Lin Ruixue came to call Qi Zhenzhen for dinner and looked somewhat strangely at Zhang Fangcao. Qi Zhenzhen, thinking she disliked Madam Zhang and therefore had opinions about Zhang Fangcao, held Lin Ruixue's arm and praised Zhang Fangcao in a low voice.
While Zhang Fangcao was in Qi Zhenzhen's room, Madam Zhang had already explained her intentions to the Zhang couple outside. Without any hesitation, the Zhangs agreed, meaning they were willing to let their daughter become a concubine.
Lin Ruixue told Zhang Fangcao to go to the main hall by herself. After she left the room, Lin Ruixue asked Qi Zhenzhen, "Do you really think Zhang Fangcao is a good person?"
"Beyond my imagination. She's different from Madam Zhang and her parents. She's a very opinionated girl," Qi Zhenzhen said after thinking. "I think she's quite good."
"Your maternal grandmother, eldest aunt, and I also think this girl is acceptable," Lin Ruixue sighed. "At least we know her background, and we can control her. We don't have to worry about her not listening to you in the future."
"Auntie, I don't quite understand what you mean."
"With the Heir's status, he will definitely bring concubines into the household in the future..." Lin Ruixue explained in a low voice. "Instead of letting him find someone himself, it's better for you to find someone. It can also show your magnanimity and make him remember your kindness."
Qi Zhenzhen vaguely suspected that Madam Zhang had ulterior motives, wanting to benefit herself and her family, but she hadn't expected her to have this idea.
"Auntie, so Zhang Fangcao is here to be a concubine for the Heir?" Qi Zhenzhen took a few deep breaths, suppressing her anger, and asked calmly.
"It was your second aunt's idea. The Heir was angry after seeing you and Du Xiang. He needs to vent his anger, otherwise, if he keeps bringing this up, how will you two live after marriage?" Lin Ruixue sighed, "This is a last resort. I know you're unwilling, but we really can't think of any better way. The three of you have a difficult life, and if your marriage has any more problems..."
"Don't worry, after you get married, you can have her..."
"I'll make arrangements with Zhang's family about these matters," Lin Ruixue said.
"Zhenzhen, your complexion isn't good. Are you unwilling?" Lin Ruixue asked cautiously.
If this kind of thing were proposed by Madam Da Qin, Qi Zhenzhen would have had sufficient reason to suspect her ill intentions. Although it was Madam Zhang's idea, her maternal grandmother and eldest aunt must have considered it carefully, believing it could appease Gu Sinian and make her life easier. They indeed had good intentions, for her, for Yun Shi, and for Qi Yi. After all, in their eyes, the Duke's mansion was immensely powerful and not to be offended.
"Auntie, do you think Zhang Fangcao will agree?" Qi Zhenzhen asked.
Lin Ruixue was stunned for a moment, "Her parents have already agreed."
"Then let me ask this, if you were Zhang Fangcao, would you agree?" Qi Zhenzhen rephrased her question.
Lin Ruixue shook her head, "Naturally not."
"When we were talking just now, she mentioned her aspirations for the future, wanting to find someone from a suitable family and live a harmonious life together," Qi Zhenzhen said softly. "When she said those words, her eyes sparkled, and she was very excited. So, she probably won't accept her parents' decision. Besides, why do you think the Heir would fancy a village girl? Many illegitimate daughters from wealthy families are willing to be his concubines."
These were things the Lin family hadn't considered. Thinking deeper, if she were the Heir, even if he wanted a concubine, he wouldn't casually find one from the countryside.
Seeing Lin Ruixue lost in thought, Qi Zhenzhen pulled her to sit down and told her what she had said to Gu Sinian the previous night.
Lin Ruixue's face was full of surprise throughout, "So the Heir wasn't really angry with you. You girl, you scared me and your maternal grandmother half to death. Thank goodness, thank goodness."
"Will maternal grandmother be angry?" Qi Zhenzhen asked.
"She won't be angry with you, but she will be angry with your second aunt. Let's see how this is resolved later. What has the old Lin family done that's not good for her? Looking around, in ten miles and eight villages, whose life is more comfortable than the Lin family's? Why isn't she content? She's full of bad intentions," Lin Ruixue said angrily. "She's disappointed everyone. Can the Lin family still tolerate her? In the end, won't the children suffer? You know, all these years, her family has treated the Lin family as fools. Did your maternal grandmother and grandfather ever say anything about your second uncle? If they don't feel grateful, they become even more excessive, as if the Lin family, having given a daughter to the Zhang family, is responsible for the entire Zhang family. Also, regarding your two younger brothers going to school, the Zhang family even came to make a fuss, saying that as a family, they shouldn't be treated differently and that your maternal grandmother and grandfather should send the two Zhang boys as well."
Now it was Qi Zhenzhen's turn to be surprised. The Zhang family was too shameless!
"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Let's eat first. Your maternal grandmother and the others are waiting," Lin Ruixue stood up and walked out with Qi Zhenzhen.
Gu Sinian, the Lin family members, and the Zhang family had already taken their seats.
When Zhang Fangcao saw Qi Zhenzhen come out, she pulled Qi Zhenzhen to sit beside her, squeezed her hand lightly, and quickly glanced at Gu Sinian. Qi Zhenzhen understood her meaning, asking if he was the person she was engaged to.
Qi Zhenzhen nodded, and Zhang Fangcao gave her a thumbs-up, silently mouthing two words: very good.
"Oh my, look how close our Fangcao and Zhenzhen are. They will definitely be closer than sisters in the future," Madam Zhang said exaggeratedly. "Fangcao, you must take good care of your sister Zhenzhen from now on."
Zhang Fangcao didn't understand, but since she was older than Qi Zhenzhen, it was natural for her to take care of her.
"I understand, Auntie," Zhang Fangcao nodded in agreement.
"Don't worry, our Fangcao has been sensible since she was young and knows how to take care of people. She will definitely be able to take care of Zhenzhen and..." Zhang Fangcao's uncle said with a flattering smile.
"Alright, alright, we can talk about anything later. Let's eat first," Lin Ruixue interrupted him. "If we keep talking, the food will get cold."
Being interrupted, the eldest son of the Zhang family was somewhat displeased and slapped the table, preparing to retort. Madam Zhang quickly glared at her brother, signaling him to stop.
The eldest son of the Zhang family realized that this was neither the Lin family nor the Zhang family, and he needed to restrain himself.
Gu Sinian gave Qi Zhenzhen a look, and Qi Zhenzhen nodded slightly. Gu Sinian breathed a sigh of relief, finally able to eat properly.
After the meal, the Zhang couple took Zhang Fangcao aside to talk.
"What?" Zhang Fangcao's voice was somewhat sharp. "No, I don't agree. How could you do this?"