's legitimate wife, Madam Wang, also had an unhappy look. She was in the capital, so why did Li Su bring that贱人 (jian ren - derogatory term for a woman, often a concubine or mistress) with him? Where was her dignity? Moreover, the gift the Old Madam had just given that贱人 looked very valuable, far better than what she had received. This was clearly meant to embarrass her and embolden that贱人.
However, with so many people present, they couldn't act out and had to endure it.
Overall, the atmosphere was relatively harmonious. They got acquainted, and accommodations were arranged.
As Li Su was an outside male, he was arranged to stay in the outer courtyard, sharing a room with Li Yu.
Li Nuan's concubine stayed in a guest room with Madam Wang.
Due to the fatigue of the journey, the Old Madam suggested they rest before discussing important matters. Thus, after the meal, everyone dispersed.
Li Su, accompanied by Madam Wang and his concubine, went directly to Madam Lu's residence. Li Yu, Li Nuan, and Li Rou also followed, and the entire family paid their respects.
In the afternoon, Li Nuan returned to Long Xiang Yuan with red eyes. Qi Zhenzhen quickly inquired about what had happened.
Her eyes were swollen, clearly not from the joy of seeing her concubine mother. She wouldn't have been swollen like this if she hadn't cried for half an hour.
"It's all because of my grandmother. She forced my eldest sister to give up her marriage to Li Qing. My father disagreed, so she blamed my concubine mother! She also said my eldest sister had not fulfilled her duty as an elder sister; if she had taken good care of Li Qing, such a mess wouldn't have happened. In short, all the blame was pushed onto my eldest sister!" Li Rou said indignantly.
Qi Zhenzhen was somewhat stunned. Madam Lu's thought process was too peculiar. Li Qing was a legitimate daughter of noble status and had always looked down on Li Nuan, her half-sister. Moreover, Li Qing was not Li Su's daughter. How could she shamelessly drag Li Nuan into this? Did the upbringing of the legitimate daughter of the Li family fall under Li Nuan's responsibility?
"Don't worry, Sister Nuan. This marriage was arranged by my grandmother, so the person won't change," Qi Zhenzhen comforted Li Nuan.
"But my concubine mother..." Li Nuan sobbed. "The legitimate wife has been trying to please Grandmother. She has always disliked my concubine mother. When I returned, my concubine mother was still kneeling there."
Qi Zhenzhen also felt troubled. Even if this matter were brought to the Old Madam, it would likely be of little use.
Li Nuan's concubine mother was a concubine, and Madam Wang was adept at pleasing Madam Lu. Who could fault the principal wife for disciplining her husband's concubine?
"What about your father?"
"Grandmother is keeping my father under control, and my father can't do anything..."
(Note: Madam Lu brought two daughters-in-law, the elder daughter-in-law Madam Bai and the second daughter-in-law Madam Wang. The Li family had two sons. The legitimate son was born to Madam Lu and married Madam Bai, having one son and one daughter, Li Zheng and Li Qing. The illegitimate son, Li Su, his legitimate wife Madam Wang had no children after many years of marriage, so Li Su took a concubine, by whom he had two daughters, Li Nuan and Li Rou. Later, Madam Wang gave birth to Li Yu.)