Qi Zhenzhen and Qi Yi sat on either side of the Old Madam, their demeanor exceptionally respectful. The Old Madam looked at one, then the other, genuine joy evident in her eyes.
"Good, good, good. You both appear dignified and well-mannered. Your concubine mothers have raised you well," the Old Madam said.
Yun Shi, seated on an embroidered stool, quickly stood up. "This concubine dares not accept such praise. I merely remember the Old Madam's teachings at all times."
Yun Shi's respectful attitude greatly pleased the Old Madam. She nodded at her. "I know you are a good woman. Since you have returned, all past matters are forgiven. Let us live as a family. Is Zhenzhen thirteen?"
Qi Zhenzhen pursed her lips and smiled. "Grandmother, I am thirteen by the traditional count."
"You are growing into a young lady. Have you begun your monthly cycles?" the Old Madam asked, holding her hand.
Qi Zhenzhen shyly shook her head. "Not yet."
"It must be that you were mistreated outside, affecting your health. Tomorrow, take my name card and invite Imperial Physician Wang, the miracle worker for women's ailments, to examine Zhenzhen. See how she should be treated, and while he's here, have him check on Concubine Yun as well," the Old Madam instructed Granny Fang.
The Old Madam then inquired about Qi Yi's studies. Listening to him speak confidently, his brows radiating self-assurance, she was very pleased. This Yun Shi was indeed a good woman; both children appeared to be well-raised, especially Yi Ge'er, who had not neglected his studies.
"Old Madam, the Marquis and Madam are on their way," Zisu entered to report.
The Old Madam nodded, saying nothing aloud, but her dissatisfaction with Madam Qin grew in her heart. She had sent word to notify them when Yun Shi and her children arrived at the entrance. She had expected them to arrive early and wait with her. Instead, they only appeared after a considerable wait. Was this an attempt to put Yun Shi in her place from the start, to assert her status as the mistress of the household? Fool!
The moment the curtain was lifted, Yun Shi, Qi Zhenzhen, and Qi Yi all stood up.
As the two entered, the three knelt side by side.
"This concubine pays her respects to the Marquis and Madam."
"Daughter (Son) pays respects to Father and Mother."
Qi Tianming looked at the three kneeling figures: in the center, Yun Shi, whom he had once sworn to cherish; to his left and right, his two children. Seeing them like this, he was moved.
"All of you, rise. Zhenzhen, Yi Ge'er, come here. Come to your father, let your father have a good look at you," Qi Tianming beckoned.
Madam Qin, with a smile, also asked Granny Qin beside her to help Yun Shi up. "Sister, you have finally returned. This sister has missed you greatly over these years."
This warmth was a bit overwhelming for Yun Shi, but she still replied, "Thank you for your concern, Madam."
Qi Tianming was very happy, especially looking at Qi Yi, whose brows resembled his own.
"Are the courtyards all prepared?" Qi Tianming turned to ask Madam Qin.
"Concubine Yun's former courtyard has been tidied. As for Zhenzhen's courtyard, I thought she could stay with Concubine Yun for now. Once she is familiar with the household, we can have her move out," Madam Qin said softly. "For the time being, let Sister stay in the east wing of Concubine Yun's courtyard. Is that acceptable?"
"You are the mistress of the household. If you say it is acceptable, then it is. Ensure everything is properly arranged and do not mistreat them. As for Yi Ge'er, he will stay in the front courtyard. I think Qingsong Courtyard is quite suitable; let's assign it to Yi Ge'er," Qi Tianming said.
Madam Qin was taken aback. "Marquis, that is for the legitimate son to reside in..."
Qi Tianming frowned. "Yi Ge'er is my eldest son. Does Madam mean that the eldest son cannot reside there?"
Qi Yi cupped his hands in a salute to Qi Tianming. "Father, please assign another courtyard for your son. I know you dote on me, but we should not break the rules for my sake."
Qi Tianming insisted on Qi Yi residing in Qingsong Courtyard, but it was the Old Madam who finally intervened, changing it to Qingzhu Courtyard.
"Alright, alright, this matter is settled," the Old Madam said. "Granny Fang, have someone serve the evening meal. It's late today, so we won't have a welcoming feast for you three. When you have all rested well, we will hold a banquet."
The meal was soon served, consisting mostly of various meats with few vegetables.
Heavy on salt and sugar, the evening meal was surprisingly rich in flavor.
The Old Madam personally placed a piece of crystal pig's trotter skin into Qi Zhenzhen's bowl and a chicken drumstick for Qi Yi.
"Try the dishes prepared in our manor," the Old Madam asked.
After speaking, the Old Madam herself took a piece of crystal pig's trotter skin and ate it. "This crystal pig's trotter is my favorite dish. The skin melts in your mouth; not everyone can achieve this skill."
Looking at Qi Tianming and Madam Qin eating their meat with normal expressions, Qi Zhenzhen understood. This standard of dining was likely what the manor's masters enjoyed. Her memories of the Marquis's manor previously indicated that their Tinglan Courtyard did not have such standards. They generally had two meat dishes and two vegetable dishes; one meat dish was a meat soup, and the other was meat stir-fried with vegetables.
Eating so much oil and meat, were they not afraid of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol?
Yun Shi and her two children had very light palates. During the meal, they were seen eating mostly vegetables.
This made the Old Madam and Qi Tianming feel pity, thinking about what kind of lives they must have lived outside, perhaps accustomed to eating only vegetables every meal. Madam Qin, however, scoffed inwardly, thinking that Yun Shi and her children were skilled at putting on a show to gain sympathy.
As pieces of meat were placed into their bowls, Qi Zhenzhen felt a bitter helplessness, having no choice but to accept the well-intentioned offerings from the Old Madam and Qi Tianming.
Finally, after being made to drink a bowl of sweet soup, the feeling of cloying richness intensified.
"From now on, Concubine Yun, the second young lady, and the eldest young master will have their meals prepared according to the standards of my courtyard," the Old Madam instructed.
If it were truly like this, how could they possibly eat?
"Grandmother, there are regulations for meals, and it is not appropriate for us to overstep. Furthermore, my concubine mother and I are accustomed to eating vegetables, with delicate stomachs, and are afraid we cannot handle it. Please only prepare them for Yi Ge'er. He studies and practices martial arts daily, expending a great deal of energy, so he should eat more meat. As for us, the original meals will suffice," Qi Zhenzhen said earnestly.
Hearing this, the Old Madam felt even more that their lives outside had been difficult and refused to agree.
After much persistent pleading from Qi Zhenzhen, the evening meal was finally converted to vegetarian dishes.
Madam Qin cursed inwardly, yet maintained a proper smile on her face, praising Qi Zhenzhen for her frugality and calling her a good child.
After the meal, the Old Madam chatted with them for a while longer. When she showed signs of fatigue, everyone took the opportunity to take their leave.
Qi Yi went to the front courtyard with Qi Tianming, while Granny Fang led Yun Shi and Qi Zhenzhen towards Tinglan Courtyard.
Tinglan Courtyard was located in the southeast corner of the Marquis's back residence, about a fifteen-minute walk from the main courtyard. Its location was neither particularly good nor bad, but it was quite peaceful.
Passing through a winding corridor, there was also a small path paved with cobblestones. After completing the cobblestone path, Tinglan Courtyard was in sight.
Two old women guarded the entrance of the courtyard. Upon seeing Granny Fang approach, they immediately bowed and greeted her.
Granny Fang's voice was somewhat stern. "Are you blind? Do you not see the masters?"