Zhang Xiaoniu repeatedly cautioned, chattering like a garrulous old woman. Gu Sinian shot him a glare, regretting bringing him along. He was here to bid farewell to his little wife, and Zhang Xiaoniu's intrusion had stolen all of her attention.
Qi Zhenzhen gave her repeated assurances, and only then did Zhang Xiaoniu fall silent and step aside, pretending not to see his superior's murderous gaze.
Gu Sinian felt incredibly wronged but couldn't say anything.
Zhang Xiaoniu had a good relationship with Qi Zhenzhen, and Zhang Xiaoniu's second brother was still Qi Zhenzhen's uncle. Excluding Zhang Xiaoniu, Song Mingyue had an even better relationship with Qi Zhenzhen.
Therefore, Qi Zhenzhen's seriousness was also for Song Mingyue.
"I've never been to the border, but I've read descriptions of it. Be careful in all matters, and I'll wait for your return. Also, do you need me to help protect someone?" Qi Zhenzhen asked Gu Sinian earnestly.
Help protect someone? Gu Sinian was stunned for a moment, then quickly realized who Qi Zhenzhen was offering to protect.
The secret between him and that male courtesan was still rumored in the city.
The one previously rumored to be with him was Qian Yuanbao. Now, news had spread that Qian Yuanbao was getting married, and coupled with the recent reports of this young man doing many good deeds, his reputation in the city had improved significantly.
The children from the Orphanage were all willing to speak well of Qian Yuanbao.
Only he remained with a tarnished reputation.
A bitter feeling welled up in Gu Sinian's heart. "I've made all the arrangements."
Qi Zhenzhen responded with an "oh," realizing he didn't need her help. This was for the best, as she didn't have many people she could rely on. If anything truly happened, she wouldn't be able to assist. After all, the Duke was intent on finding out who the person Gu Sinian favored was.
While Gu Sinian was in the capital, he could protect that person, leaving the Duke helpless. If he were to leave…
She hoped Gu Sinian's arrangements were foolproof.
"Take good care of yourself. I will definitely return before your wedding. If you encounter any insurmountable problems, seek help from Qian Yuanbao. I've already made the arrangements. Let Er Xi go with you; she knows how to contact Qian Yuanbao."
With these words, Gu Sinian left with Zhang Xiaoniu, taking his clothes and food.
Qi Zhenzhen watched Gu Sinian's retreating figure, unable to articulate her feelings. Although their wedding was imminent, there was no affection between them that a betrothed couple should have, let alone any intimacy. If anything, it was merely friendship?
Gu Sinian had spent many years on the border and was familiar with the region. She instinctively felt that despite the harsh conditions, Gu Sinian could handle it.
Thus, there should be no problems.
After seeing them off, Qi Zhenzhen spent the entire day resting in the courtyard. She had been on edge for the past few days, and now she could finally relax, both mentally and physically, and get some good rest.
The next day, Qi Zhenzhen went to Zhaohui Hall early in the morning to speak with the Old Madam about Song Mingyue. She didn't mention Zhang Xiaoniu's request for her to take care of Song Mingyue. Instead, she said that Gu Sinian was taking Zhang Xiaoniu with him this time and felt it might be inconvenient for the newly married couple, so he specifically asked her to help look after Song Mingyue.
Her good relationship with Song Mingyue was one matter, and Gu Sinian's request was another.
The Old Madam currently thought highly of Gu Sinian, so she naturally valued his requests. Furthermore, Song Mingyue had previously taken care of Qi Zhenzhen, thus owing a debt of gratitude to the Marquis's mansion, so she would naturally look after her.
Qi Zhenzhen had initially planned to send two servants to attend to Song Mingyue and visit her every few days. However, the Old Madam directly stated that Song Mingyue should be brought to the Marquis's mansion to stay for a period, so she could be better cared for and her trust honored.