Qi Zhenzhen was extremely surprised. Initially, she thought Yi Ge’er was too weak, so she took him for runs and taught him a set of boxing moves, which were merely for self-defense. Surviving danger? That was impossible. But Yi Ge’er’s movements just now made survival effortless. Although they were in close combat, Yi Ge’er’s footwork was light, making it look like Qinggong.
“Did you learn martial arts from someone?” Qi Zhenzhen asked.
Qi Yi nodded, “Yes.”
He admitted it but refused to reveal his master’s identity or what he learned.
Qi Yi said apologetically, “Eldest Sister, it’s not that I intentionally hid it from you. Master said I am not allowed to tell anyone about this. What I revealed just now in front of you is already a violation of Master’s instructions. But I just wanted to put your mind at ease. Even if I go back there, I’m not afraid.”
Many reclusive masters indeed made such demands when taking disciples, so Qi Zhenzhen didn’t dwell on the matter. Regardless, she was very grateful to that master.
Qi Zhenzhen struggled internally and ultimately did not tell Qi Yi about her agreement with Gu Sinian. She presumed that the Marquis of Changping’s mansion arranging to pick him up was likely facilitated by him secretly. He had mentioned making some arrangements last time, and now it seemed they were all in place.
The siblings mounted their horses, sharing one, and galloped away.
By evening, the two and their horse arrived home.
Qi Zhenzhen noticed that from the moment he dismounted, Yi Ge’er seemed like a different person, entering the courtyard with a solemn expression and a leisurely pace.
Yun Shi heard the commotion and came out, with Granny Fang following closely.
Qi Yi bent his knees and knelt directly in the center of the courtyard, “Mother, your son has returned.”
At first, Qi Zhenzhen didn’t understand why such a grand ceremony was necessary upon returning home. Seeing Granny Fang’s astonished expression, Qi Zhenzhen suddenly understood. This ceremony was performed for Granny Fang to see, letting her know that even a concubine had her son to protect her.
Yun Shi hurried forward to help him up, “My child, why are you performing such a grand ceremony for your mother?”
“Your son has learned many principles at the academy and understands how difficult it has been for Mother to raise me and Eldest Sister all these years. I was ignorant before and never helped Mother and Eldest Sister share the burden. From now on, no matter what happens, your son will stand before you and Eldest Sister, shielding you from wind and rain,” Qi Yi said in a deep voice.
Yun Shi choked up, “Good child, good child.”
“This must be Granny Fang? Qi Yi pays his respects.” Qi Yi said, cupping his fists and bowing to Granny Fang.
Granny Fang sidestepped, not accepting Qi Yi’s bow. Instead, she bowed to Qi Yi, “This old servant greets Young Master.”
“Granny, please dispense with the formality.” Qi Yi accepted Granny Fang’s bow, “Let’s not stand outside. Let’s go inside.”
Qi Yi’s demeanor throughout was as if he had grown up in a prominent family, with proper conduct and speech that was neither subservient nor overbearing.
After dinner that evening, Qi Zhenzhen called Qi Yi into her room, “Were you perhaps disrespectful to Granny Fang just now?”
Qi Yi’s brows slightly furrowed, “Eldest Sister, are you overthinking? I was very respectful to Granny Fang and bowed to her. My words were not disrespectful.”
Thinking about it carefully, it was indeed true. Granny Fang had placed herself in a very low position.
It seemed the Marquis’s mansion placed great importance on Yi Ge’er. This was a good thing for them.
Qi Zhenzhen explained the current situation of the Marquis’s mansion to Qi Yi. Qi Yi noted everything down, “Eldest Sister, after I return, I will definitely be living in the front courtyard. The front courtyard is managed by the Marquis, so the Marchioness’s influence probably won’t reach there. However, I am very worried about you and Mother.”
“Don’t worry about us. I will protect Mother. Besides, as soon as we return, those people should be quite subdued,” Qi Zhenzhen said.
“I hope so.”
The next day, Granny Fang requested Yun Shi’s permission, asking if it was time to depart now that Qi Yi had returned.
“Let’s wait a few more days. After all, I have lived in Xinghua Village for several years, and the elders and villagers here have taken great care of our family. I must say goodbye to everyone before leaving,” Qi Yi said calmly. “If Granny Fang is in a hurry, she can proceed ahead.”
Granny Fang was sent to fetch them, so how could she leave first?
“This old servant is not in a hurry, but I fear the Old Madam and the Marquis will be anxious,” Granny Fang said calmly.
“After we return, I will speak with Grandmother and Father. Father and Grandmother are both people who value relationships and loyalty. If it were them, they would definitely bid farewell to everyone,” Qi Yi said.
With Qi Yi saying this, Granny Fang had nothing more to say and could only comply.
The Song family and the homes of various clan elders could not be missed. Qi Yi did not need anyone to accompany him; he visited each family one by one.
During this time, Lian Bei brought a few children to deliver shells and also brought a large fish for Qi Zhenzhen.
“Sister Qi, this fish was newly caught by my brother. It’s very fresh, perfect for making soup,” Lian Bei said, carrying the fish into the Qi family’s courtyard.
“Then please thank your brother for me.” Qi Zhenzhen accepted the fish and smiled, “You don’t need to bring us fish anymore. Just come over to deliver shells.”
“Why? You’ve helped us so much, and we don’t have much to thank you with, so we can only offer a few fresh fish,” Lian Bei asked, confused.
“I’ve always wanted to eat fresh fish, but I’m leaving here. Even if you bring it, I won’t be able to eat it,” Qi Zhenzhen said.
“Leaving here? Why, Sister Qi? Isn’t this your home?” Lian Bei asked anxiously. “Are you facing any difficulties?”
Qi Zhenzhen pulled her into the house and poured her a bowl of water, “I haven’t encountered any difficulties. My family is originally from the capital, and now I’m just going home. As for this place, it can only be considered a temporary lodging. Once Xinghua Manor is completed, I will come back if I have the chance.”
Granny Fang walked in, “Miss, I and Qingshui have tidied up your clothes. Those clothes won’t be taken back. How do you want them handled?”
“They are all packed. Bring them over,” Qi Zhenzhen instructed.
Granny Fang nodded, “Yes.”
“Little Bei, if you don’t mind, you can take those clothes back. They might be a bit big on you now, but with a little tailoring, they’ll fit. When you grow taller and plumper, you can let them out. I’ve worn those clothes only a few times, and they still look quite new,” Qi Zhenzhen said.
“Sister Qi, are you a young lady from a prominent family?” Lian Bei asked cautiously.
“You could say that,” Qi Zhenzhen replied after some thought.
Lian Bei became somewhat excited and stood up abruptly, “Sister Qi, do you still need servants? Could you let me be a maid? Although I’m not old, I can do many things, I’m quick with my hands and feet, and I’m discreet.”
“Why do you have such an idea?” Qi Zhenzhen asked in surprise.
“I’ve had this idea for a long time. I was originally planning to go to the county town in the autumn to see if any prominent families were recruiting maids,” Lian Bei said excitedly. “There’s a sister in our village who signed a five-year indenture with a prominent family and was only released at the beginning of the year. Although she’s already eighteen, many families have come to propose marriage. I’ve seen that sister from afar; she walks beautifully and speaks charmingly, like a fairy. My parents are gone, and although my brother treats me well now, he’s going to get married, and who knows what his future sister-in-law will be like? So, I need to plan for myself. I’ll become a maid first, then come out with great fanfare, and then I’ll have more choices.”